National Recovery Plan for the Sandhill Dunnart (Sminthopsis Psammophila) 2019

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National Recovery Plan for the Sandhill Dunnart (Sminthopsis psammophila) 2019

Adopted under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999: 2019.

ISBN: 978-0-9806503-3-4

© Department of Environment and Water, South Australia This publication is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from the Government of South Australia. Requests and enquiries regarding reproduction should be addressed to:

Department of Environment and Water GPO Box 1047 ADELAIDE SA 5001

Note: This recovery plan sets out the actions necessary to stop the decline of, and support the recovery of, the listed threatened species or ecological community. The Australian Government is committed to acting in accordance with the plan and to implementing the plan as it applies to Commonwealth areas. The plan has been developed with the involvement and cooperation of a broad range of stakeholders, but individual stakeholders have not necessarily committed to undertaking specific actions. The attainment of objectives and the provision of funds may be subject to budgetary and other constraints affecting the parties involved. Proposed actions may be subject to modification over the life of the plan due to changes in knowledge.

Citation: Department for Environment and Water (2019). National Recovery Plan for the Sandhill Dunnart (Sminthopsis psammophila). Department for Environment and Water, South Australia.

Electronic copy: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/recovery.html

Cover photograph: Sandhill Dunnart (Sminthopsis psammophila) by Nigel Cotsell.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUMMARY ...... 4 1.0 SPECIES INFORMATION ...... 5 1.1 Description ...... 5 1.2 Conservation status ...... 5 1.3 Ecology ...... 7 1.4 Distribution ...... 8 1.5 Habitat ...... 12 1.6 Survey design ...... 13

2.0 DECLINE AND THREATS ...... 14 2.1 Predation by cats and foxes ...... 14 2.2 Fire regimes ...... 15 2.3 Habitat loss and fragmentation ...... 15 2.4 Introduced flora (buffel grass) ...... 16 2.5 Introduced herbivores ...... 17

3.0 RECOVERY INFORMATION ...... 17 3.1 Current conservation actions ...... 17 3.2 Recovery objectives and actions ...... 21 3.3 Cost of the recovery plan ...... 21 3.4 Program implementation and evaluation ...... 25 3.5 Management practices ...... 25 3.6 Biodiversity benefits/impacts ...... 25 3.7 Affected agencies and stakeholders ...... 26 3.8 Role and interests of Traditional Owners ...... 26 3.9 Social and economic impacts ...... 27

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... 27 REFERENCES ...... 27 APPENDICES ...... 34 Appendix I: Cost of Recovery ...... 34 Appendix II: Recorded sightings of Sandhill Dunnarts ...... 36 Appendix III: Habitat descriptions ...... 39 Appendix IV: Current distribution of buffel grass (SA and WA) ...... 41

FIGURES AND TABLES Figure 1. Sandhill Dunnart, Sminthopsis psammophila ...... 5 Figure 2. National distribution of the Sandhill Dunnart ...... 8 Figure 3. Landscape scale distribution of Sandhill Dunnart sub-populations ...... 10 Figure 4. Local scale distribution of Sandhill Dunnart sub-populations ...... 11 Figure 5. Life stages of Triodia spp. as per Churchill (2001b) ...... 13 Figure 6. Examples of vegetation types on Eyre Peninsula, SA ...... 39 Figure 7. Example of vegetation in the Great Victoria Desert, WA ...... 40 Figure 8. Examples of vegetation types in the Great Victoria Desert, SA ...... 40 Figure 9. Buffel grass management zones and distribution in South Australia ...... 41 Figure 10. Distribution of buffel grass in Western Australia ...... 42 Table 1. Summary of recovery objectives, recovery actions, performance criteria ...... 22

SUMMARY

Scientific name: Sminthopsis psammophila Common name: Sandhill Dunnart National status (EPBC Act): Endangered Action Plan for Aust. Vulnerable (IUCN criteria: B2ab(ii,iii,iv,v); D2) Mammals 2014: WA status (BC Act): Endangered (IUCN criteria: B2ab(ii,iii,iv,v))

SA status (NPW Act): Vulnerable NT status (TPW Act): Data Deficient International obligations: Vulnerable (B2ab(ii,iii,v); D2) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES) Distribution: Three widely separated areas including; the Great Victoria Desert (SA and WA) and Eyre Peninsula, SA. Historically found in NT Extent of occurrence*: 151,635 km² (stable) (Woinarski et al. 2012) Area of occupancy*: 185 km2 (probably under-estimate), assumed to be < 2000 km² based on likely areas of habitat within known population limits as currently defined (decreasing) (Woinarski et al. 2012) No. of mature individuals*: 5000 - 10,000 (decreasing) No. of sub-populations*: 5 (largest sub-population approx. 2500 individuals) Habitat requirement: Sandy substrates in arid and semi-arid regions, with hummock grassland understorey (10-70% cover), >8 years post fire^ Threats: 1. Predation by feral cats and foxes 2. Fire regimes 3. Habitat loss and fragmentation 4. Introduced flora (buffel grass) and introduced herbivores Critical knowledge gaps: Influence of fire, undetected populations, habitat critical to survival, knowledge of threats (including any interrelationships between threats, such as fire, predation and introduced herbivores) National recovery plan: First for the species Recovery plan period: Ten years from the time of adoption, or until replaced Long term recovery Secure and enhance the conservation status of the Sandhill objective: Dunnart in the wild Recovery plan objectives: 1. Develop & implement appropriate threat management strategies to protect & conserve all known sub-populations 2. Expand the knowledge of the distribution, status, & population trends 3. Increase understanding of the biology & ecology 4. Identify habitat critical to survival & map potential habitat 5. Promote awareness of Sandhill Dunnarts & required conservation actions to landholders & the community

Recovery team: Established in 2010

*Action Plan for Australian Mammals (Woinarski et al. 2014). Estimates only. ^Alinytjara Wilurara Fire Management Strategy (DEWNR 2014c) 1.0 SPECIES INFORMATION

1.1 Description

The Sandhill Dunnart is the second largest of 19 species of the marsupial genus Sminthopsis (Dasyuridae) that occur predominantly in arid and semi-arid regions of Australia. All species are nocturnal and insectivorous and are similar in appearance, characterised by their long pointed snouts, large eyes and ears, and relatively long slender hind feet. The Sandhill Dunnart differs from other members of its genus by its large size at maturity (25 to 55 g) and a distinctive tail that has a crest of stiff black hairs along the ventral surface of the distal portion (Archer 1981) (Figure 1). It has drab grey to buff fur on the dorsal surface and white fur on the underside, a pale grey head and black pencilling extending from the shoulders to the wedge between the eyes and a black eye-ring. The ears are large and the tail is pale above and dark grey below, tapering towards the tip. The body length is 85 - 114 mm and the tail length is 106 - 133 mm (Pearson and Churchill 2008).

Figure 1. Sandhill Dunnart, Sminthopsis psammophila (Photo: Amanda McLean)

1.2 Conservation status

In South Australia, the Sandhill Dunnart is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ under Schedule 7, National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (NPW Act). In Western Australia, the species is listed as ‘Endangered’ under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act), based on IUCN criteria B2ab(ii,iii,iv,v) (2012 ver. 3.1 2nd ed.). In the Northern Territory, the species is listed as ‘Data Deficient’ under the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2006 (TPWC Act). Nationally, the Sandhill Dunnart is listed as ‘Endangered’ under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), however listing criteria are unavailable. The Action Plan for Australian Mammals (Woinarski et al. 2014) assessed the national status of the species as ‘Vulnerable’ using the following IUCN criteria (2001 ver. 3.1): (B2) area of occupancy < 2,000 km2; (a) number of locations ≤ 10; (b) continuing decline in (ii) area of occupancy, (iii) area, extent and/or quality of habitat, (iv) number of locations or subpopulations, and (v) number of mature individuals); (D2) restricted area of occupancy, where number of locations ≤ 5.’

Internationally, the Sandhill Dunnart is listed on Appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES 1973), which prohibits international trade in specimens of the species except when the purpose of the import is not commercial e.g. scientific research. The Sandhill Dunnart is also listed as Vulnerable under criteria B2ab(ii,iii,v) (ver 3.1) on the

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species (Woinarski & Burbidge 2016).

1.3 Ecology

Diet Sandhill Dunnarts feed on invertebrates including ants, beetles, spiders, grasshoppers, termites, wasps and centipedes (Pearson and Churchill 2008). Small reptile bones (possibly a gecko) have been recorded from one scat (Churchill 2001b). They are largely opportunistic feeders, eating prey types in similar proportions to their availability (Churchill 2001b). Reproduction Both male and female Sandhill Dunnarts reach sexual maturity in their first year. They breed in spring and early summer, with a 16-19 day gestation period (Lambert et al. 2011). Mating typically occurs in September, with young born in September/October and weaned from the pouch by December/January (Pearson and Churchill 2008). The breeding season may be delayed or reduced in response to a reduction in available food resources (McLean 2015). Females possess eight teats (Pearson and Churchill 2008) and have been recorded with up to eight young (How and Bignall 2009). They usually produce a single litter each year, but could possibly produce a second litter during good seasons (Churchill 2001b). In captivity they have been found to breed for up to 3 seasons (Lambert et al. 2011) and live for up to six years (Sandhill Dunnart Workshop 2014). Ambient temperature and nest microclimate The climate over the distributional range of the Sandhill Dunnart is characterised by high diurnal variation sometimes fluctuating by over 35oC. Seasonal variation is also high with summer maximum temperatures sometimes exceeding 45oC and minimum winter temperatures sometimes falling to -3oC (Australian Bureau of Meteorology 2015). The presence of large spinifex hummocks is considered an important habitat feature, as hummocks provide a moderated microclimate suitable for Sandhill Dunnart nest sites (Churchill 2001b). Sandhill Dunnarts commonly nest within hummocks or in burrows dug beneath hummocks, although they are known to also use hollow logs and Mitchell’s hopping-mouse (Notomys mitchelli) burrows (Churchill 2001b). The interior of spinifex hummocks have been found to be significantly cooler at high ambient temperatures (12.5oC cooler on average when the ambient temperature was > 40oC), and significantly warmer at low ambient temperatures (6.5oC warmer on average when the ambient temperature was < 0oC) (Churchill 2001b). The use of burrows by Sandhill Dunnarts at some sites (e.g. Ooldea in the GVD) provides an even greater moderation of the microclimate with temperatures in the burrow (30 cm below the surface) showing virtually no variation throughout the day and night (Churchill 2001b). Burrows also maintained a near constant humidity level (Churchill 2001b). Home range requirements Sandhill Dunnarts have an average home range size of 7.8 ha (range 1.8 ha to 19.0 ha) (Churchill 2001b). The home ranges of males overlap those of other males and females, however females may have exclusive home ranges. Limited data indicates that they remain within a given home range for at least 8 months, but the boundaries of these areas may drift over time (Churchill 2001b). Sandhill Dunnarts can potentially live in densities of up to 30-90 animals per square km (Ward unpublished; Ward et al. 2008); however densities are likely to be dependent on habitat availability, habitat quality, predation, and food resources (Gaikhorst and Lambert 2014). In general, individuals may move 200-300 m per foraging period (2 foraging periods have been recorded on warm nights), but they have the ability to traverse long distances in short periods of time e.g. 1,960 m in 2 hours (Churchill 2001b). Their high mobility appears to be necessary in a system with spatially and temporally variable food resources (McLean 2015).

1.4 Distribution

Core populations The Sandhill Dunnart is known to occur in three core population areas as shown in Figure 2 (near Queen Victoria Spring Nature Reserve in the south-western corner of the Great Victoria Desert, Western Australia; Yellabinna Regional Reserve in the south-eastern Great Victoria Desert, South Australia (SA); and Eyre Peninsula, SA). The estimated extent of occurrence is 151,635 km² and area of occupancy is 185 km2 km² although probably an under estimate, so assumed to be < 2000 km2 (Woinarski et al. 2014). The extent of occurrence is now considered stable, however the area of occupancy is thought to be declining (Woinarski et al. 2014). Investigation into the contemporary genetic structure of the Sandhill Dunnart revealed that the three core populations are genetically differentiated and therefore, may represent functionally separate populations (McLean 2015). However, examination of the historic genetic structure found limited genetic differentiation between core populations (Gaikhorst et al. undated; McLean 2015), suggesting the three core populations were historically connected. The absence of major geographical barriers between populations suggests the genetic pattern may be a result of connecting populations going locally extinct over time (McLean 2015). Alternatively, core regions may still be connected by un-detected populations, particularly in the southern Great Victoria Desert where there may be large areas of suitable habitat (McLean 2015). Further survey effort is needed to clarify the presence/absence of Sandhill Dunnart populations between the three core population areas.

Figure 2. National distribution of the Sandhill Dunnart, showing the three extant core populations, from left to right; south-western Great Victoria Desert (WA), Yellabinna Regional Reserve (SA), and Eyre Peninsula (SA). Adapted from Van Dyck et al. (2013).

The distribution of the Sandhill Dunnart is believed to have declined since European settlement. Its pre- European distribution is inferred to have extended further north into the Great Sandy Desert and further west into the Murchison IBRA region (Burbidge et al. 2009). The species is also previously known from the Northern Territory where it was first captured near Lake Amadeus in 1894 (Spencer 1896) (Figure 3). Subsequent surveys have failed to relocate the species in the Northern Territory, but further surveys are warranted (Simon Ward, personal communication). All known Sandhill Dunnart records (1894 - 2015) are listed in Appendix II and shown in Figures 3 and 4. Records come from opportunistic sightings, targeted surveys, and remains found in owl pellets. Owl pellets containing remains of Sandhill Dunnarts have come from caves at the base of Uluru, Northern Territory (Parker 1973; Archer 1981), and caves at Darke Peak on Eyre Peninsula, South Australia (Baynes 1987). Owl pellets containing sub-fossil Sandhill Dunnart remains have been

8 collected from Black Point Sinkhole at Venus Bay, South Australia. These sub-fossil deposits were radio-carbon dated at 3,030 – 2,160 years before present (Baynes 1987; Copley et al. 1999).

Important sub-populations

The three core populations of Sandhill Dunnarts consist of five known sub-populations. All sub- populations are considered key for the long term recovery and survival of the species. These sub- populations are located in the following areas (Figures 3 and 4): 1. South-western Great Victoria Desert, WA 2. Yellabinna Regional Reserve, Great Victoria Desert, SA 3. Pinkawillinie Conservation Park (near Kyancutta), north-central Eyre Peninsula, SA 4. Middleback dunefields (near Whyalla), north-eastern Eyre Peninsula, SA 5. Hincks Conservation Park, central Eyre Peninsula, SA

Figure 3. Landscape scale distribution of Sandhill Dunnart sub-populations, showing current and historical records 1894 - 2015 (sub-population boundaries are indicative only). Data has been sourced from the Threatened and Priority Fauna Database (DPAWDBCA), Biological Database of South Australia (DEWNR), and Atlas of Living Australia (Australian Government) in September 2015.

Figure 4. Local scale distribution of Sandhill Dunnart sub-populations (sub-population boundaries are indicative only). Data has been sourced from the Western 11 Australian Threatened and Priority Fauna Database (WA DBCA), Biological Database of South Australia (DEW), and Atlas of Living Australia (Australian Government) in September 2015.

1.5 Habitat

The presence of spinifex hummocks (Triodia spp.) in association with sand dunes is the most significant factor explaining known Sandhill Dunnart habitat (Churchill 2001; Ward 2009; Moseby et al. 2016). In WA, Sandhill Dunnarts have been found exclusively in vegetation association 84 (Beard 1974), which comprises Marble gum (Eucalyptus gongylocarpa), Mallee and Triodia spp. between dunes of the Great Victoria Desert (Gaikhorst and Lambert 2014). In SA, species associations vary but are generally low, open mallee woodland over a diverse shrub layer and relatively dense spinifex; there is also a greater diversity of Triodia species which may be present, including T. irritans, T. scariosa and T. lanata. Descriptions of some known habitat types are provided in Appendix III (adapted from Churchill 2001a). Although no detailed habitat assessment has been made for the Sandhill Dunnart, there appear to be large areas of potentially suitable habitat types throughout the southern Great Victoria Desert. Suitable habitat on Eyre Peninsula is limited due to historical land clearance. Spinifex hummocks – fire and structure Triodia is present at all Sandhill Dunnart sites and makes up 10 to 70% groundcover. Typically, there are mixed sizes of spinifex plants present (approximately 40 cm high and 70 to 100 cm in diameter). Sandhill Dunnarts generally show a preference for large hummocks as nest sites, which have either an intact structure or have just started to die off in the centre i.e. Figure 5, life stages 2-4 (Churchill 2001a). Post-fire age of spinifex may be an important habitat indicator due to its influence on the cover and structure of Triodia. Recently burnt hummocks are too small for Sandhill Dunnarts and long unburnt sites generally provide limited cover due to senescence of Triodia. The post-fire age of spinifex that Sandhill Dunnarts will inhabit varies between sites and regions. In WA, most captures have been in habitat that was 17-26 years post-fire, with an optimum age structure recommended of 10-30 years post-fire (Gaikhorst and Lambert 2014). In SA, captures have been in habitat ranging from 5 to >60 years post-fire (Churchill 2001b; Moseby et al. 2016; Ward 2009; Philp 2011; McLean 2012). Sandhill Dunnarts captured at some SA sites with older spinifex (e.g. Ooldea in the GVD and occasionally on EP), have been shown to occupy burrows rather than nesting within hummocks (Churchill 2001a). Given the apparently non-constant post-fire growth of Triodia at SA Sandhill Dunnart capture sites (being also affected by rainfall, substrate, soil nutrients, and species), structural characteristics may be more useful predictors of Sandhill Dunnart presence rather than post-fire age (Moseby et al. 2016). McLean (2015) found no preference for post-fire age; rather the number of logs (≥5cm diameter), average height of Triodia hummocks and the overall complexity of vegetation were found to be the three most important habitat variables for predicting Sandhill Dunnart abundance. Using modelling, Moseby et al. (2016) also found Sandhill Dunnarts were more likely to populate areas which were ≥10 years post-fire where at least 10% of the Triodia had a minimum height of 330 mm. Moseby et al. (2016) recommend that fire be used as a management tool for maintaining habitat where Triodia cover declines below 10%, rather than using ‘post-fire age’ as a sole indicator. Habitat important to survival Although habitat availability does not appear to be a limiting factor to the Sandhill Dunnart, at least in the southern Great Victoria Desert, due to the relatively high mobility of the species, large areas of suitable habitat will need to be available to protect remaining populations (McLean 2015). Further research is required to identify and map the habitat critical to survival. Identifying the habitat critical to survival should be based on known habitat characteristics rather than relying on trapping programs which fail to consistently detect the species (Moseby et al. 2016). For the purpose of this plan, the most important habitat is considered to comprise:

 habitat at extant Sandhill Dunnart sites (records since 2000; Figures 3 and 4)

 vegetation association 84 (Beard, 1974), which comprises Marble gum, Mallee and Triodia spp. between dunes in the Great Victoria Desert of Western Australia  all Triodia sand dunes with a mallee Eucalyptus overstorey on Eyre Peninsula  all Triodia sand dunes with a mallee Eucalyptus overstorey which occur between the three core population areas (Figure 2). Identifying and mapping the habitat critical to survival of the Sandhill Dunnart is a high priority action identified in this plan (Table 1).

Figure 5. Life stages of Triodia spp. as per Churchill (2001b) (drawings by Vicki Reynolds), photos are from Gaikhorst and Lambert (2014). At Stage 1 the Triodia is a small tusk of grass. It then grows into a dense hummock by Stage 2. At Stage 3, the Triodia starts to die off in the middle and continues to grow outwards until it reaches a ring (Stage 4), which breaks down into fragments (Stage 5).

1.6 Survey design

Early Sandhill Dunnart specimens were collected in a variety of ways; the type specimen was hit with a thrown boot (Spencer 1896); another was caught under a hat and several were caught by hand as they fled from smouldering spinifex (Aitken 1971). Since then, pitfall traps and Elliott traps have most often been used for capturing Sandhill Dunnarts. Recent survey work has found that Sandhill Dunnarts are more readily captured in wide, deep pitfall traps (225 mm diameter x 600-700 mm deep) compared to shorter, narrower pitfall traps (150 mm diameter x 500 mm deep) or Elliott traps (Read et al. 2015). Biological surveys conducted within the range of the Sandhill Dunnart in SA, have consistently used shallower pitfall traps (455 mm deep) (DEH 2000), which may explain the low numbers of Sandhill Dunnarts captured during these surveys. Specific “Survey and monitoring guidelines for the Sandhill Dunnart in Western Australia” have also been developed for the Great Victoria Desert Biodiversity Trust by WA Parks and Wildlife Department (2016) (see: http://gvdbiodiversitytrust.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SHD-Survey-and-Monitoring- Guidelines-2016.pdf ). Searches for small mammal tracks as an indicator of the presence of Sandhill Dunnarts relies heavily on personal skills and experience, as the quadruped gait of Sandhill Dunnarts is similar to other dunnarts and hopping mice. Moseby et al. (2009) provide guidelines for undertaking mammal track searches in the Australian arid zone, which include 2 ha searches and recording the co-occurrence of all species. Suspected tracks should be confirmed with adequate trapping or other survey work.

There have been a number of mammal surveys in specific areas in central Australia during the last 20 years, but few of these have targeted Sandhill Dunnarts and vast areas of seemingly suitable Sandhill Dunnart habitat are yet to be surveyed. The lack of Sandhill Dunnart captures over large areas of their potential range is likely due to:  Lack of survey effort  Surveys conducted in unsuitable habitat  Surveys conducted using inappropriate sized pitfalls (less than 600 mm deep)  Surveys conducted during poor seasons. McLean (2015) found significantly lower capture rates during a lower rainfall year compared to a higher rainfall year, possibly due to a reduction in food resources, decreased survival rate, and decreased reproduction.  Surveys conducted during unsuitable times of year. Churchill (2001a) found Sandhill Dunnarts to be most easily trapped in March and September; however Read and Moseby (2009) caught dispersing juveniles in the Middleback dunefields in summer.  Surveys conducted during nights of high moon illumination. Read et al. (2015) found trapping rates were greatest when moon illumination was <40%. Further surveys to locate new populations and monitoring of existing populations are required using the best available techniques to inform management. The use of deep pitfall traps, 600 mm deep and 225- 230 mm wide (sewage or stormwater PVC pipe) appears to be the best current technique for trapping Sandhill Dunnarts (Churchill 2001b; McLean 2015; Read et al. 2015; Chapman 2016). Recent findings also recommend trapping at multiple sites using six deep pitfall traps, for at least four nights at new moon and in each fire age or land-use class (Read et al. 2015). Other complementary detection and trapping techniques could also be further investigated.

2.0 DECLINE AND THREATS

Since European settlement there has been a major episode of mammal declines and extinctions in Australia (>10% of the 273 endemic terrestrial species) (Woinarski et al. 2015). The major drivers of this decline have been predation by introduced species (feral cats and foxes) and altered fire regimes (Woinarski et al. 2015). Sandhill Dunnarts are within the Critical Weight Range (CWR) of Australian mammals, which includes medium-sized mammals of 35-5000 g. Extinction risk has been, and is predicted to remain, high among these CWR species (Burbidge and McKenzie 1989). The CWR species at greatest risk are ground- dwelling species from low-rainfall areas, as the sparse vegetation provides limited cover from predation by cats and foxes (Johnson and Isaac 2009). Along with habitat loss and fragmentation (particularly on Eyre Peninsula), predation by cats and foxes and altered fire regimes are considered severe threats to Sandhill Dunnart survival (Woinarski et al. 2014). Other threats may include, the direct threat of predation by native carnivores, and the indirect threat of declining habitat quality caused by introduced herbivores (especially sheep, goats, rabbits, camels, and cattle) and weed species (particularly buffel grass increasing the risk of fire).

2.1 Predation by cats and foxes

(All populations) Predation by feral cats and foxes are listed as Key Threatening Processes under the EPBC Act, because of their major roles in the decline and extinction of many Australian native species. Cats and foxes are known predators of some Sminthopsis species in arid Australia (Read and Bowen 2001; Catling 1988; Paltridge et al. 1997; Paltridge 2002), but the extent of their impact on the Sandhill Dunnart

14 is unknown. Currently core populations of Sandhill Dunnarts are surviving in the presence of both cats and foxes (McLean 2015). Analysis of 128 predator scats taken from known areas with Sandhill Dunnarts has found a small percentage of scats (< 2%) contained Sandhill Dunnart remains, however the predators were unidentified, but may have been a dog/dingo or fox (Boulton and Foulkes 2000). Further research into predation impacts of cats and foxes (and also predation impacts of other species such as dingoes) on Sandhill Dunnart populations is recommended. A number of projects on feral cat control in Australia have been funded as part of the Threatened Species Strategy (Australian Government 2015) including developing and testing a Feral Cat Grooming Trap and refining the use of feral cat baits. None of the funded projects directly relate to Sandhill Dunnarts, however they may benefit and inform management of Sandhill Dunnarts. Control of feral cats and foxes is desirable but will need to consider predator-prey interactions. For example, cat predation on dasyurids is known to increase when consumption of rabbits is decreased (Doherty et al. 2015). Furthermore, in a study of feral cats in northern Australian savanna, McGregor et. al. (2015) found the hunting success of the cats (n = 13) was only 17% in habitats with dense grass or complex rocks, compared to 70% in open areas (n = 101). This suggests that dense and complex microhabitats are likely to decrease cat predation rates.

2.2 Fire regimes

(All populations, except eastern GVD) Change in fire patterns is considered a major threat to Sandhill Dunnarts (Woinarski et al. 2014). It is typically believed that historic Aboriginal “firestick farming” produced complex mosaics of different age classes of vegetation (Burrows et al. 2006); this benefited species through, encouraging new vegetation growth, increasing structural diversity, providing cover in unburnt patches and typically increasing food availability in unburnt areas (Latz 1995). Latz (1995) considered that most vegetation communities throughout arid Australia have become dependent on a regime of fires lit by Aboriginal people; however in areas of low Aboriginal population density (e.g. waterless regions such as the eastern GVD) it is more likely that lightning strikes had a greater influence on the fire regime than Aboriginal people (Hateley and Hateley 2010); this is also believed to be the case for Eyre Peninsula (J. Tilley pers. comm.). There is no evidence that fire regimes have changed in recent history in the eastern GVD (Yellabinna Regional Reserve) (Armstrong 2015; Morelli 1992), nor is there evidence that prescribed burns would alter subsequent fire frequency or extent (Armstrong 2015; Price et al. 2015). Fire is therefore not considered a direct threat to Sandhill Dunnarts in this region. The situation may be different in the western GVD where a single wildfire event has the potential to render large areas of habitat unsuitable for several years (D. Pearson pers. comm.), however this assumption requires further investigation. The greatest threat from fire is in fragmented landscapes, such as those on the Eyre Peninsula, where a single fire can burn an entire reserve. This is addressed through DEWNR fire management planning. Mitigating against the likelihood of large scale wildfires will be important for Sandhill Dunnart survival, particularly if climate change causes an increase in the frequency and severity of wildfires (McLean 2015). Prescribed burning is recommended to reduce this threat and also maintain a mosaic of suitable habitat for Sandhill Dunnarts (Moseby et al. 2016; Gaikhorst and Lambert 2014; DENR 2012; DEWNR 2014b; DEWNR 2014c), but not in the eastern GVD (Armstrong 2015).

2.3 Habitat loss and fragmentation

(All populations, particularly Eyre Peninsula) Sandhill Dunnarts have been lost from parts of their former range on central and northern Eyre Peninsula through historic clearance for agriculture (Aitken 1971). Around 54% of land has been cleared

15 and the remaining vegetation is heavily fragmented with only 42% still connected (DEWNR 2014a). This fragmentation reduces opportunities for Sandhill Dunnarts to recolonise areas of potential habitat. Sandhill Dunnarts occurring in isolated native vegetation are also vulnerable to being wiped out from stochastic events such as drought and large wildfires. Due to the isolated nature of remnant vegetation patches on EP, McLean (2015) recommends undertaking genetic analyses to determine whether gene flow is occurring between isolated vegetation patches in order to inform management e.g. determine the need for translocations or creation of habitat corridors. There has been no land clearance for agriculture in the Great Victoria Desert, however mining activities have the potential to disturb Sandhill Dunnart habitat. In Yellabinna Regional Reserve, exploration tracks have been created using a ‘roller’ which is designed to crush the vegetation but leave the soil surface intact (Warland and Mills 2011). Subsequent observations suggest that rolled Triodia typically dies (Sandhill Dunnart Workshop 2014), however regeneration of Triodia is likely to be faster using this method compared to bulldozing or grading, given that the rootstock and seed-bank are left intact after ‘rolling’. Given the dispersed impacts of exploration activity, it is hard to assess what impacts it may have on Sandhill Dunnarts. If rolled tracks are positioned in tight grids then direct impacts on Sandhill Dunnart nests may be a concern. Land clearance and the construction of tracks also have the indirect, but potentially significant, effect of allowing greater access by predators (such as cats and foxes) as well as the spread of weeds such as buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris). Existing legislation (Mining Act 1971, and Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act 2000 and associated regulations) requires the identification of potential environmental impacts from mining activities and requires management strategies to demonstrate avoidance or mitigation of impacts. Under the Native Vegetation Act 1991 any cleared vegetation needs to be offset by a Significant Environmental Benefit (SEB).

2.4 Introduced flora (buffel grass)

(All populations) There are comparatively few serious weeds that are invading spinifex grasslands, with the exception of buffel grass. Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) is considered one of Australia’s worst environmental weeds (Humphries et al. 1991). It is a perennial tussock grass native to Africa, India and Asia and was introduced into Australia for pasture and dust control. It has spread widely across Australia (Marshall et al. 2012) including known and potential habitat of the Sandhill Dunnart in Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory (Lawson et al. 2004) (see Appendix IV for distribution maps of buffel grass in WA and SA as of 2015). In locations where it has established and displaces native species, it is among the list of novel biota which act as a Key Threatening Process (as listed under the EPBC Act). Buffel grass can increase the intensity and frequency of fire events, threatening plant and animal communities that are not adapted to these modified fire regimes (Adair and Groves 1998). Buffel grass dries quickly and produces a more combustible and contiguous flammable fuel than native grasses, resulting in hotter and more intense fires (Humphries et al. 1993). It regenerates rapidly after fire suppressing the regeneration of native species (Paltridge et al. 2009) and forms dense monocultures, reducing diversity (Clarke et al. 2005) and productivity of some vegetation types (Humphries et al. 1993). Buffel grass is considered a major threat to Sandhill Dunnarts due to the way that its dominance across landscapes leads to changes in the intensity and frequency of fires, resulting in the loss of nesting spinifex hummocks and potential changes to food availability (Sandhill Dunnart Workshop 2014). Mitigation of this threat includes preventing the spread of buffel grass and controlling buffel grass where it establishes near known sub-populations of Sandhill Dunnarts, including along incursion pathways e.g. access tracks and roads, and along adjacent watercourses. A South Australian Buffel Grass Strategic Plan (Biosecurity SA 2012) provides options for controlling the spread of buffel grass during the early

16 stages of invasion; however, there is currently no feasible control method available once it is well established over an extensive area.

2.5 Introduced herbivores

(All populations) Introduced herbivores (cattle, goats, sheep, rabbits and camels) may have impacted on the survival of Sandhill Dunnarts indirectly in a variety of ways, including:  altering the structure of spinifex hummocks  changing the fire regime by removing biomass  reducing floristic diversity of habitats over time  causing soil compaction and disturbance  sustaining higher numbers of introduced predators (e.g. rabbits and house mice provide an increased food source for foxes and cats [Holden and Mutze 2002], which may then switch to preying on native species when rabbit/mouse numbers decline during droughts or when rabbit numbers crash due to Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease [RHD] or myxomatosis outbreaks).  encouraging the spread of introduced predators such as foxes and cats into areas that usually have only very low densities (Read and Bowen 2001, Moseby and Hill 2011). Introduced herbivores are unlikely to have more than localised impacts on the habitats occupied by Sandhill Dunnarts. The southern Great Victoria Desert is not suitable for introduced stock due to a lack of water sources and the low nutritional value of spinifex. On Eyre Peninsula, some sites in the Middleback dunefields are grazed by sheep, goats and rabbits; however most of these animals appear to avoid the spinifex-dominated habitats in favour of other habitat types with more nutritious plants. Native herbivores such as kangaroos are also a potential issue in the Middleback dunefields. Kangaroos in high density lay on Triodia hummocks, squashing them and presumably limiting their value for dunnarts (J. Read pers. comm.). This is not an issue in other areas such as Yellabinna where dingoes control the usually low kangaroo numbers.

3.0 RECOVERY INFORMATION

3.1 Current conservation actions

Surveys and monitoring A number of surveys targeting Sandhill Dunnarts have been conducted in the Great Victoria Desert and on Eyre Peninsula since 2000. This has resulted in a few new locations being recorded within the species known range, as well as additional information being gained on the ecology, habitat, distribution, genetics, and threats to Sandhill Dunnarts. See appendix II for a list of surveys and Sandhill Dunnart records. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) associated with mining activities have increased survey efforts and added data to assist in understanding the species (Gaikhorst and Lambert 2014). Most of these surveys from north of Queen Victoria Spring to the north-west of Plumridge Lakes Nature Reserve (Figure 4) have been associated with the EIA for the Tropicana Gold Mine (Tropicana Joint Venture 2010; EPA 2010). The Great Victoria Desert Biodiversity Trust (Sandhill Dunnart Workshop 2014), setup as an offset for the Tropicana Gold Mine, are also seeking to develop standardised survey methods and long term monitoring protocols for monitoring Sandhill Dunnarts in the WA section of the GVD (2015a; 2015b; in prep). These are intended to build upon the ‘Survey guidelines for Australia’s threatened mammals’ (Australian Government 2011).

Further surveys are required in areas which are likely to be suitable for Sandhill Dunnarts in South Australia and Western Australia, including in the Great Victoria Desert of WA and SA (Figure 3 and 4). Potential survey areas within the Great Victoria Desert include, the mallee/spinifex habitat north of Yellabinna Regional Reserve, the spinifex and sand dune communities in the Maralinga Tjarutja Lands, Mamungari Conservation Park, and the southern Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands. Recovery Team A Sandhill Dunnart recovery team was established in 2010 and met occasionally over the next few years. Membership has included representation from SA DEW’s1 Natural Resources (NR) Alinytjara Wilurara, NR Eyre Peninsula, NR SA Arid Lands regions and Conservation & Threatened Species Branch; University of Adelaide; Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA); Ecological Horizons; and Woollard Consulting. More recently, activities have been more State-based with focus on the Great Victoria Desert in WA; and the Yellabinna and Middleback dunefields areas. Opportunities could be investigated for re-establishing the national recovery team and broadening its representation. National Recovery Plan and review A draft recovery plan was prepared by the South Australian Department of the Environment in 2001 (Churchill 2001a), and was reviewed in 2007 (Waudby et al. 2007). The review highlighted the need to identify key populations, refine knowledge of Sandhill Dunnart distribution in SA, establish regular and ongoing monitoring for known populations, establish baselines for directing experimental burns, and increase capacity for implementation of the recovery plan. Sandhill Dunnart Project (SA Alinytjara Wilurara NRM Board) The Alinytjara Wilurara NRM Board has been working with communities across the region to implement the draft Sandhill Dunnart Recovery Plan (Churchill 2001a) and, more recently, this current draft of the plan. This has included undertaking Sandhill Dunnart surveys in the Maralinga Tjarutja Lands and training in sand-plot tracking through the Oak Valley Land Management Engagement program (Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara 2015). In addition, long-term monitoring has been undertaken with surveys occurring at the Immarna site since 2007 – a location within the Yellabinna Regional Reserve just to the east of the Ooldea railway crossing. Surveys have focused on pitfall trapping and measuring Triodia densities and heights (Moseby, et al. 2016). In 2018, Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara also secured National Landcare Program 2 funds to continue these works, not only at the Immarna site, but also across much of the Yellabinna / Yumbarra reserves area, focusing on determining the key habitat(s) for the species, as well as attempting to extend the current known areas of occupancy within this area. Surveys have been planned by examining fire-scar mapping to target areas with a post-fire age of 15 years, or more. This has resulted in the species being found at three more locations, suggesting that these dunnarts occur across all of Yellabinna Regional Reserve. This project is funded until 2023 and aims to determine whether there are any “core” habitat areas or “refugia” for the Sandhill Dunnart and, if so, how these might best be defined spatially and ecologically. It also includes threat abatement works focused on reducing predation pressures from foxes and feral cats, and surveillance against the establishment of the habitat transforming weed, buffel grass. Captive breeding research In 2005, five Sandhill Dunnarts (3 males and 2 females) were collected from the Great Victoria Desert in Western Australia and transferred to Perth Zoo for captive breeding research (D. Jose pers. comm.). A total of six litters were produced over three seasons, with 41 animals bred. Research was published on their oestrus cycle, gestation period, and the growth and development of their young (Lambert et al. 2011), and a Husbandry Manual was also produced (Ferguson 2008). At the conclusion of the project in 2007, the remaining animals were moved to Cleland Wildlife Park, Alice Springs Desert Park or left

18 at Perth Zoo for display purposes. None were released back into the wild. Moonlit Sanctuary also kept a single male from 2010 to 2011 (C. Goldstone-Henry pers. comm.). The last recording of a Sandhill Dunnart in captivity is a single male from Alice Springs Desert Park in 2012. The Great Victoria Desert Biodiversity Trust The Great Victoria Desert Biodiversity Trust (GVDBT) was established in 2014 as an independent not- for-profit entity as part of the approval process for the Tropicana Gold Mine. The Trust was allocated $1,600,000 from AngloGold plus an annual contribution of approximately $250,000. The GVDBT aims to establish a bioregional plan (for 2 GVD sub-regions in WA), undertake priority research and management (including research on the Sandhill Dunnart), and facilitate the involvement of Traditional Owners. A workshop on Sandhill Dunnarts was held in November 2014 to determine and prioritise research and management activities to help conserve viable populations of Sandhill Dunnart in the WA Great Victoria Desert. Knowledge gaps identified during the workshop included, distribution, threats, effectiveness of mitigation strategies, monitoring, habitat requirements, diet and life history, and appropriate management. Based on the workshop, the GVDBT have developed a Research and Adaptive Management Plan (RAMP) for the Sandhill Dunnart (GVDBT, in prep), and the recovery actions in this plan (Table 1) are designed to be complimentary with the research priorities and conservation action priorities identified in the RAMP. In 2016 DBCA produced for the GVDBT a report on defining a baseline survey design for the Sandhill Dunnart in the WA GVD (see: http://gvdbiodiversitytrust.org.au/wp- content/uploads/2014/11/SHD_BaselineSurveyPlan2016_06_29.pdf) and guidelines for survey and monitoring of the species in WA (see: http://gvdbiodiversitytrust.org.au/wp- content/uploads/2014/11/SHD-Survey-and-Monitoring-Guidelines-2016.pdf) (WA Department of Parks and Wildlife 2016). Habitat protection - Fire Management The fire management plan for Central Eyre Peninsula 2014-2024 (DEWNR 2014b) recognises that Sandhill Dunnart habitats are strongly influenced by fire history. Strategies in the plan include implementing fuel management to maintain suitable age classes of tussocks for known populations, fuel management to protect against large-scale fires, and trialling ecological prescribed burns to improve Sandhill Dunnart habitat. In 2010 and 2011, prescribed burns were undertaken in Sandhill Dunnart habitat in the Secret Rocks area on EP (north-eastern EP), burning a total of approximately 1300ha. In 2014 and 2015, prescribed burns were conducted in Ironstone Hill CP to limit the spread of bushfire through Sandhill Dunnart habitat and to redistribute age class of tussocks (J. Tilley pers. comm.). The fire management strategy for the Alinytjara Wilurara region (DEWNR 2014c) guides fire management planning in the Yellabinna RR and other conservation parks in the region. A 170ha prescribed burn was undertaken in Yellabinna RR in 2010 to protect identified Sandhill Dunnart habitat; this fire went out of control and destroyed Sandhill Dunnart habitat (G. Armstrong pers. comm.). The NR AW fire management strategy review no longer recommends using prescribed fire in the Yellabinna RR (Armstrong 2015). DEWNR have also developed an ecological fire management strategy for the Sandhill Dunnart in South Australia (DENR 2012). The strategy focuses on fire risk management for the Sandhill Dunnart. The strategy recommends undertaking prescribed burns which maintain 66% of a given area of suitable habitat, are not within the breeding and weaning season, avoid burning optimum habitat, and avoid burning areas adjacent to habitat burnt <8 years earlier. The strategy also recommends prescribed burns in habitat >8 years post-fire and <20 years post-fire. The variability in recommended times acknowledges that vegetation growth rates in habitats with highly variable rainfall are not linear. As such the physical structure of Triodia spp. favoured by Sandhill Dunnarts cannot be directly correlated to time since fire, but is more likely to be associated with cumulative rainfall and/or microhabitat variables.

Land managers of the Western Australian rangelands have developed Guiding Principles for fire management in the region, including areas containing Sandhill Dunnart habitat (RFLG 2015). The principles recognise that prescribed burns which create mosaics of post-fire vegetation growth stages, including long unburnt vegetation, will benefit biodiversity and buffer against large wildfires. Habitat protection – formal The Great Victoria Desert covers an enormous area, approximately 420,000 km2, and is the largest dune desert in Australia. It extends from north of the Nullarbor Plain to the Gibson Desert and Central Ranges in Western Australia and to the central Australian ranges. From west to east, it extends from Laverton in Western Australia to Coober Pedy in South Australia (see inset map on Figure 4). Approximately half of this land is managed by Traditional Owner groups, including Mirning, Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara, Maralinga, Kokatha, Wirangu and Barngarla groups, and Spinifex people (Pila nguru Aboriginal Corporation). A further 70,000 km2 (about one fifth) of the Great Victoria Desert is in conservation parks and reserves. Almost all the remaining area is land owned by the State (known as ‘Crown land’ or ‘Unallocated Crown Land’), much of which is overlain by mining tenements (e.g. Tropicana Gold Mine and Iluka Resources) and native title claims. While large areas of potential habitat of the Sandhill Dunnart are reserved in a number of conservation areas, Queen Victoria Spring Nature Reserve is the only one known to have Sandhill Dunnarts in WA. All other known populations occur on Unallocated Crown Land. In the SA portion of the Great Victoria Desert, Sandhill Dunnarts have almost exclusively been found in Yellabinna Regional Reserve, despite recent survey efforts further north (Moseby et al. 2016). The majority of Eyre Peninsula (54%) has been cleared for agriculture (DEWNR 2014a) and much of the uncleared land is under grazing leases. One of the largest areas of remnant vegetation is the Central-Northwest Linkage, from Hincks Conservation Park through to the Kulliparu Conservation Park, approximately 9,900 km2. This area contains 6,820 km2 (69%) of native vegetation, of which 3,170 km2 (46%) is protected either in national parks, conservation parks or Heritage agreements. The discovery of Sandhill Dunnarts in Hincks Wilderness Protection Area in 2005 highlights the importance of further survey work within this broader area. There are several conservation areas on northern Eyre Peninsula that contain known or potentially suitable habitat for Sandhill Dunnarts e.g. Pinkawillinie Conservation Park (1,271 km2) and Hambidge Wilderness Protection Area (380 km2) (Figure 4). Brief initial surveys of Pinkawillinie Conservation Park (Churchill 2001b) and Hambidge Wilderness Protection Area (NCSSA 1967) failed to find any Sandhill Dunnarts, until survey work in 2005 successfully captured two animals in Pinkawillinie Conservation Park (J. Lee pers. comm.). In 2010 another Sandhill Dunnart was found In Pinkawillinie CP (July 2010) and two were found in Hambidge WPA (July 2010). Further survey work is needed to verify the presence of the species within other reserves of the region. Hambidge Wilderness Protection Area was affected by extensive fires that burnt over 80% of the park in January 2000, and the majority of Pinkawillinie has also been burnt in recent years. On north-eastern Eyre Peninsula, there are several large conservation reserves that have the potential to contain Sandhill Dunnarts. Lake Gilles Conservation Park (451 km2) and Munyaroo Conservation Park (123 km2) are of particular interest given their close proximity to Sandhill Dunnart capture locations in the Middleback Range area (particularly Ironstone Hill Conservation Park and Secret Rocks). Munyaroo Conservation Park has not been adequately surveyed and Lake Gilles Conservation Park has received some survey work (Churchill 2001b; EP Project Group 1973), but more is warranted. Some of the Sandhill Dunnarts found in the Middleback Range area (subpopulation 4, Figure 4) also occur on grazing leases (such as Moola and Cooyerdoo) and are subject to disturbance by pastoralism. Individuals have been trapped in areas that are adjacent to iron–ore mines, as well as sites that are located between cleared lines for high-voltage electricity cables and a railway line that services the mines. The most southern capture site in the Middleback Range area is adjacent to a major highway

20 between Whyalla and Port Lincoln and is on the boundary of another pastoral property that has been cleared previously for wheat production. The Middleback Alliance, a partnership between DEWNR, Arrium Mining, Ecological Horizons and other local landholders operates in this area (Middleback Alliance 2015). The Middleback Alliance aims to sustainably manage private and public land in the region including goat, rabbit and fox control, fire management, and threatened species management, including surveying and monitoring Sandhill Dunnart sites.

3.2 Recovery objectives and actions

The Overall Objective is to secure and enhance the conservation status of the Sandhill Dunnart in the wild through on-ground management actions outlined in this Recovery Plan. The Specific Objectives of recovery are to: 1. Develop and implement appropriate threat management strategies to protect and conserve all known sub-populations 2. Expand the knowledge of the distribution, status, and population trends of Sandhill Dunnarts 3. Increase understanding of the biology and ecology of Sandhill Dunnarts 4. Identify habitat critical to survival and map potential habitat of Sandhill Dunnarts 5. Promote awareness of the status of Sandhill Dunnarts and required conservation actions to landholders and the wider public Refer to Table 1 for a summary of the recovery objectives and recovery actions.

3.3 Cost of the recovery plan

An indicative cost for implementing the recovery program outlined here is an estimated $2,638,000 over five years, although this is more likely to be spread over ten years. Implementation across the remote and sparsely-populated range of the Sandhill Dunnart will be dependent upon yearly availability of funds and human resources and, as such, is also likely to be dependent upon synergies and partnerships with other programs and projects. The estimated figures do not include costs associated with the ongoing management of habitat by DBCA, other government agencies and private land owners, including the baiting of department land currently associated with the Western Shield Program and fire management. Nor does it include costs associated with mitigating loss of habitat due to development that may be approved and undertaken over the next 10 years. These estimates do not account for inflation over time. Detailed costs are provided in Appendix 1.

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Total

Totals $447,000 $532,500 $562,500 $565,500 $530,500 $2,638,000

Table 1. Summary of recovery objectives, recovery actions, performance criteria, responsibility and priority ratings Specific Actions Performance Criteria Responsibility Priority Objectives 1. Develop and 1.1 Prepare and  Habitat management plans prepared and implementation commenced for all sub- DEW, DBCA, High implement implement adaptive populations by Yr. 3. DENR, RT, TO, appropriate ‘Habitat Management Fire GVDBT

threat Plans’ for all sub-  Fire management strategy developed (based on research and implemented for protection

management populations, addressing of known sub-populations incl. minimum size of Triodia habitat to be retained, use of strategies to the major threats acting at Triodia height as an indicator, and timing of fires etc. The strategy will also consider the protect known each location (e.g. note apparent preference by feral cats for open country (as per McGregor et al. 2015) sub-populations the ‘Research and  The possibility of post-fire translocations of Sandhill Dunnarts is assessed, where all Adaptive Management Plan’ developed for the connecting habitat is burnt. WA GVD sub-population  Options assessed for use of physical fire breaks in suitable areas for reducing the scale of (http://gvdbiodiversitytrust. large-scale wildfires by Yr. 1. org.au/resources/). Introduced predators and herbivores  Trial sites established to monitor the relative frequency/density of feral cats and foxes at known sites by Yr. 2, incl. use of camera traps.  Establish a need for fox/cat control. If so, cats and foxes (and secondarily introduced herbivores) controlled in the vicinity of known sub-populations through existing and targeted programs beginning Yr. 1, with predator scats collected for analysis. Note: consideration should be given to impacts on dingos and other predator-prey relationships.  Options assessed for a predator-proof exclosure by Yr. 5.  Consideration is given to controlling cats and other feral predators when planning controlled burns. Introduced flora  Implement buffel grass Biosecurity protocols to prevent spread into SHD areas and other.  Buffel grass eradicated if possible, or controlled, near known sites, on access tracks and roads, and along adjacent watercourses in collaboration with the Buffel Grass Taskforce – PIRSA Biosecurity (refer to current distribution maps of buffel grass Appendix IV) Habitat loss and fragmentation  No ‘significant impact’ (EPBC Act) on Sandhill Dunnart habitat through clearance at known population sites, especially EP. Land managers engaged to ensure degradation of known and potential Sandhill Dunnart habitat is minimised.  Genetic diversity and genetic connectivity examined on EP e.g. between isolated remnants; could determine need for translocations or creation of habitat corridors.  Opportunities for maintaining or increasing habitat corridors between EP populations investigated by Yr. 5 e.g. through SEB funding (Native Vegetation Act 1991) 2. Expand the 2.1 Conduct surveys (using  Standardised survey guides developed and distributed to management staff, consultants, DEW, DBCA, High knowledge of optimal sampling strategy) and ranger groups by Yr. 2 (SA and WA). DEWR, RT, TO, the distribution, to locate new populations GVDBT

status, and in likely habitat on EP and  At least three new surveys in likely habitat completed by Yr. 5, incl. at least 1 survey population GVD, as well as between the two SA core populations (e.g. Yumbarra and Pureba areas and eastern trends of appropriate locations in the Yellabinna) and 1 north of Yellabinna Regional Reserve. Collect DNA (ear tissue samples), Sandhill NT. predator and fire information, and general habitat survey. Dunnarts  New records provided to the RT and relevant State/Territory authorities as required.  Use of other technology for surveying such as remote cameras investigated by Yr. 5. 2.2 Conduct monitoring of  Standardised monitoring guidelines developed for all sub-populations (SA and WA) and for DEW, DBCA High all sub-populations and known habitat by Yr. 1 and distributed to management staff, consultants and ranger groups NREP, NRAW, their habitats to determine (with consideration to existing methods e.g. Moseby et al. 2009) RT, TO, GVDBT their persistence, habitat  Monitoring conducted at known sites at least bi-annually to determine their population preferences, and the dynamics, with detailed data collected on habitat variables and predator abundance. impacts of predators and  Monitoring data analysed and reported to the RT and relevant state agencies every two fire. years. 3. Increase 3.1 Research to clarify the  At least one research study into the threatening processes completed by Yr. 5 e.g. DEW, AWNRM, Medium understanding threatening processes research on predation, predator interactions, fire regimes (patchy small fires versus hot DBCA, GVDBT of the biology acting on Sandhill wildfires), indirect impact of fire regimes on predator hunting success, minimum size of University, and ecology of Dunnarts. remnants inhabited on EP, introduced herbivores, introduced flora (particularly buffel Mining Sandhill grass). companies, TO Dunnarts  Traditional Owner knowledge gathered and incorporated into management. 3.2 Conduct a fire study to  Develop baseline information on time since fire in Y.1 for all known sub-populations. University High identify optimum fire  Fire management strategy developed for protection of known Sandhill Dunnart sub- DEW, DBCA, regime for maintenance of populations by Yr. 2. GVDBT Sandhill Dunnart sub-  Draft of paper on Sandhill Dunnart response to fire by Yr. 5. populations.  Post-fire growth rates of different Triodia species determined and compared with rainfall, timing of fires and intensity to determine relationship between fire age and Triodia height. Note Triodia needs to be sampled in Oct/Nov to ID. 4. Identify habitat 4.1 Study the habitat  Habitat information from known population sites collated by Yr. 1 to define habitat and DEW, DBCA, High critical for requirements of Sandhill distribution characteristics (including fire). GVDBT survival and Dunnarts at each site, to  Habitat critical to survival defined and mapped by Yr. 2. map potential guide habitat protection  Maps of suitable habitat distributed to land managers & planners by Yr. 2. habitat and other management actions.  Predictive model developed for future habitat availability and suitability by Yr. 5 (following collation of habitat variables) 5. Manage the 5.1 Recovery program  National Sandhill Dunnart Recovery Team established and meeting biannually. DEW, DBCA, High recovery guided by the recovery  Traditional owners engaged, trained, and assisting with recovery actions including fire DENR, RT, TO, process team. management and feral animal control GVDBT  Recovery Plan reviewed after five years. 6. Promote 6.1 Develop interpretive  Interpretative material developed and disseminated interested and affected parties by Yr. DEW, DBCA, Medium awareness of material on the Sandhill 3. DENR, RT

Sandhill Dunnart for public  Actions and information to protect Sandhill Dunnarts are incorporated in relevant Dunnarts dissemination. management and land use plans at the local, regional and state scale by Yr. 5.

Acronyms for Table 1 and Section 3.1: C&LM – Conservation and Land Management (DEWNR); DEW – Department of Environment and Water, South Australia; DENR – Department of Environment and Natural Resources; DoEE – Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy; DBCA – Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Western Australia; NRAW - Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara, South Australia; NREP – Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula, South Australia; NRSAAL – Natural Resources South Australian Arid Lands, South Australia;; RT – Recovery Team; TO – Traditional Owners, GVDBT- Great Victoria Desert Biodiversity Trust.

3.4 Program implementation and evaluation

The Recovery Plan will run for ten years from the date of its adoption under the EPBC Act. The Recovery Team will be responsible for co-ordinating implementation of the plan. Implementation of the plan will likely be undertaken by DEWNR, DBCA, other agencies, educational institutions, regional natural resource management authorities, Traditional Owners, Indigenous Ranger Groups and community groups as appropriate, with guidance and advice provided by the Recovery Team. Performance criteria have been identified for each objective, and will be assessed and reported on at the completion of their individual timeframes. The Recovery Team will be responsible for annual assessments of progress and will use these to inform implementation of the recovery program in the following year. An independent review and evaluation of the recovery program will be undertaken five years after the adoption of the recovery plan.

3.5 Management practices

The broader management practises, policies, and investment which are important for the maintenance of Sandhill Dunnart habitat and populations include:  implementation of park management plans  fire management which considers the needs of Sandhill Dunnarts  control of cats and foxes and other pest management strategies  control and surveillance of buffel grass including Biosecurity protocols for preventing spread  control of excessive grazing by herbivores Management practices to be avoided, which are likely to degrade Sandhill Dunnart habitat or have harmful effects on Sandhill Dunnart populations, include:  clearing or altering significant habitat (particularly on EP e.g. by utility maintenance workers or mining developments; but also mining access tracks in the GVD). Because of its national rating under the EPBC Act, any group (e.g. mining company) whose activity may affect populations have a responsibility to ensure their activities do not significantly impact conservation of the species.  overgrazing known habitat  other disturbances (e.g. frequent burning or burning undertaken during the breeding season)  any development activities that affect known habitat or populations.

3.6 Biodiversity benefits/impacts

The implementation of this Recovery Plan will have broader biodiversity conservation benefits through the protection and management of habitats and increase in community awareness and involvement. Species recorded in the habitat where Sandhill Dunnart are found, and which may benefit from the implementation of this Recovery Plan, include the Nationally Endangered Inland Green-comb Spider- orchid (Caladenia tensa); and the Nationally Vulnerable Princess Parrot (Polytelis alexandrae), Crested-tailed Mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda), Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata), Desert Greenhood (Pterostylis xerophila), Ooldea Guinea-flower (Hibbertia crispula), Chalky Wattle (Acacia cretacea), Yellow Swainson-pea (Swainsona pyrophila), and many other species.

No negative impacts to non-target species or ecological communities are expected to arise from the implementation of this recovery plan. Appropriate fire management (prescribed burning) will benefit and promote fire dependant species, and maintaining some long unburnt patches will also suit the

25 preferences of other flora and fauna species e.g. Malleefowl, which require some long unburnt mallee. Any prescribed burning plans will be subject to approval processes through the relevant authorities.

3.7 Affected agencies and stakeholders

The successful implementation of this Recovery Plan will depend on a co-ordinated approach with a range of stakeholders, which may include: Australian Government  Department of the Environment and Energy (including the Green Army), Department of Defence  Parks Australia (Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park) State Government  Country Fire Service  Local councils, and Local Government Authorities  SA - Department of Environment and Water (DEW) including Alinytjara Wilurara Natural Resource Management Board and Eyre Peninsula Natural Resource Management Board  NT - Department of Land Resource Management  WA - Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), Rangelands Natural Resource Management Traditional owners and managers

 SA - Mirning, Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara, Maralinga, Kokatha, Wirangu and Barngarla.

 WA - the Spinifex people (Pila Nguru Aboriginal Corporation).

 NT - Central Land Council (Katiti-Petermann Indigenous Protected Area) Mining companies  AngloGold Ashanti Australia Ltd (Tropicana Joint Venture Gold Mine); Iluka Resources Limited; Independence Group NL, (Tropicana Joint Venture Gold Mine); Lost Sands Pty Ltd; and mining exploration companies. Other  Friends groups e.g. Friends of the Great Victoria Desert  Great Victoria Desert Biodiversity Trust (GVDBT)  Middleback Alliance, SA  Non-government organisations e.g. Nature Foundation, SA, Greening Australia, WA.  Private consultants e.g. GHD consultants WA (Glen Gaikhorst), Kingfisher Environmental Consulting WA, Ecological Horizons, SA  Private landholders  Research institutions e.g. universities and Perth Zoo.

3.8 Role and interests of Traditional Owners

This Recovery Plan aims to ensure that the role and interests of Traditional Owners are considered in implementing recovery actions, particularly as much of the suitable Sandhill Dunnart habitat is on land managed by Traditional Owners. Opportunities for Traditional Owners to be involved in implementation of the plan include:  commenting on the draft recovery plan

 developing and implementing specific habitat management projects on land managed by, or with an interest to Traditional Owners  opportunities to increase land management capacity through sharing of cultural and scientific knowledge. The recovery plan will be adopted and released subject to any Native Title rights and interests that may continue in relation to the land and/or waters. Nothing in the Plan is intended to affect Native Title. The Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993 should be considered before undertaking any future acts that might affect Native Title.

3.9 Social and economic impacts

Sub-populations of the Sandhill Dunnart occur on both private and Crown land. Consultation will be undertaken with relevant land managers to minimise adverse economic or social impacts in the implementation of the Recovery Plan. Economic impacts on private land may include a potential reduction in grazing production if Sandhill Dunnart habitat is protected from cattle and sheep grazing. Some social and economic benefits for local communities may result from implementation of this plan. Development activities including mining and mineral exploration will be required to demonstrate that their activities will either not adversely impact on Sandhill Dunnarts or that their impacts can be adequately mitigated.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This plan was prepared by Jason van Weenen, Dr Matthew Ward, Thai Te, Erin Sautter, Dr Christina Son, Adam Pennington, Doug Bickerton, Valerie Lawley and Bea Rogers from an initial plan developed by Sue Churchill (2001a) for the Department for Environment, Water and Natural Resources, South Australia. Special thanks to Sue Churchill, John Read, Katherine Moseby, Sue Carthew and Sarah Way for their invaluable work on Sandhill Dunnart and for the use of their survey data from the Great Victoria Desert, Secret Rocks and in parks on Eyre Peninsula. Thanks also go to Amanda McLean for her advice and comments, and for providing access to her research findings. Peter Copley of the Conservation and Wildlife Branch, DEW provided help and support throughout the project. The Maralinga-Tjarutja community provided permission to work on their land in the Great Victoria Desert and allowed access to fuel and supplies at the Oak Valley Community. The Area Administrator of the Defence Support Centre allowed access to the Woomera Prohibited Area. Peter Reed of the Department of Defence provided permission to work in Maralinga (Section 400). Western Australia’s Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) provided permits, help and support while surveying in parts of the Great Victoria Desert in Western Australia. Thanks to David Pearson, Manda Page, Ian Kealley, Jennifer Jackson, Julie Futter, Georgina Anderson (DBCA, Western Australia) and consultant Glen Gaikhorst for their help and comments on various drafts of this plan. Thanks also to Brydie Hill and Alistair Stewart (Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Northern Territory) for their comments on a recent draft. Other people helped in various ways. Thanks to Julia Boulton, Jeff Foulkes, Lynette Queale, Greg Johnston, Clare Bradley and Cath Kemper.

REFERENCES

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Moseby, K.E. and Hill, B.M. (2011). The use of poison baits to control feral cats and red foxes in arid South Australia 1. Aerial baiting trials. Wildlife Research. 38: 338-349. Moseby, K.E., Nano, T., and Southgate, R. (2009). Tales in the Sand: A guide to identifying arid zone fauna using spoor and other sign. Ecological Horizons, South Australia. Moseby, K., Read, J., McLean, A., Ward, M. and Rogers, D.J. (2016). How high is your hummock? The importance of Triodia height as a habitat predictor for an endangered marsupial in a fire-prone environment. Austral Ecology 41(4): 382–395. Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara (2015). Sandhill dunnart recovery program. http://www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/alinytjara-wilurara/projects/sandhill-dunnart-recovery- program?responsive=true accessed 25 August 2015. NCSSA (1967). Survey of Hambidge Wilderness Protection Area. Nature Conservation Society of South Australia. Unpublished report. Paltridge, R. (2002). The diets of cats, foxes and dingoes in relation to prey availability in the Tanami Desert, Northern Territory. Wildlife Research. 29: 389-403 Paltridge, R., Gibson, D. and Edwards, G. (1997). Diet of the feral cat (Felis catus) in Central Australia. Wildlife Research. 24: 67-76 Paltridge, R., Latz, P., Pickburn, A. and Eldridge, S. (2009). Management Plan for Rare and Threatened Flora in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands of South Australia. Department for Environment and Heritage, South Australia. Parker, S.A. (1973). An annotated checklist of the native land mammals of the Northern Territory. Records of the South Australian Museum. 16: 1-57. Pearson, D.J. and Churchill, S. (2008). Sandhill Dunnart, Sminthopsis psammophila. In: Van Dyck, S. and Strahan, R. (eds.). The Mammals of Australia. Pp 156-158. 3rd ed. Reed New Holland, Sydney. Pearson, D.J. and Robinson, A.C. (1989). New records of the Sandhill Dunnart, Sminthopsis psammophila (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) in South and Western Australia. Australian Mammalogy. 13: 57-59. Philp, B. (2011). Foraging behaviour and habitat use of the sandhill dunnart (Sminthopsis psammophila). The University of Adelaide, South Australia. Price, O.F., Penman, T.D., Bradstock, R.A., Boer, M.M. and Clark, H. (2015). Biogeographical variation in the potential effectiveness of prescribed fire in south-eastern Australia. Journal of Biogeography. 1- 12.

Read, J.L. and Bowen, Z. (2001). Population dynamics, diet and aspects of the biology of feral cats and foxes in arid South Australia. Wildlife Research 28: 195−203. Read, J. and Moseby, K. (2009). Monitoring Sandhill Dunnarts in the Great Victoria Desert. Unpublished Survey Data. Department for Environment and Heritage. Adelaide. Read, John L., Ward, Matthew J., and Moseby, Katherine E. (2015). Factors that influence trap success of sandhill dunnarts (Sminthopsis psammophila) and other small mammals in Triodia dunefields of South Australia. Australian Mammalogy. 37: 212–218.

RFLG (2015). Guiding principles for fire management in the WA rangelands. The Rangelands Fire Leadership Group. Department of Parks and Wildlife, Western Australia. Robinson, T., Gaikhorst, G., Pearson, D. & Copley, P. (2008). Sminthopsis psammophila. In: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2015.2. Downloaded on 13 August 2015. www.iucnredlist.org Sandhill Dunnart Workshop (2014). Held 11 November 2014. Western Australia. http://www.gvdbiodiversitytrust.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Sandhill-Dunnart-Workshop- TalkBook-111114-1.pdf accessed 5th August 2015. Spencer, W.B. (ed.) (1896). Report on the work of the Horn Scientific Expedition to Central Australia. Part 1. p84. Melbourne: Melville, Mullen and Slade. The Great Victoria Desert Biodiversity Trust (in prep). Draft: Sandhill Dunnart – research and adaptive management plan. Great Victoria Biodiversity Trust, Western Australia. The Great Victoria Desert Biodiversity Trust (2015a). Expression of Interest: Sandhill Dunnart – defining a baseline survey design in the Great Victoria Desert. Due 31 July 2015. The Great Victoria Desert Biodiversity Trust (2015b). Expression of Interest: Sandhill Dunnart survey and monitoring protocol. Due 31 July 2015. Van Dyck, S., Gynther, I. and Baker, A. (2013). Field companion to the mammals of Australia. New Holland Publishers. Ward, M.J. (unpublished). Sandhill Dunnart monitoring data collected in South Australia from 2007 to 2010. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, South Australia. Ward M. J. (2009) Sandhill dunnart Sminthopsis psammophila monitoring and survey in the Great Victoria Desert, South Australia, 2008-2009. Department for Environment and Heritage, Adelaide. Ward, M.J., Read, J. and Moseby, K. (2008). Monitoring Sandhill Dunnarts, Sminthopsis psammophila, in the Great Victorian Desert. A report to the Wildlife Conservation Fund. Department for Environment and Heritage, Adelaide. Warland, I. and Mills, R. (2011). Dozer / roller track creation procedure. Unpublished report. Iluka Resources Limited, Australia. Waudby, H., How, T., Frazer, D., and Obst, C. (2007). South Australian Recovery Plan Review 2007: Findings, Patterns, and Recommendations. Report to the Federal Department for Environment and Heritage, Canberra. Way, S. (2008). Sandhill Dunnart (Sminthopsis psammophila) surveys on eastern Eyre Peninsula, SA. Department for Environment and Heritage, South Australia. Woinarski, J.C.Z. and Burbidge, A.A. (2016). Sminthopsis psammophila. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species2016: e.T20293A21947794. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016- 1.RLTS.T20293A21947794.en. Woinarski, J.C.Z., Burbidge, A.A. and Harrison, P.L. (2014). The action plan for Australian mammals 2012. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood. Woinarski, J. C., Burbidge, A. A., & Harrison, P. L. (2015). Ongoing unravelling of a continental fauna: Decline and extinction of Australian mammals since European settlement. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(15), 4531-4540. Specific “Survey and monitoring guidelines for the Sandhill Dunnart in Western Australia” have also been developed for the Great Victoria Desert Biodiversity Trust by WA Parks and Wildlife Department (2016) (see: http://gvdbiodiversitytrust.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SHD-Survey-and- Monitoring-Guidelines-2016.pdf ).

Personal communications

Camille Goldstone-Henry Zoo and Aquarium Association, NSW (2015) Cathy Lambert Perth Zoo, WA Clare Bradley University of Adelaide, SA Dani Jose Perth Zoo, WA (2015) David Pearson Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, WA Don Driscoll Australian National University, ACT Joe Tilley Fire management, DEWNR, SA (2015) Glen Gaikhorst GHD consultants (previously with Perth Zoo), WA Graeme Armstrong Fire management & planning, AW region, DEWNR, SA (2015) Greg Johnston Adelaide Zoo, SA Joanne Lee Rehabilitation Specialist, Iluka Resources Matt Ward AWNRM, DEWNR, SA

APPENDICES

Appendix I: Estimated Cost of Implementing the Recovery Actions1

Action Description* Priority Cost estimate ($)^

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Total Threat management

1.1 Prepare and implement Habitat Management Plans High 10,000 100,000 150,000 200,000 200,000 660,000

Research and monitoring

2.1 Conduct surveys to locate new populations High 50,000 50,000 50,000 0 0 150,000 2.2 Conduct monitoring of all populations and their habitats High 150,000 150,000 170,000 180,000 180,000 830,000

3.1 Research to clarify the threatening processes Medium 70,000 70,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 215,000

3.2 Fire study to identify optimum fire regime High 120,000 120,000 120,000 120,000 120,000 600,000 4.1 Study the habitat characteristics at each site High 40,000 40,000 40,000 40,000 0 160,000

Manage the recovery process

5.1 Recovery program facilitated by a part-time facilitator (4 High 2500 2500 2500 2500 2500 12,500 days per month equivalent) Community awareness and engagement

6.1 Develop interpretive material for public dissemination Medium 2000 2500 2500 500 500 8,000

Total 447,000 532,500 562,500 565,500 530,500 2,,625500

1 As noted in 3.3, this table includes indicative costs for implementing the recovery program over five years, as outlined here, although this is more likely to be spread over a longer period. Implementation across the remote and sparsely-populated range of the Sandhill Dunnart will be dependent upon yearly availability of funds and human resources and, as such, is also likely to be dependent upon synergies and partnerships with other programs and projects (e.g. Ten Deserts program; Indigenous Protected Areas program), noting that since this plan was drafted, a range of activities have been funded by (i) the National Landcare Phase 2 program (in Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara region, SA) and through the Great Victoria Desert Trust (in WA)

*Refer to Table 1 for detail of recovery actions, responsibility, and performance criteria.

^ Given that there is limited species knowledge a considerable proportion of the budget will be required for research and monitoring. Research needs to be undertaken upfront before Habitat Management Plans can be fully developed and implemented (action 1.1). The cost of monitoring Sandhill Dunnart populations and their habitats (action 2.2) may be expected to increase over the life of the plan if new populations are located (action 2.1). It is anticipated that the National recovery team will meet biannually (action 5.1), and that additional interpretative material will be developed by year 3 (action 6.1).

Appendix II: Recorded sightings of Sandhill Dunnarts

Year Description Source 1894 The type specimen, a male, was captured south of Bobbies Well, near Lake Amadeus, NT Spencer 1896 1969 Mamblin, near Kyancutta on Eyre Peninsula, SA, during land clearing operations 28 February. 1 male Aitken 1971 1969 Boonerdo on Eyre Peninsula, 50 km to the south-east of the Mamblin record. 23 April. 4 individuals Aitken 1971 Approx. 50 km north of Queen Victoria Spring, south-western Great Victoria Desert, WA. June. 5 adults. The first 1985 Hart and Kitchener 1986 records from WA. Time since fire >8 years. Queen Victoria Spring, south-western Great Victoria Desert, WA. Between 9 June and 8 December. 4 individuals. Pearson and Robinson 1989 1987 This is the only locality where long-term annual surveys have been conducted. David Pearson (pers. comm.) has David Pearson (pers. comm.) trapped a further 12 individuals here since. 1987 Near Ooldea in the Yellabinna region, south-eastern Great Victoria Desert, SA. October. 2 males and 1 female Copley and Kemper 1992 Yarle Lakes in the Yellabinna region, south-eastern Great Victoria Desert, SA. October. 1 female with 5 pouch 1987 Copley and Kemper 1992 young 1987 Near Mt Christie in the Yellabinna region, south-eastern Great Victoria Desert, SA. October. 1 male Copley and Kemper 1992 1991 Queen Victoria Spring. 1 female (with 4 dependant juveniles) Pearson 1995 1998 Queen Victoria Spring. 2 juvenile males David Pearson (pers. comm.) 2000 Near Cowell, Eyre Peninsula, SA. January. 1 sub-adult captured by hand during spotlighting for reptiles night G. Johnston (pers. comm.); Churchill 2001b 2000 Cowell. January – May. 6 individuals Churchill 2001b 2000 Middleback Range. January. 7 individuals Churchill 2001b 2000 Secret Rocks, Middleback Range. March. 1 individual Churchill 2001b 2000 25 km north north-east of Queen Victoria Spring. March. 1 individual David Pearson (pers. comm.) 2000 Secret Rocks, Middleback Range. May. 1 individual Churchill 2001b 2000 Yellabinna Regional Reserve. May. 3 individuals Churchill 2001b 2000 Near Ooldea (Immarna), Great Victoria Desert, SA. May. 2 adults Churchill 2001b 2000 Near Middleback Range, Eyre Peninsula, SA. May. 4 individuals Clare Bradley (pers. comm.) 2000 Secret Rocks, Middleback Range. July. 24 individuals Churchill 2001b 2000 - 01 Middleback site July-December 2000 & April 2001. 7 individuals Churchill 2001b 2000 Secret Rocks, Middleback Range. September. 3 individuals Churchill 2001b 2001 Secret Rocks, Middleback Range. April. 7 individuals Churchill 2001b 2001 Yellabinna Regional Reserve. April. 8 individuals Churchill 2001b Glen Gaikhorst & Cathy Lambert (pers. 2001 50 km east of Mulga Rock, Great Victoria Desert, WA. April. 5 individuals comm.) 2001 Near Ooldea (Immarna). April. 7 individuals Churchill 2001b 2001 50 km east of Mulga Rock, Great Victoria Desert, WA. October. 1 male and 1 female Gaikhorst & Lambert 2002 2005 Hincks Wilderness Protection Area. January. 2 individuals Don Driscoll (pers. comm.) 2005 50 km east of Mulga Rock, Great Victoria Desert, WA. March. 2 females and 1 male Gaikhorst & Lambert 2006 2005 50 km east of Mulga Rock, Great Victoria Desert, WA. October. Female carrying 8 young Gaikhorst & Lambert 2006 2005 Pinkawillinie Conservation Park. November. 2 individuals Joanne Lee (pers. comm.) 2006 50 km east of Mulga Rock, Great Victoria Desert, WA. April. 1 male Gaikhorst & Lambert 2007 2007 50 km east of Mulga Rock, Great Victoria Desert, WA. April. 1 male Gaikhorst & Lambert 2008 2007 Shirrocoe Block, south of Middleback Range. July. 2 individuals Way 2008

2008 Secret Rocks, Middleback Range. March. 1 immature female and 1 adult male Read and Moseby 2009 2008 50 km east of Mulga Rock, Great Victoria Desert, WA. March. 2 young females and 1 juvenile male Gaikhorst & Lambert 2009 2008 Immarna track. April. (equiv. to Churchill’s (2001b) “Ooldea” site). 1 immature female Ward et al 2008 2008 Yellabinna Regional Reserve. April. 1 individual Ward et al 2008 2008 Secret Rocks, Middleback Range. May.1 individual Way 2008 2008 Yellabinna Regional Reserve. May. 22 individuals Ward et al 2008 Immarna track (equiv. to Churchill’s (2001b) “Ooldea” site). May. 10 males (adults & immature) & 5 immature 2008 Ward et al 2008 females 2009 Middleback Range including Secret Rocks. January. 15 females, 13 males & 1 not sexed Churchill 2010 2009 Yellabinna Regional Reserve. April. 3 individuals Read and Moseby (unpublished data) 2009 Yellabinna Regional Reserve. April. 1 individual Matt Ward (unpublished data) Peter Canty, Matt Launer, Matt Ward, John Along road adjacent to Trans Australian Railway, 16-30 km north east of the Immarna / Ooldea site. May. 2 males 2009 Read and Katherine Moseby (unpublished and 1 male (all immature) data) Canty, Launer, Ward, Read and Moseby 2009 Yellabinna Regional Reserve. May. 11 individuals (unpublished data) 2009 Yellabinna Regional Reserve. October. 11 males and 8 females. EBS 2007; 2009 2010 Secret Rocks, Middleback Range. January. 12 females, 18 males & 1 not sexed Churchill 2010 Katherine Moseby, Matt Ward, and John 2010 Yellabinna Regional Reserve. June. 9 individuals Read (unpublished data) 2011 Hambidge Wilderness Area. July. 2 individuals Ecological Horizons 2011 2011 Eastern Pinkawillinie Conservation Park. July. 1 individual Ecological Horizons 2011 2011 Ironstone Hill CP, Middleback Range. April-July. 21 individuals Philp 2011 Ironstone Hill CP (8 sites), Cooyerdoo station (2 sites), and Pine Hill (1 site), Middleback Range. 107 individuals 2011-2012 (46 females and 61 males) were caught on 23, 529 trap nights. Trap nights were conducted seasonally over 2011- McLean 2015 12. 2012 Yellabinna Regional Reserve. May. 3 individuals Ward (pers. comm.) Atlas of Living Australia - observers J. 2013 Yellabinna Regional Reserve, SA. Sept. Numbers unknown. Read and K. Moseby. Atlas of Living Australia – observer M. 2014 Yellabinna Regional Reserve, SA. Sept. Numbers unknown. Launer 2014 Yellabinna Regional Reserve, SA. Nov. Numbers unknown. Atlas of Living Australia – observer J. Read Tropicana Gold Mine, Eastern Goldfields Pipeline, near Plumridge Lakes, Great Victoria Desert. Numbers WA Threatened and Priority Fauna 2014-2015 unknown. Database 2017 Yellabinna Regional Reserve, 7 km north of the lake, Goog’s Track, Brett Backhouse, NR Alinytjara Wilurara 2018 Yellabinna Regional Reserve, East Dog Fence, Brett Backhouse, NR Alinytjara Wilurara 2019 Yellabinna Regional Reserve, Goog’s Track Brett Backhouse, NR Alinytjara Wilurara 2019 Yumbarra Conservation Park, 2 km west of Googs Lake Brett Backhouse, NR Alinytjara Wilurara Owl pellets and sub-fossil records Collection Description Source year

1959 & Owl pellets collected from caves at the base of Uluru, NT, were later found to contain Sandhill Dunnart remains Parker 1973, Archer 1981 1962 Owl pellets containing sub-fossil SHD remains were found in deposits collected from Blacks Point Sinkhole, Venus 1984 Baynes 1987, Copley et al. 1999 Bay, Eyre Peninsula, S.A. These deposits were radiocarbon dated at 3,030+60 yBP and 2,160 yBP 1984 Owl pellet deposits containing SHD remains were collected from caves at Darke Peak, Eyre Peninsula, SA Baynes 1987

Appendix III: Habitat descriptions (adapted from Churchill 2001a). Northern Territory The habitat at the type locality near Lake Amadeus is 30 m high parallel sand dunes covered with hummocks of Spinifex (Triodia species). Between the dunes were small flats covered with stands of Desert Oak (Allocasuarina decaisneana) (Spencer 1896). Eyre Peninsula, South Australia At Mamblin in the Eyre Peninsula the country consists of parallel sand dunes 10 to 15 m high separated by valleys 200 to 300 m wide. The original vegetation was a uniform covering of mallee with an understorey of Broombush (M. uncinata) and other shrubs. Semi-open areas of Woolly Spinifex (Triodia lanata) appeared intermittently on the dune slopes. In the 1950’s and 1960’s large areas of scrub were being cleared from the interdune valleys but the vegetation on the sand dunes has been left largely intact, or was allowed to regrow after the initial clearances (Aitken 1971). This area has since been cleared for agriculture. At Boonerdo, the vegetation and topography is very similar to Mamblin. All four specimens were captured, during land clearing operations, from an area immediately adjacent to the Hambidge Wilderness Area (Aitken 1971). Unfortunately a large proportion of Hambidge Wilderness Area was burnt in a wildfire, in January 2000, which burnt approximately 80% of the vegetation. Notably a survey in 2011 found two Sandhill Dunnarts, one within the burnt area and one of the edge of the burnt area in Hambidge Wilderness Area (Atlas of Living Australia). In the Middleback dunefields (Cowell site) (Figure 6a) the Dunnarts were captured on a series of white sand dunes 10 to 25 m high along a property boundary. The vegetation to the south has been cleared for agriculture. The vegetation on the dunes comprised of mallee (E. gracilis, E. incrassata, E. oleosa and E. socialis) with Scrub Cypress Pine, (Callitris verrucosa) and Hakea francisiana. There is an understorey of mixed shrubs and 30 to 85% ground cover of spinifex (Triodia irritans). The area was extensively burnt in a wildfire on 8 November 1990. The Middleback west site (Figure 6b) is west of the Middleback Range and comprises parallel sand dunes 10 to 20 m high. The vegetation consists of mallee overstorey containing a mix of species including Eucalyptus socialis, E. gracilis, E. incrassata, E. oleosa and E. brachycalyx. The understorey contains a variety of shrubs such as Alyxia buxifolia, Eremophila scoparia, Senna artemisioides, Hakea francisiana and Melaleuca lanceolata and Dodonaea viscosa. Triodia irritans is the dominant ground cover and provides 10 to 90% cover.

a) b)

Figure 6. Examples of vegetation types on Eyre Peninsula, SA, including a) Dune vegetation in the Middleback Range area (Cowell site). This vegetation did not get burnt in the 1990 fire and supports a denser shrub layer and less spinifex than the burnt areas, and b) Vegetation in the Middleback Ranges area (Middleback west site). This is regrowth vegetation from the 1990 fire. Middleback Range is in the background. (Photos: S. Churchill).

Great Victoria Desert, Western Australia Approximately 50 km north of Queen Victoria Spring, in Western Australia (Figure 7), five specimens were caught in scattered locations in June/July 1985. The area is a mosaic of Marble Gum (E. gongylocarpa) and mallee woodland, both over Hard Spinifex (Triodia basedowii) with some shrubs. Two Sandhill Dunnarts were caught in a small area of Broombush (Melaleuca uncinata) shrubland up to 2.5 m high with very little spinifex. Another three specimens were caught in areas of 20 to 30 percent cover of spinifex. The area consists of undulating sand plain with areas of well-defined parallel sand ridges up to 30 m high (Hart and Kitchener 1986). At the site of Sandhill Dunnart captures in Queen Victoria Spring NR (25 km NNE of the spring) the vegetation is low open woodland of Marble Gum (E. gongylocarpa) with occasional mallees and a diverse shrub layer. Beneath this shrub layer, hard spinifex (T. desertorum) provided 25% ground cover. The area is sand plain with low dunes present 1 km to the north and north-east (Pearson and Robinson 1989).

Figure 7. Example of vegetation in the Great Victoria Desert, WA. Typical Marble Gum (E. gongylocarpa) vegetation approx. 50km north of QVS (Photo: S. Churchill) Great Victoria Desert, South Australia The Yarle Lakes site, SA, is within a corridor of parallel dunes that run north-west from Ooldea and is part of the Ooldea Range. The vegetation is a low open woodland of mallee (E. oleosa and E. socialis), Bullock Bush (Alectryon oleifolium), Quandong (Santalum acuminatum), Mulga (Acacia aneura) and Black Oak or Belah (Casuarina pauper) with a diverse and very open shrub layer. Beneath this shrub layer, Spinifex (Triodia scariosa) provides 10 to 30% ground cover (Pearson and Robinson 1989). The Ooldea site is within a large area of confused sand dunes, 30 to 50m high (Figure 8a). The vegetation is low mallee woodland (E. concinna, E. oleosa and E. socialis) with False Sandalwood (Myoporum platycarpum) and denser clumps of Scrub Cypress Pine (Callitris verrucosa). The shrub layer is very open with dense spinifex (T. scariosa) providing 30 to 70% of the ground cover (Pearson and Robinson 1989). The Mt Christie site is also in sand dunes (Figure 8b). The vegetation is low open mallee (E. striaticalyx, E. oleosa and E. socialis) with False Sandalwood (M. platycarpum), Bullock Bush (A. oleifolius), Quandong (S. acuminatum), Mulga (A. aneura) and Black Oak or Belah (C. pauper). The shrub layer is diverse and spinifex (T. scariosa) provides 10 - 30% of the ground cover (Pearson and Robinson 1989).

a) b)

Figure 8. Examples of vegetation types in the Great Victoria Desert, SA, including a) sand dune with spinifex and mallee at Ooldea, and b) Vegetation on sand dunes at Mt Christie site, South Australia (Photos: S. Churchill).

Appendix IV: Current distribution of buffel grass (SA and WA)

Figure 9. Buffel grass management zones and distribution in South Australia (as of September 2015). Data and image comes from the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, South Australia (Environment and Biosecurity unit). 41

Western Australia Herbarium

Figure 10. Distribution of buffel grass in Western Australia, as of February 2019. Image comes from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Western Australian Herbarium. 42