ecologia Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Report · Vertebrate Fauna and Fauna Habitat Assessment May...

MAY 2015

TORO ENERGY LIMITED

LAKE MAITLAND TO MILLIPEDE HAUL ROAD

VERTEBRATE FAUNA AND FAUNA HABITAT ASSESSMENT

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Toro Energy Limited

Lake Maitland to Millipede Haul Road Vertebrate Fauna and Fauna Habitat Assessment

May 2015

i

Document Status

Rev. Author/s Reviewer/s Date Approved for Issue

Name Distributed To Date

0 J. Graff

N. Jackett

D. Cancilla 10/12/2014 D. Cancilla A. Tandy 16/12/2014

1 B. Greatwich

J. Graff

S. Grein 21/05/2015 S. Grein 22/05/2015 22/05/2015

ecologia Environment (2015). Reproduction of this report in whole or in part by electronic, mechanical or chemical means including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, in any language, is strictly prohibited without the express approval of Toro Energy Limited and ecologia Environment.

Restrictions on Use

This report has been prepared specifically for Toro. Neither the report nor its contents may be referred to or quoted in any statement, study, report, application, prospectus, loan, or other agreement document, without the expressed approval of Toro Energy Limited and ecologia Environment.

ecologia Environment

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207 Murray Street

PERTH WA 6000

Phone: 08 6180 4450

Fax: 08 6180 4451

Email: [email protected]

http://www.ecologia.com.au/

mailto:[email protected]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................ VII

1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 1

1.1 PROJECT OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................................1

1.2 LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK .......................................................................................................1

1.3 SURVEY OBJECTIVES ..................................................................................................................3

2 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................................... 5

2.1 CLIMATE ....................................................................................................................................5

2.2 BIOGEOGRAPHY ........................................................................................................................7

2.3 LAND SYSTEMS ..........................................................................................................................9

2.4 VEGETATION .......................................................................................................................... 12

2.5 GEOLOGY ................................................................................................................................ 14

2.6 SOILS ...................................................................................................................................... 16

2.7 PREVIOUS SURVEYS................................................................................................................ 18

3 METHODS ..................................................................................................................... 23

3.1 DETERMINATION OF SURVEY SAMPLING DESIGN AND INTENSITY ....................................... 23

3.2 SURVEY TIMING ..................................................................................................................... 24

3.3 SITE SELECTION ...................................................................................................................... 24

3.4 CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT FAUNA ................................................................................... 27

3.5 SAMPLING METHODS ............................................................................................................ 28

3.6 TARGETED CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT FAUNA SURVEYING.............................................. 31

3.7 SURVEY EFFORT ..................................................................................................................... 31

3.8 FAUNA HABITAT MAPPING .................................................................................................... 32

3.9 DATA ANALYSIS ...................................................................................................................... 33

3.10 TAXONOMY AND NOMENCLATURE ....................................................................................... 34

3.11 ANIMAL ETHICS AND LICENCES .............................................................................................. 34

3.12 SURVEY TEAM ........................................................................................................................ 34

4 RESULTS ........................................................................................................................ 35

4.1 FAUNA HABITATS ................................................................................................................... 35

4.2 FAUNA HABITAT ANALYSIS .................................................................................................... 44

4.3 SURVEY ADEQUACY................................................................................................................ 46

4.4 FAUNA ASSEMBLAGE ............................................................................................................. 48



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4.6 SURVEY LIMITATIONS AND CONSTRAINTS ............................................................................ 53

5 DISCUSSION .................................................................................................................. 55


6 CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................ 65

7 REFERENCES .................................................................................................................. 67

TABLES

Table 2.1 – Rainfall averages for Wiluna Weather Station (BoM 2015) ..................................................5

Table 2.2 – Land systems of the study area .............................................................................................9

Table 2.3 – Vegetation associations of the study area .......................................................................... 12

Table 2.4 – Geology at the study area ................................................................................................... 14

Table 2.5 – Soils at the study area ......................................................................................................... 16

Table 2.6 – Fauna databases searched to determine the potential vertebrate fauna assemblage ..... 18

Table 2.7 – Previous biological survey reports within 100 km of the study area ................................. 18

Table 2.8 – Number of species recorded during previous surveys and database searches ................. 19

Table 3.1 – Factors likely to influence survey design (EPA 2004b) ....................................................... 23

Table 3.2 – Summary of survey timing and duration ............................................................................ 24

Table 3.3 – Systematic survey site information .................................................................................... 24

Table 3.4 – Likelihood of occurrence categories ................................................................................... 27

Table 3.5 – Habitat condition assessment ............................................................................................ 32

Table 3.6 – References used for identification ...................................................................................... 34

Table 3.7 – Field survey personnel ........................................................................................................ 34

Table 4.1 – Comparison of habitat nomenclature between Haul road and Deposit study areas ......... 35

Table 4.2 – Summary of fauna habitat types ........................................................................................ 35

Table 4.3 – Survey effort per fauna habitat type .................................................................................. 36

Table 4.4 – Post-hoc pair-wise comparisons of terrestrial and avian faunal habitats .......................... 44

Table 4.5 – Mean estimates of total species richness of systematic survey data ................................. 46

Table 4.6 – Conservation significant fauna recorded during the survey............................................... 50

Table 4.7 – Summary of survey limitations ........................................................................................... 53

Table 5.1 – Conservation significant fauna occurring or potentially occurring in the study area ........ 56


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FIGURES

Figure 1.1 – Location of the study area ....................................................................................................4

Figure 2.1 – Mean monthly climate data for Wiluna (BoM 2015) ...........................................................6

Figure 2.2 – Biogeographic regions of the study area ..............................................................................8

Figure 2.3 – Land systems of the study area ......................................................................................... 11

Figure 2.4 – Vegetation associations of the study area ........................................................................ 13

Figure 2.5 – Geology of the study area ................................................................................................. 15

Figure 2.6 – Soils at the study area ....................................................................................................... 17

Figure 2.7 – Regional records of EPBC Act and Wildlife Conservation Act listed fauna ........................ 20

Figure 2.8 – Regional records of DPaW Priority listed fauna ................................................................ 21

Figure 3.1 – Location of survey sites within the study area .................................................................. 26

Figure 3.2 – Diagram of the systematic sampling trap arrangement .................................................... 29

Figure 3.3 – Image of a single ecologia trap point (site TE S5) .............................................................. 29

Figure 4.1 – Mulga over spinifex sandplain ........................................................................................... 37

Figure 4.2 – Mulga over stony tussock grassland .................................................................................. 37

Figure 4.3 – Mallee/mulga over spinifex sandplain .............................................................................. 38

Figure 4.4 – Melaleuca woodland over calcrete flats ........................................................................... 38

Figure 4.5 – Stony hills and footslopes .................................................................................................. 39

Figure 4.6 – Low halophytic shrubland ................................................................................................. 39

Figure 4.7 – Fauna habitats of the study area. Section A ...................................................................... 40

Figure 4.8 – Fauna habitats of the study area. Section B ...................................................................... 41

Figure 4.9 – Fauna habitats of the study area. Section C ...................................................................... 42

Figure 4.10 – Fauna habitats of the study area. Section D.................................................................... 43

Figure 4.11 – Terrestrial trapped fauna and avifauna MDS plots ......................................................... 45

Figure 4.12 – Species accumulation curves for trappable mammals .................................................... 47

Figure 4.13 – Species accumulation curves for avifauna ...................................................................... 47

Figure 4.14 – Species accumulation curves for trappable herpetofauna ............................................. 48

Figure 4.15 – Conservation significant fauna recorded during current survey ..................................... 52

Figure 5.1 – Brush-tailed Mulgara recorded during an opportunistic nocturnal search ...................... 59

Figure 5.2 – Brush-tailed Mulgara recorded on a camera trap at site TE MC6 ..................................... 60

Figure 5.3 – Brush-tailed Mulgara recorded on a camera trap at opportunistic site ........................... 60

Figure 5.4 – Australian Bustard tracks recorded during the Level 2 survey. ......................................... 64


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APPENDICES

Appendix A Explanation of conservation codes ................................................................................... 71

Appendix B Daily weather data during survey ..................................................................................... 74

Appendix C Regional fauna data .......................................................................................................... 77

Appendix D Sampling Site Locations .................................................................................................... 99

Appendix E Survey Effort By Sampling Site ........................................................................................ 104

Appendix F Site descriptions (Systematic sampling sites) ................................................................. 108

Appendix G Fauna Recorded during the assessment ......................................................................... 114

Appendix H Brush-tailed Mulgara morphological data ...................................................................... 122


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ACRONYMS

ANOSIM Analysis of Similarity

BoM Bureau of Meteorology

CAMBA China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement

DEC Department of Environment and Conservation

DoE Department of the Environment (formally DSEWPaC)

DPaW Department of Parks and Wildlife (formally DEC)

DSEWPaC Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EP Act Environmental Protection Act 1986

EPA Environmental Protection Authority

EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

IBRA Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation for Australia

IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature

JAMBA Japan-Australian Migratory Bird Agreement

MDS Multi-dimensional Scaling

MM Michaelis-Menten

NHMRC National Health and Medical Research Centre

SAC Species Accumulation Curve

SPRAT Species Profile and Threats

WAM Western Australian Museum

WC Act Wildlife Conservation Act 1950


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Toro Energy Limited commissioned ecologia Environment to undertake Level 2 vertebrate fauna and fauna habitat assessment of a proposed haul road alignment connecting the Lake Maitland and Millipede deposits. The study area is approximately 600 ha in area, and is located on Barwidgee and Lake Way Stations to the south-east of Wiluna.

A Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey was completed in October 2014 (including a Level 1 reconnisance survey in June 2014 and level 1 survey of haul road re-alignment in March 2015), comprising seven systematic trapping sites, seven Song Meter 2 bat recording sites, eight camera trapping sites and 43 opportunistic search locations. The surveys were undertaken using a variety of sampling techniques, both systematic and opportunistic. Trapping for terrestrial mammals and herpetofauna was undertaken using a standardised trapping format comprising a combination of pit-fall traps, Elliott box traps, funnel traps and cage traps. Thirty minute set-time surveys were used to document the avifauna present at each of the fauna trapping sites. Bat echolocation calls were recorded using SM2BAT 384 kHz long term passive recorder. Motion sensor cameras were deployed to target Brush-tailed Mulgara and Long-tailed Dunnart.

Survey effort expended within the study area for the current survey included the following:

Systematic trapping grids open for nine trap nights during the Level 2 survey, for a total of 540 pitfall trap-nights, 1,260 funnel trap-nights, 770 Elliott trap-nights and 126 cage trap-nights.

Approximately 22 hours spent surveying for birds.

17.4 hours spent on opportunistic diurnal searching.

3 hours spent on opportunistic nocturnal searching.

84 hours of SM2BAT recordings analysed to determine bat assemblage and presence of bats.

Eight camera traps deployed, for a combined total of 984 hours.

Six broad-scale fauna habitat types were identified within the study area:

Mulga over spinifex sandplain;

Mulga over stony tussock grassland;

Mallee/mulga over spinifex sandplain;

Melaleuca woodland over calcrete flats;

Stony hills and footslopes; and

Low halophytic shrubland.

A total of 14 native and six introduced mammal, 56 bird, and 35 reptile species were recorded within the study area during this survey. This included three species of conservation significance;

Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus; EPBC Act Migratory, WC Act Schedule 3)

Brush-tailed Mulgara (Dasycercus blythi; DPaW Priority 4)

Australian Bustard (Ardeotis australis; DPaW Priority 4).

A literature review indicated that a further 14 species of conservation significance have the potential to occur in the study area; five mammals, eight birds and one reptile. Five of these species are assessed as having a medium or high likelihood of occurrence within the study area based on previous records in the region and the presence of potentially suitable habitat within the study area.


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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 PROJECT OVERVIEW

In 2013, Toro Energy Limited (Toro Energy) was granted approval for the Wiluna Uranium Project which is based on mining uranium at two locations, the Centipede and Lake Way deposits. Toro have recently acquired a further two deposits, Millipede and Lake Maitland, which it plans to develop, as well as a haul road that connects the two deposits. This is known as the Extension to the Wiluna Uranium Project.

Toro Energy commissioned ecologia Environment (ecologia) to undertake a Level 2 vertebrate fauna and fauna habitat assessment (including Level 1 reconnisance survey) of a proposed haul road alignment connecting the Millipede and Lake Maitland deposits (the study area) to support environmental approvals for the extension to the Wiluna Project. The study area is approximately 80 km long and 320 m wide (2,475 ha), and is located on Barwidgee and Lake Way Stations, with the northern end (Millipede) located approximately 25 km south-east of Wiluna and the southern end (Lake Maitland), located approximately 100 km south-east of Wiluna (Figure 1.1).

1.2 LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

The Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act) is “an Act to provide for an Environmental Protection Authority, for the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution, for the conservation, preservation, protection, enhancement and management of the environment and for matters incidental to or connected with the foregoing.” Section 4A of this Act outlines five principles that must be addressed meet the objectives of the Act. Three of these principles are relevant to native fauna and flora:

The Precautionary Principle

Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation.

The Principle of Intergenerational Equity

The present generation should ensure that the health, diversity and productivity of the environment is maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future generations.

The Principle of the Conservation of Biological Diversity and Ecological Integrity

Conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity should be a fundamental consideration.

In addition to these principles, projects undertaken as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process are required to address guidelines produced by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), in this case:

Guidance Statement No. 56: Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004b);

principles outlined in EPA Position Statement No. 3: Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity Protection (EPA 2002); and

the Technical Guide – Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010).

Native flora and fauna in Western Australia that are formally recognised as rare, threatened with extinction, or as having high conservation value are protected at a federal level under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and at a state level under the Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act).


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The EPBC Act also considers four international agreements related to migratory species, which include the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention), the Japan-Australian Migratory Bird Agreement, the China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement and the Republic of Korea-Australian Migratory Bird Agreement.

The EPBC Act was developed to provide for the protection of the environment, especially those aspects of the environment that are matters of national environmental significance, to promote ecologically sustainable development through the conservation and ecologically sustainable use of natural resources, and to promote the conservation of biodiversity. The EPBC Act includes provisions to protect native species (and in particular to prevent the extinction and promote the recovery of threatened species) and to ensure the conservation of migratory species. In addition to the principles outlined in Section 4A of the EP Act, Section 3A of the EPBC Act includes a principle of ecologically sustainable development dictating that decision-making processes should effectively integrate both long-term and short-term economic, environmental, social and equitable considerations. Schedule 1 of the EPBC Act contains a list of species that are considered Extinct, Extinct in the Wild, Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable and Conservation Dependent.

The WC Act provides for the conservation and protection of wildlife in Western Australia. Under Section 14 of this Act, all flora and fauna within Western Australia is protected; however, the Minister may, via a notice published in the Government Gazette, declare a list of fauna identified as rare, likely to become extinct, or otherwise in need of special protection. These species are considered Threatened Fauna. The current listing was gazetted in December 2014.

In addition, the Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) maintains a list of specially protected fauna, which includes Threatened and Priority Fauna, ranked in order of priority for conservation management. Threatened fauna listed in Schedule 1 of the WC Act are further ranked by the DPaW according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria. Priority Fauna are placed into five categories. The first three Priority Fauna categories are species that have not yet been adequately surveyed to be listed under Schedule 1 or 2. Species that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened, meet IUCN criteria for Near Threatened, or that have been recently removed from the Threatened list for other than taxonomic reasons, are placed in Priority 4. These species require regular monitoring. Species meeting criteria for the IUCN category of Conservation Dependent are placed in Priority 5.

Definitions of conservation categories as used by the DPaW and as defined in the EPBC Act and the WC Act are provided in Appendix A.


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1.3 SURVEY OBJECTIVES

Toro Energy commissioned ecologia to undertake a comprehensive biological survey of the vertebrate fauna of the study area as part of the EIA for the project.

The EPA’s objectives with regards to fauna management are to:

maintain the abundance, species diversity and geographical distribution of terrestrial fauna; and

protect Specially Protected (Threatened) fauna, consistent with the provisions of the WC Act.

The aim of this study was to provide sufficient information to the EPA to assess the impact of the project on the vertebrate fauna populations that occur in the regional areas associated with the project, thereby ensuring that these objectives will be upheld.

This report satisfies the objectives outlined in Toro’s Scope of Works and satisfies the requirements documented in the Technical Guide – Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010), EPA Guidance Statement No. 56 and Position Statement No. 3 (EPA 2002, 2004b), by providing:

a desktop a review of background information (including literature and database searches);

an inventory of vertebrate fauna species potentially occurring in the study area, incorporating recent published and unpublished records;

a review of regional and biogeographical significance, including the conservation status and significance of species recorded in the study area.

a discussion related to the species of conservation significance recorded or likely to occur within the study area and the surrounding region;

an appraisal of the current knowledge base for the area, including a review of previous surveys conducted in the area that are relevant to the current study;

a detailed fauna habitat assessment of the study area;

a detailed Level 2 vertebrate fauna assessment, including systematic trapping, observations, acoustic bat recording and overall assessment of the faunal assemblage recorded within the study area.


Wanjarri Nature Reserve

WILUNA

NUENDAH

WONGANOO

LAKE WAY

WANGARRAI

YEELIRRIE

BARWIDGEE

MOUNT KEITH

LAKE VIOLET

ALBION DOWNS

MILLBILLILLIE

BARR SMITH RANGE

MOUNT LAWRENCE WELLS

WONGAWOL ROAD

GOLDFIELDS HIGHWAY

YEELIRRIE ROAD

BARW

IDGEE

ROAD

MOUN

T FISH

ER WO

NGAN

OO RO

AD

WONGANOO ROADBARWIDGEE YANDAL ROAD

SANDSTONE WILUNA ROAD

800000 850000 900000 95000070

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070

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LegendHaul road study areaLake MaitlandMillipedeLocalityRoads

Coordinate SystemName: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 50Projection: Transverse MercatorDatum: GDA 1994 A4

Figure: 1.1Project ID: 1600

Drawn: BGDate: 09/03/2015

K0 10 20

Kilometres1:600,000Absolute Scale -

Location of the study area Unique Map ID: BG

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2 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

2.1 CLIMATE

The survey area is located in the Mid West region of Western Australia. The Mid West experiences an arid climate with two distinct seasons; a hot summer from October to April and a mild winter from May to September. Temperatures are generally high, with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 40°C. Light frosts occasionally occur inland during July and August.

Rainfall is generally localised and unpredictable, and temperatures are high, resulting in significant annual evaporation. The majority of the Mid West has a bimodal rainfall distribution; from December to March rains result from tropical storms producing sporadic thunderstorms. From May to August, extensive cold fronts move eastwards across the state, reaching the Murchison. These fronts usually produce light rains.

The nearest Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) station to the study area for which both rainfall and temperature data are available is Wiluna (Site No. 013012), 25 km to the north-west of the northern part of the study area and 100 km north-west of the southern part of the study area. The Wiluna station receives a mean annual rainfall of 259.0 mm (BoM 2015). This location demonstrates a typical Mid West climate of hot summers with sporadic summer storms and warm dry winters (Figure 2.1).

Rainfall at Wiluna during the 12-month period prior to the Level 2 survey was well above the long-term average (Table 2.1), with 370.5 mm recorded for the period commencing November 2013 and ending October 2014 (long-term mean for this period is 259.0 mm). However, rainfall in the six months (April to September) prior to the Level 2 survey was slightly below the long-term mean.

January is the hottest month with a mean maximum temperature of 37.9 °C and mean minimum of 22.9 °C. July temperatures range from a mean maximum temperature of 19.4 °C to a mean minimum of 5.4 °C (Figure 2.1).

Humidity in this area is low, with the average morning relative humidity reaching 65% in June and the average afternoon relative humidity dropping below 19% from October to December (BoM 2015).

Table 2.1 – Rainfall averages for Wiluna Weather Station (BoM 2015)

Year Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Annual

Total Monthly Rainfall (mm) for 12 months prior to Level 2 survey

2013-2014

7.1 37.5 203.9 41.8 16.8 0.9 29.5 0.0 0.0 0.4 0.4 32.2 370.5

Long-term Mean Monthly Rainfall (mm)

1898-2014 36.6 38.1 35.7 29.1 25.3 23.8 14.9 10.0 5.0 7.2 11.1 22.5 259.0


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Figure 2.1 – Mean monthly climate data for Wiluna (BoM 2015)

2.1.1 Weather during survey

Full details of the weather conditions experienced during the Level 1 and Level 2 fauna surveys, as recorded by the Wiluna weather station (BoM 2015), are provided in Appendix B. The Level 1 fauna assessment was conducted over a five-day period from 6th – 10th June 2014, while the Level 2 fauna assessment was conducted over a 12-day period from 6th – 17th October 2014. The weather during the Level 1 survey was mild, with an average daily maximum of 22.2°C, and minimum of 7.3°C. No precipitation occurred during the Level 1 survey. The mean daily temperatures were considerably higher during the Level 2 survey, with a mean daily maximum of 33.4°C, and minimum of 15.5°C. Precipiation only occurred during the final day of the Level 2 survey. Based on the mean climatic data for Wiluna (Figure 2.1), the recorded temperatures were close to the long-term averages for these months.

0

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45

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Tem

pera

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Rai

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m)

Rainfall (mm)

Max. temperature(°C)


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2.2 BIOGEOGRAPHY

The Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA, Version 6.1) classifies the Australian continent into regions (bioregions) of similar geology, landform, vegetation, fauna and climate characteristics (Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPC, 2010). According to IBRA (version 6.1), the survey area lies within the Murchison Bioregion. The Murchison Bioregion is further subdivided into the Eastern Murchison (MUR1) and Western Murchison (MUR2) subregions. The survey area lies entirely within the Eastern Murchison subregion (Figure 2.2).

The Eastern Murchison subregion comprises the northern section of the Yilgarn Craton. Extensive areas of red sandplains and breakaway complexes consist of minimal dune development. Vegetation is dominated by Mulga Woodlands often rich in ephemerals: hummock grasslands, saltbush shrublands and Halosarcia shrublands. The climate is arid and receives 200 mm of rainfall annually, with mainly winter rainfall. The subregion is characterised by its internal drainage, with salt lake systems associated with the occluded Paleodrainage system. Calcrete aquifers in the northern part of subregion are known to support a wide range of subterranean aquatic fauna that are short range endemics, but our understanding of the biogeography of these groups is very limited. The subregional area for the Eastern Murchison is 7,847,996 ha (Cowan 2001).


Augustus subregion

Western Murchison subregion

Eastern Murchison subregion

Carnegie subregion

Trainor subregion

Central subregion

Shield subregion

100000 200000 300000 400000 500000690

0000

700000

0710

0000

Legend

Haul road study areaIBRA Region

GascoyneGreat Victoria DesertLittle Sandy DesertMurchison



Drawn: NJDate: 09/03/2015

K0 40 80

Kilometres1:2,000,000Absolute Scale -

Biogeographic regions of the study area Unique Map ID: BG

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2.3 LAND SYSTEMS

Land systems are defined as areas or groups of areas for which there are recurring patterns of topography, soil and vegetation (Curry et al. 1994). The land systems of the study area were mapped by Mabbutt et al. (1963), for the Wiluna - Meekatharra area at the northern end of the study area and Pringle et al. (1994), for the North-eastern Goldfields at the southern end of the study area. All of the land systems mapped in Western Australia have been digitised and over 500 have been described. For the purpose of this report, the Murchison IBRA region is used for regional context.

The study area incorporates 16 of these land systems, listed in Table 2.2 and mapped in Figure 2.3. The Bullimore land system has the greatest extent within the study area, occupying 52.5% (or 3,564,992 ha) of the total study area. Each of the 16 land systems are well represented outside the study area, with the total of extent of each land system within the study area ranging from 0.001-0.23%.

Table 2.2 – Land systems of the study area

Land System Description

Total area mapped in Murchison IBRA (ha)

Area in study area (ha)

Proportion of study area (%)

% total extent at the study area*

Ararak

Broad plains with mantles of ironstone gravel supporting mulga shrublands with wanderrie grasses.

149,889 12.00 0.57 0.008

Bevon Irregular low ironstone hills with stony lower slopes supporting mulga shrublands.

224,793 0.67 0.03 <0.001

Bullimore Extensive sand plains supporting spinifex hummock grasslands.

3,564,992 1,106.83 52.49 0.031

Carnegie

Salt lakes with extensively fringing saline plains, dunes and sandy banks, supporting low halophytic shrublands and scattered tall acacia shrublands; lake beds are highly saline; gypsiferous and mainly unvegetated.

1,185,945 121.89 5.78 0.010

Cunyu

Calcrete platforms and intervening alluvial floors and minor areas of alluvial plains, including channels with acacia shrublands and minor halophytic shrublands.

290,394 29.91 1.42 0.010

Cyclops

Saline alluvial plains with numerous drainage foci and sandy banks, supporting halophytic shrublands.

25,534 59.18 2.81 0.232

Darlot

Salt lakes and fringing saline alluvial plains, with extensive, regularly arranged sandy banks and numerous claypans and swamps, supporting halophytic shrublands and spinifex and wanderrie grasslands.

133,509 133.46 6.33 0.100


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Land System Description

Total area mapped in Murchison IBRA (ha)

Area in study area (ha)



Desdemona Extensive plains with deep sandy or loamy soils supporting mulga and wanderrie grasses.

255,706 68.25 3.24 0.027

Gabanintha

Ridges, hills and footslopes of various metamorphosed volcanic rocks (greenstones), supporting sparse acacia and other mainly non-halophytic shrublands.

165,108 100.22 4.75 0.061

Mitchell

Sandplains, wanderrie banks and saltflats, supporting mulga and mallee shrublands with wanderrie grasses and spinifex, chenopod shrublands on saline plains.

26,622 63.28 3.00 0.238

Monk

Hardpan plains with occasional sandy banks supporting mulga tall shrublands and wanderrie grasses.

996,800 82.01 3.89 0.008

Ranch Hardpan plains and prominent broad drainage tracts supporting dense mulga shrublands.

86,989 69.70 3.31 0.080

Wiluna

Low greenstone hills with occasional lateritic breakaways and broad stony slopes, lower saline stony plains and broad drainage tracts; supporting sparse mulga and other acacia shrublands with patches of halophytic shrubs.

252,597 126.82 6.01 0.050

Windarra

Gently undulating stony plains and low rises with quartz mantles on granite, supporting acacia-eremophila shrublands.

227,972 78.32 3.71 0.034

Yandil

Flat hardpan wash plains with mantles of small pebbles and gravels; supporting groved mulga shrublands and occasional wanderrie grasses.

465,955 5.85 0.28 0.001

Yanganoo

Almost flat hardpan wash plains, with or without small wanderrie banks and weak groving; supporting mulga shrublands and wanderrie grasses on banks.

1,967,110 50.25 2.38 0.003

* = For the Murchison IBRA region


240000 260000 280000 300000700

0000

702000

0

Legend

Haul road study area




K0 5 10


Land systems of the study area Unique Map ID: BG

Carnegie

Bullimore

Mitchell

Yanganoo

Gabanitha

ArarakBevon

Monk

Desdemona Melaleuca

Ranch

Rainb

ow

Bullimore

Darlot

Cunyu

Wiluna

Windarra

Dar

Bullimore

Cyclops

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2.4 VEGETATION

The vegetation of Western Australia was originally mapped at the 1:1,000,000 scale by Beard (1976), and was subsequently reinterpreted and updated to reflect the National Vegetation Information System standards (Shepherd et al. 2001). The study area lies within the Eremaean Botanical Province of the Murchison (Beard 1976). Seven vegetation associations occur within the survey area (Shepherd et al. 2001), and are described in Table 2.3 and displayed in Figure 2.4. The dominant vegetation association of the study area is unit 107, occupying 39.91% of the study area. Vegetation associations are well represented outside the study area, with the total extent of vegetation associations located within the study area ranging from 0.56-6.73%.

Table 2.3 – Vegetation associations of the study area

Shepherd Unit

Vegetation Description

Total area mapped within the Murchison

region (ha)

Area within study area (ha)



18 Low woodland; mulga (Acacia aneura)

12,420,005 690.92 32.76 0.56

29 Sparse low woodland; mulga, discontinuous in scattered groups

2,956,524 154.10 7.31 0.52

39 Shrublands; mulga scrub 1,149,610 83.40 3.95 0.72

107

Hummock grasslands, shrub steppe; mulga and Eucalyptus kingsmillii over hard spinifex

2,801,011 841.56 39.91 3.01

204

Succulent steppe with open scrub; scattered mulga & Acacia sclerosperma over saltbush & bluebush

185,622 67.09 3.18 3.60

560

Mosaic: Shrublands; bowgada scrub / Succulent steppe; samphire

85,002 13.83 0.66 1.63

676 Succulent steppe; samphire

383,880 257.89 12.23 6.73



240000 260000 280000 300000700

0000

702000

0

Legend





K0 5 10


Vegetation associations of the study area Unique Map ID: BG

10739

107

204

18

560

29

676125

204

18

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2.5 GEOLOGY

The Murchison Province, which incorporates Beard’s (1976) Murchison region, is described by Tille (2006) as an area of “hardpan wash plains and sandplains (with some stony plains, hills, mesas and salt lakes) on the granitic rocks and greenstone of the Yilgarn Craton”. While the soils are described as “red loamy earths, red sandy earths, red shallow loams, red deep sands and red-brown hardpan shallow loams (with some red shallow sands and red shallow sandy duplexes)” (Tille 2006).

The geology of Beard’s (1976) Murchison region is dominated by the Archaean Yilgarn Block (also known as the Yilgarn Craton), which forms the nucleus of the Western Australian Shield. Gneisses and granites are the major components of the Yilgarn Block, with minor infolded belts of metamorphic sedimentary and igneous rocks. Metamorphic rocks are composed of various volcanic and sedimentary materials including: ultramafic and mafic rocks (essentially basalts), acid lavas and tuffs, chemical sedimentary rocks such as banded ironstone, jaspilite and chert, and clastic sedimentary rocks comprising shale, siltstone, sandstone, greywacke and conglomerate. Metamorphic belts are mineralized and tend to form ranges of hills, as they are harder and more resistant than gneiss and granite - the latter generally underlie plains, particularly sandplains (Beard 1976).

Three geological units have been mapped at the study area as part of the Geological Series of Western Australia. These are presented in Table 2.4 and mapped in Figure 2.5. All of these units are very widespread and common across the Murchison and have under 0.1% of their total extents at the study area.

Table 2.4 – Geology at the study area

Geological code

Lithology association Area in study area (ha)

& proportion (%) Area mapped in the

Murchison (ha) % total extent at the

study area*

A2g Granite 669.86 (31.8%) 15,673,829 0.004

A2b Mafic volcanics 679.90 (32.2%) 3,183,003 0.021

Czy Sedimentary rocks 759.0 (36.0%) 2,572,515 0.029



A2g

Czy

A2b

A2

A2x

A2f

240000 260000 280000 300000700

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Geology of the study area Unique Map ID: BG

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2.6 SOILS

Dominant soils in the Murchison are red loamy earths and red-brown hardpan shallow loams, with some red shallow loams on outwash plains. Sandplains in the Murchison have red sandy earths, red deep sands, some red loamy earths and deep yellow sands in the south west (Tille 2006).

Within the study area six soils have been mapped with the most widespread type the; red, sandy soils of unit AB14 (Bettenay et al. 1967). All these soils are widespread across the Murchison and all have under 0.1% of their total extent in the study area. These are described in Table 2.5 and mapped in Figure 2.6.

Table 2.5 – Soils at the study area

Soil code Description Area in study area

(ha) & proportion of study area (%)

Area mapped in the

Murchison (ha)

% total extent at the study

area*

AB14 Upland sand plains with occasional dunes, and minor inclusions of associated plains units: chief soils are red

1,094.90 (51.92%) 1,722,738 0.063

BE2

Generally undulating terrain on granites with rocky granitic hills, bosses, and tors, some breakaways, and a surface stone mantle: chief soils seem to be shallow earthy loams underlain by a red-brown hardpan

63.99 (3.03%) 3,521,991 0.002

BE6

Extensive flat and gently sloping plains, which sometimes have a surface cover of gravels and on which red-brown hardpan frequently outcrops, chief soils are shallow earthy loams

55.08 (2.61%) 1,893,637 0.003

Fa7 Greenstone hills and low ranges with some slate and basalt: dominant soils are shallow stony earthy loams

488.73 (23.18) 1,062,028 0.046

My50 Broad plains with a scatter of surface gravels: chief soils are shallow neutral red earths and shallow earthy loams. They are underlain by a red-brown hardpan

365.31 (17.32) 1,788,444 0.02

SV5

Saline soils associated with salt lakes; sand and kopi gypsum dunes, and intervening plains: soils are mixed but chief soils are probably shallow, which sometimes overlie red-brown hardpan

40.83 (1.94) 664,767 0.006



AB14

Fa7SV5

My50

BE2

BE6

BE8

240000 260000 280000 300000700

0000

702000

0

Legend





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Soils of the study area Unique Map ID: BG

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2.7 PREVIOUS SURVEYS

Several databases were consulted in the compilation of potential fauna (and conservation significant fauna) lists for the study area (Table 2.6). In addition, eight publications reporting on vertebrate fauna surveys conducted within 100km of the study area were interrogated (Table 2.7). The results of all database searches and previous surveys are presented in Appendix C. The online NatureMap database (DPaW 2015) encompasses several datasets which include the Western Australian Museum, DPaW threatened fauna database and DPaW survey return database.

Table 2.6 – Fauna databases searched to determine the potential vertebrate fauna assemblage

Database Custodian Search Details

NatureMap (which incorporates the results of the DPaW Threatened Fauna Database)

DPaW

40 km radius around the centre of the study area.

Coordinate: 51 J: 270185 E, 7010593 N

Date accessed: 07/07/14

Species Profile and Threats (SPRAT) Database (DoE Protected Matters Report)

Department of Environment (DoE)

100 km radius around the centre of the study area.

Coordinate: 51 J: 270185 E, 7010593 N


Birdata BirdLife Australia

Records within one square decimal degree (100 km

2).

Coordinate: 51 J: 270185 E, 7010593 N


Table 2.7 – Previous biological survey reports within 100 km of the study area

Survey location and author(s) Distance to study area (km) Comments

ecologia internal database 63 Single-phase Level 2 survey

Lake Way Baseline Terrestrial Fauna Survey (Outback Ecology 2008)

0 Single-phase Level 2 survey

Lake Way Baseline Fauna Studies (Outback Ecology 2002)

0 Level 1 survey

Lake Maitland Infrastructure Areas Baseline Terrestrial Fauna Surveys (Outback Ecology 2010)

0 Level 1 survey

Terrestrial Fauna Habitat Assessment - Borefield, Accomodation Camp and Access Route (Outback Ecology 2011a)

4 Level 1 survey

Reconnaissance for Wiluna Uranium Project (Outback Ecology 2009b)

4 Level 1 survey

Wiluna Uranium Terrestrial Fauna Habitat Assessment (Outback Ecology 2011b)

4 Single-phase Level 2 survey

Lake Maitland Baseline Terrestrial Fauna Survey (Outback Ecology 2009a)

6 Two-phase Level 2 survey


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2.7.1 Results of literature review

The database searches and review of publications reporting on 8 vertebrate fauna surveys resulted in a total of 33 native and 11 introduced mammal, 133 bird, 77 reptile, and eight amphibian species potentially occurring in the study area (Table 2.8). Of these, 17 species are of conservation significance (five species of mammal, 10 species of bird, one species of reptile). Previous records of conservation significant fauna are mapped in Figure 2.7 and Figure 2.8, and discussed in greater detail in Section 5.1.

Table 2.8 – Number of species recorded during previous surveys and database searches

Source/Report Mammals

(Native/introduced) Birds

(Native/introduced) Reptiles Amphibians

ecologia internal database 15/5 74/0 34 4

Lake Way Baseline Terrestrial Fauna Survey (Outback Ecology 2008)

13/7 53/0 30 -

Lake Way Baseline Fauna Studies (Outback Ecology 2002)

0/1 21/0 9 1

Lake Maitland Infrastructure Areas Baseline Terrestrial Fauna Surveys (Outback Ecology 2010)

5/5 30/0 9 -

Terrestrial Fauna Habitat Assessment - Borefield, Accomodation Camp and Access Route (Outback Ecology 2011a)

7/4 4/0 1 -

Reconnaissance for Wiluna Uranium Project (Outback Ecology 2009b)

9/3 20/0 6 -

Wiluna Uranium Terrestrial Fauna Habitat Assessment (Outback Ecology 2011b)

12/8 45/0 34 -

Lake Maitland Baseline Terrestrial Fauna Survey (Outback Ecology 2009a)

17/7 60/0 38 -

NatureMap 23/1 77/0 55 6

SPRAT Database 3/7 6/1 1 -

Birdata n/a 121/0 n/a n/a

Total 33/11 133/1 77 8


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Legend

k LocationsRoadsWaterbodiesHaul road study areaDPaW Managed Lands

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k LocationsRoadsHaul road study areaWaterbodiesDPaW Managed Lands

Species!( Australian Bustard (P4)#* Brush-tailed Mulgara (P4)#* Long-tailed Dunnart (P4)




K0 20 40


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3 METHODS

3.1 DETERMINATION OF SURVEY SAMPLING DESIGN AND INTENSITY

Prior to the development of field survey methods, a review was undertaken of factors likely to influence survey design and intensity (Table 3.1). Based on this anlaysis it was deemed an initial level 1 and reconnaissance survey would be required, followed by a level 2 survey. Following the level 2 survey, a slight re-alignment of the proposed haul road occurred. Given no new habitats were assessed as within the re-alignment, the results of the level 2 survey were still deemed sufficient, complimented with an additional level 1 survey within the re-alignment.

Table 3.1 – Factors likely to influence survey design (EPA 2004b)

Factor Relevance

Bioregion – level of existing survey knowledge of the region and associated ability to predict accurately.

Some areas of the Murchison bioregion (including the Eastern Murchison subregion) has been well studied, and information relevant to the study are was available.

Landform special characteristics/specific fauna/specific context of the landform characteristics and their distribution and rarity in the region.

The majority of the study area comprises relatively low mulga woodland. Small stony rises occur in the western parts of the study area, and small areas of halophytes are also present. All landforms are typical of their surrounding area and none are considered rare or unique.

Lifeforms, life cycles, types of assemblages and seasonality (e.g. migration) of species likely to be present.

The optimal survey time for birds and amphibians is following seasonal rain events. Rainfall in the six months prior to the Level 2 survey was slightly below the long-term mean for this period. The best survey timing for reptiles is from September to April, with surveys in March and April generally recording many juvenile individuals. Survey timing for mammals is not constrained, except during adverse weather, or after the die-off of male dasyurids post-breeding.

Level of existing knowledge and results of previous regional sampling (e.g. species accumulation curves, species/area curves).

Eight previous terrestrial vertebrate fauna surveys have been carried out within 100 km of the study area. Regional and local knowledge for the area is available.

Number of different habitats or degree of similarity between habitats within a study area.

Six fauna habitat types were identified based on previous surveys at Lake Way and Lake Maitland, on‐site observations during the Level 1 survey of the haul road, and mapped land systems and vegetation units. Habitats appear to support distinct fauna assemblages and all habitats were surveyed to allow fauna assemblages to be determined.

Climatic constraints (e.g. temperature or rainfall that preclude certain sampling methods).

The Muchison region experiences hot summers with occasional cyclonic rain events, followed by warm winters with little rain. Rainfall is highly unpredictable. Surveys conducted during the summer months often preclude trapping sampling, due to an elevated risk of fauna trap deaths.

Sensitivity of the environment to the proposed activities.

No permenant water sources or significant drainage occurs within the study area. The vegetation is typical of the surrounding region. It is therefore expected the local environment will not be sensitive to the proposed vegetation clearing for the haul road.

Size, shape and location of the proposed activities. A 100km haul road up to 60m in width is proposed to connect the Lake Way and Lake Maitland deposits.

Scale and impact of the proposal. The proposed haul road will require up to 600 ha of vegetation clearing.


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3.2 SURVEY TIMING

A Level 1 reconnaissance survey of the study area was conducted from 6 -10 June 2014, followed by a Level 2 vertebrate fauna assessment conducted from 6 – 17 October 2014. A further Level 1 survey of previously unsurveyed areas was conducted from 21-26 April 2015 following a re-alignment of the planned haul road. The survey timing was determined as per guidelines (EPA 2004a; EPA and DEC 2010).

Table 3.2 – Summary of survey timing and duration

Survey Duration (days) Person Days

Level 1 reconnaissance survey 5 5

Level 2 fauna assessment 12 48

Level 1 re-alignment survey 6 6

Total 23 59

3.3 SITE SELECTION

Habitat types that were previously described by Outback Ecology at Lake Way (Outback Ecology 2008) and Lake Maitland (Outback Ecology 2009a) were reviewed by ecologia for relevance within the haul road study area, and interpreted for survey site selection. Locations of access tracks, land systems and the abundance of habitat types were also taken into consideration. Survey sites were selected to provide a good geographic spread over the study area and to be representative of the habitat types in the study area. Therefore, dominant habitat types were sampled by a larger number of trapping sites than less represented habitat types.

Systematic trapping sites were installed in the Carnegie (one site), Bullimore (four sites), Ararak (one site) and Rainbow (one site) land systems (Table 3.3). In addition to systematic surveys, opportunistic searches were undertaken, targeting habitats or land systems less accessible or less represented within the study area. Locations and details of all survey sites are presented in Appendix D and mapped in Figure 3.1. Site photographs and descriptions are presented in Appendix F.

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Table 3.3 – Systematic survey site information

Site Survey Site Location

Land System Vegetation Assocation

Fauna Habitat Easting Northing

Level 2 Survey

TE S1 Systematic trapping, bat recording

and avifauna census site 236695 7025600 Carnegie 204

Mulga over spinifex

sandplain


and avifauna census site 241759 7018475 Bullimore 107

Mallee/mulga over sandplain

spinifex


and avifauna census site 247806 7009802 Ararak 18

Mulga over stony tussock

grassland




spinifex




spinifex



Mulga over spinifex

sandplain


and avifauna census site 290823 7010607 Rainbow 29


grassland Datum: GDA 94; Zone: 51 J

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Legend

Study area

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K0 5 10


Location of survey sites within the study area Unique Map ID: NJ120

Carnegie

Bullimore

Mitchell

Yanganoo

Gabanitha

ArarakBevon

Monk

DesdemonaHamilton

Bullimore

MelaleucaRanch

Trennaman

Rainb

ow

Desdemona

Bullimore

Darlot

Cunyu

Wiluna

Windarra

Dar

Bullimore

TE S1

TE S2

TE S3

TE S4 TE S5

TE S6TE S7

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3.4 CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT FAUNA

Fauna species that are listed under current legislative frameworks and have the potential to occur within the study area were identified based on the results of the literature review and field survey. Three conservation lists have been developed at national (EPBC Act) and state level (WC Act and DPaW priority list).

The likelihood of a conservation significant species being present within the project was determined by examining the following:

fauna habitats known to exist within the study area and their condition as assessed during the survey;

distance of previously recorded conservation significant species from the study area;

frequency of occurrence of conservation significant species records in the region; and

time passed since conservation significant species were recorded within, or nearby the study area.

Each conservation significant species potentially occurring in the study area was assigned a likelihood of occurrence based on the four categories described below. The level of available information for each species was also taken into consideration so that species were not allocated a low likelihood of occurrence because of insufficient survey information or cryptic behaviours and ecology, in accordance with the precautionary principle.

Table 3.4 – Likelihood of occurrence categories

RECORDED Species recorded within study area within previous five years

HIGH Species recorded within, or in proximity to, the study area within 20 years; suitable habitat occurs in the study area

MEDIUM Species recorded within, or in proximity to, the study area more than 20 years ago. Species recorded outside study area, but within 50 km; suitable habitat occurs in the study area

LOW Species rarely, or not recorded, within 50 km, and/or suitable habitat does not occur in the study area


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3.5 SAMPLING METHODS

The following survey methodology adopted by ecologia for the Level 2 vertebrate fauna and targeted conservation significant fauna assessment of the study area was in accordance with:

EPA Guidance Statement No. 56 – Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004b);

EPA Position Statement No. 3 – Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity Protection (EPA 2002);

Technical Guide – Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010);

Survey Guidelines for Australia’s Threatened Mammals (DSEWPaC 2011b);

Survey Guidelines for Australia’s Threatened Bats (DSEWPaC 2011a);

Survey Guidelines for Australia’s Threatened Birds (DSEWPaC 2010a); and

Survey Guidelines for Australia’s Threatened Reptiles (DSEWPaC 2011c)

The survey was undertaken using a range of different sampling techniques, both systematic and opportunistic. Systematic sampling refers to data methodically collected over a fixed time period in a discrete habitat type, using an equal or standardised sampling effort. The data collected can be analysed statistically, facilitating comparisons between habitats. Opportunistic sampling includes data collected non-systematically from both fixed sampling sites and as opportunistic records from chance encounters with fauna.

3.5.1 Systematic Sampling

Terrestrial Mammals and Herpetofauna

Trapping for terrestrial mammals and herpetofauna was undertaken using a standardised trapping format comprising a combination of pit-fall traps, Elliott box traps, funnel traps and cage traps.

Each trapping site consisted of the following (Figure 3.2):

Pit-trap and drift fence: Five PVC pipe (16 x 50 cm) and five 20 L plastic buckets (30 x 40 cm) were established at each site. A 10 metre flywire drift fence (30 cm high) bisected the pits, directing fauna into the traps.

Elliott box traps: Ten medium sized Elliott box traps (9 x 9 x 32 cm) were placed at each site, and baited with Universal Bait (a mixture of peanut butter, rolled oats and sardines). Each Elliott trap was placed between the pit trap setups. Elliott traps were shaded using Air Cell roof insulation.

Funnel traps: Funnel traps (Ecosystematica Type III) were placed in association with drift fences. Twenty funnel traps were used per site, with a trap being placed at each end of the drift fence. Funnel traps were shaded using Air Cell roof insulation.

Cage traps: Two Sheffield small animal traps (22 cm x 22 cm x 55 cm) were used per site with one trap placed at each end of the trap line. Traps were baited with Universal Bait.


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Figure 3.2 – Diagram of the systematic sampling trap arrangement

Figure 3.3 – Image of a single ecologia trap point (site TE S5)


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Avifauna

Thirty-minute set-time surveys were used to document the avifauna present at each of the trapping sites, and at least four set-time surveys were conducted at each site. During each set-time survey an ornithologist recorded the number of individuals of each species detected while actively searching similar habitat within 500 m of the survey site. This is in accordance with survey methodology outlined in the Survey Guidelines for Australia’s Threatened Birds (DSEWPaC 2010b), as well as for the ongoing BirdLife Australia Atlas of Australian Birds project.

Survey effort was concentrated at survey sites within 3 hours of dawn, as this period of the day is considered to be optimal for recording most bird species. Opportunistic surveys during the day and near dusk were also conducted, as they may yield species less frequently observed in the early morning, e.g. diurnal raptors.

Bats

Bat echolocation calls were recorded using SM2BAT 384 kHz long term passive recorder. The SM2BAT has a high sampling frequency, enabling the full spectrum of the calls to be recorded without being transformed allowing greater accuracy and sensitivity. The SM2BAT was programmed to automatically record from dusk to dawn (approximately 720 minutes) for each night that was surveyed. A single overnight recording was made at each systematic survey site during the Level 2 survey. Experience from previous surveys indicates that the species of bats recorded tend to remain the same over multiple nights, therefore a single night of recording is sufficient to provide an accurate record of the bat assemblage found in the area.

3.5.2 Opportunistic Data

Nocturnal Searching

Road spotting transects were conducted within the study area to detect nocturnal species, including geckos, snakes, nocturnal birds and mammals.

Diurnal Searching

Both trapping and opportunistic sites were searched by hand for cryptic species, which comprised searching beneath the bark of dead trees, breaking open old logs, stumps and dead free-standing trees, investigating burrows and over-turning logs and stones. Diurnal search sites were selected on the basis of fauna habitat (targeting uncommon habitats and habitats poorly represented by trapping sites) and the p ossibility of their harbouring conservation significant fauna.

Fauna were also recorded while searching, travelling and during trap establishment within the study area during the day and night. Tracks, diggings, scats, burrows and nests were recorded where possible.

Camera Trapping

A total of eight Reconyx motion sensor cameras were deployed in areas with a high likelihood of animal activity, such as water sources or active burrows, to detect fauna species, with particular emphasis placed on conservation significant species.


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3.6 TARGETED CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT FAUNA SURVEYING

Prior to the commencement of survey activity, the preferred habitat of the conservation significant species that potentially occur in the study area was determined. These habitats were identified and targeted during survey activities using both systematic survey sites and opportunistic surveys.

On the basis of the habitats observed during surveying, specific searches were also undertaken to determine the presence of Malleefowl, Brush-tailed Mulgara, Long-tailed Dunnart and Australian Bustard.

3.7 SURVEY EFFORT

Survey effort expended within the study area, incorporating both the Level 1 and Level 2 vertebrate fauna surveys, is presented in Appendix E, and included the following:

Systematic trapping grids were open nine trap nights during the Level 2 survey, for a total of 540 pitfall trap-nights, 1,260 funnel trap-nights, 770 Elliott trap-nights and 126 cage trap-nights.

Approximately 22 hours were spent surveying for birds.

17.4 hours were spent on opportunistic diurnal searching.

84 hours of SM2BAT recordings were analysed to determine bat assemblage and presence of bats.

3 hours were spent on opportunistic nocturnal searching.

Eight camera traps were deployed totalling 984 hours.

Included in these totals was the following survey effort targeting conservation significant fauna:

10 hours were spent searching for secondary evidence (tracks, mounds) of Malleefowl in sandplain and rocky habitats with dense vegetation.

680 Elliot/cage trap nights and 8.7 hours of targeted searches for secondary evidence of mulgara (Dasycercus sp.) were conducted in sandplain habitats suitable for burrowing. Additionally, five motion cameras were set up in sandplain habitats for a total period of 768 hours.

216 hours of camera trapping were conducted in rocky habitats suitable for Long-tailed Dunnart.

5.5 hours of searches for secondary evidence (tracks) were conducted for Australian Bustard.

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3.8 FAUNA HABITAT MAPPING

A fauna habitat type broadly describes an area of habitat that is distinguishable in its vegetation and land features from its surroundings, and is likely to support a different fauna assemblage to that found in other fauna habitats. Particular attention is also paid to the likelihood that certain species are present which tend to be found only in that specific habitat. Fauna habitat types were identified, described and mapped partly using the following existing information:

IBRA subregions.

Aerial photography.

Vegetation associations (Beard 1981; Shepherd et al. 2002).

Land systems (van Vreeswyk et al. 2004).

During the survey, other information was also collected, including:

Landform.

Vegetation type and structure.

Soil characteristics (soil structure and substrate).

Composition of terrestrial fauna species.

Habitat condition (Table 3.5).

These observations did not take into account any degradation as a result of exploration or other recent mining-related activities (e.g. drilling, clearing).

Table 3.5 – Habitat condition assessment

Habitat Condition Criteria

Excellent Pristine or nearly so, no obvious sign of damage caused by modern humans or introduced fauna (cattle, feral cat, dog, rabbit). No signs of recent, extensive fires.

Very good Some relatively slight signs of damage caused by the activities of modern humans. e.g. damage to tree trunks by repeated fires, no significant signs of introduced fauna or occasional vehicle tracks.

Good

More obvious signs of damage caused by the activities of modern humans, including some obvious impact to vegetation structure such as that caused by low levels of grazing or by selective logging. Some tracks or secondary evidence of introduced fauna. Some signs of recent fires.

Poor Still retains basic vegetation structure or ability to regenerate it after very obvious impacts of modern humans such as partial clearing or very frequent fires. Presence of introduced fauna.

Very poor Severely impacted by grazing, introduced fauna, fire, clearing or a combination of these activities. Scope for some regeneration but not to a state approaching good condition without intensive management.

Completely Degraded Areas that are completely or almost completely without vegetation communities and are heavily impacted by extensive fires and/or introduced species e.g. cow paddock

Note: Based on vegetation condition scale from Trudgen (1991, cited in Department of Environmental Protection 2000).


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3.9 DATA ANALYSIS

3.9.1 Survey Adequacy

There are three general methods of estimating species richness from sample data: extrapolating species-accumulation curves (SACs), fitting parametric models of relative abundance, and using non-parametric estimators (Bunge and Fitzpatrick 1993; Colwell and Coddington 1994; Gaston 1996). In this report, the level of survey adequacy was estimated using SACs, which graphically illustrate the accumulation of new species as more individuals are recorded. Ultimately, the asymptotic plateau is reached at the level at which no new species are present. To eliminate inconsistent values caused by random or periodic temporal variation, an algorithm (Mao Tau) was applied using EstimateS (version 8, Colwell 2009), effectively smoothing out the curve of the number of species observed. In order to estimate the theoretical maximum number of species at each level of sampling effort, SACs were calculated using seven richness estimators, including ACE, ICE, Chao-1, Jack-1, Jack-2, Bootstrap and Michaelis-Menten.

Only the results of trapping and set-time bird surveys during the Level 2 vertebrate fauna assessment are included in SAC analysis, as this form of analysis assumes a standard sampling effort. Therefore, species recorded through opportunistic methods are not included. Separate analyses were carried out for each species group (mammal, reptile, bird). Analyses were not conducted on the amphibian or fish fauna due to the paucity of results.

3.9.2 Habitat Assessment

Analysis of the fauna survey data was undertaken to determine the similarities in fauna communities and identify any unique fauna habitats.

To analyse differences in species diversity between habitats, the data was subjected to log+1 transformation. To test whether the differences in species diversity between habitat types were significant, analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) (Clarke 1993) comparisons were made using the one-way ANOSIM function. ANOSIM was calculated using the Bray-Curtis Similarity Index with 999 permutations. Non-metric multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) was also applied to the Bray-Curtis similarity matrix. Resulting stress values below 0.20 were considered to indicate a good fit of the scaling to the matrix. The dimensions that reduced the majority of the “raw stress” were chosen for the final scaling. Analysis was undertaken using the PAST software package (Hammer et al. 2001).

Separate analyses were carried out on terrestrial fauna (mammal and reptile) and avifaunal assemblages across different habitat types.


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3.10 TAXONOMY AND NOMENCLATURE

Nomenclature for mammals, reptiles and amphibians within this report is as per Western Australian Museum Checklist of the Vertebrates of Western Australia, birds according to Christidis and Boles (2008). References used for fauna identification are listed in Table 3.6.

Table 3.6 – References used for identification

Fauna Group Reference

Mammals Menkhorst and Knight (2011), Van Dyck and Strahan (2008)

Bats Churchill (2008), Menkhorst and Knight (2011)

Birds Simpson and Day (2010)

Reptiles Cogger (2000), Wilson and Swan (2013)

Geckos Storr et al. (1990), Wilson and Swan (2013)

Skinks Storr et al. (1999), Wilson and Swan (2013)

Dragons Storr et al. (1983), Wilson and Swan (2013)

Varanids Storr et al. (1983), Wilson and Swan (2013)

Legless Lizards Storr et al. (1990), Wilson and Swan (2013)

Snakes Storr et al. (2002), Wilson and Swan (2013)

Amphibians Tyler and Doughty (2009), Cogger (2000)

Fish Allen et al. (2002)

3.11 ANIMAL ETHICS AND LICENCES

Surveying was conducted as per ecologia’s Animal Ethics Code of Practice, which conforms to Section 5 of the Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (NHMRC 2004).

In all cases, fauna were identified in the field and released at the point of capture. The survey was conducted under DPaW Regulation 17 Licences SF009860 (Level 1 survey) and SF010089 (Level 2 survey).

3.12 SURVEY TEAM

Field survey team members are listed in Table 3.7.

Table 3.7 – Field survey personnel

Survey Member Expertise Relevant Qualification Experience

Level 1 and Reconaissance

Nigel Jackett Ornithology BSc. (Hons) 12 years

Level 2 Fauna Survey

Nigel Jackett Ornithology BSc. (Hons) 12 years

Bruce Greatwich Ornithology BSc. 9 years

Jordan Vos Herpetology 10 years

Andrew Craigie Botany PhD 13 years

Level 1 Re-alignment Survey

Bruce Greatwich Ornithology BSc. 9 years


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4 RESULTS

4.1 FAUNA HABITATS

Outback Ecology (2009a) previously identified six broad habitat types at the adjacent Lake Maitland Uranium Deposit. During the current vertebrate fauna assessment, these broad habitat types were extrapolated for the current study area, and reassessed into six main fauna habitat types based on vegetation assemblages and geographical features. The habitat types identified in this survey broadly correspond with those outlined by Outback (Table 4.1). However, one habitat type was identified from the current study area that does not correspond with any of the six habitats at Lake Maitland: Stony hills and footslopes.

The six fauna habitats identified during the current vertebrate fauna assessments were:







Table 4.1 – Comparison of habitat nomenclature between Haul road and Deposit study areas

Habitats identified during the current assessment Corresponding habitats identified by Outback (2009a)

Mulga over spinifex sandplain Spinifex plains; Mulga woodland

Mulga over stony tussock grassland Mulga woodland

Mallee/mulga over spinifex sandplain Mallee over spinifex

Melaleuca woodland over calcrete flats Woodland on calcrete flats

Stony hills and footslopes N/A

Low halophytic shrubland Samphire (Halosarcia spp.) flats

Of the habitat types identified during the current survey, three mulga dominated habitats (Mulga over spinifex sandplain; Mulga over stony tussock grassland; Mallee/mulga over spinifex sandplain) were the most common fauna habitat types identified in the study area, encompassing 91.2% of the total study area. No habitat types are expected to be restricted to the study area. The Mulga over spinifex sandplain and Mallee/mulga over spinifex sandplain are important due to their potential to support Brush-tailed Mulgara.

The area of occupation of each habitat is shown in Table 4.2 and mapped in Figure 4.7.

Table 4.2 – Summary of fauna habitat types

Habitat Area inside study area (ha) Percentage of total study area (%)

Mulga over spinifex sandplain 622.9 29.5

Mulga over stony tussock grassland 550.9 26.1

Mallee/mulga over spinifex sandplain 807.6 38.3

Melaleuca woodland over calcrete flats 9.89 0.47

Stony hills and footslopes 79.4 3.77

Low halophytic shrubland 37.9 1.80


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Table 4.3 – Survey effort per fauna habitat type

1 Systematic trapping was not conducted in this habitat type due to this habitat not being readily accessible to permit daily trap check. To ensure adequate survey effort was expended in this

habitat type, active searches for reptiles, opportunistic bird surveys and camera trapping (in Stony hills and footslopes only) were conducted during the Level 1 and Level 2 surveys.

Habitat type Pit Traps

(trap nights) Funnels (trap

nights) Elliotts

(trap nights) Cages

(trap nights) Bird Survey

(min) Diurnal Opp. Search (min)

Bat Recording (min)

Camera Trapping (min)

Mulga over spinifex sandplain 180 360 320 36 495 584 1,440 20,160

Mulga over stony tussock grassland

90 360 180 36 612 387 1,440 8,554

Mallee/mulga over spinifex sandplain

270 540 270 54 682 802 2,160 36,496

Melaleuca woodland on calcrete flats

1

- - - - 32 - - -

Stony hills and footslopes 1 - - - - 108 232 - 12,960

Low halophytic shrubland 1

- - - - 78 - - -

Total 540 1,260 770 126 2,007 2,005 5,040 78,170


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4.1.1 Mulga over spinifex sandplain

Mulga over spinifex sandplain comprises 29.5% (622.9 ha) of the study area (Table 4.2, Figure 4.1, Figure 4.7). The vegetation is characterised by open Acacia caesaneura woodland, with isolated mallee (Eucalyptus sp.) trees and open Acacia spp. and Eremophila forrestii shrubs over Triodia basedowii hummock grassland. The soil substrate consists of a weak to firm orange-brown or reddish-brown loamy-sand, suitable for burrowing mammals and reptiles. Leaf-litter is often abundant under trees and shrubs, but wood-litter is generally sparse. Overall, the condition of this habitat is very good.

Brush-tailed Mulgara, Rainbow Bee-eater and Australian Bustard were all recorded utilising this habitat type during the current survey, and is likely to provide suitable foraging habitat for Grey and Peregrine Falcon. It also provides suitable foraging and dispersal habitat for Malleefowl, if present.

Figure 4.1 – Mulga over spinifex sandplain

4.1.2 Mulga over stony tussock grassland

Mulga over stony tussock grassland comprises 26.1% (550.9 ha) of the study area (Table 4.2, Figure 4.2, Figure 4.7). The vegetation is characterised by sparse Acacia pruinocarpa or Acacia caesaneura woodland over open Eremophila forrestii and Acacia aneura-complex shrubs, with open Aristida contorta, Erigrotis eriapoda, Monachather paradoxus and Eriachne sp. tussock grassland. The soil substrate consists of a firm brownish sandy-clay or clay-loam. Leaf-litter is found only under trees and shrubs, and wood-litter is generally sparse to moderate. Overall, the condition of this habitat is very good.

Rainbow Bee-eaters were recorded utilising this habitat type during the current survey, and is likely to provide suitable foraging habitat for Grey and Peregrine Falcon. It also provides suitable foraging and dispersal habitat for Malleefowl, if present.

Figure 4.2 – Mulga over stony tussock grassland


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4.1.3 Mallee/mulga over spinifex sandplain

Mallee/mulga over spinifex sandplain comprises 38.3% (807.6 ha) of the study area (Table 4.2, Figure 4.3, Figure 4.7). This habitat shares many similarities with Mulga over spinifex sandplain. The vegetation is characterised by sparse mallee (Eucalyptus kingsmillii and E. lucasii) and mature mulga (Acacia caesaneura, A. pruinocarpa) woodland over sparse shrubland of Eremophila forrestii and Acacia spp., with open Triodia basedowii hummock grassland. The soil substrate consists of a firm orange-brown clay-sand, suitable for burrowing mammals and reptiles. Leaf-litter is abundant under large mallee and Acacia trees and shrubs, while wood-litter is moderate. Overall, the condition of this habitat is very good to excellent.

Brush-tailed Mulgara, Rainbow Bee-eater and Australian Bustard were all recorded utilising this habitat type during the current survey, and is likely to provide suitable foraging habitat for Grey and Peregrine Falcon. It also provides suitable foraging and dispersal habitat for Malleefowl, if present.

Figure 4.3 – Mallee/mulga over spinifex sandplain

4.1.4 Melaleuca woodland over calcrete flats

The Melaleuca woodland over calcrete flats habitat comprises 0.47% (9.89 ha) of the study area (Figure 4.4 and 4.7). The vegetation is characterised by open Melaleuca xerophila woodland over Acacia spp., Sclerolaena and Eremophila shrubland with sparse Triodia basedowii hummock grassland and Eragrostis eriapoda tussock grassland. The soil substrate consists of a loose orange-brown sandy-clay, with scattered pebbles. Leaf-litter occurs under trees and shrubs, while wood-litter is moderate. Overall, the condition of this habitat is very good.

No conservation significant fauna were recorded utilising this habitat type during the current survey, but it is likely to provide habitat suitable habitat for Australian Bustard, and potentially suitable foraging habitat for Grey and Peregrine Falcon, and Rainbow Bee-eater.

Figure 4.4 – Melaleuca woodland over calcrete flats


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4.1.5 Stony hills and footslopes

Stony hills and footslopes comprises 3.8% (79.4 ha) of the study area (Table 4.2, Figure 4.5, Figure 4.7). The vegetation is characterised by sparse mulga (Acacia aneura-complex) and Eremophila forrestii shrubland over open Aristida contorta tussock grassland. The soil substrate consists of a firm reddish-brown sandy-clay, with continuous quartz pebbles, as well as larger stones and boulders. The crevices within the boulders and stones provide shelter for rock-inhabiting reptiles. Leaf-litter is dense under patches of Acacia, while wood-litter is moderate. Overall, the condition of this habitat is excellent.

No conservation significant fauna were recorded utilising this habitat type during the current survey, but it is likely to provide habitat suitable habitat for Australian Bustard, and potentially suitable foraging habitat for Grey and Peregrine Falcon, and Rainbow Bee-eater.

Figure 4.5 – Stony hills and footslopes

4.1.6 Low halophytic shrubland

The Low halophytic shrubland habitat comprises 1.8% (37.9 ha) of the study area (Figure 4.6 and 4.7). The vegetation is characterised by chenopds and shrubs including Maireana, Atriplex, Salsola, Solanum, Senna, Sclerolaena and Frankenia with sparse Aristida contorta tussock grassland. The soil substrate consists of a loose orange-brown sandy-clay, with many quartz pebbles, suitable for burrowing reptiles. Leaf-litter and wood-litter is absent. Overall, the condition of this habitat is very good.

No conservation significant fauna were recorded utilising this habitat type during the current survey, and it is unlikely to provide important habitat for any of the potentially occurring conservation significant species, though it may provide foraging habitat for Grey and Peregrine Falcons, and Australian Bustard. It also provides potential habitat for samphire specialists such as the Claypan Dragon (Ctenophorus salinarum).

Figure 4.6 – Low halophytic shrubland


824000 832000 840000 84800070

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Low halophytic shrublandMallee/mulga over spinifex sandplainMelaleuca woodland on calcrete flats

Mulga over spinifex sandplainMulga over stony tussock grasslandStony hills and footslopesStudy area

Fauna Habitats of the study areaSection A Coordinate System

Name: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 50Projection: Transverse MercatorDatum: GDA 1994 A3


Drawn: JGDate: 5/4/2015

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4.2 FAUNA HABITAT ANALYSIS

The three most extensive fauna habitats within the study area (mallee/mulga over sandplain spinifex, mulga over spinifex sandplain, and mulga over stony tussock grassland) were sampled with systematic trapping sites during the Level 2 survey. Of the seven systematic trapping sites established, three were installed in the mallee/mulga over sandplain spinifex habitat type and two were installed in each of the mulga over spinifex sandplain and mulga over stony tussock grassland habitat types. Sufficient opportunistic sampling for birds and herpetofauna was conducted in the stony hills and footslopes habitat to contribute to the analyses.

A one-way ANOSIM test indicated that there are significant differences in trappable faunal assemblages between the four habitat types analysed (R = 0.2762; p = 0.0001). Post-hoc testing indicated habitats may be grouped by substrate (stony or sandy); the mulga over spinifex sandplain and mallee/mulga over sandplain spinifex habitat types, and the stony hills and footslopes and mulga over stony tussock grassland habitat types. Each of these pairs was significantly different to both habitat types in the other pair but not significantly different to the other of its own pair (Table 4.4). The MDS plot for terrestrial trapped data provides a visual representation of these differences, though the stress value of 0.3772 indicates the representation is relatively poor (Figure 4.11).

A one-way ANOSIM test also indicated that there are also some significant differences in avifaunal assemblages between different habitat types (R = 0.3179; p=0.0001). Post-hoc testing indicated that the mulga over stony tussock grassland was the most distinct in terms of avian fauna; the faunal assemblages of this habitat types was statistically significantly different from the avian assemblages of two of the three other habitat types analysed (Error! Reference source not found.). The MDS plot for terrestrial trapped data provides a visual representation of these differences; the stress value of 0.2149 indicates the MDS plot is a moderately good representation of these differences.

Table 4.4 – Post-hoc pair-wise comparisons of terrestrial and avian faunal habitats

Values are Bonferroni-corrected p-values. * indicates significant difference.

Stony hills and footslopes

Mulga over spinifex sandplain

Mallee/mulga over sandplain spinifex

Mulga over stony tussock grassland


Terrestrial ↓/Avian → 0.0630 1.0000 1.0000

Mulga over spinifex sandplain 0.0324* Terrestrial ↓/Avian → 0.2070 0.0006*

Mallee/mulga over sandplain spinifex 0.0096* 0.6438 Terrestrial ↓/Avian → 0.0012*

Mulga over stony tussock grassland 0.4380 0.0006* 0.0006* -


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Figure 4.11 – Terrestrial trapped fauna and avifauna MDS plots

-0.25 -0.2 -0.15 -0.1 -0.05 0 0.05 0.1 0.15

Coordinate 1

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Mulga over spinifex sandplain Mallee/mulga over sandplain spinifex Mulga over stony tussock grassland

Stress = 0.3772

Stress = 0.2149


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4.3 SURVEY ADEQUACY

Systematically obtained data (trapping results for terrestrial mammals and reptiles and set-time survey for birds) were analysed for survey adequacy.

Table 4.5 provides a summary of the theoretical maximum number of species using seven different methods of estimating richness. The richness estimators indicate 9 - 14 trappable mammals, 28 – 34 trappable herpetofauna, and 38 – 62 avifauna species could be expected to occur within the study area based on the results of the survey. Species accumulation curves (SACs) prepared for each group do not appear to have reached asymptotic plateaux, although the herpetofaunal SAC is approaching that plateau.

Extrapolation of the richness estimators for trappable mammals suggests 57.8 – 87.0 % of the theoretical total number of trappable mammals had been captured at the completion of the fauna survey (Table 4.5). These results indicate that, although the majority of species were recorded during the survey, further trapping could detect 1 – 2 additional species (with one estimator indicating up to six additional species).

Extrapolation of the richness estimators for trappable herpetofauna suggests 87.7 – 98.8 % of the diversity present was detected during this survey (Table 4.5). These results indicate that the majority of species were recorded during the survey, but further trapping could detect up to six additional species. Opportunistic searching detected a further five species, and as a result, survey adequacy for herpetofauna is considered adequate.

Extrapolation of the richness estimators for avifauna suggest 58.4 – 93.5 % of the diversity present was detected during the survey, suggesting that up to 26 additional species could be detected with further sampling. However, when opportunistic records (which accounted for an additional 16 species) are taken into consideration, survey adequacy for birds can be considered adequate.

Table 4.5 – Mean estimates of total species richness of systematic survey data

Richness Estimators

Total Richness Estimate

Mammals % Herpetofauna % Avifauna %

ACE 10.14 78.9 30.28 92.5 42.33 85.1

ICE 10.19 78.5 30.23 92.6 51.84 69.4

Chao-1 10.95 73.1 28.33 98.8 38.49 93.5

Jack-1 10.95 73.1 31.93 87.7 49.50 72.7

Jack-2 13.85 57.8 29.15 96.1 61.61 58.4

Bootstrap 9.20 87.0 30.57 91.6 41.38 87.0

Michaelis-Menten 9.44 84.7 33.34 84.0 40.58 88.7

Species observed 8 28 36


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Figure 4.12 – Species accumulation curves for trappable mammals

Figure 4.13 – Species accumulation curves for avifauna

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Figure 4.14 – Species accumulation curves for trappable herpetofauna

4.4 FAUNA ASSEMBLAGE

A total of 14 native and six introduced mammal, 56 bird and 35 reptile species were recorded from the study area during the fauna assessments. No amphibians or freshwater fish were recorded. Of the 105 native species recorded in total, three were of conservation significance (Brush-tailed Mulgara, Rainbow Bee-eater and Australian Bustard). All species recorded during the fauna assessments are shown in Appendix E.

4.4.1 Mammals

The native mammal assemblage consisted of five bat species, four dasyurids (small, carnivorous marsupials), two macropods (kangaroos), and three murids (mice). Murids and dasyurids were captured in pitfall and Elliott traps at systematic trapping sites. Macropods were observed during diurnal and nocturnal road spotting. Bats were identified from calls recorded on SM2BAT systems.

The most commonly recorded terrestrial mammal species recorded was the Spinifex Hopping Mouse (Notomys alexis) with 40 trap captures recorded across five sites. Of the five bat species recorded during the survey, the most widespread were Gould’s Wattled Bat (Chalinolobus gouldii; five sites) and Lesser Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus geoffroyi; four sites).

One species of conservation significant mammal was recorded during the survey, the Brush-tailed Mulgara (DPaW Priority 4), recorded from the two spinifex sandplain habitat types; mallee/mulga over spinifex sandplain and mulga over spinifex sandplain

4.4.2 Birds

In total, 56 species of bird were recorded within the study area during the fauna assessments, with a further seven species recorded in close proximity to the study area (Appendix E). In general, bird

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abundance and activity was low during both the Level 1 reconnaissance and Level 2 surveys. Bird activity was higher during the Level 1 re-alignment survey, most likely as a consequence of the rainfall in the area just prior to the survey. The most widespread species recorded during systematic surveys were Singing Honeyeater (seven sites); Chestnut-rumped Thornbill, Crested Bellbird, Rufous Whistler and Willie Wagtail (six sites); and Black-faced Woodswallow, Grey Butcherbird, Yellow-throated Miner and Zebra Finch (five sites). Eight species were only recorded at a single site during the systematic surveys (Australian Magpie, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Common Bronzewing, Galah, Hooded Robin, Redthroat, Variegated Fairy-wren and White-winged Triller).

Two bird species of conservation significance were recorded within the study area: Australian Bustard (DPaW Priority 4), which was recorded from the mallee/mulga woodland over spinifex sandplain and mulga over spinifex sandplain habitat types, and Rainbow Bee-eater (EPBC Migratory, WC Act Schedule 3), which was also recorded from the two spinifex sandplain habitat types, in addition to the mulga over stony tussock grassland habitat type. A Bush Stone-curlew was also recorded approximately 500 m east of the study area; at the time of assessment, this species was listed as DPaW Priority 4, but has since been delisted.

4.4.3 Herpetofauna

The reptile assemblage of the study area was comprised of 11 skinks, seven geckos, seven dragons, five varanids (monitors), three elapids (front-fanged venomous snakes) and two pygopods (flap-footed lizards). No amphibian species were recorded within the study area.

The most widespread species recorded during the systematic trapping included: Ctenotus leonhardii (six sites); Ctenotus helenae (now C. inornatus), Gehyra variegata, Menetia greyii, and Rhynchoedura ornata (five sites); Ctenophorus isolepis and Lerista derertorum (four sites). Five species were only recorded once during the survey, including Mulga Dragon (Caimanops amphiboluroides), Burton’s Legless Lizard (Lialis burtonis), Lucasium squarrosum, Jan’s Banded Snake (Simoselaps bertholdi) and Stripe-tailed Monitor (Varanus caudolineatus).

No reptile species of conservation significance were recorded.


Based on database searches and the results of previous biological surveys in the surrounding region, 17 species of conservation significance (six mammals, 10 birds, and one reptile) were identified as having the potential to occur within the study area (Table 5.1). Eight of these 18 species are assessed as having a medium to high likelihood of occurrence within the study area (including three species recorded – see below), based on presence and currency of previous records, and suitability of habitat within the study area. The remaining nine species assessed as having a low likelihood of occurrence (Table 5.1). Conservation significant species with medium to high likelihood of occurrence are described in greater detail in Section 5.1.

During the survey, three species of conservation significance (one mammal, and two bird species) were recorded from within the study area. All records of conservation significant fauna recorded during the survey are summarised in Table 4.6 and mapped in Figure 4.15.


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Table 4.6 – Conservation significant fauna recorded during the survey

Species Date Location

Comments Easting Northing Site

Mammals

Brush-tailed Mulgara Dasycercus blythi

10/10/14 273116 7010034 TE OS6 *Tracks / Diggings/ Scratchings.

10/10/14 283928 7010494 TE S6 *Tracks / Diggings/ Scratchings.




11/10/14 283918 7010370 TE S6 *Female captured in cage trap.

13/10/14 279117 7010241 TE MC4 *Recorded on motion camera.




16/10/14 283850 7010483 TE S6 ^Male captured in Elliot trap.

08/10/14 269369 7009607 TE S5 *Tracks / Diggings/ Scratchings; 260m south of study area

14/10/14 272171 7014273 Opportunistic

*Female captured during nocturnal survey; 4km north of study area.

22/03/15 279766 7007007 TE OS30 Active burrows and diggings

22/03/15 280825 7006829 TE OS31 Burrows and diggings

22/03/15 280315 7006884 TE MC9 Two photos captured on motion camera

22/03/15 280746 7006814 TE MC11 One photo captured on motion camera

22/03/15 280384 7006901 Opportunistic Possible tracks

24/03/15 276250 7008626 Opportunistic Diggings and burrows

Birds

Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis

10/10/14 279177 7010295 TE OS24 *Tracks only.

10/10/14 274930 7010181 TE OS4 *Tracks only.

16/10/14 269369 7009607 TE S5 Tracks only; 260m south of study area.

22/03/15 280027 7007053 Opportunistic Two individuals seen

22/03/15 281519 7006762 Opportunistic Tracks only.

22/03/15 280742 7006837 Opportunistic Tracks only.

22/03/15 279766 7007007 TE OS30 Tracks only.

22/03/15 280825 7006829 TE OS31 Tracks only.

22/03/15 280524 7006882 Opportunistic Tracks only. Numerous tracks in the area.

24/03/15 270965 7009303 TE OS40 Tracks only.


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Species Date Location

Comments Easting Northing Site

Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus

09/10/14 277477 7010259 Opportunistic *Two individuals.

09/10/14 290816 7010593 TE S7 *Two individuals.

12/10/14 262470 7009930 TE S4 *One individual.

22/03/15 280825 7006829 TE OS31 Two individuals.

22/03/15 282070 7006707 TE OS27 Two individuals.

Zone 51 J

Datum GDA 94

* Record not within study area


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Updated haul road study areaSpecies!( Australian Bustard#* Brush-tailed Mulgara!( Rainbow Bee-eater




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Conservation significant fauna recorded during current survey Unique Map ID: NJ121

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4.6 SURVEY LIMITATIONS AND CONSTRAINTS

Limitations of the current survey are summarised in Table 4.7 below. No significant limitations were experienced during the surveys.

Table 4.7 – Summary of survey limitations

Limitation Constraint (yes/no)

Comment

Competency/experience of the consultant carrying out the survey.

No All members of the survey team were experienced in fauna identification and fauna surveys in the Murchison region.

Scope (what faunal groups were sampled and were some sampling methods not able to be employed because of constraints such as weather conditions).

No

All faunal groups were adequately sampled. However, burrowing frogs were not recorded due to a lack of rainfall during the survey, as well as the absence of permanent water.

Proportion of fauna identified, recorded and/or collected.

No

A high percentage of the fauna species expected to occur within the study area were recorded, as indicated by species accumulation curves. All captured species were identified in the field.

Sources of information (previously available information as distinct from new data).

No The results of eight biological surveys conducted within 100 km of the study area provided adequate regional context.

The proportion of the task achieved and further work which might be needed.

No

A single-phase Level 2 vertebrate fauna assessment assessment was completed during the spring season, with an additional Level 1 survey conducted in autumn.

Timing/weather/season/cycle. Partial

The Level 2 and Level 1 re-alignment vertebrate fauna assessments were conducted during weather and seasonal conditions that are optimal for increased fauna activity. However, a lack of rainfall in the months prior to the Level 2 survey may have influenced the low activity levels of nomadic birds.

Disturbances which affected results of the survey (e.g. fire, flood, accidental human intervention).

No There were no disturbances recorded during the study.

Intensity (in retrospect was the intensity adequate).

No

The survey intensity was adequate, the major habitat types were surveyed systematically, with minor habitats surveyed opportunistically. Most of the species expected to occur were recorded.

Completeness (e.g. was relevant area fully surveyed).

No The study area was surveyed in its entirety.

Resources (e.g. degree of expertise available in animal identification to taxon level).

No All zoologists were suitably qualified and experienced in identifying the vertebrate fauna of the Murchison. There were no resources issues encountered.

Remoteness and/or access problems. No All fauna habitats and areas of interest could be accessed.

Availability of contextual (e.g. biogeographic information on the region).

No Sufficient contextual information was available on the Muchison region and the study area.

Efficacy of sampling methods (i.e. any groups not sampled by survey methods).

Partial

Survey methods were suitable to record reptiles, mammals and birds. However, a lack of significant rainfall prior to the Level 2 survey likely reduced the detection of burrowing frogs (none of which are conservation significant).


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5 DISCUSSION


Seventeen species of conservation significance identified as potentially occurring within the study area are outlined below (Table 5.1). Each conservation significant species potentially occurring in the study area was assigned a likelihood of occurrence based on the categories described in Table 3.4. The level of available information for each species was also taken into consideration so that species are not allocated a low likelihood of occurrence because of insufficient survey information or cryptic behaviours and ecology, in accordance with the precautionary principle.

Species of conservation significance with a high to medium likelihood of occurrence are discussed in greater detail in Section 5.3.1.


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Table 5.1 – Conservation significant fauna occurring or potentially occurring in the study area

Species Conservation Significance

Habitat Previous Records Likelihood of Occurrence

EPBC Act WC Act DPaW

Mammals

Northern Marsupial Mole

Notoryctes caurinus EN S1 EN

Longitudinal sand dunes, interdunal flats and possibly sandy soils along river flats.

DoE states that the species, or suitable habitat for the species, is likely to occur within the region. No records within 100 km of the study area.

LOW

No records within 100 km of the study area. Study area does not contain longitudinal sand dunes or lies within interdunal flats.

Golden Bandicoot (Barrow Island)

Isoodon auratus barrowensis

VU S1 Rocky sandstone spinifex and vine thickets.

Translocated population occurs in the vicinity at Lorna Glen Station (DoE 2014), approximately 100km north-east of the study area.

LOW

Not known to occur within the region, with the exception of a translocated population at Lorna Glen Station.

Burrowing Bettong

Bettongia lesueur lesueur VU S1 VU

On the mainland, warrens were constructed in deep soils including loams, low lying areas between dunes, slight outcrops and rises in salt lake systems and under boulders and capping rock.

DoE states that the species, or suitable habitat for the species, is likely to occur within the region.

LOW

No recent records in the area and currently considered extinct on mainland Australia aside from fenced translocated populations (van Dyck and Strahan 2008).

Black-flanked Rock-wallaby

Petrogale lateralis lateralis VU S1 VU

Scattered locations amongst rocky outcrops.

One record c. 60 km to the south-west of the study area in 2009 (DPaW 2015).

LOW

Only a single record within 100 km of the survey area, and no suitable habitat located within the study area.

Brush-tailed Mulgara

Dasycercus blythi P4

Sand plains and gibber plains with moderately dense spinifex with ‘runways’ between clumps.

Mulgara recorded from the Lake Maitland area by Outback Ecology (2009a) presumed to represent this taxon, and numerous records within the vicinity of the survey area (DPaW 2015).

RECORDED

Two individuals captured within the study area during the Level 2 survey, and further detections on motion cameras. Secondary evidence (burrows, tracks and scats) detected on both Level 1 surveys and the Level 2 survey.


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Long-tailed Dunnart

Sminthopsis longicaudata P4

Rocky, hilly areas vegetated with spinifex; occasionally open areas with a stony, rocky mantle.

Recorded in 2011 from hills 40km north-west of the study area (DPaW 2015).

MEDIUM

Recent records within 40km of the study area. Suitable habitat exists within the limited stony hills and footslopes habitat type.

Birds

Malleefowl

Leipoa ocellata VU S1 VU Dry inland scrub, mallee.

A number of records from the region, including three records within 20 km of the study area (DPaW 2015).

MEDIUM

A number of recent records from the vicinity of the study area. Habitat within the study area lacking the dense vegetation and leaf-litter required for nesting habitat.

Princess Parrot

Polytelis alexandrae VU P4

Sandy deserts; lightly wooded country, including desert oak, open mallee-spinifex and open marble gum woodland.

DoE states that the species, or suitable habitat for the species, may occur within the region. One old record (1964) from c. 40km south-west of the study area (DPaW 2015).

LOW

No recent records from the vicinity of the study area and habitat within the study area of limited suitability for the species.

Fork-tailed Swift

Apus pacificus M S3

Nomadic, almost entirely aerial lifestyle over a variety of habitats; associated with storm fronts.


MEDIUM

Although there are no records within the vicinity of the study area, this species is highly nomadic, and may occasionally pass over the study area in association with storm fronts.

Eastern Great Egret

Ardea modesta M S3

Wide range of wetland habitats, including floodwaters, rivers, shallows of wetlands, intertidal mudflats.


LOW

No nearby records and little suitable habitat within the study area.

Oriental Plover

Charadrius veredus M S3

Open plains, including samphire; bare rolling country; bare claypans; open ground near inland swamps.

DoE states that the species, or suitable habitat for the species, may occur within the region.

LOW

Limited suitable habitat exists within the study area. Generally an uncommon species within the region.


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Sharp-tailed Sandpiper

Calidris acuminata M S3

Coasts and well-watered parts of the interior. Prefer grassy areas of non-tidal fresh or brackish wetlands, coastal marshes and tidal flats.

One record from a previous survey in the region (Outback 2010).

LOW

Recent record in the vicinity of the study area but little suitable habitat within the study area itself.

Rainbow Bee-eater

Merops ornatus M S3

Open country, most vegetation types, dunes, banks; prefer lightly wooded, preferably sandy, country near water.

Recorded on a number of previous surveys in the region (Appendix C), and several records from the region (DPaW 2015).

RECORDED

Recorded from three locations within the study area during the current survey.

Grey Falcon

Falco hypoleucos S1 VU

Lightly wooded coastal and riverine plains.

One recent record from c. 70 km north of the study area (ecologia internal database).

HIGH

Recent record to the north of the study area, with suitable habitat present in the study area. This species is likely to be at least an occasional visitor to the study area, but unlikely to nest due to a lack of suitable nesting structures.

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus S4 Other

Widespread; coastal cliffs, riverine gorges and wooded watercourses.

Two records within 50 km of the survey area to the south, and recorded widely across the region (DPaW 2015).

HIGH

Two records relatively near the study area and suitable habitat present within the study area. This species is likely to be at least an occasional visitor to the study area, but unlikely to nest due to a lack of suitable nesting structures.

Australian Bustard

Ardeotis australis P4

Open grasslands, chenopod flats and low heathland.

Recorded on a number of previous surveys in the region (Appendix C), and several records from within 100 km of the study area (DPaW 2015).

RECORDED

Recorded during this assessment and suitable habitat present throughout study area.

Reptiles

Great Desert Skink

Liopholis kintorei VU S1 VU

Desert mosaic landscapes with vegetation of different ages.

DoE states that the species, or suitable habitat for the species, may occur within the region. One old record (1964) approximately 40 km south-west of the study area (DPaW 2015).

LOW

No recent records of the species close to the study area, and limited suitable habitat within the study area.


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5.1.1 Mammals

5.1.1.1 Brush-tailed Mulgara (Dasycercus blythi)

Conservation status: DPaW Priority 4. The Brush-tailed Mulgara has only recently been reclassified and separated from the genetically and morphologically distinct Crest-tailed Mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda; EPBC Act Vulnerable) (Woolley 2006). As such, the more widespread Brush-tailed Mulgara is not listed in the EPBC Act, but is listed as Priority 4 (fauna in need of monitoring) on the DPaW Priority and Threatened Fauna list (2010).

Distribution and habitat: Brush-tailed Mulgara occur in spinifex grasslands throughout much of the arid zone, digging burrows in flats between low sand dunes (Woolley 2008). Believed to be generally solitary, Brush-tailed Mulgaras construct several single-entranced, multi-tunnelled burrows within their home range (Woolley 2008). According to Koertner et al. (2007), home ranges and burrows encompass both mature spinifex and open regrowth areas, with Brush-tailed Mulgaras not preferring either habitat type over the other. However, utilisation of open habitats might increase the risk of predation, especially following fire.

Ecology: Brush-tailed Mulgara are nocturnal hunters, feeding on arthropods and small vertebrates. Breeding is thought to occur from late winter to spring (Woolley 2008).

Likelihood of occurrence: Recorded. The Brush-tailed Mulgara was recorded from the study area within the extensive mulga over spinifex sandplain and mallee/mulga over spinifex sandplain habitat types. Two individuals (one male; one female) were captured at site TE S6, and additional records were made at three camera trapping sites (e.g. Figure 5.2). Secondary evidence (scats, burrows, diggings) were also recorded throughout much of the two sandplain habitats. A third individual (female) was captured approximately 4 km north of the study area (Figure 5.1). Genetic material (ear notches) and morphological data were obtained for each captured individual (Appendix F). A further six records were obtained within the updated study area during the Level 1 re-alignment survey, involving records captured on motion cameras at two locations, and secondary evidence.

The Brush-tailed Mulgara has been recorded extensively in the region (DPaW 2015) and is expected to be widespread within the study area, predominantly within the two sandplain habitats from which it was recorded during the current survey.

Figure 5.1 – Brush-tailed Mulgara recorded during an opportunistic nocturnal search


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Figure 5.2 – Brush-tailed Mulgara recorded on a camera trap at site TE MC6

Figure 5.3 – Brush-tailed Mulgara recorded on a camera trap at opportunistic site

5.1.1.2 Long-tailed Dunnart (Sminthopsis longicaudatus)

Conservation status: DPaW Priority 4.

Distribution and habitat: Long-tailed Dunnarts are mostly found in rocky country in the western arid zone and occasionally in open country with a gravel/stony mantle. Although rarely encountered, in Western Australia they occur in the Pilbara, Murchison, north-eastern Goldfields, Ashburton and Gibson Desert regions (Burbidge et al. 2008).


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Ecology: The Long-tailed Dunnart is a small, carnivorous marsupial, distinguished from other Sminthopsis species by the length of its brush-tipped tail; more than twice the head-body length (Burbidge et al. 2008). The species feeds on arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, cockroaches, centipedes, grasshoppers and larvae. Its long tail is muscular at the base, allowing it to be held in a variety of positions, probably acting as a balancer; this, along with striated foot pads, suggest it is adapted to climbing (Burbidge et al. 2008).

Threatening processes have not yet been identified as only little is known about this species. Threats could include inappropriate fire regimes and habitat modification as a result of the activities of introduced herbivores such as horses and cows, invasion by the introduce Buffel Grass and predation by feral cats and foxes (Pavey 2006).

Likelihood of occurrence: Medium. The species has been recorded recently from within 40 km of the study area (DPaW 2015) and there is suitable habitat for the species within the study area within the stony hills and footslopes habitat type. However, this habitat is relatively limited in extent within the study area.

5.1.2 Birds

5.1.2.1 Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata)

Conservation status: EPBC Act Vulnerable, WC Act Schedule 1 (Vulnerable).

Distribution and habitat: Once common and widespread across semi-arid southern Australia, Malleefowl have declined severely in the last century, with a 20% decrease in abundance and 50% decrease in area of occupancy (Benshemesh 2005; Garnett and Crowley 2000). Their current distribution is highly fragmented, increasing the risk of extinction (Benshemesh 2005). Malleefowl prefer habitat consisting of thickets of mallee, mulga or other dense litter-forming shrublands as well as dry forest dominated by other eucalypt and acacia species (Benshemesh 2005; Johnstone and Storr 1998). They require sandy substrate with leaf litter to build their nesting mounds (Frith 1976) and, hence, the highest breeding densities appear to occur in vegetation that is at least 40 years post fire (Benshemesh 1990, 1992; Woinarski 1989). They rarely breed in vegetation that has been burnt within the last 15 years (Crowley et al. 1969; Tarr 1965).

Ecology: Malleefowl are large, ground-dwelling birds, well known for constructing large mounds of soil and vegetation in which they incubate their eggs. Pairs occupy permanent territories (Benshemesh 2005).

The decline of Malleefowl is mainly due to loss and fragmentation of habitat due to agricultural clearing, degradation of remnant patches by grazing and predation by foxes (Garnett and Crowley 2000; Johnstone and Storr 1998; Priddel and Wheeler 1989). In the arid zone, cessation of traditional burning practices, homogenisation of the once fine-scale burning mosaic and fires on a unprecedented scale seem to be primary causes of extinctions (Benshemesh 2005).

Likelihood of occurrence: Medium. Although the Malleefowl is near the northern extent of it range, there have been recent records to the west and south of the study area (DPaW 2015). However, vegetation is generally sparse within the study area, with very few areas of dense thickets suitable for mound-building. Malleefowl may occasionally visit the study area during dispersal or foraging (particularly the mulga over spinifex sandplain; Mallee/mulga over spinifex sandplain; and Mulga over stony tussock grassland habitats), but are unlikely to build mounds or reside within it, due to the open nature of the habitats, and lack of abundant, dispersed leaf-litter. No evidence of Malleefowl presence was observed during the fauna assessments.


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5.1.2.2 Fork-tailed Swift (Apus pacificus)

Conservation Status: EPBC Act Migratory, WC Act Schedule 3.

Distribution and Habitat: The Fork-tailed Swift is a small, insectivorous species with a white throat and rump, and a deeply forked tail (Morcombe 2000). Its distribution spans from central Siberia and throughout Asia, breeding in north-east and mid-east Asia, and wintering in Australia and south New Guinea. It is a relatively common trans-equatorial migrant from October to April throughout mainland Australia (Simpson and Day 2004). In Western Australia the species begins to arrive in the Kimberley in late September, the Pilbara in November and the South-west by mid-December (Johnstone and Storr 1998). In Western Australia the Fork-tailed Swift is considered uncommon to moderately common near the north-west, west and south-east coasts, common in the Kimberley and rare or scarce elsewhere (Johnstone and Storr 1998).

Ecology: Fork-tailed swifts are nomadic in response to broad-scale weather pattern changes. They are attracted to thunderstorms where they can be seen in flocks, occasionally of up to 2,000 birds. They rarely land, living almost exclusively in the air and feeding entirely on aerial insects, especially nuptial swarms of beetles, ants, termites and native bees (Simpson and Day 2004).

Likelihood of Occurrence: Medium. Although there are no records within 100 km of the study area (DPaW 2015), the Fork-tailed Swift is highly nomadic, and may occasionally feed over the study area in assocation with storm fronts. The species is entirely aerial in its habits, and will forage in air space over all habitat types within the study area.

5.1.2.3 Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus)

Conservation Status: EPBC Act Migratory, WC Act Schedule 3.

Distribution and Habitat: The Rainbow Bee-eater ranges from scarce to common throughout much of Western Australia, except for the arid interior, preferring lightly wooded, preferably sandy country near water (Johnstone and Storr 1998).

Ecology: In Western Australia the Rainbow Bee-eater can occur as a resident, breeding visitor, post-nuptial nomad, passage migrant or winter visitor. It nests in burrows usually dug at a slight angle on flat ground, sandy banks or cuttings, and often at the margins of roads or tracks (Simpson and Day 2004). Eggs are laid at the end of the metre-long tunnel from August to January (Boland 2004). Rainbow Bee-eaters are most susceptible to predation during breeding, as it spends significantly more time on the ground in this period.

Likelihood of Occurrence: Recorded. The Rainbow Bee-eater was recorded at three sites during the Level 2 survey and two sites during the Level 1 re-alignment survey, in a variety of habitat types. This species is likely to occur throughout the study area, particularly during the spring and summer months. The species is likely to use all habitats at times while foraging, though any breeding activity would most likely be limited to the two sandplain habitat types; mallee/mulga woodland over spinifex sandplain and mulga over spinifex sandplain.

5.1.2.4 Grey Falcon (Falco hypoleucos)

Conservation Status: DPaW Priority 4.

Distribution and Habitat: Grey Falcons are a rare, nomadic species sparsely distributed across much of arid and semi-arid Australia. Grey Falcons once occurred across much of Western Australia, with sightings as far south as York and New Norcia during colonial times. However, the current distribution is now thought to be restricted to north of 26 °S (Johnstone and Storr 1998). Because the distribution of this species is scarce over an extremely large area, sightings of this species are very uncommon.


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The Grey Falcon occurs in a wide variety of arid habitats, including open woodlands and open acacia shrubland, hummock and tussock grasslands and low shrublands, and may also be seen around swamps and waterholes that attract prey (Ehmann and Watson 2008).

Ecology: Like other falcons, this species preys primarily on birds such as parrots and pigeons, although reptiles and mammals are also taken (Ehmann and Watson 2008). Two to three eggs are laid in winter in the nests of other birds of prey and ravens, typically in tall eucalypt trees near water (Ehmann and Watson 2008; Garnett and Crowley 2000).

Likelihood of Occurrence: High. There is a recent record (2012) from c. 70 km north of the study area (ecologia internal database). Potentially suitable foraging habitat occurs within the study area across all habitat types and the species is likely to visit the area at least semi-regularly, but there is limited habitat suitable for nesting.

5.1.2.5 Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

Conservation Status: WC Act Schedule 4, DPaW Specially Protected Fauna.

Distribution and Habitat: This nomadic or sedentary falcon is widespread in many parts of Australia and some of Australia’s continental islands, but absent from most deserts and the Nullarbor Plain. The species is considered to be moderately common in the Stirling Range, uncommon in the Kimberley, Hamersley and Darling Ranges, and rare or scarce elsewhere (Johnstone and Storr 1998). The Peregrine Falcon occurs most commonly near cliffs along coasts, rivers and ranges, and around wooded watercourses and lakes.

Ecology: Peregrine Falcons feed almost entirely on birds, especially parrots and pigeons. They nest primarily on ledges on cliffs, granite outcrops and in quarries, but may also nest in tree hollows around wetlands. Eggs are predominantly laid in September (Johnstone and Storr 1998; Olsen et al. 2006).

Likelihood of Occurrence: High. There are two records of this species from within 50 km of the study area, and it is widely distributed across the region (DPaW 2015). Potentially suitable foraging habitat occurs within the study area across all habitat types and the species is likely to visit the area at least semi-regularly, but there is limited habitat suitable for nesting.

5.1.2.6 Australian Bustard (Ardeotis australis)

Conservation Status: DPaW Priority 4.

Distribution and Habitat: The Australian Bustard occurs Australia-wide and utilises a number of open habitats, including open or lightly wooded grasslands, chenopod flats, plains and heathlands (Johnstone and Storr 1998).

Ecology: It is a nomadic species, ranging over very large areas, and its abundance varies locally and seasonally from scarce to common, largely dependent on rainfall and food availability. The Australian Bustard has an omnivorous diet, feeding on grasses, seeds, fruit, insects and small vertebrates.

Although the population size is still substantial, there has been a large historical decline in abundance, particularly south of the tropics, but also across northern Australia (Garnett and Crowley 2000). This is a result of hunting, degradation of its grassland habitat by sheep and rabbits, and predation by foxes and cats (Frith 1976; Garnett and Crowley 2000). Australian Bustards readily desert nests in response to disturbance by humans, sheep or cattle (Garnett and Crowley 2000).

Likelihood of Occurrence: Recorded. Secondary evidence (tracks) of the Australian Bustard were recorded at three locations during the Level 2 survey and six locations during the Level 1 re-alignment survey. Two individuals were also observed at one location during the Level 1 re-alignment survey. This species was recorded in the malle/mulga woodland over spinifex sandplain and mulga


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over spinifex sandplain habitat types, but is expected to utilise all habitat types within the study area, both sandy and stony.

Figure 5.4 – Australian Bustard tracks recorded during the Level 2 survey.


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6 CONCLUSION

The main conclusions of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna survey of the Millipede to Lake Maitland Haul Road Study Area are:

Species accumulation curves showed that the current survey was adequate overall, though additional survey effort would likely result in additional species being recorded.

Six vertebrate fauna habitat types were identified within the study area, none of which are restricted to the study area:







Statistical analyses of the terrestrial fauna data collected indicated significant differences in faunal assemblages between habitat types. In particular, the results indicated habitats may group by substrate (stony or sandplain); each sandplain habitat types analysed was significantly different to both stony habitat types but not significantly different to the other sandplain habitat type. Conversely, both of the stony habitat types analysed were significantly different to both sandplain habitat types but not significantly different to the other stony habitat type. Analyses of avifaunal data also indicated significant differences between habitat types; in this case, the mulga over stony tussock grassland was the most distinct; the avifaunal assemblages of this habitat types was statistically significantly different from the avian assemblages of two of the three other habitat types analysed. No significant differences in avifaunal assemblages were detected between the three other habitat types analysed.

A total of 14 native and six introduced mammal species, 56 bird species and 35 reptile species were recorded within the study area during the Level 1 and Level 2 fauna assessments. No frogs or freshwater fish were recorded.

Three species of conservation significance (one mammal, and two bird species) were recorded within the study area:

Rainbow Bee-eater (EPBC Act Migratory, WC Act Schedule 3);

Brush-tailed Mulgara (DPaW Priority 4); and

Australian Bustard (DPaW Priority 4).

A further five conservation significant species (one mammal and five birds) were not recorded during the surveys, but are also considered to have a medium or high likelihood of occurring within the study area, based on previous regional records and the presence of potentially suitable habitat within the study area:

Malleefowl (EPBC Act Vulnerable, WC Act Schedule 1, DPaW Vulnerable): Medium

Fork-tailed Swift (EPBC Act Migratory, WC Act Schedule 3): Medium

Grey Falcon (WC Act Vulnerable): High

Peregrine Falcon (WC Act Schedule 4): High

Long-tailed Dunnart (DPaW Priority 4): Medium

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Frith, A. J. 1976. Reader's Digest Complete Birds of Australia. Reader's Digest, Sydney.

Garnett, S. T. and Crowley, G. M. 2000. The Action Plan for Australian Birds. Environment Australia, Canberra.

Gaston, K. J. 1996. Species richness: measure and measurement. Biodiversity, a biology of number and difference. Blackwell Science, Cambridge.

Hammer, Ø., Harper, D. A. T., and Ryan, P. D. 2001. PAST: Paleontological Statistics Software Package for Education and Data Analysis. Palaeontologia Electronica 4(1).

Johnstone, R. E. and Storr, G. M. 1998. Handbook of Western Australian Birds, Volume I - Non-Passerines (Emu to Dollarbird). Western Australian Museum, Perth.

Koertner, G., Pavey, C. R., and Geiser, F. 2007. Spatial ecology of the mulgara in arid Australia: impact of fire history on home range size and burrow use. Journal of Zoology 273: 350-357.

Mabbutt, J. A., Litchfield, W. H., Speck, N. H., Sofoulis, J., Wilcox, D. G., J.M. Arnold, Brookfield, M., and Wright, M. 1963. Soils of the Wiluna – Meekatharra area. pp. 123-142. Lands of the


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http://naturemap.dpaw.wa.gov.au/

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Wiluna-Meekatharra Area, Western Australia. 7. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Melbourne.

Menkhorst, P. and Knight, F. 2011. A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. Oxford University Press, Melbourne.

Morcombe, M. 2000. Field Guide to Australian Birds. Steve Parish Publishing Pty Ltd, Archerfield, Australia.

National Health and Medical Research Council. 2004. Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes. Canberra.

Olsen, J., Fuentes, E., Dykstra, R., and Rose, A. B. 2006. Male Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus fledged from a cliff-nest found breeding in a stick-nest. Australian Field Ornithology 23: 8-14.

Outback Ecology Services. 2002. Lake Way Baseline Fauna Studies. Unpublished report for Wiluna Gold Mine.

Outback Ecology Services. 2008. Lake Way Baseline Terrestrial Fauna Survey.

Outback Ecology Services. 2009a. Lake Maitland Baseline Terrestrial Fauna Survey. Unpublished report for Mega Uranium Pty Ltd.

Outback Ecology Services. 2009b. Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Reconnaissance Survey for the Wiluna Uranium Project.

Outback Ecology Services. 2010. Lake Maitland Infrastructure Areas Baseline Terrestrial Fauna Surveys. Unpublished report for Mega Uranium Pty Ltd.

Outback Ecology Services. 2011a. Lake Maitland Terrestrial Fauna Habitat Assessment - Borefield, Accommodation Camp and Access Route. Unpublished Report for Mega Lake Maitland Pty Ltd.

Outback Ecology Services. 2011b. Wiluna Uranium Project: Terrestrial Fauna Assessment. Prepared for Toro Energy Ltd by Outback Ecology Services.

Pavey, C. 2006. Threatened Species of the Northern Territory: Long-tailed Dunnart (Sminthopsis longicaudata). Department of Natural Resources Environment and the Arts, Northern Territory.

Priddel, D. and Wheeler, R. 1989. Survival of Malleefowl Leipoa ocellata chicks in absence of ground-dwelling predators. Emu 90: 81-87.

Pringle, H. J. R., Van Vreeswyk, A. M. E., and Gilligan, S. 1994. An inventory and condition survey of rangelands of the north-eastern Goldfields of Western Australia. Technical Bulletin No 87. Western Australian Department of Agriculture.

Shepherd, D. P., Beeston, G. R., and Hopkins, A. J. M. 2001. Native vegetation in Western Australia: Extent, type and status. Technical Report 249. Department of Agriculture, South Perth, Western Australia.

Simpson, K. and Day, N. 2004. Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Penguin Group, Camberwell.

Simpson, K. and Day, N. 2010. Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Penguin Group, Camberwell.

Storr, G. M., Smith, L. A., and Johnstone, R. E. 1983. Lizards of Western Australia II: Dragons and Monitors. Western Australian Museum, Perth.

Storr, G. M., Smith, L. A., and Johnstone, R. E. 1990. Lizards of Western Australia III: Geckos and Pygopods. Western Australian Museum, Perth.


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Storr, G. M., Smith, L. A., and Johnstone, R. E. 1999. Lizards of Western Australia I: Skinks. Western Australian Museum, Perth.

Storr, G. M., Smith, L. A., and Johnstone, R. E. 2002. Snakes of Western Australia. Western Australian Museum, Perth.

Tarr, H. E. 1965. The Mallee-fowl in Wyperfeld National Park. Australian Bird Watcher 2: 140-144.

Tille, P. 2006. Soil Landscapes of Western Australia's Rangelands and Arid Interior. Resource Management Technical Report 313. Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia.

Tyler, M. J. and Doughty, P. 2009. Field Guide to Frogs of Western Australia. Western Australian Museum, Perth.

van Dyck, S. and Strahan, R. 2008. The Mammals of Australia. Reed New Holland, Sydney.

Wilson, S. and Swan, G. 2013. A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia. New Holland Publishers, Sydney.

Woinarski, J. C. Z. 1989. Broombush harvesting in southeastern Australia. pp. 362-378 in Noble, J. C., and Bradstock, R. A., eds. Mediterranean landscapes in Australia: mallee ecosystems and their management. CSIRO, Melbourne.

Woolley, P. A. 2006. Studies on the Crest-tailed Mulgara Dasycercus cristicauda and the Brush-tailed Mulgara Dasycercus blythi (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae). Australian Mammalogy 28: 117-120.

Woolley, P. A. 2008. Brush-tailed Mulgara, Dasycercus blythi. pp. 47-48 in van Dyck, S., and Strahan, R., eds. The Mammals of Australia. Reed New Holland, Sydney.


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APPENDIX A EXPLANATION OF CONSERVATION CODES


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Appendix A1 Definitions of categories under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Category Definition

Endangered (EN)

The species is likely to become extinct unless the circumstances and factors threatening its abundance, survival or evolutionary development cease to operate; or its numbers have been reduced to such a critical level, or its habitats have been so drastically reduced, that it is in immediate danger of extinction.

Vulnerable (VU) Within the next 25 years, the species is likely to become endangered unless the circumstances and factors threatening its abundance, survival or evolutionary development cease to operate.

Migratory (M)

Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister, including:

the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state;

the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of the Peoples Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their environment (CAMBA); or

the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction and their Environment (JAMBA).

Appendix A2 Definition of Schedules under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950

Schedule Definition

Schedule 1 (S1) Fauna which are rare of likely to become extinct, are declared to be fauna that is in need of special protection.

Schedule 2 (S2) Fauna which are presumed to be extinct, are declared to be fauna that is in need of species protection.

Schedule 3 (S3) Birds which are subject to an agreement between the governments of Australia and Japan relating to the protection of migratory birds and birds in danger of extinction, are declared to be fauna that is in need of species protection.

Schedule 4 (S4) Declared to be fauna that is in need of species protection, otherwise than for the reasons mentioned above.


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Appendix A3 Definition of DPaW Threatened and Priority Fauna Codes

Threatened Definition

Critically Endangered (CR) Considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

Endangered (EN) Considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

Vulnerable (VU) Considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.

Priority Definition

Priority 1 (P1)

Taxa with few, poorly known populations on threatened lands.

Taxa which are known from few specimens or sight records from one or a few localities, on lands not managed for conservation, e.g. agricultural or pastoral lands, urban areas, active mineral leases. The taxon needs urgent survey and evaluation of conservation status before consideration can be given to declaration as threatened fauna.

Priority 2 (P2)

Taxa with few, poorly known populations on conservation lands.

Taxa which are known from few specimens or sight records from one or a few localities, on lands not under immediate threat of habitat destruction or degradation, e.g. national parks, conservation parks, nature reserves, State forest, vacant crown land, water reserves, etc. The taxon needs urgent survey and evaluation of conservation status before consideration can be given to declaration as threatened fauna.

Priority 3 (P3)

Taxa with several, poorly known populations, some on conservation lands.

Taxa which are known from few specimens or sight records from several localities, some of which are on lands not under immediate threat of habitat destruction or degradation. The taxon needs urgent survey and evaluation of conservation status before consideration can be given to declaration as threatened fauna.

Priority 4 (P4)

Taxa in need of monitoring.

Taxa which are considered to have been adequately surveyed, or for which sufficient knowledge is available, and which are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection, but could if present circumstances change. These taxa are usually represented on conservation lands.

Priority 5 (P5)

Taxa in need of monitoring.

Taxa which are not considered threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program, the cessation of which would result in the species becoming threatened within five years.


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APPENDIX B DAILY WEATHER DATA DURING SURVEY


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Appendix B1 Level 1 Reconaissance Survey

Date Minimum Temperature (°C) Maximum Temperature (°C) Rainfall (mm)

06/06/2014 - 23.0 0

07/06/2014 6.0 24.0 0

08/06/2014 9.8 21.2 0

09/06/2014 6.0 21.3 0

10/06/2014 7.2 21.4 0

Climate data recorded from Wiluna (station 013012) (BoM 2015).

Appendix B2 Level 2 Survey


06/10/2014 - 25.0 0

07/10/2014 8.5 32.5 0

08/10/2014 15.5 37.5 0

09/10/2014 16.3 31.5 0

10/10/2014 15.0 31.2 0

11/10/2014 13.5 34.0 0

12/10/2014 15.5 35.1 0

13/10/2014 15.5 - 0

14/10/2014 - 35.0 0

15/10/2014 14.0 38.3 0

16/10/2014 20.9 34.9 0

17/10/2014 20.0 32.0 0.8

Climate data recorded from Wiluna (station 013012) (BoM 2015).

Appendix B2 Level 1 Re-alignment Survey


21/03/2015 26.5 38.5 0.0

22/03/2015 24.5 31.0 0.0

23/03/2015 19.0 26.5 0.0

24/03/2015 18.0 25.0 0.0

25/03/2015 16.0 28.5 3.1

26/03/2015 19.2 No data 0.0

Climate data recorded from Wiluna (station 013012) (BoM 2015)


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APPENDIX C REGIONAL FAUNA DATA


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Appendix C1 – Mammals

Family and Species Common name EPB

C A

ct

WC

Act

DP

aW

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial

Fau

na

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

10

)

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m T

erre

stri

al F

aun

a H

abit

at A

sses

smen

t

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Rec

on

nai

ssan

ce f

or

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m

Pro

ject

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

08

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Te

rre

stri

al F

aun

a

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

02

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Fa

un

a St

ud

ies

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d In

fras

tru

ctu

re A

reas

Bas

elin

e Te

rres

tria

l Fau

na

Surv

eys

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

11

)

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a H

abit

at A

sse

ssm

ent

-

Bo

refi

eld

, Acc

om

od

atio

n C

amp

an

d

Acc

ess

Ro

ute

eco

log

ia (

20

04

)

Jun

de

e M

ulg

ara

Ass

essm

ent

eco

log

ia (

20

13

)

Bo

god

a G

old

Lev

el 2

Fau

na

Ass

essm

ent

Do

E P

rote

cte

d M

atte

rs S

ear

ch

Nat

ure

Map

This

Su

rve

y

TACHYGLOSSIDAE

Tachyglossus aculeatus Short-beaked Echidna ● ● ● ●

● ●

●

DASYURIDAE

Antechinomys laniger Kultarr

●

Dasycercus blythi Brush-tailed Mulgara P4

● ●

Dasycercus blythi/cristicauda Mulgara sp. ●

Ningaui ridei Wongai Ningaui ● ●

●

● ● ●

Pseudantechinus woolleyae Woolley's Pseudantechinus

●

Sminthopsis crassicaudata Fat-tailed Dunnart

●

●

●

Sminthopsis dolichura Little Long-tailed Dunnart

● ● ●

Sminthopsis hirtipes Hairy-footed Dunnart

●

Sminthopsis macroura Stripe-faced Dunnart ● ●

● ●

Sminthopsis ooldea Ooldea Dunnart ●

● ● ●

Sminthopsis longicaudata Long-tailed Dunnart P4

●

PERAMELIDAE

Isoodon auratus barrowensis Golden Bandicoot (Barrow Island) VU S1

●

NOTORYCTIDAE

Notoryctes caurinus Northern Marsupial Mole EN S1 EN

●

POTOROIDAE

Bettongia lesueur lesueur Burrowing Bettong (Boodie) VU S1 VU

●


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C A

ct

WC

Act

DP

aW

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial

Fau

na

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

10

)

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m T

erre

stri

al F

aun

a H

abit

at A

sses

smen

t

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Rec

on

nai

ssan

ce f

or

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m

Pro

ject

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

08

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Te

rre

stri

al F

aun

a

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

02

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Fa

un

a St

ud

ies

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d In

fras

tru

ctu

re A

reas

Bas

elin

e Te

rres

tria

l Fau

na

Surv

eys

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

11

)

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a H

abit

at A

sse

ssm

ent

-

Bo

refi

eld

, Acc

om

od

atio

n C

amp

an

d

Acc

ess

Ro

ute

eco

log

ia (

20

04

)

Jun

de

e M

ulg

ara

Ass

essm

ent

eco

log

ia (

20

13

)

Bo

god

a G

old

Lev

el 2

Fau

na

Ass

essm

ent

Do

E P

rote

cte

d M

atte

rs S

ear

ch

Nat

ure

Map

This

Su

rve

y

MACROPODIDAE

Macropus fuliginosus Western Grey Kangaroo

●

Macropus robustus Euro ● ● ● ●

● ●

● ● ●

Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo ● ● ● ●

● ●

● ● ●

Petrogale lateralis lateralis Black-flanked Rock-wallaby VU S1 VU

●

EMBALLONURIDAE

Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat

●

Taphozous hilli Hill's Sheathtail Bat ●

●

VESPERTILIONIDAE

Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat ● ● ● ●

● ● ●

Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat ● ● ● ●

● ● ●

Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat ● ● ● ●

● ● ●

Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat

●

Vespadelus baverstocki Inland Forest Bat

● ●

●

Vespadelus finlaysoni Finlayson's Cave Bat ● ● ● ●

●

Vespadelus regulus Southern Forest Bat

●

MOLOSSIDAE

Mormopterus sp. 3 Inland Freetail Bat ● ● ● ●

●

●

Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail Bat ●

●

● ● ●

MURIDAE

Notomys alexis Spinifex Hopping-mouse ●

●

●

● ●

Pseudomys desertor Desert Mouse ●

●

● ●


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C A

ct

WC

Act

DP

aW

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial

Fau

na

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

10

)

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m T

erre

stri

al F

aun

a H

abit

at A

sses

smen

t

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Rec

on

nai

ssan

ce f

or

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m

Pro

ject

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

08

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Te

rre

stri

al F

aun

a

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

02

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Fa

un

a St

ud

ies

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d In

fras

tru

ctu

re A

reas

Bas

elin

e Te

rres

tria

l Fau

na

Surv

eys

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

11

)

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a H

abit

at A

sse

ssm

ent

-

Bo

refi

eld

, Acc

om

od

atio

n C

amp

an

d

Acc

ess

Ro

ute

eco

log

ia (

20

04

)

Jun

de

e M

ulg

ara

Ass

essm

ent

eco

log

ia (

20

13

)

Bo

god

a G

old

Lev

el 2

Fau

na

Ass

essm

ent

Do

E P

rote

cte

d M

atte

rs S

ear

ch

Nat

ure

Map

This

Su

rve

y

Pseudomys hermannsburgensis

Sandy Inland Mouse

●

●

● ● ● ● ●

CANIDAE

Canis lupus dingo Dingo

● ●

●

INTRODUCED MAMMALS

*Mus musculus House Mouse ● ●

● ● ●

● ● ● ● ●

*Canis lupus Dog/Dingo ● ●

●

●

*Felis catus Cat ● ●

●

●

● ●

●

*Vulpes vulpes Fox ● ● ● ●

●

*Capra hircus Goat

●

●

*Ovis aries Sheep ●

*Equus asinus Donkey

●

●

*Equus caballus Horse

● ● ●

*Camelus dromedarius Camel

● ●

●

●

*Oryctolagus cuniculus Rabbit ● ● ● ●

● ●

● ●

●

*Bos taurus Cow ● ●

●

● ●

●

* Introduced species


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Appendix C2 - Birds


C A

ct

WC

Act

DP

aW

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial

Fau

na

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

10

)

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m T

erre

stri

al F

aun

a

Hab

itat

Ass

essm

ent

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Rec

on

nai

ssan

ce f

or

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m

Pro

ject

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

08

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Te

rre

stri

al F

aun

a

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

02

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Fa

un

a St

ud

ies

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d In

fras

tru

ctu

re A

reas

B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a Su

rvey

s

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

11

)

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a H

abit

at A

sse

ssm

ent

-

Bo

refi

eld

, Acc

om

od

atio

n C

amp

an

d

Acc

ess

Ro

ute

ec

olo

gia

(2

01

3)

Bo

god

a G

old

Lev

el 2

Fau

na

Ass

ess

me

nt

Nat

ure

Map

Do

E P

rote

cte

d M

atte

rs S

ear

ch

Bir

dat

a

This

Su

rve

y

CASUARIIDAE

Dromaius novaehollandiae Emu ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

MEGAPODIIDAE

Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S1 VU ● ●

PHASIANIDAE

Coturnix pectoralis Stubble Quail ● ●

ANATIDAE

Cygnus atratus Black Swan ● ●

Tadorna tadornoides Australian Shelduck ● ● ● ●

Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck ● ●

Malacorhynchus membranaceus Pink-eared Duck ●

Anas gracilis Grey Teal ● ● ●

Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck ● ●

PODICIPEDIDAE

Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Australasian Grebe ● ●

Poliocephalus poliocephalus Hoary-headed Grebe ● ●


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C A

ct

WC

Act

DP

aW

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial

Fau

na

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

10

)

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m T

erre

stri

al F

aun

a

Hab

itat

Ass

essm

ent

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Rec

on

nai

ssan

ce f

or

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m

Pro

ject

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

08

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Te

rre

stri

al F

aun

a

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

02

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Fa

un

a St

ud

ies

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d In

fras

tru

ctu

re A

reas

B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a Su

rvey

s

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

11

)

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a H

abit

at A

sse

ssm

ent

-

Bo

refi

eld

, Acc

om

od

atio

n C

amp

an

d

Acc

ess

Ro

ute

ec

olo

gia

(2

01

3)

Bo

god

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old

Lev

el 2

Fau

na

Ass

ess

me

nt

Nat

ure

Map

Do

E P

rote

cte

d M

atte

rs S

ear

ch

Bir

dat

a

This

Su

rve

y

COLUMBIDAE

*Columba livia Feral Pigeon (Rock Dove) ●

Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing

● ●

●

●

● ●

● ●

Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon

● ● ● ● ● ●

● ●

● ●

Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove

●

●

● ●

●

PODARGIDAE

Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth

●

●

●

●

EUROSTOPODIDAE

Eurostopodus argus Spotted Nightjar

●

●

● ●

● †

AEGOTHELIDAE

Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar

● ● ● ●

● ●

●

APODIDAE

Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift M S3

●

ANHINGIDAE

Anhinga novaehollandiae Australasian Darter

●

PHALACROCORACIDAE

Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Little Black Cormorant

●

●

PELECANIDAE

Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian Pelican

●

●


Toro Energy Limited


May 2015

83


C A

ct

WC

Act

DP

aW

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial

Fau

na

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

10

)

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m T

erre

stri

al F

aun

a

Hab

itat

Ass

essm

ent

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Rec

on

nai

ssan

ce f

or

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m

Pro

ject

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

08

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Te

rre

stri

al F

aun

a

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

02

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Fa

un

a St

ud

ies

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d In

fras

tru

ctu

re A

reas

B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a Su

rvey

s

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

11

)

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a H

abit

at A

sse

ssm

ent

-

Bo

refi

eld

, Acc

om

od

atio

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amp

an

d

Acc

ess

Ro

ute

ec

olo

gia

(2

01

3)

Bo

god

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old

Lev

el 2

Fau

na

Ass

ess

me

nt

Nat

ure

Map

Do

E P

rote

cte

d M

atte

rs S

ear

ch

Bir

dat

a

This

Su

rve

y

ARDEIDAE

Ardea pacifica White-necked Heron

●

Ardea modesta Eastern Great Egret M S3

●

Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced Heron

●

●

THRESKIORNITHIDAE

Threskiornis spinicollis Straw-necked Ibis

●

●

ACCIPITRIDAE

Elanus axillaris Black-shouldered Kite

●

●

Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed Kite

●

●

Hamirostra melanosternon Black-breasted Buzzard

● ● ●

●

Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite

● ● ●

● ●

●

Milvus migrans Black Kite

●

●

●

Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk

●

●

● ●

Accipiter cirrocephalus Collared Sparrowhawk

●

●

● †

Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier

●

●

Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

● ●

Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle

●

●

FALCONIDAE

Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel

● ●

● ●

● ●

● ●


Toro Energy Limited


May 2015

84


C A

ct

WC

Act

DP

aW

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial

Fau

na

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

10

)

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m T

erre

stri

al F

aun

a

Hab

itat

Ass

essm

ent

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Rec

on

nai

ssan

ce f

or

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m

Pro

ject

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

08

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Te

rre

stri

al F

aun

a

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

02

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Fa

un

a St

ud

ies

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d In

fras

tru

ctu

re A

reas

B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a Su

rvey

s

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

11

)

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a H

abit

at A

sse

ssm

ent

-

Bo

refi

eld

, Acc

om

od

atio

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amp

an

d

Acc

ess

Ro

ute

ec

olo

gia

(2

01

3)

Bo

god

a G

old

Lev

el 2

Fau

na

Ass

ess

me

nt

Nat

ure

Map

Do

E P

rote

cte

d M

atte

rs S

ear

ch

Bir

dat

a

This

Su

rve

y

Falco berigora Brown Falcon

●

● ● ●

● ●

● ●

Falco longipennis Australian Hobby

●

●

●

● ●

● ●

Falco hypoleucos Grey Falcon

S1

●

Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon

S4

●

RALLIDAE

Tribonyx ventralis Black-tailed Native-hen

●

●

Fulica atra Eurasian Coot

●

●

OTIDIDAE

Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard

P4

●

● ●

BURHINIDAE

Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew

●

●

● †

RECURVIROSTRIDAE

Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt

●

●

Recurvirostra novaehollandiae Red-necked Avocet

●

Cladorhynchus leucocephalus Banded Stilt

●

CHARADRIIDAE

Charadrius ruficapillus Red-capped Plover

●

●

Charadrius veredus Oriental Plover M S3

●

Charadrius australis Inland Dotterel

●


Toro Energy Limited


May 2015

85


C A

ct

WC

Act

DP

aW

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial

Fau

na

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

10

)

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m T

erre

stri

al F

aun

a

Hab

itat

Ass

essm

ent

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Rec

on

nai

ssan

ce f

or

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m

Pro

ject

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

08

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Te

rre

stri

al F

aun

a

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

02

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Fa

un

a St

ud

ies

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d In

fras

tru

ctu

re A

reas

B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a Su

rvey

s

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

11

)

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a H

abit

at A

sse

ssm

ent

-

Bo

refi

eld

, Acc

om

od

atio

n C

amp

an

d

Acc

ess

Ro

ute

ec

olo

gia

(2

01

3)

Bo

god

a G

old

Lev

el 2

Fau

na

Ass

ess

me

nt

Nat

ure

Map

Do

E P

rote

cte

d M

atte

rs S

ear

ch

Bir

dat

a

This

Su

rve

y

Elseyornis melanops Black-fronted Dotterel

●

●

Erythrogonys cinctus Red-kneed Dotterel

●

Vanellus tricolor Banded Lapwing

●

●

●

●

●

SCOLOPACIDAE

Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S3

●

TURNICIDAE

Turnix velox Little Button-quail

●

●

CACATUIDAE

Eolophus roseicapillus Galah

● ●

●

●

●

● ●

Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella

●

●

Nymphicus hollandicus Cockatiel

●

● ●

●

PSITTACIDAE

Polytelis alexandrae Princess Parrot VU

P4

●

Barnardius zonarius Australian Ringneck

● ● ● ● ● ●

●

● ●

Psephotus varius Mulga Parrot

● ●

●

●

● ●

Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar

●

● ●

● ●

Neopsephotus bourkii Bourke's Parrot

● ●

Neophema splendida Scarlet-chested Parrot

●


Toro Energy Limited


May 2015

86


C A

ct

WC

Act

DP

aW

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial

Fau

na

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

10

)

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m T

erre

stri

al F

aun

a

Hab

itat

Ass

essm

ent

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Rec

on

nai

ssan

ce f

or

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m

Pro

ject

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

08

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Te

rre

stri

al F

aun

a

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

02

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Fa

un

a St

ud

ies

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d In

fras

tru

ctu

re A

reas

B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a Su

rvey

s

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

11

)

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a H

abit

at A

sse

ssm

ent

-

Bo

refi

eld

, Acc

om

od

atio

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amp

an

d

Acc

ess

Ro

ute

ec

olo

gia

(2

01

3)

Bo

god

a G

old

Lev

el 2

Fau

na

Ass

ess

me

nt

Nat

ure

Map

Do

E P

rote

cte

d M

atte

rs S

ear

ch

Bir

dat

a

This

Su

rve

y

CUCULIDAE

Chalcites basalis Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo

●

● ●

Chalcites osculans Black-eared Cuckoo

●

●

Chalcites lucidus Shining Bronze-cuckoo

●

Cacomantis pallidus Pallid Cuckoo

●

● ●

●

STRIGIDAE

Ninox novaeseelandiae Southern Boobook

●

● ●

●

TYTONIDAE

Tyto javanica Eastern Barn Owl

●

HALCYONIDAE

Todiramphus pyrrhopygius Red-backed Kingfisher

●

● ●

●

Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher

●

●

MEROPIDAE

Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater M S3

● ● ●

●

●

● ● ●

CLIMACTERIDAE

Climacteris affinis White-browed Treecreeper

●

●

PTILONORHYNCHIDAE

Ptilonorhynchus guttatus Western Bowerbird

●

●

●

● ●


Toro Energy Limited


May 2015

87


C A

ct

WC

Act

DP

aW

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial

Fau

na

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

10

)

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m T

erre

stri

al F

aun

a

Hab

itat

Ass

essm

ent

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Rec

on

nai

ssan

ce f

or

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m

Pro

ject

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

08

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Te

rre

stri

al F

aun

a

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

02

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Fa

un

a St

ud

ies

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d In

fras

tru

ctu

re A

reas

B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

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Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

11

)

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

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abit

at A

sse

ssm

ent

-

Bo

refi

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Ro

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olo

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(2

01

3)

Bo

god

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Lev

el 2

Fau

na

Ass

ess

me

nt

Nat

ure

Map

Do

E P

rote

cte

d M

atte

rs S

ear

ch

Bir

dat

a

This

Su

rve

y

MALURIDAE

Malurus splendens Splendid Fairy-wren

● ●

●

● ●

● ●

Malurus leucopterus White-winged Fairy-wren

● ● ● ● ● ●

● ●

● ●

Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren

● ●

●

● ●

● ●

Stipiturus ruficeps Rufous-crowned Emu-wren ●

Amytornis striatus Striated Grasswren

●

●

ACANTHIZIDAE

Calamanthus campestris Rufous Fieldwren

●

Pyrrholaemus brunneus Redthroat

● ● ● ●

● ●

Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill

● ●

●

●

●

● ●

Gerygone fusca Western Gerygone

●

●

● ●

Acanthiza robustirostris Slaty-backed Thornbill

● ●

● ●

● ●

● ●

Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Yellow-rumped Thornbill

●

● ●

● ●

● ●

Acanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill

● ● ● ● ● ●

● ●

● ●

Acanthiza apicalis Inland Thornbill

●

●

● ●

● ●

Aphelocephala leucopsis Southern Whiteface

● ●

● ●

PARDALOTIDAE

Pardalotus rubricatus Red-browed Pardalote

●

●

Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote

●

●


Toro Energy Limited


May 2015

88


C A

ct

WC

Act

DP

aW

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

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Fau

na

Surv

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Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

10

)

Wilu

na

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niu

m T

erre

stri

al F

aun

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Hab

itat

Ass

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Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

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20

09

)

Rec

on

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or

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m

Pro

ject

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

08

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Te

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stri

al F

aun

a

Surv

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Ou

tbac

k Ec

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20

02

)

Lake

Way

Bas

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un

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ies

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d In

fras

tru

ctu

re A

reas

B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

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Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

11

)

Terr

estr

ial F

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a H

abit

at A

sse

ssm

ent

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Bo

refi

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(2

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3)

Bo

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Lev

el 2

Fau

na

Ass

ess

me

nt

Nat

ure

Map

Do

E P

rote

cte

d M

atte

rs S

ear

ch

Bir

dat

a

This

Su

rve

y

MELIPHAGIDAE

Certhionyx variegatus Pied Honeyeater

● ●

●

Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater

● ● ● ● ● ●

●

● ●

Lichenostomus leucotis White-eared Honeyeater

●

Lichenostomus keartlandi Grey-headed Honeyeater

●

●

Lichenostomus plumulus Grey-fronted Honeyeater

●

●

Lichenostomus ornatus Yellow-plumed Honeyeater

●

●

Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater

● ● ● ●

●

●

Purnella albifrons White-fronted Honeyeater

●

● ●

● ●

Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

● ●

Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater

● ●

● ●

● ●

● ●

Anthochaera carunculata Red Wattlebird

●

Epthianura tricolor Crimson Chat

●

● ●

● ●

Epthianura albifrons White-fronted Chat

●

Sugomel niger Black Honeyeater

● ●

●

Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater

●

●

●

●

POMATOSTOMIDAE

Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler

●

●

● ●

● ●

Pomatostomus superciliosus White-browed Babbler

●

●

●

● †


Toro Energy Limited


May 2015

89


C A

ct

WC

Act

DP

aW

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial

Fau

na

Surv

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Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

10

)

Wilu

na

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niu

m T

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stri

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itat

Ass

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Ou

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20

09

)

Rec

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Wilu

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niu

m

Pro

ject

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

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20

08

)

Lake

Way

Bas

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stri

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Surv

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Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

02

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

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un

a St

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ies

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d In

fras

tru

ctu

re A

reas

B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a Su

rvey

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Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

11

)

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a H

abit

at A

sse

ssm

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Bo

refi

eld

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Acc

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olo

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(2

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3)

Bo

god

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Lev

el 2

Fau

na

Ass

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me

nt

Nat

ure

Map

Do

E P

rote

cte

d M

atte

rs S

ear

ch

Bir

dat

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This

Su

rve

y

PSOPHODIDAE

Cinclosoma castanotus Chestnut Quail-thrush

●

●

Cinclosoma castaneothorax Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush

● ●

● ●

Psophodes occidentalis Chiming Wedgebill

● ●

●

●

NEOSITTIDAE

Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sittella

●

● ●

CAMPEPHAGIDAE

Coracina maxima Ground Cuckoo-shrike

●

●

● ●

Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike

● ●

● ● ●

● ●

● ●

Lalage sueurii White-winged Triller

●

● ●

●

● ●

PACHYCEPHALIDAE

Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler

●

● ●

● ●

Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush

●

●

●

● ●

● ●

Oreoica gutturalis Crested Bellbird

● ●

● ●

● ●

ARTAMIDAE

Artamus personatus Masked Woodswallow

●

● ●

Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow

● ●

● ● ●

● ●

● ●

Artamus minor Little Woodswallow

●


Toro Energy Limited


May 2015

90


C A

ct

WC

Act

DP

aW

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial

Fau

na

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

10

)

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m T

erre

stri

al F

aun

a

Hab

itat

Ass

essm

ent

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Rec

on

nai

ssan

ce f

or

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m

Pro

ject

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

08

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Te

rre

stri

al F

aun

a

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

02

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Fa

un

a St

ud

ies

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d In

fras

tru

ctu

re A

reas

B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a Su

rvey

s

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

11

)

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a H

abit

at A

sse

ssm

ent

-

Bo

refi

eld

, Acc

om

od

atio

n C

amp

an

d

Acc

ess

Ro

ute

ec

olo

gia

(2

01

3)

Bo

god

a G

old

Lev

el 2

Fau

na

Ass

ess

me

nt

Nat

ure

Map

Do

E P

rote

cte

d M

atte

rs S

ear

ch

Bir

dat

a

This

Su

rve

y

Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird

● ●

●

● ● ●

● ●

Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird

● ● ● ● ● ●

● ●

● ●

Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie

● ●

●

● ●

● ●

Strepera versicolor Grey Currawong

●

●

RHIPIDURIDAE

Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail

● ● ● ● ● ●

● ●

● ●

CORVIDAE

Corvus coronoides Australian Raven

●

●

Corvus bennetti Little Crow

● ● ● ● ●

● ●

● ●

Corvus orru Torresian Crow

●

● ●

MONARCHIDAE

Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark

●

●

●

● ●

● †

PETROICIDAE

Microeca fascinans Jacky Winter

●

Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin

● ●

● ●

● ●

Melanodryas cucullata Hooded Robin

●

● ●

MEGALURIDAE

Cincloramphus mathewsi Rufous Songlark

●

●

Cincloramphus cruralis Brown Songlark

●

● ●


Toro Energy Limited


May 2015

91


C A

ct

WC

Act

DP

aW

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial

Fau

na

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

10

)

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m T

erre

stri

al F

aun

a

Hab

itat

Ass

essm

ent

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Rec

on

nai

ssan

ce f

or

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m

Pro

ject

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

08

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Te

rre

stri

al F

aun

a

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

02

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Fa

un

a St

ud

ies

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d In

fras

tru

ctu

re A

reas

B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a Su

rvey

s

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

11

)

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a H

abit

at A

sse

ssm

ent

-

Bo

refi

eld

, Acc

om

od

atio

n C

amp

an

d

Acc

ess

Ro

ute

ec

olo

gia

(2

01

3)

Bo

god

a G

old

Lev

el 2

Fau

na

Ass

ess

me

nt

Nat

ure

Map

Do

E P

rote

cte

d M

atte

rs S

ear

ch

Bir

dat

a

This

Su

rve

y

Eremiornis carteri Spinifexbird

†

HIRUNDINIDAE

Cheramoeca leucosterna White-backed Swallow

●

●

●

Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow

●

●

● ●

● †

Petrochelidon ariel Fairy Martin

●

Petrochelidon nigricans Tree Martin

●

●

●

NECTARINIIDAE

Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird

●

●

ESTRILDIDAE

Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch

● ●

●

●

● ●

● ●

MOTACILLIDAE

Anthus novaeseelandiae Australasian Pipit

●

●

●

● ●

† Species recorded just outside of study area



Toro Energy Limited


May 2015

92

Appendix C3 - Reptiles


C A

ct

WC

Act

DP

aW

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

10

) W

ilun

a U

ran

ium

Ter

rest

rial

Fau

na

Hab

itat

Ass

ess

me

nt

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Rec

on

nai

ssan

ce f

or

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m P

roje

ct

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

08

) La

ke W

ay B

asel

ine

Terr

est

rial

Fau

na

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

02

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Fa

un

a St

ud

ies

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d In

fras

tru

ctu

re A

reas

Bas

elin

e

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a Su

rvey

s

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

11

)

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a H

abit

at A

sse

ssm

ent

-

Bo

refi

eld

, Acc

om

od

atio

n C

amp

an

d A

cces

s

Ro

ute

eco

log

ia (

20

13

)

Bo

god

a G

old

Lev

el 2

Fau

na

Ass

essm

ent

Nat

ure

Map

Do

E P

rote

cte

d M

atte

rs S

ear

ch

This

Su

rve

y

CHELUIDAE

Chelodina steindachneri Flat-shelled Turtle ●

●

AGAMIDAE

Amphibolurus longirostris Long-nosed Dragon

●

Caimanops amphiboluroides Mulga Dragon

●

●

Ctenophorus caudicinctus Ring-tailed Dragon

●

●

Ctenophorus isolepis Central Military Dragon ● ●

●

● ●

●

Ctenophorus nuchalis Central Netted Dragon ● ●

● ● ●

● ●

Ctenophorus reticulatus Western Netted Dragon

● ●

●

Ctenophorus salinarum Claypan Dragon ●

●

●

●

Ctenophorus scutulatus Lozenge-marked Dragon ● ●

● ●

●

Moloch horridus Thorny Devil ●

●

Pogona minor Dwarf Bearded Dragon ●

●

● ●

●

Tympanocryptis cephalus Pebble Dragon

● ●

DIPLODACTYLIDAE

Diplodactylus conspicillatus Fat-tailed Gecko ●

● ●

●

Diplodactylus granariensis

● ●

●

Diplodactylus pulcher ● ●

●

● ●

Lucasium damaeum

●

Lucasium squarrosum

●

●


Toro Energy Limited


May 2015

93


C A

ct

WC

Act

DP

aW

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

10

) W

ilun

a U

ran

ium

Ter

rest

rial

Fau

na

Hab

itat

Ass

ess

me

nt

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Rec

on

nai

ssan

ce f

or

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m P

roje

ct

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

08

) La

ke W

ay B

asel

ine

Terr

est

rial

Fau

na

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

02

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Fa

un

a St

ud

ies

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d In

fras

tru

ctu

re A

reas

Bas

elin

e

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a Su

rvey

s

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

11

)

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a H

abit

at A

sse

ssm

ent

-

Bo

refi

eld

, Acc

om

od

atio

n C

amp

an

d A

cces

s

Ro

ute

eco

log

ia (

20

13

)

Bo

god

a G

old

Lev

el 2

Fau

na

Ass

essm

ent

Nat

ure

Map

Do

E P

rote

cte

d M

atte

rs S

ear

ch

This

Su

rve

y

Lucasium stenodactylum

● ● ●

●

Rhynchoedura ornata Beaked Gecko ● ●

●

● ●

●

Strophurus elderi ● ●

●

● ●

Strophurus sp. ●

Strophurus strophurus

●

●

Strophurus wellingtonae

● ●

●

CARPHODACTYLIDAE

Nephrurus laevissimus

●

●

●

Nephrurus vertebralis ● ●

●

●

●

Nephrurus wheeleri ● ●

●

Underwoodisaurus milii Barking Gecko

●

GEKKONIDAE

Gehyra purpurascens ●

● ● ●

Gehyra variegata ● ●

● ● ●

● ●

●

Heteronotia binoei Bynoe's Gecko ● ● ● ●

● ●

●

PYGOPODIDAE

Aprasia picturata Black-headed Worm-lizard ●

Delma butleri

●

● ●

Delma nasuta ●

●

Delma petersoni

●

Lialis burtonis ●

●


Toro Energy Limited


May 2015

94


C A

ct

WC

Act

DP

aW

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

10

) W

ilun

a U

ran

ium

Ter

rest

rial

Fau

na

Hab

itat

Ass

ess

me

nt

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Rec

on

nai

ssan

ce f

or

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m P

roje

ct

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

08

) La

ke W

ay B

asel

ine

Terr

est

rial

Fau

na

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

02

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Fa

un

a St

ud

ies

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d In

fras

tru

ctu

re A

reas

Bas

elin

e

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a Su

rvey

s

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

11

)

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a H

abit

at A

sse

ssm

ent

-

Bo

refi

eld

, Acc

om

od

atio

n C

amp

an

d A

cces

s

Ro

ute

eco

log

ia (

20

13

)

Bo

god

a G

old

Lev

el 2

Fau

na

Ass

essm

ent

Nat

ure

Map

Do

E P

rote

cte

d M

atte

rs S

ear

ch

This

Su

rve

y

Pygopus nigriceps

●

●

● ●

●

SCINCIDAE

Cryptoblepharus buchananii

●

Cryptoblepharus plagiocephalus ●

●

Ctenotus ariadnae

●

●

Ctenotus atlas ●

● ●

Ctenotus calurus

● ●

●

Ctenotus grandis ●

●

Ctenotus aff. grandis

●

Ctenotus helenae ● ●

● ●

●

Ctenotus leonhardii ●

● ●

● ●

●

Ctenotus pantherinus Leopard Ctenotus ● ●

●

● ●

●

Ctenotus quattuordecimlineatus

●

●

●

Ctenotus schomburgkii ●

● ●

●

Ctenotus severus ● ●

Ctenotus uber

● ●

Egernia depressa Pygmy Spiny-tailed Skink ● ●

●

● ●

●

Egernia formosa

●

Eremiascincus richardsonii Broad-banded Sand Swimmer ●

● ●

Lerista bipes ● ●

●

●

Lerista desertorum ● ●

●

● ●

●


Toro Energy Limited


May 2015

95


C A

ct

WC

Act

DP

aW

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

10

) W

ilun

a U

ran

ium

Ter

rest

rial

Fau

na

Hab

itat

Ass

ess

me

nt

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Rec

on

nai

ssan

ce f

or

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m P

roje

ct

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

08

) La

ke W

ay B

asel

ine

Terr

est

rial

Fau

na

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

02

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Fa

un

a St

ud

ies

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d In

fras

tru

ctu

re A

reas

Bas

elin

e

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a Su

rvey

s

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

11

)

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a H

abit

at A

sse

ssm

ent

-

Bo

refi

eld

, Acc

om

od

atio

n C

amp

an

d A

cces

s

Ro

ute

eco

log

ia (

20

13

)

Bo

god

a G

old

Lev

el 2

Fau

na

Ass

essm

ent

Nat

ure

Map

Do

E P

rote

cte

d M

atte

rs S

ear

ch

This

Su

rve

y

Lerista timida ● ●

● ●

● ●

●

Liopholis inornata Desert Skink

●

Liopholis kintorei Great Desert Skink VU S1 VU

●

Liopholis striata Night Skink

●

Menetia greyii ● ●

● ●

● ●

●

Morethia butleri

●

●

●

Tiliqua multifasciata Central Blue-tongue ●

●

VARANIDAE

Varanus brevicauda Short-tailed Pygmy Monitor

● ●

●

Varanus caudolineatus

●

● ●

●

Varanus eremius Pygmy Desert Monitor ●

●

●

Varanus giganteus Perentie

●

●

●

Varanus gouldii Sand Monitor ● ● ● ●

●

●

Varanus panoptes Yellow-spotted Monitor ●

●

●

●

Varanus tristis tristis Racehorse Monitor

●

TYPHLOPIDAE

Ramphotyphlops hamatus

●

●

●

Ramphotyphlops waitii

● ●

ELAPIDAE

Brachyurophis approximans North-western Shovel-nosed Snake

●

●

Demansia psammophis Yellow-faced Whipsnake

●

●

●


Toro Energy Limited


May 2015

96


C A

ct

WC

Act

DP

aW

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

10

) W

ilun

a U

ran

ium

Ter

rest

rial

Fau

na

Hab

itat

Ass

ess

me

nt

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Rec

on

nai

ssan

ce f

or

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m P

roje

ct

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

08

) La

ke W

ay B

asel

ine

Terr

est

rial

Fau

na

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

02

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Fa

un

a St

ud

ies

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d In

fras

tru

ctu

re A

reas

Bas

elin

e

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a Su

rvey

s

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

11

)

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a H

abit

at A

sse

ssm

ent

-

Bo

refi

eld

, Acc

om

od

atio

n C

amp

an

d A

cces

s

Ro

ute

eco

log

ia (

20

13

)

Bo

god

a G

old

Lev

el 2

Fau

na

Ass

essm

ent

Nat

ure

Map

Do

E P

rote

cte

d M

atte

rs S

ear

ch

This

Su

rve

y

Parasuta monachus Hooded Snake ● ●

●

Pseudonaja mengdeni Western Brown Snake

●

●

Pseudonaja modesta Ringed Brown Snake

●

●

Simoselaps bertholdi Jan's Banded Snake

●

●

● ●

●


Toro Energy Limited


May 2015

97

Appendix C4 - Amphibians

Family and Species Common name EPBC Act

WC Act DPaW O

utb

ack

Eco

logy

(2

00

9)

Lake

Mai

tlan

d B

asel

ine

Terr

estr

ial F

aun

a Su

rvey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

10

)

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m T

erre

stri

al

Fau

na

Hab

itat

Ass

essm

ent

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

09

)

Rec

on

nai

ssan

ce f

or

Wilu

na

Ura

niu

m P

roje

ct

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

08

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Te

rre

stri

al

Fau

na

Surv

ey

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

02

)

Lake

Way

Bas

elin

e Fa

un

a

Stu

die

s

Ou

tbac

k Ec

olo

gy (

20

08

)

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ial F

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This

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HYLIDAE

Cyclorana maini Sheep Frog ● ●

Cyclorana platycephala Water-holding Frog ●

Litoria rubella Little Red Tree Frog ● ● †

LIMNODYNASTIDAE

Neobatrachus aquilonius Northern Burrowing Frog ●

Neobatrachus kunapalari Kunapalari Frog ●

Neobatrachus sudellae Desert Trilling Frog ●

Neobatrachus sutor Shoemaker Frog ● ●

Neobatrachus wilsmorei Plonking Frog ●

† Species recorded just outside of study area


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APPENDIX D SAMPLING SITE LOCATIONS


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Level 2 Survey


and avifauna census site 236695 7025600 Carnegie 204

Mulga over spinifex

sandplain




spinifex


and avifauna census site 247806 7009802 Ararak 18


grassland




spinifex




spinifex



Mulga over spinifex

sandplain


and avifauna census site 290823 7010607 Rainbow 29


grassland

TE OS1 Opportunistic site 251734 7009755 Windarra 39 Stony hills and

footslopes

TE OS2 Opportunistic site 255115 7009927 Desdemona 18 Mulga over

stony tussock grassland

TE OS3 Opportunistic site 264453 7009802 Bullimore 107 Mulga over


TE OS4 Opportunistic site 274930 7010181 Bullimore 107 Mallee/mulga over spinifex

sandplain


sandplain


sandplain

TE OS7 Opportunistic site 245163 7015105 Yanganoo 18 Stony hills and

footslopes


sandplain

TE OS9 Opportunistic site 252037 7009997 Gabanintha 39 Stony hills and

footslopes


sandplain

TE OS11 Opportunistic site 280416 7010347 Melaleuca 29 Mallee/mulga over spinifex

sandplain

TE OS24 Opportunistic site 279177 7010295 Bullimore 29 Mallee/mulga over sandplain

spinifex

TE MC1 Targeted motion camera location 283762 7010445 Bullimore 29 Mallee/mulga over spinifex

sandplain


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TE MC2 Targeted motion camera location 251748 7009755 Windarra 39 Stony hills and

footslopes

TE MC3 Targeted motion camera location 251728 7009718 Windarra 39 Stony hills and

footslopes


sandplain

TE MC5 Targeted motion camera location 252454 7009908 Gabanintha 39 Stony hills and

footslopes


sandplain


sandplain


sandplain

Level 1 Survey

TE OS12 Opportunistic site 240559 7019446 Bullimore 107 Mulga over

spinifex sandplain

TE OS13 Opportunistic site 247214 7011813 Wiluna 18 Mulga over


TE OS14 Opportunistic site 245450 7014053 Wiluna 18 Mulga over



sandplain

TE OS16 Opportunistic site 237246 7024212 Carnegie 204 Low halophytic

shrubland

TE OS17 Opportunistic site 237893 7022504 Carnegie 18 Mulga over

spinifex sandplain


footslopes

TE OS19 Opportunistic site 257681 7009945 Windarra 18 Mulga over



sandplain

TE OS21 Opportunistic site 300665 6997055 Cunyu 676 Melaleuca

woodland on calcrete flats

TE OS22 Opportunistic site 298705 6999996 Darlot 676 Mulga over


TE OS23 Opportunistic site 299179 6999323 Darlot 125 Low halophytic

shrubland

Level 1 Re-alignment Survey

TE OS25 Opportunistic site 299086 6998611 Darlot 676

Mulga over spinifex

sandplain


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grassland

TE OS27 Opportunistic site 282070 7006707 Bullimore 107

Mallee/mulga over spinifex

sandplain

TE OS28 Opportunistic site 292876 7003619 Cyclops 29

Mulga over spinifex

sandplain

TE OS29 Opportunistic site 289228 7004873 Ranch 29

Mulga over spinifex

sandplain



sandplain



sandplain

TE OS32 Opportunistic site 252706 7011304 Windarra 18


grassland


Mulga over spinifex

sandplain



sandplain

TE OS35 Opportunistic site 249186 7011256 Gabanintha 39


grassland

TE OS36 Opportunistic site 250740 7011202 Windarra 39 Stony hills and

footslopes


footslopes

TE OS38 Opportunistic site 247707 7011181 Ararak 18


grassland



sandplain


Mulga over spinifex

sandplain

TE OS41 Opportunistic site 255426 7011166 Desdemona 18


grassland

TE OS42 Opportunistic site 257376 7011211 Monk 18


grassland

TE OS43 Opportunistic site 291908 7004324 Ranch 29

Mulga over spinifex

sandplain

TE MC9 Targeted motion camera location 280315 7006884 Bullimore 107


sandplain

TE MC10

Targeted motion camera location 280732 7006820 Bullimore 107


sandplain


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TE MC11



sandplain

TE MC12



sandplain

TE MC13



sandplain

TE MC14

Targeted motion camera location 249564 7011201 Windarra 39


grassland

TE MC15

Targeted motion camera location 248746 7011323 Gabanintha 39


grassland


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APPENDIX E SURVEY EFFORT BY SAMPLING SITE


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Site Pit Traps

(trap nights) Funnels

(trap nights) Elliotts

(trap nights) Cages


(min) Diurnal Opp Search (min)

Nocturnal Opp Search (min)

Bat Recording (min)


TE S1 90 180 90 18 120 40 720

TE S2 90 180 90 18 120 720

TE S3 90 180 90 18 120 46 720

TO S4 90 180 90 18 120 96 720

TE S5 90 180 90 18 120 720

TE S6 90 180 230 18 120 120 720 20,160

TE S7 180 90 18 120 720

TE OS1 56

TE OS2 44

TE OS3 34

TE OS4 22

TE OS5 154

TE OS6 54

TE OS7 50

TE OS8 58

TE OS9 56

TE OS10 54

TE OS11 72

TE OS12 50 30

TE OS13 15 60


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Site Pit Traps



(trap nights) Cages




Bat Recording (min)


TE OS14 20

TE OS15 50

TE OS16 30

TE OS17 25

TE OS18 38

TE OS19 80

TE OS20 10

TE OS21 32

TE OS22 80

TE OS23 48

TE OS24 30

TE OS25 60

TE OS26 60

TE OS27 60 60

TE OS28 60 60

TE OS29 60 60

TE OS30 60 60

TE OS31 60 60

TE OS32 20 20

TE OS33 60


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Site Pit Traps



(trap nights) Cages




Bat Recording (min)


TE OS34 22 22

TE OS35 21 21

TE OS36 50 50

TE OS37 20 20

TE OS38 16 16

TE OS39 60 60

TE OS40 60 60

TE OS41 60 60

TE OS42 60 60

TE OS43 60

Opportunistic 180 58,010

Total 540 1,260 770 126 2,007 2,005 180 5,040 78,170


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APPENDIX F SITE DESCRIPTIONS (SYSTEMATIC SAMPLING SITES)


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Fauna site description Site Photo

Site: TE S1

Description: Mature, open mulga (Acacia caesaneura) woodland over open Grevillea sarissa. and Acacia tetragonophylla shrubland with scattered Triodia basedowii hummock grassland and Aristida contorta and Eragrostis eriapoda tussock grassland. Soil substrate firm reddish-brown sandy-loam. Leaf-litter present under shrubs/trees; moderate wood-litter.

Condition: Very good.

Habitat type: Mulga over spinifex sandplain.

Site: TE S2

Description: Open woodland (Acacia aneura complex, A. pruinocarpa and Eucalyptus kingsmillii) over Eremophila forrestii shrubland with Triodia basedowii hummock grassland and scattered Monachather paradoxus. Soil substrate orange clay-sand without rocks. Abundant leaf litter under shrubs/trees; moderate wood-litter.


Habitat type: Mallee/mulga over spinifex sandplain.


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Site: TE S3

Description: Sparse Acacia pruinocarpa woodland over A. aneura complex, A. tetragonophylla and Eremophila spp. open shrubland with open Eragrostis eriapoda, Aristida contorta, Eriachne sp. and Monachather paradoxus tussock grassland. Soil substrate firm, brown clay-loam with extensive ironstone and quartz pebbles. Leaf-litter present under shrubs/trees; wood-litter sparse.


Habitat type: Mulga over stony tussock grassland.

Site: TE S4

Description: Sparse mulga (Acacia caesaneura), A. pruinocarpa and mallee (Eucalyptus lucasii) woodland over A. aneura complex, A. pruinocarpa and Eremophila forrestii open shrubland with sparse Triodia basedowii hummock grassland and Monachather paradoxus tussock grassland. Soil substrate weak, orange-brown clay-sand. Leaf-litter abundant under trees, particularly mallee; moderate wood-litter.




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Site: TE S5

Description: Sparse mulga (Acacia caesaneura) and mallee (Eucalyptus kingslmilli/E. lucasii) woodland over sparse A. aneura complex, A. pruinocarpa and Eremophila forrestii shrubland with open Triodia basedowii hummock grassland. Soil substrate firm orange-brown clay-sand. Leaf-litter abundant under mallee; wood-litter sparse.

Condition: Excellent.


Site: TE S6

Description: Open mulga (Acacia caesaneura) with sparse mallee (Eucalyptus kingslmilli/E. lucasii) woodland over sparse A. caesaneura, A. minyura, A. pachyacra and Melaleuca eleuterostachya shrubland with open Triodia basedowii hummock grassland. Soil substrate loose orange-brown loamy-sand. Leaf-litter present under shrubs/trees; wood-litter sparse.

Condition: Excellent.

Habitat type: Mulga over spinifex sandplain.


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Site: TE S7

Description: Sparse Acacia aneura complex woodland over sparse A. tetragonophylla and Eremophila forrestii shrubland with sparse Aristida contorta tussock grassland. Soil substrate firm reddish-brown sandy-clay with scattered pebbles. Leaf-litter present under shrubs/trees; moderate wood-litter.


Habitat type: Mulga over stony tussock grassland.


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APPENDIX G FAUNA RECORDED DURING THE ASSESSMENT


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Appendix F1 Mammals


WC Act DPaW TO

S1

TO S

2

TO S

3

TO S

4

TO S

5

TO S

6

TO S

7

Op

po

rtu

nis

tic

Tota

l

DASYURIDAE

Dasycercus blythi Brush-tailed Mulgara P4 2 4 6

Ningaui ridei Wongai Ningaui 1 3 1 5

Sminthopsis dolichura Little Long-tailed Dunnart 1 2 3

Sminthopsis ooldea Ooldea Dunnart 1 1

MACROPODIDAE

Macropus robustus Euro 1 1

Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo 2 5 6

VESPERTILIONIDAE

Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat P P P P P P

Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat P P P P P

Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat P P P

MOLOSSIDAE

Mormopterus sp. 3 Inland Freetail Bat P P P P

Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail Bat P P

MURIDAE

Notomys alexis Spinifex Hopping-mouse 1 14 13 11 1 3 43

Pseudomys desertor Desert Mouse 1 1

Pseudomys hermannsburgensis Sandy Inland Mouse 1 1 3 5

INTRODUCED MAMMALS

*Mus musculus House Mouse 4 4

*Canis lupus Dog/Dingo 1 1

*Felis catus Cat 1 1

*Camelus dromedaries Camel 2 2

*Oryctolagus cuniculus Rabbit P P

*Bos taurus Cow 1 29 30


P Species present (no count)


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Appendix F2 Birds

Family and Species Common name EPBC Act WC Act DPaW TO

S1

TO S

2

TO S

3

TO S

4

TO S

5

TO S

6

TO S

7

Op

po

rtu

nis

tic

Tota

l

CASUARIIDAE

Dromaius novaehollandiae Emu 1 3 4

COLUMBIDAE

Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing 4 4

Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon 8 8

ACCIPITRIDAE

Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk 1 1

Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle 1 2 3

FALCONIDAE

Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel 2 2

Falco berigora Brown Falcon 1 1 2

Falco longipennis Australian Hobby 1 1

OTIDIDAE

Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard P4 1 1

CACATUIDAE

Eolophus roseicapillus Galah 2 2

PSITTACIDAE

Barnardius zonarius Australian Ringneck 2 3 2 7

Psephotus varius Mulga Parrot 4 6 4 14

Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar 1 15 16

Neopsephotus bourkii Bourke's Parrot 4 4

CUCULIDAE


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S1

TO S

2

TO S

3

TO S

4

TO S

5

TO S

6

TO S

7

Op

po

rtu

nis

tic

Tota

l

Chalcites basalis Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo 3 3

MEROPIDAE

Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater M S3 1 2 4 7

PTILONORHYNCHIDAE

Ptilonorhynchus guttatus Western Bowerbird 5 5

MALURIDAE

Malurus splendens Splendid Fairy-wren 2 4 6

Malurus leucopterus White-winged Fairy-wren 46 13 59

Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren 2 2

Stipiturus ruficeps Rufous-crowned Emu-wren 7 7

ACANTHIZIDAE

Pyrrholaemus brunneus Redthroat 4 4

Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill 18 3 3 24

Gerygone fusca Western Gerygone 1 1

Acanthiza robustirostris Slaty-backed Thornbill 4 6 9 12 31

Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Yellow-rumped Thornbill 6 10 10 9 35

Acanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill 9 15 4 17 2 2 50 99

Acanthiza apicalis Inland Thornbill 10 2 13 3 5 33

Aphelocephala leucopsis Southern Whiteface 2 8 11 21

MELIPHAGIDAE

Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater 8 3 7 1 1 2 3 39 64

Purnella albifrons White-fronted Honeyeater 3 88 91

Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner 19 5 1 9 6 4 44


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S1

TO S

2

TO S

3

TO S

4

TO S

5

TO S

6

TO S

7

Op

po

rtu

nis

tic

Tota

l

Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater 1 2 18 21

Epthianura tricolor Crimson Chat 15 19 34

POMATOSTOMIDAE

Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler 16 16 3 35

PSOPHODIDAE

Cinclosoma castaneothorax Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush 12 12

NEOSITTIDAE

Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sittella 4 4

CAMPEPHAGIDAE

Coracina maxima Ground Cuckoo-shrike 2 2

Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 1 1

Lalage sueurii White-winged Triller 1 1

PACHYCEPHALIDAE

Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler 3 3 2 8 2 3 6 27

Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush 2 2 4 5 13

Oreoica gutturalis Crested Bellbird 5 2 3 1 1 2 13 27

ARTAMIDAE

Artamus personatus Masked Woodswallow 31 31

Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow 3 6 2 5 7 16 39

Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird 1 1 5 3 2 1 13

Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird 1 2 2 5

Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie 5 5

RHIPIDURIDAE


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S1

TO S

2

TO S

3

TO S

4

TO S

5

TO S

6

TO S

7

Op

po

rtu

nis

tic

Tota

l

Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail 3 5 1 2 7 4 2 24

CORVIDAE

Corvus bennetti Little Crow 4 2 6

Corvus orru Torresian Crow 1 2 1 4

PETROICIDAE

Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin 2 5 4 7 18

Melanodryas cucullata Hooded Robin 1 2 3

MEGALURIDAE

Cincloramphus cruralis Brown Songlark 1 1

ESTRILDIDAE

Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch 8 2 29 4 3 89 135

MOTACILLIDAE

Anthus novaeseelandiae Australasian Pipit 2 8 10


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Appendix F3 Reptiles


WC Act DPaW TO

S1

TO S

2

TO S

3

TO S

4

TO S

5

TO S

6

TO S

7

Op

po

rtu

nis

tic

Tota

l

AGAMIDAE

Caimanops amphiboluroides Mulga Dragon 1 1

Ctenophorus caudicinctus Ring-tailed Dragon 6 6

Ctenophorus isolepis Central Military Dragon 2 8 3 3 26 42

Ctenophorus reticulatus Western Netted Dragon 9 1 1 11

Ctenophorus salinarum Claypan Dragon 4 4

Ctenophorus scutulatus Lozenge-marked Dragon 2 16 7 10 35

Pogona minor Dwarf Bearded Dragon 2 2 4

DIPLODACTYLIDAE

Diplodactylus conspicillatus Fat-tailed Gecko 1 1 8 10

Lucasium squarrosum Mottled Ground Gecko 1 1

Rhynchoedura ornata Beaked Gecko 4 1 1 3 1 10

Strophurus wellingtonae Western Shield Spiny-tailed Gecko 2 1 3

CARPHODACTYLIDAE

Nephrurus vertebralis Midline Knob-tailed Gecko 4 4

GEKKONIDAE

Gehyra variegata Tree Dtella 4 4 2 4 2 2 18

Heteronotia binoei Bynoe's Gecko 2 2

PYGOPODIDAE

Lialis burtonis Burton's Legless Lizard 1 1

Pygopus nigriceps Western Hooded Scaly-foot 1 1 2

SCINCIDAE

Ctenotus ariadnae Ariadna's Ctenotus 1 1 7 9

Ctenotus calurus 2 2

Ctenotus grandis 2 3 6 11

Ctenotus helenae Clay-soil Ctenotus 2 13 2 3 2 22

Ctenotus leonhardii Leonhard's Ctenotus 7 20 10 5 8 5 6 61


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WC Act DPaW TO

S1

TO S

2

TO S

3

TO S

4

TO S

5

TO S

6

TO S

7

Op

po

rtu

nis

tic

Tota

l

Ctenotus pantherinus Leopard Ctenotus 2 1 3

Ctenotus schomburgkii Barred Wedgesnout Ctenotus 6 6 12

Egernia depressa Pygmy Spiny-tailed Skink 1 4 5

Lerista desertorum Central Deserts Robust Slider 1 1 14 1 4 21

Lerista timida Timid Slider 2 2 1 5

Menetia greyii Common Dwarf Skink 4 2 3 1 1 1 12

VARANIDAE

Varanus brevicauda Short-tailed Pygmy Monitor 1 1 2

Varanus caudolineatus Stripe-tailed Monitor 1 1

Varanus eremius Pygmy Desert Monitor 1 1 2

Varanus gouldii Sand Monitor 1 1 2

Varanus panoptes Yellow-spotted Monitor 1 1 1 6 9

ELAPIDAE

Pseudonaja mengdeni Western Brown Snake 2 1 1 4

Pseudonaja modesta Ringed Brown Snake 2 2

Simoselaps bertholdi Jan's Banded Snake 1 1


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APPENDIX H BRUSH-TAILED MULGARA MORPHOLOGICAL DATA


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Species Dasycercus blythi Dasycercus blythi Dasycercus blythi

Date collected 11/10/2014 14/10/2014 16/10/2014

Site TE S6 (Cage trap) Opportunistic TE S6 (Elliot trap)

Sex Female Female Male

Weight (g) 60 80 74

Short pes length (cm) 2.0 - 1.8

Head length (cm) 4.1 4.15 4.3

Health rating ( /5) 4.5 4.5 3

Genetic material collected (ear-notch)

Yes Yes Yes

Microchip number 941000016595539 - 941000016595530


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