Auvex Resources Pty Ltd Ant Hill and Sunday Hill: Level 1 Biological Assessment Survey

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Contributing Authors Correspondence:

Dr Mitch Ladyman Dr Mitch Ladyman

Dr Robert Davis Animal Plant Mineral Pty Ltd

Mrs Eleanor Hoy Tel: 0437307008

68 Westgrove Drive

Ellenbrook, Western Australia 6069

E-mail: [email protected]

ABN: 86 886 455 949 www.animalplantmineral.com.au

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Summary

This report presents the findings of a preliminary flora, vegetation and fauna assessment for the Ant Hill and Sunday Hill mining projects, as part of the Mesa Mining Joint Venture (MMJV). Ant Hill and Sunday Hill are situated approximately 61 and 55 kilometres respectively to the southeast of Nullagine within the East Pilbara Manganese Province.

The total area of investigation covered both the Ant Hill and Sunday Hill mining lease areas (M46/238 and M46/237, respectively). However the development of the project will be a staged process, with a much smaller area of less than 50ha at Ant Hill (M46/238) targeted for extraction of ore in the first two years following project approval. A field survey was undertaken from 5-9 September, 2009, by Mrs Eleanor Hoy and Dr Mitchell Ladyman (APM) and involved a comprehensive on-ground site assessment of the entire extent of M46/237 and M46/238.

No Declared Rare flora and only one Priority flora species, Acacia bromilowiana (P3) was collected during the survey. The Priority 3 Acacia bromilowiana was not collected from the proposed impact footprint at Ant Hill, but occurs immediately adjacent to it at site AH7, and at other locations along the east facing slopes. As A. bromilowiana occurs in multiple locations on Sunday Hill also, only a small proportion of the local population is likely to be exposed to impacts following development of the Ant Hill impact footprint. However, further survey work at an appropriate time of the year (following significant rainfall) would be required to accurately determine the extent and distribution of this P3 species.

Though not recorded during the survey, the ridge and hill site types of both Ant Hill and Sunday Hill (including the proposed impact footprint) may support the Priority 1 Acacia aphanoclada as a dominant (at low density) shrub. This species is a conspicuous element of the Mosquito Land System vegetation over which the project area lies.

Overall the vegetation of the project area showed little sign of degradation. Drainage shrubland and woodland site types were the only areas to contain infrequent records of the exotic flora *Malvastrum americanum and * Vachellia farnesiana and tussock grasslands along the riverine areas were heavily grazed by cattle. On the Ant Hill and Sunday Hill mesas there is significant historical mining disturbance.

No specific evidence of Threatened or Priority fauna species was recorded during the field survey. There were also no fauna or fauna habitats that are specifically limited to occurring within the proposed impact area.

Small areas of sheltered south facing cliffs, ledges and rock overhangs were present and intermittently dispersed around the periphery of both the Ant Hill and Sunday Hill mesas. Where these microhabitats occur within, or close to, the first area targeted for mining, they will need to be preserved until further assessments are carried out for the presence of short range endemic invertebrates. The 2 – 3 year staged ore extraction timetable, based on the mine impact footprint proposed, allows sufficient time for mining to commence in parallel with further short range endemic assessments.

It is unlikely that significant impact to populations or individuals of any other fauna of conservation significance will occur in the initial stages of ore extraction from the first targeted impact area at the southern end of the Ant Hill mesa. However, due to the potential presence (based on available

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habitat) of species such as the Pilbara Olive Python and the Northern Quoll, further detailed fauna survey work should be considered as the project progresses across the central and northern extent of the Ant Hill mesa and onto Sunday Hill.

The resource definition drilling program that is forecast for Ant Hill over the first two years of the project, in addition to the existing drill holes on Ant Hill and Sunday Hill, also provide sufficient opportunity for troglofauna sampling and assessment prior to further expansion of the mine. There are no issues relating to impacts on stygofauna as the proposal will not draw ground water or alter the ground water table.

This report details a number of suggested management practices that Auvex Resources may consider to minimize the disturbance to flora and fauna over the life of the project.

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Contents 1 Scope ...... 5 2 Introduction ...... 6 3 Methodology ...... 7 3.1 Contributing Authors ...... 7 3.2 Desktop Methodology ...... 8 3.3 Assessment of conservation significance for fauna ...... 10 3.4 Field Methodology ...... 11 3.4.1 Flora and Vegetation ...... 11 3.4.2 Vegetation Mapping and Condition Assessment ...... 12 3.4.3 Flora collections ...... 12 3.4.4 Fauna Habitats ...... 12 4 Flora and Vegetation...... 13 4.1 Regional Representation ...... 13 4.2 Flora and Vegetation Desktop Interpretation ...... 13 4.3 Plant Communities (Vegetation Types)...... 15 5 Fauna and Fauna Habitat Assessment ...... 22 5.1 Primary Fauna Habitats ...... 22 5.2 Fauna Desktop Interpretation ...... 25 5.2.1 Amphibians...... 25 5.2.2 Reptiles ...... 25 5.2.3 Birds...... 26 5.2.4 Mammals ...... 28 5.3 Field Fauna Assessment ...... 31 6 Conclusions ...... 33 6.1 Limitations ...... 35 7 References ...... 36

Table 1 Databases used in the preparation of the fauna lists 9 Table 2 Vegetation units and types in the Ant Hill and Sunday Hill project areas 15

Figures 39

Appendix A Potentially occurring and occurring flora of conservation significance 43 Appendix B DEC Threatened and Priority Fauna Database Search 46 Appendix C EPBC Protected Matters report 48 Appendix D DEC Naturemap database flora search 57 Appendix E DEC Naturemap database fauna search 60 Appendix F Priority Ecological Communities 62 Appendix G Threatened Ecological Communities 65 Appendix H Definitions of Priority and Threatened Ecological Communities 71 Appendix I Terrestrial Ecosystems fauna database search 79 Appendix J Terms of Reference 93

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1 Scope

Animal Plant Mineral Pty Ltd (‘APM’) was engaged by Auvex Resources Proprietary Limited (‘Auvex’) to provide the following services:

• To undertake Level 1 flora and fauna assessment survey to broadly characterise the vegetation and fauna habitats of the Ant Hill and Sunday Hill mining areas; • To identify any environmental issues that may require the current proposed mining impact footprint to be altered; and • To identify any environmental issues that may assist the Department of Minerals and Petroleum in determining if the project can proceed in an environmentally acceptable manner.

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2 Introduction

This report presents the findings of a preliminary flora, vegetation and fauna assessment for the Ant Hill and Sunday Hill mining projects, as part of the Mesa Mining Joint Venture (MMJV).

Auvex Resources Ltd (“Auvex”) has entered into a Joint Venture to acquire 50% of the Ant Hill and Sunday Hill Mining Leases (M46/238 and M46/237 respectively) from the lease holder Hitec Energy Ltd. These parties have formed an unincorporated joint Mesa Mining JV, as the operating entity. The project utilises a crusher and screening process to extract and upgrade manganese from ore mined from the open pit mine and Auvex Resources Pty Ltd will be the operating contractor for the mine.

Ant Hill and Sunday Hill are situated approximately 61 and 55 kilometres respectively to the Southeast of Nullagine within the East Pilbara Manganese Province. Historic manganese deposits are located at nearby Meechara and Mt Cooke, as well as the producing mine at Woodie Woodie. The project is within the Noreena Downs pastoral lease. Port Hedland is approximately 360 kilometres to the North- Northwest and Newman is approximately 245 kilometres to the South-Southwest.

A field survey was undertaken from 9 – 14 October by Mrs Eleanor Hoy and Dr Mitchell Ladyman (APM) and involved a comprehensive on-ground site assessment.

Broadly the survey focussed on the entire area within ML 46/238 for Ant Hill and M46/237 for Sunday Hill and this area is approximately 1500 ha. However, the proposed mining impact footprint for the commencement of mining is only 50 ha.

The data collected was necessarily of a general nature, and mainly consisted of plant community (vegetation) and condition information and assessment for the potential presence of fauna of conservation significance or poorly represented and valuable fauna habitat.

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3 Methodology

This biological assessment survey fulfils the criteria for a Level 1 survey (a background research or ‘desk-top’ study) according to the EPA Guidance Statement No. 56 on terrestrial fauna surveys and Guidance Statement No. 51 for flora surveys (Environmental Protection Authority 2004). It includes a review of all fauna records from the study areas as well as a site visit that assessed fauna habitats. From a botanical perspective, the site visit enabled the description and condition assessment of the vegetation.

The decision to undertake a Level 1 biological assessment survey was based on advice from the Department of Mining and Petroleum (pers. comm. Brett MacMahon [Auvex]). The fauna of the region is relatively well known and the proposed impacts are small to moderate. Hence there was no requirement for a full-scale Level 2 baseline fauna assessment survey. However, Auvex acknowledges that more flora survey work will be required following the wet season of 2010 to identify the extent of Declared Rare and Priority flora within the final impact footprint. In addition, further progressive fauna survey work might be required if the mine impact footprint increases in size.

The total area of investigation covered both the Ant Hill and Sunday Hill mining lease areas (M46/238 and M46/237, respectively). However the development of the project will be a staged process, with a much smaller area of less than 50ha at Ant Hill (M46/238) targeted for extraction of ore in the first two years following project approval. Other areas within the Ant Hill mining lease and the Sunday Hill mining lease will be impacted only for Resource Definition Drilling at close grid spacing of approximately 50 m.

3.1 Contributing Authors

Mrs Eleanor Hoy (PhD candidate, School of Botany UWA) undertook the botanical field work and botanical reporting components of the survey. Mrs Hoy has undertaken no fewer than 15 botanical surveys in the Pilbara region of Western Australia and her PhD is focussed on the ecophysiology of the Great Sandy Desert flora.

Dr Chris Hancock undertook the flora taxonomy for the project. Dr Hancock has more than seven years experience as a botanical consultant. His areas of interest include plant community classification, vegetation structure and ecophysiology.

The fauna desktop component of this report has been prepared by Principal Zoologist of Egernia Environmental - Dr Robert Davis (BSc. Biology/Env. Sc., Hons. Biol, Ph.D. Zool.). Dr Davis has over 10 years of experience as a terrestrial vertebrate ecologist in Western Australia and is a member of the Ecological Society of Australia, Royal Society of Western Australia, Society for Conservation Biology, Birds Australia, Australian Society of Herpetologists and a Fellow of the Linnaean Society of London. He is also a lecturer in wildlife biology at Edith Cowan University and an adjunct Lecturer in Zoology at the University of Western Australia.

The field fauna component of this survey and the associated reporting, was undertaken by Dr Mitch Ladyman, Principal Biologist for Animal Plant Mineral Pty Ltd. Dr Ladyman has more than 15 years experience undertaking biological surveys in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

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3.2 Desktop Methodology

It is possible to assess the conservation value of an area, and therefore the potential future impacts, using the biogeographic regionalisation of Australia (Thackway and Cresswell 1995). Bioregions form a basis for setting boundaries of areas that have similar attributes, in terms of flora and fauna and conservation values. The Biodiversity Audit of Western Australia (2002) details information about the bioregions. Bioregions are large, geographically distinct areas of land with common characteristics such as climate, ecological features and plant and animal communities. Bioregions represent lowest order of resolution between different flora and fauna habitats. There are 85 bioregions and 403 sub- regions in Australia. A synopsis of the relevant Pilbara biogregion was assessed for its consideration to fauna of conservation significance. These included Schedule fauna (listed under the Wildlife Protection Act 1950 cth), Priority Fauna (as defined by the DEC nature protection branch) and endemic fauna as defined by Kendrick and McKenzie (Kendrick and McKenzie 2002).

A search of the DEC Threatened Species Branch and Western Australian Herbarium databases was completed for a rectangular polygon encompassing Ant Hill and Sunday Hill mining lease areas. The location was chosen to encompass the project area, but to also encompass a greater area of similar land masses where other significant previous biological survey work has been undertaken. The outcomes of the search are included as Appendix A (flora) and Appendix B (fauna) in this report.

The Department of Environment, Heritage, Water and the Arts (DEWHA) provide an on-line research tool that enables the user to access the database for a specific search area. The search tool then provides a report on matters of national environmental significance. The report is meant as a guide to matters that may occur within a proponent’s area of interest. This allows the proponent to consider if the project may constitute a ‘controlled action’ and decide whether to refer the project to DEWHA for assessment under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (‘EPBC’) Act 1999. The search tool was used for the current project within 50 km circle with central point at 22.08055 °S and 120.5941 °E. The report, in its entirety is provided as Appendix C.

The DEC also provides an online search tool (Naturemap) detailing historical collection records of flora and fauna across Western Australia. An area search was also conducted for the same location over a 40km radius from the centre point. The results of this search are presented as Appendix D for flora and Appendix E for fauna.

A search of the DEC Threatened Ecological Community (TEC) and Priority Ecological Community (PEC) was considered for the area. The complete TEC and PEC lists for Western Australia are included as Appendix F and Appendix G, respectively. The definitions of TEC’s and PEC’s are included as Appendix H.

Few fauna surveys have been conducted in the immediate vicinity for environmental impact assessments. The data for the majority of these surveys is not readily accessible in the public domain. However, Terrestrial Ecosystems provide summary data of any fauna records that are available in this ‘grey’ literature. These fauna records are provided in Appendix I. Recent fauna reports from the region of interest included the following:

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• Bamford Consulting Ecologists (2009). Fauna assessment of the BC Iron Nullagine Iron Ore Project. Unpublished Report for Astron Environmental Services, Perth.

• Biota Environmental Sciences (2005). Fauna habitats and fauna assemblages of the proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mindy Mindy; Christmas Creek; Mt Lewin and Mt Nicholas mines areas. Unpublished report for Fortescue Metal Group Ltd., Perth.

• Ecologia Environment (2009). Hancock Prospecting Ltd. Roy Hill Ore Project Vertebrate Fauna Assessment. Unpublished report for Hancock Prospecting Pty. Ltd., Perth.

These reports were only used to provide accessory lists for frogs, reptiles and mammals – all species which can be identified in the hand or vouchered. Because there is varying ability to identify birds in the field, these reports were not used to compile bird lists, and instead, the Birds Australia Atlas database (which is vetted for accuracy) was utilised

Table 1 presents a summary of the database searchers used to compile the current report.

Table 1. Databases used in the preparation of the fauna lists in Table 2 – 7 (Appendix I).

Database Type of records held on database Area searched

Records of specimens held in the WA 40 km circle with central Naturemap (Specimen Museum and DEC Fauna Database. point at 22 °05’60”S and Records) Includes historical data. 120 °36’40”E

Information and records on Threatened DEC Threatened and 21.6334 °S – 22.5289 oS and and Priority species in Western Priority Fauna Database 120.082 oE - 121.053 oE Australia

Birds Australia Atlas Records of bird observations in 21.40622 °S – 22.40589 °S and Database Australia, 1998-current. 120.65855 °E to 121.34142 °E

Records on matters protected under 50 km circle with central EPBC Protected Matters the EPBC Act, including threatened point at 22.08055 °S and Search Tool species. 120.5941 °E

Appendix J provides the definitions of the terms and references used within this document for both flora and fauna of conservation significance and for vegetation type and condition assessments.

Finally, lists of fauna expected to occur in the study area were produced using information from a number of sources. These included publications that provide information on general patterns of distribution of frogs (Tyler and Doughty 2009), reptiles (Storr et al. 1983, 1990, 1999 and 2002), birds (Barrett et al . 2003; Johnstone and Storr 1998; Johnstone and Storr 2004), and mammals (Menkhorst

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and Knight 2001; Van Dyck and Strahan 2008). In addition, the databases listed below in Table 1 were searched for specimen or observational records.

These sources of information were used to create lists of species expected to occur in the study area. As far as possible, expected species are those that are likely to utilise the study area, or be affected by changes to the study area. The lists exclude species that have been recorded in the general region as vagrants or for which suitable habitat is absent.

Taxonomy and nomenclature for flora follows the WA Herbarium. For fauna species used in this report, taxonomy generally follows the WA Museum (2009) with alternative bird taxonomy from Christidis and Boles (2008) given in parentheses. This is because the WA Museum utilises a different bird taxonomy to that which is nationally accepted (Christidis and Boles, 2008).

3.3 Assessment of conservation significance for fauna

Three levels of conservation significance are recognised in this report:

Conservation Significance 1: • Species listed under State or Commonwealth Acts. Conservation Significance 2: • Species not listed under State or Commonwealth Acts, but listed in publications on threatened fauna or as Priority species by DEC. Conservation Significance 3: • Species not listed under State or Commonwealth Acts or in publications on threatened fauna or as Priority species by DEC, but considered of local significance because of their pattern of distribution or habitat preferences.

At the highest level of conservation significance (Conservation Significance 1) are those species that are protected under State or Commonwealth legislation.

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the Commonwealth Government’s primary piece of environmental legislation. Listed under Part 3 of the EPBC Act are ‘matters of National Environmental Significance’ that include threatened species and ecological communities and migratory species, among others. IUCN categories are used to categorise threatened species as ‘extinct’, ‘extinct in the wild’, ‘critically endangered’, ‘endangered’, ‘vulnerable’ and ‘conservation dependent’, with all categories except ‘extinct’ and ‘conservation dependent’ listed as matters of National Environmental Significance. A list of migratory species is also maintained, containing mostly bird and marine species. The migratory species listed are those recognised under China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA), the Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA) or species listed under the Bonn Convention for which Australia is a range state. Species listed in JAMBA are also protected under Schedule 3 of the Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950.

The Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WA Wildlife Conservation Act) is State legislation for fauna protection administered by the Department of Conservation and Land Management (DEC). The WA Wildlife Conservation Act lists species under a set of Schedules, where threatened species are listed as Schedule 1. Schedule 1 species are further categorised by DEC into

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the IUCN categories ‘extinct’, ‘extinct in the wild’, ‘critically endangered’, ‘endangered’, ‘vulnerable’ and ‘conservation dependent’ species. The schedules and categories are further described in Appendix J.

At second-highest level of conservation significance (Conservation Significance 2) are species that are listed under publications on threatened species, or are listed as Priority species by DEC.

Reports on the conservation status of most vertebrate fauna species have been produced by the Department of the Environment, Heritage, Water and the Arts (DEWHA) in the form of Action Plans. An Action Plan is a review of the conservation status of a taxonomic group against IUCN categories. Action Plans have been prepared for amphibians (Tyler 1998), reptiles (Cogger et al. 1993), birds (Garnett and Crowley 2000), monotremes and marsupials (Maxwell et al. 1996), rodents (Lee 1995) and bats (Duncan et al. 1999). These publications also use categories similar to those used by the EPBC Act. The information presented in some of the earlier Action Plans may be out of date due to changes since publication.

In Western Australia, DEC has also produced a list of Priority Fauna made up of species that are not considered Threatened under the WA Wildlife Conservation Act , but for which DEC feels there is cause for concern. Levels of Priority are described in Appendix J.

At the third-highest level of conservation significance (Conservation Significance 3) are species that are not recognised under Federal or State legislation, listed in publications by DEHWA or listed as Priority species by DEC. These are species considered to be of local significance in the study area because they are at the limit of their distribution in the area, they have a very restricted range or they occur in breeding colonies (e.g. some waterbirds). This level of significance has no legislative or published recognition and is based on interpretation of information on the species patterns of distribution. The Government of Western Australia (2000) used this sort of interpretation to identify significant bird species in the Perth metropolitan area as part of Bush Forever. Recognition of such species is consistent with the aim of preserving regional biodiversity.

3.4 Field Methodology

3.4.1 Flora and Vegetation

The field survey was undertaken in September. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology reports that no rainfall had fallen at the nearest rainfall station (Newman) for several months. The last significant rainfall event in Newman was 36mm falling on 25 June, 2009. However, localised rain had fallen over the project area six weeks prior to the survey and was sufficient to generate stream flow in the nearby creeks (pers. comm. Steven Woods, Auvex). This rainfall had improved the condition of perennial flora, but was insufficient to stimulate annual and ephemeral flora. Therefore flora collections made during quadrat sampling were for the purposes of characterising vegetation only.

A total of twenty six flora quadrats were established over the major physiographic units within the project area. The flora and vegetation quadrats were approximately 50x50 m. Within each quadrat the physical attributes of the site were first described, including topography (including slope, morphology and aspect), drainage and soil texture.

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The dominant flora species from each of the definable flora strata were collected to assist in the description of the vegetation. Height and percentage cover were recorded. Then a systematic sweep of the quadrat was made to collect all other discernable species. As it was not the objective of this survey to fully detail all species likely to occur at the site under favourable conditions, annual flora that had senesced or desiccated were not collected as identification of these species is difficult, if not impossible.

Each site was photographed and a GPS record was taken. Following completion of the quadrat sampling, the entire project area was continual traversed by vehicle or foot where ever accessible, to determine the boundaries of the major vegetation communities. These boundaries were transcribed onto an aerial photograph which was then digitised to produce a vegetation and condition map.

3.4.2 Vegetation Mapping and Condition Assessment

Vegetation types are labelled with reference to the site type descriptions given by van Vreeswyk et al. (2004). Vegetation descriptions are based on the structure classes, as defined by the Government of Western Australia (2000) (Appendix G, Table 1). The vegetation condition scale (Government of Western Australia, 2000) used is presented in (Appendix G, Table 2), with reference to the species diversities reported by van Vreeswyk et al. (2004).

The combined vegetation of the Ant Hill and Sunday Hill mine lease areas can be broadly classified into four site type groups as described by van Vreeswyk et al., (2004). The site type groups represented in the project areas are typical of the Mosquito land system and are well represented within this and other land systems of the Pilbara. These broad site types are further divided into communities based on structure classes.

3.4.3 Flora collections

The flora of the project area is not described in detail in this report as the survey was not conducted during a season appropriate for flora inventory collection. However, the full list of expected flora species based on database searches and also the list of flora collected during the field survey are provided in Appendix H and Appendix I, respectively.

3.4.4 Fauna Habitats

Fauna assemblages are closely aligned with landforms and vegetation. Therefore, the vegetation communities provide appropriate boundaries to describe fauna habitat use.

During the flora quadrat sampling, additional notes were made describing site attributes that influence fauna descriptions. Primarily these included soil structure, the presence of rock outcrops or breakaways, the presence of standing or fallen hollow limbs and bark, and the percentage of ground cover comprising either vegetation or leaf litter. The presence of termite mound, anthropogenic disturbance and feral fauna was also noted. In addition each and every fauna microhabitat was investigated thoroughly to determine the habitat value of the site for fauna of conservation significance.

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4 Flora and Vegetation

4.1 Regional Representation

Ant Hill and Sunday Hill occur in the Chichester subregion, described by direct extracts from the Biodiversity Audit of Western Australia (DEC 2002):

• “The Chichester sub-region comprises the northern section of the Pilbara Craton. Undulating Archaean granite and basalt plains include significant areas of basaltic ranges. Plains support a shrub steppe characterised by Acacia inaequilatera over Triodia wiseana (formerly Triodia pungens ) hummock grasslands, while Eucalyptus leucophloia tree steppes occur on ranges. The climate is Semi desert tropical and receives 300 mm of rainfall annually. Drainage occurs to the north via numerous rivers (e.g. De Grey, Oakover, Nullagine, Shaw, Yule, Sherlock). Subregional area is 9,044,560 ha”;

Land system mapping (1:125,000) by the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAF) (van Vreeswyk et al., 2004) was consulted to enable a broad assessment of the regional representation of vegetation that occurs in the study area. Land systems are defined as a ‘recurring pattern of topography, soils and vegetation’. The study area was located in the south east corner of the Mosquito Land System.

Land System 6: Mosquito - This land system exists as a relatively consolidated block central in the eastern Pilbara, with smaller scattered occurrences south of the main block. The system covers 1,840 km 2 or 1% of the Pilbara’s area, of which 77% is considered to be in very good condition (van Vreeswyk et al., 2004). The geomorphology is comprised of stony plains and pediments with prominent ridges and hills with steep upper slopes and relief up to 100m (van Vreeswyk et al., 2004).

4.2 Flora and Vegetation Desktop Interpretation

Ant Hill

In the Pilbara region there are only two TECs: the Ethel Gorge stygobiont community and the Themeda grasslands on cracking clay (Hamersley Station, Pilbara). Neither of these occurs on or near the Ant Hill mining lease.

There are 19 Priority Ecological Communities (‘PEC’) identified by the DEC as at August 2008 (Appendix G). However, only one of these is of consideration to the proposed project area, Priority 3 listed Plant Assemblages of the Wona Land System. The Wona Land System in the Chichester Range is a heavily dissected Land System on basalt upland gilgai plains with pockets of occurrence to the east of the project area. Consideration has been given to this PEC based on proximity to the current project area; however, visual inspection discounts the occurrence of this land system in the Ant Hill mining lease. No other known PECs or TECs were present in the search area.

The Bioregional Summary of the 2002 Biodiversity Audit for Western Australia identifies 35 community types in the Pilbara are considered to be at risk due to under-representation in DEC conservation reserves and estates. These include freshwater wetlands, mulga and snakewood communities, scree and hilltop communities, grasslands, salt marshes and cracking clay communities.

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Mulga and Hilltop communities are likely to be impacted by the mine development as mulga occurs on the rocky outcrops of the hilltops within the proposed impact footprint at Ant Hill (Figure 3). However, these areas are small in comparison with their regional representation.

One Declared Rare Flora (DRF) species of relevance, Lepidium catapycnon was recorded from the search area (Appendix A). This record was collected 31 km to the north east of the study area. The species is found scattered over the Hamersley Ranges in skeletal soils on hillsides and hummock grasslands with an overstorey of Snappy Gum ( Eucalyptus leucophloia ) and Acacia species (DEHWA 2008). Given the distribution of this landform occurs within the project area, and particularly in the proposed impact footprint at Ant Hill (Figure 3) the occurrence of Lepidium catapycnon cannot be ruled out.

Nine species of priority flora were identified from the locality search of the DEC and WA Herbarium databases (Appendix A), five Priority 1(P1), one Priority 2 (P2) and two Priority 3 (P3). Definitions of priority species are given in Appendix J. Acacia aphanoclada (P1) occurs on rocky spinifex hills common in the region, among species associations found on the project area, and potential distribution within the project area and proposed impact footprint at Ant Hill cannot be discounted. Atriplex spinulosa (P1) has been recorded near a bore on the Noreena Downs Station, 17 km to the south of the project area. Habitat and distribution recorded from collection data, suggest a preference for drainage areas on stony spinifex plain. This habitat type is represented on the Ant Hill lease area but not in the mine impact footprint area. The records of the remaining species indicate habitat preferences that are not represented in the project area.

Sunday Hill

Visual inspection discounts the occurrence of the Wona land system in the Sunday Hill lease area. No other known PECs or TECs were present in the search area.

As is the case for Ant Hill, Mulga and Hilltop communities are likely to be impacted by the mine development where small Mulga groves occur on the deposits. However, these areas are small in comparison with their regional representation.

One Declared Rare Flora (DRF) species of relevance, Lepidium catapycnon was recorded from the search area (Appendix A). This record was collected 31 km to the north east of the study area. The species is found scattered over the Hamersley Ranges in skeletal soils on hillsides and hummock grasslands with an overstorey of Snappy Gum ( Eucalyptus leucophloia ) and Acacia species (DEHWA 2008). As for Ant Hill the potential presence of Lepidium catapycnon cannot be ruled out.

Nine species of priority flora were identified from the locality search of the DEC and WA Herbarium databases (Appendix A), five Priority 1(P1), one Priority 2 (P2) and two Priority 3 (P3). Definitions of priority species are given in Appendix J. Acacia aphanoclada (P1) occurs on rocky spinifex hills common in the region, among species associations found on the project area, and potential distribution within the project area cannot be discounted. Atriplex spinulosa (P1) has been recorded near a bore on the Noreena Downs Station, 17 km to the south of the project area. Habitat and distribution recorded from collection data, suggest a preference for drainage areas on stony spinifex

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plain. This habitat type is represented within the central part of the Sunday Hill lease area so there is a potential for the species to occur here. The records of the remaining species indicate habitat preferences that are not represented in the project area.

4.3 Plant Communities (Vegetation Types)

Vegetation types and descriptions are detailed in Table 2. For ease of understanding the vegetation types are split into each of the two mining leases.

Table 2. Vegetation Types for Ant Hill and Sunday Hill.

Site Type Groups and Site Ant Hill Sunday Hill Types* Vegetation Communities** Vegetation Communities** A. Hill hummock grassland i. Eucalyptus leucophloia ssp. i. Eucalyptus leucophloia ssp. site types leucophloia low open woodland over leucophloia low open woodland over 1. HSPG Hill spinifex grassland Acacia aneura tall open shrubland and Triodia hummock grassland Triodia hummock grassland ii. Acacia bromilowiana open heath ii. Mixed Acacia shrubland over Triodia over Eriachne mucronata very open brizoides hummock grassland tussock grassland iii. Mixed very open herbland over open iii. Mixed Acacia tall shrubland over hummock/tussock grassland Triodia brizoides open hummock grassland iv. Mixed Acacia open shrubland over Triodia brizoides hummock grassland D. Plain hummock grassland i. Eucalyptus leucophloia ssp. i. Eucalyptus leucophloia ssp. site types leucophloia low open woodland over leucophloia low open woodland over 5. PHSG Plain hard spinifex Acacia aneura tall open shrubland and mixed Acacia shrubland and Triodia grassland Triodia brizoides hummock grassland hummock grassland ii. Acacia bivenosa open shrubland over Triodia brizoides hummock grassland iii. Acacia inequilatera tall open shrubland over Triodia brizoides hummock grassland iv. Mixed Acacia tall woodland over Triodia sp. Shovelanna Hill (S. Van Leeuwen 3835) hummock grassland

H.Alluvial plain hummock i. Acacia ancistrocarpa closed heath grassland site types over Triodia brizoides closed hummock 25. AHSG Alluvial plain hard grassland Spinifex K.Drainage shrubland and i. Eucalyptus open woodland over woodland site types mixed Acacia /Melaleuca glomerata 41. DEGW Drainage Eucalypt tall shrubland and Eriachne tussock and Acacia grassy grassland. woodland/shrubland

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Ant Hill

A. Hill hummock grassland site types 1. HSPG Hill spinifex grassland i. Eucalyptus leucophloia ssp. leucophloia low open woodland over Acacia aneura tall open shrubland and Triodia hummock grassland (Plate 1) ii. Mixed Acacia shrubland over Triodia brizoides hummock grassland iii. Mixed very open herbland over open hummock/tussock grassland

Hill Spinifex grassland communities occupy the proportion of the Ant Hill mine lease where slopes exceed 6% and relief is over 15m. The greater proportion includes the overstory open woodland community (A1i.), with smaller areas lacking an overstory (A1ii.) and both overstory and midstory (A1iii.). The proposed impact footprint at Ant Hill is comprised solely of Community A1i. Community A1i displays variable densities of the tallest strata, with Acacia aneura becoming denser on the highest rocky outcrops. The midstory is dominated floristically by Acacia , with 6 species recorded, including the Priority 3 Acacia bromilowiana . The most common Acacia was Acacia pruinocarpa . Grevillea berryana, Senna glutinosa ssp. glutinosa, Eremophilla latrobei ssp . latrobei and Psydrax latifolia were also common in the midstory. Hummock grasses dominate the ground cover, represented by Triodia brizoides, T. angusta and Triodia sp. Shovelanna Hill (S. Van Leeuwen 3835). Cymbopogon ambiguus and Eriachne mucronata were commonly collected and in some cases locally abundant. Eriachne lanata was also common but sparse.

As these site types occupy the resource area of interest, there are roads and resource removal activity within this area. Where none of this mechanical disturbance exists the vegetation is in pristine condition (see Appendix G Terms of Reference for vegetation condition) with average species diversity at 16 per site and equal to that recorded by van Vreeswyk et al., (2004). Where mechanical disturbance has occurred the local areas are completely degraded, with bare rock surfaces apparent. The proposed impact footprint at Ant Hill is regularly dissected by roads and exploration activity and contains the highest density of disturbance in this site type. No exotic species were collected from these sites.

This site type, including the proposed impact footprint area, is potential habitat for the P1 Acacia aphanoclada which is exclusive to this site type and has been recorded in the region (Appendix A). Bulbostylis burbidgeae (P3), Sida sp. Barlee Range PN (P2) and Sida sp. Wittenoom Range (P3) have also been recorded in this site type (van Vreeswyk et al., 2004) but not within 50 km radius of the mine lease. HSPG is represented in Karajini National Park and the DEC owned Meentheena pastoral lease, and occurs extensively on unallocated Crown land (van Vreeswyk et al., 2004).

D. Plain hummock grassland site types 5. PHSG Plain hard spinifex grassland i. Eucalyptus leucophloia ssp . leucophloia low open woodland over Acacia aneura tall open shrubland and Triodia brizoides hummock grassland (Plate 2) ii. Acacia bivenosa open shrubland over Triodia brizoides hummock grassland iii. Acacia inequilatera tall open shrubland over Triodia brizoides hummock grassland iv. Mixed Acacia tall woodland over Triodia sp. Shovelanna Hill (S. Van Leeuwen 3835) hummock grassland

Plain hard spinifex grassland communities occupy the greatest proportion of the Ant Hill mine lease and is the most common site type in the Mosquito land system. The communities bear a close resemblance to the hill spinifex grassland group, but occupy the flatter areas of low relief, and the overstory is less prominent spatially. Corymbia candida ssp. dipsodes is present but more restricted

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than Eucalyptus leucophloia ssp. leucophloia . The diversity of the midstory is particularly prominent in this group, including 11 species of Acacia , 6 species of Senna and 3 species of Eremophlla . They are typically scattered in the landscape, rarely exceeding 15% projected foliage cover, except in areas receiving runon where the density may be locally increased. Prominent species in this stratum include Acacia aneura , A. bivenosa , A. inaequilatera , A. pruinocarpa and A. retivenea ssp. clandestina , as well as Senna glutinosa ssp. glutinosa , S. glutinosa ssp. pruinosa , and Eremophila exilifolia . Triodia brizoides hummock grass dominates the ground cover with T. angusta and Triodia sp. Shovelanna Hill (S. Van Leeuwen 3835) being locally abundant in places. Eriachne mucronata was the most prominent tussock grass with Cymbopogon ambiguus also present.

Access roads pass through this site type and where they occur localised mechanical disturbance is present, yet this represents a small portion with the remainder considered to be in pristine condition (see Appendix G Terms of Reference for vegetation condition). No exotic species were recorded in this site type.

Average species diversity of sites of this site type was 18, which is slightly higher than that recorded by van Vreeswyk et al., (2004). Abutilon trudgenii ms (P3), Acacia balsamea (P4), Bulbostylis burbidgeae (P3) and Sida sp. Wittenoom PN (P3) were recorded in this site type by van Vreeswyk et al., (2004) , but not within a 50 km radius of the Ant Hill mine lease (Appendix A). PHSG is well represented in nature reserves, occurring in Karajini National Park, Millstream-Chichester National Park, Cane River Nature Reserve and Meetheena pastoral lease as well as extensively on unallocated Crown land (van Vreeswyk et al., 2004)

This site type does not occur in the proposed impact footprint area (Figure 3).

H. Alluvial plain hummock grassland (and occasionally grassy shrubland) site types 25. AHSG Alluvial plain hard Spinifex i. Acacia ancistrocarpa closed heath over Triodia brizoides closed hummock grassland (Plate 3)

This site type is present in the lower landscape of the eastern corner of the Ant Hill mine lease, dissected by PHSG on the areas of higher elevation. This site type occurs fairly widely in the Mosquito Land System on alluvial plains and drainage tracts, usually on sandy duplex and clay soils (van Vreeswyk et al., 2004).

The cover is overwhelmingly dominated by Acacia ancistrocarpa in the midstory and Triodia brizoides in the understory, and is lacking in an overstory. The Malvaceae is well represented in the low shrub strata and Corchorus lasiocarpus and Sida sp. spiciform panicles (E. Leyland S.N. 14/08/90) most numerous. Cymbopogon ambiguus and Eriachne mucronata tussock grasses were present in low numbers.

Twelve species were recorded in this site type in the present survey, consistent with the relatively low species diversity reported by van Vreeswyk et al., (2004). No disturbances or exotic species were recorded in this site type and the vegetation is considered to be in pristine condition (see Appendix G Terms of Reference for vegetation condition). Van Vreeswyk et al., (2004) recorded Bulbostylis burbidgeae (P3) and Sida sp. Wittenoom PN (P3) in this site type, yet they have not been recorded within a 50 km radius of the mine lease (Appendix A).

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AHSG is represented at Cane River Nature Reserve, at Meetheena pastoral lease and on unallocated Crown land (van Vreeswyk et al., 2004).

This site type does not occur in the proposed Impact Footprint (Figure 3).

Sunday Hill

A. Hill hummock grassland site types 1. HSPG Hill spinifex grassland i. Eucalyptus leucophloia ssp . leucophloia low open woodland over Triodia hummock grassland ii. Acacia bromilowiana open heath over Eriachne mucronata very open tussock grassland iii. Mixed Acacia tall shrubland over Triodia brizoides open hummock grassland iv. Mixed Acacia open shrubland over Triodia brizoides hummock grassland

As with the same site type described previously, Hill Spinifex grassland communities occupy the proportion of the Sunday Hill mine lease where slopes exceed 6% and relief is over 15m. This includes a considerable proportion of the mine lease area, and is spatially dominated by the community A1i where an overstory of Eucalyptus is present. Corymbia hamersleyana is present but less extant than Eucalyptus leucophloia ssp. leucophloia . The midstory is again dominated by Acacias both spatially and floristically with 11 species recorded, the most prominent being Acacia bivenosa and A. retivenea ssp. clandestina with densities becoming thicker in run off areas and sparser towards rises. Acacia aneura is again prominent at the highest rocky outcrops. Senna , Grevillea and Eremophilla were also prominent with 5, 3 and 2 species respectively and Indigofera monophylla was common. Triodia brizoides was dominant among the hummock grasses with Triodia ? spicata also common. Lack of diagnostic parts available on this species at this time prevents certainty in identification of this species. Eriachne mucronata was widely distributed but sparse and Cymbopogon ambiguus present and occasionally locally prolific.

As for Ant Hill, the vegetation condition is in pristine condition (see Appendix G Terms of Reference for vegetation condition) outside of the localised mining disturbances and an average of 16 species per site is consistent with findings of van Vreeswyk et al., (2004). No exotic flora were recorded in this site type. The Priority 3 species Acacia bromilowiana was recorded from three locations in this site type. As stated above, this site type is potential habitat for the P1 Acacia aphanoclada which is exclusive to this site type and has been recorded in the region (Appendix A). Bulbostylis burbidgeae (P3), Sida sp. Barlee Range PN (P2) and Sida sp. Wittenoom Range (P3) have also been recorded in this site type (van Vreeswyk et al., (2004) but not within 50 km radius of the mine lease.

HSPG is represented in Karajini National Park and the DEC owned Meentheena pastoral lease, and occurs extensively on unallocated Crown land (van Vreeswyk et al., 2004).

D. Plain hummock grassland site types 5. Plain hard spinifex grassland i. Eucalyptus leucophloia ssp. leucophloia low open woodland over mixed Acacia shrubland and Triodia hummock grassland

The central south area of the mine lease is surrounded by higher elevation areas from the east through to the south, resulting in a tilted plain area draining to the south west. This area is classified here as PHSG, the main diversion from HSPG based on lack of slope and elevation. Floristically the two groups are very similar with a dominant overstory of Eucalyptus leucophloia ssp. leucophlioa , a

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diversity of Acacia and Senna species and the presence of the Priority 3 listed Acacia bromilowiana . The density of the midstory is slightly higher here as the plain receives runoff from the surrounding hills. The dominant hummock grass recorded was Triodia angusta , with T. brizoides also present. Tussock grasses are conspicuously absent.

Eighteen species were recorded in this site type, consistent with the same site type at Ant Hill and slightly higher than recorded by van Vreeswyk et al., (2004). There were no exotics recorded and no roads or other disturbance so the vegetation was considered in pristine condition (see Appendix G Terms of Reference for vegetation condition). As mentioned above, Abutilon trudgenii ms (P3), Acacia balsamea (P4), Bulbostylis burbidgeae (P3) and Sida sp. Wittenoom PN (P3) were recorded in this site type by van Vreeswyk et al., (2004) , but not within a 50 km radius of the Sunday Hill mine lease (Appendix A).

PHSG is well represented in nature reserves, occuring in Karajini National Park, Millstream-Chichester National Park, Cane River Nature Reserve and Meetheena pastoral lease as well as extensively on unallocated Crown land (van Vreeswyk et al., 2004).

K. Drainage shrubland and woodland site types 41. DEGW Drainage eucalypt and acacia grassy woodland/shrubland i. Eucalyptus open woodland over mixed Acacia /Melaleuca glomerata tall shrubland and Eriachne tussock grassland.

The north eastern corner of the Sunday Hill Mine lease is dissected by a well formed ephemeral drainage channel representing this site type. It is also found in the north east area of the mine lease in the lower portions of the landscape (not shown on aerial photography) in very small pockets. The overstory was sparse here and Eucalyptus victrix , E. leucophloia ssp. leucophloia and Corymbia hamersleyana were all recorded. Acacia was prevalent in the midstory (six species) particularly Acacia trachycarpa and Acacia inequilatera . Melaleuca glomerata was present and often dense. Comparative to the site types represented in other parts of the mine lease the herb layer was more diverse here, however the ground cover was dominated by tussock grasses primarily of Eriachne benthamii and Eriachne ? mucronata .

This site type contained the exotic flora *Malvastrum americanum and * Vachellia farnesiana and the tussock grasses were heavily grazed by cattle. The grazing appears to have prevented recruitment of shrub species away from the creek margin. The species diversity was 20 per site slightly higher than recorded by van Vreeswyk et al., (2004). With the low frequency of the exotic species, the dominance of a native tussock grass and the expected species diversity this site type is considered in good to very good condition.

No rare or priority flora were recorded in this site type in this study, yet as the field collections were made in September, there is limited opportunity for intercepting herbaceous species that may exist for a proportion of the year in the seed bank only. The flora Eriachne teniculmis (P3), Goodenia pascua (P3) and Goodenia stellata (P4) were recorded on this site type by van Vreeswyk et al., (2004), yet have not previously been recorded within a 50 km radius of the mine lease (Appendix A).

This site type is well represented in conservation reserves with distribution at Karajini National Park, Cane River Nature Reserve, Meetheena pastoral lease and on unallocated Crown land (van Vreeswyk et al., 2004).

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Plate 1: Ant Hill (A1i) Hill spinifex grassland Plate 2: Ant Hill (D5i) Plain hard spinifex grassland

Plate 3: Ant Hill (H25i) Alluvial plain hard spinifex Plate 4: Sunday Hill (A1i) Hill spinifex grassland

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Plate 5: Sunday Hill (D5i) Plain hard spinifex grassland Plate 6: Sunday Hill (K41i) Drainage Eucalypt and Acacia grassy woodland/ shrubland

Plate 7: Priority 3 species Acacia bromilowiana on Sunday Hill at site SH12

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5 Fauna and Fauna Habitat Assessment

5.1 Primary Fauna Habitats

Rocky ranges and breakaways

Ant Hill

Steep breakaways, boulder piles, caves and ledges are a prominent feature of the Ant Hill mining impact footprint. The manganese horizon is sub-horizontal and forms a prominent mesa or flat- topped hill of some 2 kilometres length and up to 0.5 kilometres width. The mesa has a clearly defined breakaway that is almost continuos along the entire western edge. This breakaway sits just outside the proposed mining impact footprint. There are many other small breakaways on the eastern side of Ant Hill. These differ in their geology more commonly comprising platy shale and weathered conglomerate boulder cliffs, rather than manganese or iron outcrops.

Where these breakaways have a southern aspect, there is a high likelihood that they may support short range endemic taxa. One such location is within the Ant Hill project area and is marked on Figure 3. Similarly the weathering process of these geological formations means that cavities may be present in the mesas that may support troglofauna communities.

In all cases, small blow-outs or caves are a common occurrence. Most are not deep, though intensive investigation across the Ant Hill lease identified a number of small apertures, moderately deep caves that are suitable refuge for species such as the Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus , the Ghost Bat Macroderma gigas and the Rock Rat Zyzomys argurus.

Plate 8 shows the Ant Hill mesa looking west. It is possible to see the manganese breakaways.

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Sunday Hill

The lithologies of Sunday Hill include sandstones, siltstones and mudstones, conglomerates and cherts. Many of these are expressed within the Sunday Hill lease area as rocky breakaways along the east side and north-west side of the project area. Plate 9 shows the combination of iron stone and manganese outcrops that provide valuable fauna habitat for the same conservation significant species as previously mentioned for Ant Hill.

Plate 9 shows outcrops on the Sunday Hill lease.

Where these breakaways have a southern aspect, there is a high likelihood that they may support short range endemic taxa. Vertical breakaways that face south are sheltered from direct sunlight for much of the year. They can often also be sheltered from prevailing winds. This can create a microclimate of higher humidity. Within the fissures and cracks of the rock breakaway small invertebrates with poor mobility and limited powers of dispersal can exist as somewhat unique populations within a generalised and broadly represented landscape.

Low Rolling Hills

Ant Hill

The majority of the Ant Hill mesa (the ore bodies) occurs on uplifted hills terrain, but some areas are characterised by a more gentle relief. These are evident along the eastern side of the main Ant Hill mesa along either side of the main access track. The saddles of these more gentle hills are densely covered in Spinifex and with scattered rocks. The rolling slopes are likely to be suitable habitat for the Western Pebble Mound Mouse. Valleys in between the hills are generally of low relief and flat and are primarily covered with Spinifex. These habitats are often sandier, particularly where they approach creeklines.

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Plate 10 shows more gently sloping hills with sandy valley floors centered on drainage lines

Plate 11 shows grassy valley floors are found in between the low rolling hills

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Primary habitats for fauna on the site are centred on these two main features – hills and associated areas of low relief. There was only one major drainage line on the northern end of the Sunday Hill mining lease. Though this habitat is not likely to suffer any substantial impact, fauna dependant upon this habitat are still discussed.

5.2 Fauna Desktop Interpretation

The amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals that may occur in the study area are listed in Tables 1-4 of Appendix J. In each table species recorded in the area by the WA Museum (all taxa) and Birds Australia (birds only) are indicated. The results of the DEC Threatened and Priority Fauna Database search and the EPBC database search are given in Appendices B and C, respectively.

As the majority of fauna are highly mobile and the broad fauna habitats are similar for both Ant Hill and Sunday Hill the fauna potentially likely to occur across both of the leases are dealt with collectively, except where specific differences occur.

5.2.1 Amphibians

There are seven species of frog that have the potential to occur on the site (Appendix J - Table 1). As expected in an arid region, the majority of these species are opportunistic breeders that emerge after cyclonic rain to breed in the pools of water formed and in flooded creeklines. One species, Litoria rubella (the Desert Tree Frog) was recorded during the site visit.

No frogs of conservation significance are known to occur in the area.

5.2.2 Reptiles

There are 102 species of reptile listed in (Appendix J - Table 1) as having the potential to occur on the site with 84 being recorded during previous fauna surveys in the greater region.

There are two reptiles of conservation significance that may occur on the site. Each species is listed and discussed below.

Conservation Significance 1 • Woma Python Aspidites ramsayi This python is listed under Schedule 4 (other specially protected fauna) of the WA Wildlife Conservation Act and as Priority 1 by DEC. • Pilbara Olive Python Morelia olivacea barroni This python is listed under Schedule 1 (Vulnerable) of the WA Wildlife Conservation Act, and as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act.

The Woma Python has undergone a dramatic decline in the south-west, but the north-west population is more secure. This species has a patchy distribution in the Pilbara and shows a strong habitat preference for sandplain habitats. Consequently, Womas are most likely to be found in areas such as the Nifty Copper Mine to the east where there are large areas of desert sand dunes. This species is unlikely to occur at Ant Hill and at Sunday Hill there are very limited suitable sandy habitats across the broader lease areas.

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The Pilbara Olive Python is restricted to ranges in the Pilbara and islands in the Dampier Archipelago and is known from relatively few localities. This very large python inhabits rock outcrops, usually close to waterholes which it uses to hunt. There are several records of this species in the area including from Nullagine and Meenthena Station. This species may occur in the study area. It is possibly more likely to occur at Sunday Hill as Sunday Hill occurs in close proximity to a major drainage line, which is another favoured habitat for the Pilbara Olive Python.

The Great Desert Skink was recorded on the EPBC database (Appendix 2) but is highly unlikely to occur at either of the mining leases due to the lack of suitable habitats (sandy plains with Spinifex). Furthermore, Ant Hill and Sunday Hill are beyond the typical known range of this species.

5.2.3 Birds

There are 148 species of bird listed in (Appendix J - Table 3) as having the potential to occur on the site with 115 recorded form surveys in the region.

A number of wetland birds have been included in the list. However, these species would only be present in the area when water is present in the major creeks and rivers.

There are 8 birds of conservation significance that may occur on the site. Each species is listed and discussed below.

Conservation Significance 1 • Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus This falcon is listed under Schedule 4 (other specially protected fauna) of the WA Wildlife Conservation Act. • Night Parrot Pezoporus occidentalis This species is listed as Critically Endangered by DEC and under the EPBC Act. Migratory Species • Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus This species is migratory under JAMBA, CAMBA and the Bonn Convention, and as such is protected under the EPBC Act. Its listing under JAMBA also ensures it is protected under the WA Wildlife Conservation Act. • Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus This species is listed as migratory under the EPBC Act. • Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta This species is listed as migratory under the EPBC Act. • Cattle Egret Ardea ibis This species is listed as migratory under the EPBC Act. • Oriental Plover Charadrius veredus This species is listed as migratory under the EPBC Act. • White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster This species is listed as migratory under the EPBC Act.

The Peregrine Falcon is a widespread bird of prey. This falcon nests mainly on ledges on cliffs, rocky outcrops and quarries, although it may also use tall trees (Johnstone and Storr 1998). This species

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often takes advantage of man-made structures such as abandoned open pits and may occur in the study area at either Ant Hill or Sunday Hill.

The Night Parrot is a very rare and enigmatic species. Although there have not been confirmed recent records in the region, the study area has suitable habitat for this species and there are recent records from within a 100 – 200 km radius of the study site (see Davis and Metcalf, 2008). The Night Parrot is very cryptic and the species could be extant in suitable habitat throughout its range, including where habitat has been heavily affected by stock (as was the case with the recent sighting). Known habitats of the Night Parrot include spinifex, ranges and breakaways, chenopod shrubland and all manner of waterholes. The possibility that this species exists on either of the mining leases cannot be excluded.

The Fork-tailed Swift is a largely aerial and rare species and is unlikely to be affected by any proposed development at either Ant Hill or Sunday Hill.

The Rainbow Bee-eater has been recorded from the area by Birds Australia. It is a common species that migrates southwards in summer to breed. It is possible that this species breeds in sandy areas around the periphery of the Ant Hill and Sunday Hill mesas.

The Eastern Great Egret may occur around wetland areas in the region but is nomadic and migratory and unlikely to be impacted by the proposed activities. It has been recorded from the nearby region by Birds Australia but there are no true wetlands in the lease areas. Similarly, the Cattle Egret is likely to occur based on database searches but the lack of wetlands means the species will not be disturbed by the project. Individuals may occur along the river after periods of high rainfall, as water pools recede.

The Oriental Plover was also listed on the EPBC database search but is considered unlikely to occur in the study area based upon the lack of suitable habitat.

The White-bellied Sea Eagle has been recorded from the area by Birds Australia and pairs often nest around large inland rivers or permanent water in gorges. A pair is known from Carrawine Gorge to the east of the study site (Pers. Obs.). This species may occur around large areas of water on a seasonal basis and therefore is more likely to utilise the riverine area to the north of Sunday Hill.

Conservation Significance 2 • Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos This falcon is listed as Priority 4 by DEC. • Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis This species is listed as Priority 4 by DEC. • Bush Stone-Curlew Burhinus grallarius This species is listed as Priority 4 by DEC. • Star Finch (western) Neochmia ruficauda subclarescens This finch is listed as Priority 4 by DEC.

The Grey Falcon is a very uncommon bird that inhabits lightly wooded areas in the northern part of Western Australia (Johnstone and Storr 1998). This species nests in eucalypts along rivers. Grey Falcons are considered likely to occur in the region and may breed in tall trees in creeklines in the area. There is a record of 3 Grey Falcons near Nullagine in the DEC Threatened Fauna Database (REF)

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from 1997. Similar to the White-bellied Sea Eagle this species is more likely to utilise the riverine area to the north of Sunday Hill.

Bustards were recorded from the area by Birds Australia. The Australian Bustard inhabits grasslands and savannah grasslands, moving nomadically in response to the presence of food (Johnstone and Storr 1998). This species is considered highly likely to be seasonally common in both the Ant Hill and Sunday Hill lease areas. The Australian Bustard is threatened by hunting and habitat degradation in the region. The species is also clumsy when taking off and is vulnerable to colliding with vehicles (e.g. such as on the haul road) and overhead powerlines.

The Bush Stone-Curlew inhabits lightly wooded plains, sheltering during the day in thickets of grass or under shrubs (Johnstone and Storr 1998). This species roosts and nests on the ground and is vulnerable to feral predators such as the fox. The Bush Stone-curlew has been recorded from the project area by Birds Australia, and it may be present around the periphery of the Ant Hill and Sunday Hill mesas where there is woodland or tree cover. The main threatening processes listed by Garnett and Crowley (2000) for this species are loss of habitat and predation by foxes.

The Star Finch has been recorded from the area by Birds Australia. It inhabits the dense vegetation around swamps, rivers and permanent waterholes in the north west of Western Australia (Johnstone and Storr 2004). This species may be locally common in the Pilbara, but is patchily distributed (Johnstone and Storr 2004). The Star Finch may occur seasonally around larger watercourses such as the one to the north of the Sunday Hill lease area.

The Princess Parrot was recorded on the Protected Matters EPBC search for the area, but on known range and habitats is considered highly unlikely to be present at either Ant Hill or Sunday Hill and consequently is not listed in Table 4. There are no records from the region in previous fauna surveys, on the DEC Threatened Fauna database or on the Birds Australia Atlas database.

5.2.4 Mammals

There are 51 species of mammal that have the potential to occur in the project area with 32 recorded from the nearby region (Appendix J - Table 4). There are some species, particularly medium-sized mammals that would have occurred in the area in the past, but have become extinct since European settlement.

There are 10 mammals of conservation significance that may occur on the site. Each species is listed and discussed below. Species of different conservation significance have been separated for discussion.

Conservation Significance 1 • Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus This species is listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act. • Mulgara Dasycercus blythi This species is listed under Schedule 1(Vulnerable) of the WA Wildlife Conservation Act and as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act. • Greater Bilby Macrotis lagotis This species is listed under Schedule 1(Vulnerable) of the WA Wildlife Conservation Act and as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act.

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• Northern Marsupial Mole Notoryctes caurinus This species is listed under Schedule 1(Endangered) of the WA Wildlife Conservation Act and as Endangered under the EPBC Act. • Orange leaf-nosed Bat (Pilbara form) Rhinonicteris aurantius This bat is listed under Schedule 1(Vulnerable) of the WA Wildlife Conservation Act and as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act.

The Northern Quoll is a medium-sized carnivore that was listed under the EPBC Act in 2005 due to concern about the impact of the Cane Toad ( Bufo marinus ) on the species. Climactic modelling suggests that the Cane Toad is likely to invade the Pilbara region in the next 10 to 20 years. In addition, the Pilbara population of the Northern Quoll has been declining for unknown reasons. The Northern Quoll is associated with rocky areas as well as open forest and woodland. It is only considered likely to occur where there are suitable rocky uplands. This species was listed on the Protected Matters Database by the EPBC Act and a number of Northern Quolls were trapped in the Nullagine Iron Ore Project Fauna Survey (Bamford Consulting Ecologists, 2009) and this species is consequently considered likely to occur in suitable habitat, such as the small breakaways on the Ant Hill and Sunday Hill mesas.

The Mulgara was previously known under the species name of Dasycercus cristicauda but has now been changed to Dasycercus blythi following some recent taxonomic work (Van Dyck and Strahan, 2008). The Mulgara is generally found in arid sandy regions in the Pilbara, Goldfields and Murchison. It excavates burrows on flats between low sand dunes or on the slopes of high dunes (Van Dyck and Strahan, 2008). This species will also use clayey sand and sandy loam soils with hummock grasses under the influence of drainage systems. Although fauna surveys in the region have not recorded Mulgara, the DEC threatened fauna database (Appendix C) contains a record of an animal trapped in 1947 from Nullagine. The species is therefore clearly in range and could occur where suitable habitats exist off the Ant Hill and Sunday Hill mesas and down on the alluvial washplains.

The Bilby is uncommon throughout its range and has suffered a dramatic range reduction due to the combined impacts of fire, feral predators and competitors, land clearing for agriculture and pastoralism. Bilbies are generally solitary but males may share burrows with females and their offspring (Van Dyck and Strahan, 2008).

Bilbies tend to favour sandy country particularly red earths with Acacia shrubland and will tolerate laterite over sands (Van Dyck and Strahan, 2008). Records of the Bilby occur to the west of the lease area around the Fortescue Marshes (pers. Obs.; Biota, 2005) and there is also a 1979 record from Nullagine on the DEC threatened fauna database. The Bilby may occur in the Ant Hill and Sunday Hill area where suitable habitat exists.

The Northern Marsupial Mole is a little-known species that lives underground in sandy areas, including in sand dunes, and rarely comes to the surface (Maxwell et al . 1996). There have been very few recent records of this species, so it difficult to ascertain its status in the area. The lack of sandy dune habitats indicates that this species is unlikely to occur in the area at either Ant Hill or Sunday Hill.

The Pilbara form of the Orange Leaf-nosed Bat is known from very few sites across the Pilbara, and there are fewer known roosts sites, generally in abandoned mines in the east Pilbara. It requires warm and humid roost sites and feeds in adjacent woodland. The key to its survival is the protection of roost sites (Duncan et al . 1999). There is a small chance that some of the small caves (either noted

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or thought to be possible) on the lease areas may support roosts of this species. Both Ant Hill and Sunday Hill contain breakaway ridges where such caves may be present.

Conservation Significance 2 • Long-tailed Dunnart Sminthopsis longicaudata This dunnart is listed as Priority 4 by DEC. • Spectacled Hare-Wallaby (mainland form) Lagorchestes conspicillatus This wallaby is listed as Priority 3 by DEC. • Ghost Bat Macroderma gigas This bat is listed as Priority 4 by DEC. • Short-tailed Mouse Leggadina lakedownensis This mouse is listed as Priority 4 by DEC. • Western Pebble-mound Mouse Pseudomys chapmani This mouse is listed as Priority 4 by DEC.

The Long-tailed Dunnart was once thought to be extremely uncommon. However, there have been more reports of this species with the increase in surveys in its rocky habitats (M. Cowan, pers. comm.). This species was recorded on previous fauna surveys in the broader region. Habitat in the lease areas is highly suitable for this species and it may occur in rocky uplands of both Ant Hill and Sunday Hill.

The mainland form of the Spectacled Hare-Wallaby is now very rare. Although previously known from various sites around the Pilbara, it appears that this species may have become extinct at many or most of these sites in recent times (P. Kendrick pers. comm.). This species was formerly in range for the study area and there is a small chance that it persists in areas of tall, unburnt Spinifex. It has been previously located around the base of ranges or hills so there remains a possibility this species is present.

Similar to the Pilbara Orange Leaf-nosed bat, the Ghost Bat requires warm and humid roost sites and feeds in adjacent woodland. There is a small chance that some of the small caves (either noted or thought to be possible) on the lease areas may support roosts of this species. Both Ant Hill and Sunday Hill contain breakaway ridges where such caves may be present. The species has been recorded from the area including 4 DEC records from Nullagine, 3 of which came from 2006 (Appendix B) and as specimen records from the WA Museum (Table 5).

The Lakeland Downs Mouse appears to be increasing in range in the Pilbara and is probably present in the study area particularly on riverine flats with clay-based soils. This species has been recorded during previous fauna surveys in the area (Table 5) but is unlikely to occur at either Ant Hill or Sunday Hill due to lack of suitable habitat.

The Western Pebble-mound Mouse generally occurs on rocky hillslopes where it constructs its unique pebble mounds. This species has retracted greatly in range in recent times and is now patchily distributed throughout the Pilbara, east to Rudall River National Park (Van Dyck and Strahan, 2008). This species has been recorded during previous surveys in the region and is considered highly likely to occur where there is suitable habitat on either Ant Hill or Sunday Hill.

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5.3 Field Fauna Assessment

The following section describes the potential presence of fauna of conservation significance based on the specific fauna microhabitat observation made whilst in the field.

Based on the microhabitats in the project area it is very likely that the Pilbara Olive Python ( CI1 ) occurs at both Ant Hill and Sunday Hill, within the lease areas and the proposed mine impact footprint. Individuals would readily move around the hill slopes and break-aways investigating small caves and crevices for prey. Individuals would also move between the uplands of Sunday Hill down into the riverine environment adjacent the current construction camp. In this habitat the species would investigate and occupy large hollow trees and limbs. Major threats to this species involve vehicle strikes as individuals move slowly across roads. Haul Road traffic may have a significant impact on local individuals. However, the species is broadly distributed in the Pilbara and not limited to the project area.

The Northern Quoll ( CI1 ) is the second significant species most likely to be impacted by the project. Individuals would almost certainly occupy the caves and crevices of both Ant Hill and Sunday Hill ore bodies. A number of caves were located and investigated during the field survey. However, this species is highly mobile and will gradually move away from the site as mining proceeds. Nevertheless, individuals moving from disturbed habitats become more vulnerable to predation from feral fauna. Thus, secondary impacts could occur to displaced individuals. Quolls are also prevalent in major drainage lines where they can roost in fallen hollow limbs.

The presence of the Pilbara form of the Orange Leaf-nosed Bat ( CI1 ) and the Ghost Bat ( CI2 ) are well documented in the area, particularly around Nullagine. Impacts to these two species are particularly severe if mining disturbs maternity caves and long-term roost caves. These caves are usually deeply recessed under ridge capping on mesas with rocky breakaways where depth and proximity to the surface of the mesa creates high heat and humidity in the cave. During the field survey the remnants of one such cave was located and described. The cave was a flat floored dome cavity with a roof height of approximately 1.2 – 1.5m. Structurally, it was very suitable. However, the terminal cavern investigated had been exposed by historical quarrying into the side of Ant Hill. The cave was no longer suitable as a roost site. No similar caves were found, but that is not to say that they do not occur. The presence of one such cave dictates that others are likely. They are particularly difficult to locate as they have very small entrances that are hard to penetrate and investigate. The occurrence of other suitable caves cannot be discounted.

The Bilby ( CI1 ) Long-tailed Dunnart ( CI2 ) and Spectacled Hare-Wallaby ( CI2 ) are most likely to occur and most likely to be disturbed in the heavily vegetated deep vales between the hills and mesas of the ore bodies. Down-slope movement of soil through erosion creates deep soil profiles suitable for the burrowing bilbies. Similarly, the thick vegetation associated with minor drainage lines provides ideal refuge for the hare-wallabies. Impacts to local individuals are more likely to occur from displacement of individuals following clearing or by vehicle strikes.

The Peregrine Falcon (CI1 ) is a widespread bird of prey. All cliffs and outcrops were investigated during the survey and no nests were recorded. Therefore, only foraging individuals are likely to occur over the site and these are unlikely to be impacted in any way by the project.

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Although the Night Parrot ( CI1 ) may potentially occur in the project area, it is more likely to occur off the ore bodies and down on the adjacent flats to the west and south of the project area. As the haul road has already been developed and will likely only be upgraded during the life of the project, few if any impacts are likely to occur.

Disturbance to the Rainbow Bee-eater (Migratory) is only likely if major works are proposed on the river banks adjacent to the construction camp. As the haul road is already constructed, further major works are not anticipated and therefore no significant impact is likely to occur to this species. Individuals may nest in smaller sandy banks associated with the alluvial pans and minor drainage line in the centre of Sunday Hill. No major infrastructure is proposed for this area.

Like the Peregrine Falcon, disturbance threats to the Grey Falcon ( CI2 ) are primarily related to disturbance to potential nest site. However, as this species nests in large trees along water courses, impacts will only come if nesting trees are disturbed by construction in the riverine area adjacent the construction camp.

Bustards ( CI2 ) and Bush Stone-Curlews ( CI2 ) will only be threatened by vehicle strikes along the haul road, or any increase in feral fauna that occurs as a consequence of human activity associated with the mine.

The Star Finch ( CI2 ) may occur in some of the dense vegetation associated with the drainage line adjacent to the construction camp. If this vegetation is preserved then the species will not be impacted by the proposed project.

Significant time was spent searching for active Western Pebble-mound Mouse ( CI2 ) mounds in suitable habitat, which was common throughout the project area. Extinct mounds were located, but no active mounds were found. Individuals and aggregations would occur across the lower slopes and rounded hills of both Sunday Hill and Ant Hill project areas. Impacts from mining will only impact local animals and will not have a significant impact on their regional representation.

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6 Conclusions

The total area of investigation covered both the Ant Hill and Sunday Hill mining lease areas (M46/238 and M46/237, respectively). However the development of the project will be a staged process, with a much smaller area of less than 50ha at Ant Hill (M46/238) targeted for extraction of ore in the first two years following project approval. In this time, areas within the Ant Hill mining lease and the Sunday Hill mining lease will only be impacted for Resource Definition Drilling at close grid spacing of approximately 50m.

Flora and Vegetation

Overall the vegetation of the project area is well represented throughout the Mosquito Land System. The Mosquito Land System covers 1% of the total area of the Pilbara described by the Inventory and Condition Assessment of the Pilbara region, Western Australia (Van Vreeswyk et al. 2004). There are more than 80 land units that are the equal or less well represented. The proposed lease areas cover less than 1500 ha in total or less than 0.001% of the Mosquito land system. The proposed impact footprint of only 50 ha represents a far smaller area again.

Though not recorded during the survey, the ridge and hill site types of both Ant Hill and Sunday Hill (including the proposed impact footprint), have the potential to support the Declared Rare sedge Lepidium catapycnon and the Priority 1 Acacia aphanoclada as a dominant (at low density) shrub. This Acacia is exclusive to this site type and has been recorded in the region.

The ridges and hills site type at Ant Hill and Sunday Hill also supported a variety of Acacias including the Priority 3 species Acacia bromilowiana. Further survey work at an appropriate time of the year (following significant rainfall) will be required to determine the extent and distribution of this P3 species. A. bromilowiana was not collected from the proposed Impact Footprint at Ant Hill, but occurs immediately adjacent to it at site AH7, and at other locations along the east facing slopes. As A. bromilowiana occurs in multiple locations on Sunday Hill also, only a small proportion of the local population is likely to be exposed to impacts following development of the Ant Hill impact footprint.

Acacia species are typically susceptible to impacts from dust. It will be important to manage dust along the haul road throughout the life of the project. Failure to do so will lead to the long-term reduction in the conservation value of the Acacia shrublands in the area.

Drainage shrubland and woodland site types were the only areas to contain infrequent records of the exotic flora * Malvastrum americanum and * Vachellia farnesiana . Moreover, the tussock grasses were heavily grazed by cattle. These were the only signs of disturbance, other than historical mining, with the project area.

The landforms of the project area are also well represented in the region, however it is important to consider that the ridges and hills of the ore bodies are somewhat isolated from the surrounding ranges. This makes the project area a potential source of invertebrate short range endemic taxa.

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Fauna and Fauna Habitats

The impact footprint for the first stage of mining is relatively small when considered in context with the regional representation of the fauna and fauna habitats of the Chichester sub-region. There are no fauna or fauna habitats that are specifically limited to occurring within the proposed impact area.

However, sheltered south facing cliffs, ledges and rock overhangs were present and intermittently dispersed across each of the Ant Hill and Sunday Hill mesas. Where these microhabitats occur within, or close to, the first area targeted for mining, they will need to be preserved until further assessments are carried out for the presence of short range endemic invertebrates. The 2 – 3 year staged ore extraction timetable, based on the mine impact footprint proposed in Figure 3 allows sufficient time for mining to commence in parallel with further short range endemic assessments.

Fauna and fauna habitats within the Ant Hill and Sunday Hill lease areas are well represented regionally, and disturbance to this habitat will not compromise their value in a regional context. However due to the quality and diversity of the fauna habitat, fauna species of high conservation significance may reside within the impact footprint. For the project to proceed in a sustainable manner, impacts on these fauna, and the habitats on which they depend, need to be adequately managed.

It is unlikely that significant impact to populations or individuals of any fauna of conservation significance will occur in the initial stages of ore extraction from the first targeted impact area at the southern end of the Ant Hill mesa.

During the first two years of ore extraction in this part of the project area, it is recommended that further survey work be undertaken across the remainder of the Ant Hill and Sunday Hill mesas.

Further work should focus on more intensive searching for bat roost caves and acoustic recording if caves are located. It is recommended this work be taken following the wet season.

Further work should also focus on qualifying the presence/absence of the Northern Quoll across the Ant Hill and Sunday Hill lease area.

The resource definition drilling program that is forecast for Ant Hill over the first two years of the project, in addition to the existing drill holes on Ant Hill and Sunday Hill also provide sufficient opportunity for troglofauna sampling and assessment prior to further expansion of the mine. There are no issues relating to impacts on stygofauna as the proposal will not draw ground water or alter the ground water table.

Auvex can minimise impacts to fauna by minimising clearing to that which is absolutely necessary within the target ore bodies. Clearing for roads, processing and other infrastructure should, where ever possible, be located away from areas of dense shrubland vegetation, particularly those associated with minor drainage lines. Similarly, corridors across drainage lines should be constructed perpendicular to the drainage lines and comprise a thin clearing footprint and, perhaps, the use of drainage culverts to maintain a level of connectivity along the drainage line that is typically lost when large cuts are made for adequate approach and departure angles.

Fauna strikes are a very likely consequence of movement on the haul road and movement between the two ore bodies, construction camp and processing area. Though haulage traffic may move too

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slowly to impact species such as wallabies and quolls, the large slow moving Pilbara olive python will be at risk. Within the constraints of safe work practice, all personnel should be actively encouraged to avoid snakes and minimise vehicle speed where possible.

6.1 Limitations

The field and desktop surveys were undertaken by appropriately skilled personnel with extensive expertise in the region of interest. There are not considered to be any major limitations to the interpretation or presentation of data for this report.

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7 References

Anon (2002) A Biodiversity Audit of Western Australia. Department of Conservation and Land Management.

DEC (2006) List of Threatened Ecological Communities on the Department of Environment and Conservation’s TEC Database Endorsed by the Minister for the Environment. http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/component/option,com_docman/Itemid,2219/gid,2162/task,doc _details/ 03/11/2009 DEC (2008) Priority Ecological Communities for Western Australia http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/component/option,com_docman/Itemid,711/gid,2835/task,doc_ details/ . 03/11/2009 Bamford Consulting Ecologists (2009). Fauna assessment of the BC Iron Nullagine Iron Ore Project. Unpublished Report for Astron Environmental Services, Perth.

Biota Environmental Sciences (2005). Fauna habitats and fauna assemblages of the proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mindy Mindy; Christmas Creek; Mt Lewin and Mt Nicholas mines areas. Unpublished report for Fortescue Metal Group Ltd., Perth.

Barrett, G., Silcocks, A., Barry, S., Cunningham, R. and Poulter, R. (2003). The New Atlas of Australian Birds . Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union, Victoria.

Christidis, L. and Boles, W.E. (2008). Systematics and Taxonomy of Australian Birds . CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, VIC.

Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E.E., Sadlier, R.A. and Eggler, P. (1993). The Action Plan for Australian Reptiles . Endangered Species Programme Project Number 124, Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra.

Davis, R.A. and Metcalf, B.M. (2008). The Night Parrot ( Pezoporus occidentalis ) in northern Western Australia: a recent sighting from the Pilbara region. Emu 108: 233-36.

DEWHA(2008) Approved Conservation Advice for Lepidium catapycnon (Hammersly Lepidium) http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/9397-conservation- advice.pdf

Duncan, A., Baker, G.B. and Montgomery, N. (1999). The Action Plan for Australian Bats . Environment Australia, Canberra.

Ecologia Environment (2009). Hancock Prospecting Ltd. Roy Hill Ore Project Vertebrate Fauna Assessment. Unpublished report for Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd., Perth.

Environmental Protection Authority (2002). Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity Protection . Position Statement No. 3. March 2002, Perth Western Australia.

EPA. (2004). Guidance No. 51: Guidance for the Assessment of Environmental Factors (in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act, 1986) Terrestrial Flora and Vegetation Surveys for

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Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia. Environmental Protection Authority, Perth.

EPA. (2004). Guidance No. 56: Guidance for the Assessment of Environmental Factors (in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act, 1986) Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia. Environmental Protection Authority, Perth.

Garnett, S. and Crowley, G. (2000). The Action Plan for Australian Birds . Environment Australia and the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union.

Government of Western Australia. (2000). Perth’s Bush Forever. Cross-departmental project coordinated by the Western Australian Planning Commission, Perth.

Johnstone, R.E. & Storr, G.M. (1998). Handbook of Western Australian Birds. Volume 1: Non- passerines (Emu to Dollarbird) . Western Australian Museum, Perth.

Johnstone, R.E. & Storr, G.M. (2004). Handbook of Western Australian Birds. Volume 2: Passerines (Blue-winged Pitta to Goldfinch) . Western Australian Museum, Perth.

Kendrick, P. and McKenzie N.L. (2002) Pilbara 1 (PIL 1 – Chichester Sub-region): A Biodiversity Audit of Western Australia’s 53 Biogeographical Sub-regions in 2002. Department of Conservation and Land Management.

Lee, A.K. (1995). The Action Plan for Australian Rodents . Environment Australia, Canberra.

Maxwell, S., Burbidge, A.A. and Morris, K. (1996). Action Plan for Australian Marsupials and Monotremes . Environment Australia, Canberra.

McKenzie, N.L., May, J.E., McKenna, S. (eds)(2002) Bioregional Summary of the 2002 Biodiversity Audit of Western Australia. Department of Conservation and Land Managment

Menkhorst, P. and Knight, F. (2001). A field guide to the mammals of Australia . Oxford University Press, South Melbourne.

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

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

Storr, G.M., Smith, L.A. and Johnstone, R.E. (1990). Lizards of Western Australia. III. Geckoes and Pygopods . W.A. Museum, Perth.

Storr, G.M., Smith, L.A. and Johnstone, R.E. (1999). Lizards of Western Australia. I. Skinks . 2nd edition. W.A. Museum, Perth.

Thackway, R and Cresswell, I. (1995). An Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia: A Framework for Setting Priorities in the National Reserves System (as amended). Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra.

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Tyler, M.J. (1998). The Action Plan for Australian Frogs. Environment Australia, Canberra.

Tyler, M.J. and Doughty, P. (2009). Field Guide to Frogs of Western Australia . 4 th Edition. W.A. Museum, Perth.

Van Dyck, S. and Strahan, R. (2008). The Mammals of Australia. 3 rd Edition. New Holland, Sydney.

Vreeswyk, A.M.E., Payne, A.L., Leighton, K.A. and Hennig, P. (2004). Technical Bulletin 92: An Inventory and Condition Survey of the Pilbara Region, Western Australia. Department of Agriculture, Kensington.

Western Australian Herbarium (1998–). FloraBase — The Western Australian Flora. Accessed online August 2009 at http://florabase.dec.wa.gov.au/. Department of Environment and Conservation.

Western Australian Museum. (2008). Checklists of the Vertebrates of Western Australia. Available from the WA Museum Website.

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Figures

Animal Plant Mineral Pty Ltd, 68 Westgrove Drive, Ellenbrook W.A. 6069 Page 393939 of 939393 PHSG AHSG

Fri 13 Nov 09 AHSG AHSG

AHSG AH12 AHSG PHSG

AH13 PHSG

REFERENCE HSPG Hill spinifex grassland PHSG Plain hard spinifex grassland

AHSG Alluvial plain hard spinifex AH6 AH Ant Hill sites AH Priority 3 species (Acacia bromilowiana) AH10

AH7 PHSG

HSPG PHSG

HSPG

AHSG AH5 HSPG

PHSG

AH4 AH8 AH3 AH11

HSPG AH9

PHSG

AH2 AH1

PHSG

Auvex ANT HILL

Figure 1 Auth:M. Ladyman Project: AUV09-002 VEGETATION ASSOCIATIONS Datum: Not spatially correct Date: Nov 2009 auv09-002_F01.dgn Environmental GIS (08) 9486 9222 DEGW Environmental GIS (08) 9486 9222 Fri 13 Nov 09 PHSG

SH1

SH7 SH6 HPSG HPSG

SH8

SH2

SH12 PHSG

SH13 SH9

HPSG

REFERENCE HSPG Hill spinifex grassland

PHSG Plain hard spinifex grassland

DEGW DrainageEucalyptandAcacia grassy woodland / shrubland

HPSG SH Sunday Hill sites

SH Priority 3 species (Acacia bromilowiana)

SH5

Auvex SUNDAY HILL

Figure 2 Auth: M. Ladyman Project:AUV09-002 VEGETATION ASSOCIATIONS

Datum: Not spatially correct Date: Nov 2009 auv09-002_F02.dgn PHSG AHSG Environmental GIS (08) 9486 9222 Fri 13 Nov 09 AHSG AHSG

AHSG

AH12 Pit outline AHSG PHSG

AH13 PHSG

REFERENCE HSPG Hill spinifex grassland PHSG Plain hard spinifex grassland

AHSG Alluvial plain hard spinifex AH6 AH Ant Hill sites North Waste Dump AH Priority 3 species (Acacia bromilowiana) AH10

AH7 PHSG

HSPG PHSG Drilled resource outline

HSPG

AHSG AH5 HSPG

PHSG

AH4 AH8 AH3 AH11 Admin Pit outline HSPG AH9

High grade stockpile South Waste Dump Low grade stockpile

PHSG

AH2 AH1

PHSG

Auvex ANT HILL

Figure 3 Auth: M. Ladyman Project:AUV09-002 IMPACT FOOTPRINT

Datum: Not spatially correct Date: Nov 2009 auv09-002_F03.dgn

Appendix A

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Appendix A Potentially occurring and occurring flora of conservation significance

Department of Environment and Conservation Declared Rare (DR) and Priority (P) Flora Database search results 06/10/2008 and Western Australia Herbarium DR and P Flora Database search results 02/11/2009

Table 1 Declared Rare and Priority flora collections in the region around Ant Hill and Sunday Hill mine lease areas .

Species Conservation DEC Region Database Code Acacia aphanoclada P1 Nullagine DEC, WAH

Acacia cyperophylla P1 Nullagine DEC, WAH

Acacia sp . Nullagine P1 Nullagine DEC (B.R. Maslin 4955)

Atriplex spinulosa P1 Nullagine DEC, WAH

Tribulus minutes P1 Nullagine DEC

Indigofera ixocarpa P2 Marandoo, DEC, WAH Tom Price, Nullagine, Karijini NP

Goodenia sp. East Pilbara P3 Weeli Wolli, DEC (AA Mitchell PRP 727) Mulga Downs, Nullagine, NW of Newman

Acacia fecunda P3 Nullagine, Skull DEC, WAH Springs, Oakover

Themeda sp Hammersly Station P3 Nullagine WAH

Lepidium catapycnon R Nullagine WAH

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Table 2 Declared Rare and Priority Flora potentially occurring within the Ant Hill (ML46/238) and Sunday Hill (ML46/237) mine lease areas based on habitat available.

Species Conservation Habitat Code Lepidium catapycnon R Hill spinifex grassland

Acacia aphanoclada P1 Hill spinifex grassland

Atriplex spinulosa P1 Plain hard spinifex grassland

Table 3 Declared Rare and Priority flora actually collected from Ant Hill (ML46/238) and Sunday Hill (ML46/237) mine lease areas during the APM 2009 survey.

Species Conservation Location Coordinates Code Acacia bromilowiana P3 Ant Hill Site AH7 22 o04’47.59”S; 120 o03’39.24”E

Sunday Hill Site SH5 22 o03’35.30”S; 120 o33’35.72”E

Sunday Hill Site SH9 22 o03’12.85”S; 120 o33’16.59”E

Sunday Hill Site 22 o03’30.46”S; SH12 120 o32’40.10”E

Sunday Hill Site 22 o03’22.13”S; SH13 120 o32’58.56”E

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Appendix B

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Appendix B DEC Threatened and Priority Fauna Database Search

Table 1 Scheduled and Priority Fauna collections in the region around Ant Hill and Sunday Hill mine lease areas.

Threatened and Priority Fauna Database 21.6334 °S 120.0820 °E / 22.5289 °S 121.0530 °E Sunday Hill - Ant Hill area (plus ~50km buffer) #2911 Page 1 of 1

Schedule 1 - Fauna that is rare or is likely to become extinct Macrotis lagotis Bilby, Dalgyte, Ninu 1 records This species shelters in burrows and occupies a range of habitats from grassland on clayey and stony soils or sandplains to mulga scrub and woodlands on red earths. It has suffered a large decline and contraction in distribution. 1979 1 1 Nullagine Caught or trapped

Priority Four: Taxa in need of monitoring Dasycercus blythi Brush-tailed Mulgara, Ampurta 1 records 1947 1 1 Nullagine Caught or trapped Macroderma gigas Ghost Bat 4 records This species is Australia’s only carnivorous bat and has a patchy distribution across northern Australia. It shelters in caves, mine shafts and deep rock fissures and is sensitive to disturbance. 1942 1 1 Nullagine Caught or trapped 2006 1 1 Nullagine Caught or trapped 2006 1 1 Nullagine Caught or trapped 2006 1 1 Nullagine Caught or trapped Pseudomys chapmani Western Pebble-mound Mouse, Ngadji 1 records This species is well-known for the characteristic pebble-mounds which it constructs over underground burrow systems. These mounds are most common on spurs and lower slopes of rocky hills. 1994 1 0 Galteemore Definite signs Falco hypoleucos Grey Falcon 1 records A nomadic species inhabiting lightly timbered riverine plains. 1997 1 3 Nullagine Day sighting

Information relating to any records provided for listed species:- Date: date of recorded observation Certainty (of correct species identification): 1=Very certain; 2=Moderately certain; and 3=Not sure. Seen: Number of individuals observed. Location Name: Name of reserve or nearest locality where observation was made Method: Method or type of observation * Tuesday, 3 November 2009

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Appendix C

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Appendix C Protected Matters Report

EPBC Act Protected 25 September 2009 06:37 Matters Report This report provides general guidance on matters of national environmental significance and other matters protected by the EPBC Act in the area you have selected. Information on the coverage of this report and qualifications on data supporting this report are contained in the caveat at the end of the report.

You may wish to print this report for reference before moving to other pages or websites.

The Australian Natural Resources Atlas at http://www.environment.gov.au/atlas may provide further environmental information relevant to your selected area. Information about the EPBC Act including significance guidelines, forms and application process details can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/assessmentsapprovals/index.html

Animal Plant Mineral Pty Ltd, 68 Westgrove Drive, Ellenbrook W.A. 6069

Search Type: Point Buffer: 50 km Coordinates: -22.08055,120.5941

Report Contents: Summary Details • Matters of NES • Other matters protected by the EPBC Act • Extra Information Caveat Acknowledgments

Summary Matters of National Environmental Significance

This part of the report summarises the matters of national environmental significance that may occur in, or may relate to, the area you nominated. Further information is available in the detail part of the report, which can be accessed by scrolling or following the links below. If you are proposing to undertake an activity that may have a significant impact on one or more matters of national environmental significance then you should consider the Administrative Guidelines on Significance - see http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/assessmentsapprovals/guidelines/index.html .

World Heritage Properties: None National Heritage Places: None

Animal Plant Mineral Pty Ltd, 68 Westgrove Drive, Ellenbrook W.A. 6069

Wetlands of International None Significance: (Ramsar Sites) Commonwealth Marine Areas: None Threatened Ecological Communities: None

Threatened Species: 7

Migratory Species: 8

Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act

This part of the report summarises other matters protected under the Act that may relate to the area you nominated. Approval may be required for a proposed activity that significantly affects the environment on Commonwealth land, when the action is outside the Commonwealth land, or the environment anywhere when the action is taken on Commonwealth land. Approval may also be required for the Commonwealth or Commonwealth agencies proposing to take an action that is likely to have a significant impact on the environment anywhere.

The EPBC Act protects the environment on Commonwealth land, the environment from the actions taken on Commonwealth land, and the environment from actions taken by Commonwealth agencies. As heritage values of a place are part of the 'environment', these aspects of the EPBC Act protect the Commonwealth Heritage values of a Commonwealth Heritage place and the heritage values of a place on the Register of the National Estate. Information on the new heritage laws can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/index.html .

Please note that the current dataset on Commonwealth land is not complete. Further information on Commonwealth land would need to be obtained from relevant sources including Commonwealth agencies, local agencies, and land tenure maps.

A permit may be required for activities in or on a Commonwealth area that may affect a member of a listed threatened species or ecological community, a member of a listed migratory species, whales and other cetaceans, or a member of a listed marine species. Information on EPBC Act permit requirements and application forms can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/permits/index.html .

Commonwealth Lands: None Commonwealth Heritage Places: None Places on the RNE: None

Animal Plant Mineral Pty Ltd, 68 Westgrove Drive, Ellenbrook W.A. 6069

Listed Marine Species: 6 Whales and Other Cetaceans: None Critical Habitats: None Commonwealth Reserves: None

Extra Information

This part of the report provides information that may also be relevant to the area you have nominated.

State and Territory Reserves: None Other Commonwealth Reserves: None Regional Forest Agreements: None

Details Matters of National Environmental Significance

Threatened Species [ Dataset Status Type of Presence Information ] Birds Polytelis alexandrae Vulnerable Species or species habitat may Princess Parrot, Alexandra's Parrot occur within area Mammals Dasycercus cristicauda Vulnerable Species or species habitat Mulgara likely to occur within area Dasyurus hallucatus Endangered Species or species habitat Northern Quoll likely to occur within area Macrotis lagotis Vulnerable Species or species habitat may Greater Bilby occur within area Rhinonicteris aurantius (Pilbara form) Vulnerable Species or species habitat Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat likely to occur within area Reptiles

Animal Plant Mineral Pty Ltd, 68 Westgrove Drive, Ellenbrook W.A. 6069

Egernia kintorei Vulnerable Species or species habitat may Great Desert Skink, Tjakura, Warrarna, occur within area Mulyamiji Li asis olivaceus barroni Vulnerable Species or species habitat may Olive Python (Pilbara subspecies) occur within area Migratory Species [ Dataset Status Type of Presence Information ] Migratory Terrestrial Species Birds Haliaeetus leucogaster Migratory Species or species habitat White-bellied Sea-Eagle likely to occur within area Merops ornatus Migratory Species or species habitat may Rainbow Bee-eater occur within area Migratory Wetland Species Birds Ardea alba Migratory Species or species habitat may Great Egret, White Egret occur within area Ardea ibis Migratory Species or species habitat may Cattle Egret occur within area Charadrius veredus Migratory Species or species habitat may Oriental Plover, Oriental Dotterel occur within area Migratory Marine Birds Apus pacificus Migratory Species or species habitat may Fork-tailed Swift occur within area Ardea alba Migratory Species or species habitat may Great Egret, White Egret occur within area Ardea ibis Migratory Species or species habitat may Cattle Egret occur within area

Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act

Listed Marine Species [ Dataset Status Type of Presence Information ] Birds

Animal Plant Mineral Pty Ltd, 68 Westgrove Drive, Ellenbrook W.A. 6069

Apus pacificus Listed Species or species habitat may Fork-tailed Swift - occur within area overfly marine area Ardea alba Listed Species or species habitat may Great Egret, White Egret - occur within area overfly marine area Ardea ibis Listed Species or species habitat may Cattle Egret - occur within area overfly marine area Charadrius veredus Listed Species or species habitat may Oriental Plover, Oriental Dotterel - occur within area overfly marine area Haliaeetus leucogaster Listed Species or species habitat likely White-bellied Sea-Eagle to occur within area Merops ornatus Listed Species or species habitat may Rainbow Bee-eater - occur within area overfly marine area

Caveat

The information presented in this report has been provided by a range of data sources as acknowledged at the end of the report.

This report is designed to assist in identifying the locations of places which may be relevant in determining obligations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 . It holds mapped locations of World Heritage and Register of National Estate properties, Wetlands of International Importance, Commonwealth and State/Territory reserves, listed threatened, migratory and marine

Animal Plant Mineral Pty Ltd, 68 Westgrove Drive, Ellenbrook W.A. 6069

species and listed threatened ecological communities. Mapping of Commonwealth land is not complete at this stage. Maps have been collated from a range of sources at various resolutions.

Not all species listed under the EPBC Act have been mapped (see below) and therefore a report is a general guide only. Where available data supports mapping, the type of presence that can be determined from the data is indicated in general terms. People using this information in making a referral may need to consider the qualifications below and may need to seek and consider other information sources.

For threatened ecological communities where the distribution is well known, maps are derived from recovery plans, State vegetation maps, remote sensing imagery and other sources. Where threatened ecological community distributions are less well known, existing vegetation maps and point location data are used to produce indicative distribution maps.

For species where the distributions are well known, maps are digitised from sources such as recovery plans and detailed habitat studies. Where appropriate, core breeding, foraging and roosting areas are indicated under "type of presence". For species whose distributions are less well known, point locations are collated from government wildlife authorities, museums, and non-government organisations; bioclimatic distribution models are generated and these validated by experts. In some cases, the distribution maps are based solely on expert knowledge.

Only selected species covered by the migratory and marine provisions of the Act have been mapped.

The following species and ecological communities have not been mapped and do not appear in reports produced from this database:

• threatened species listed as extinct or considered as vagrants • some species and ecological communities that have only recently been listed • some terrestrial species that overfly the Commonwealth marine area • migratory species that are very widespread, vagrant, or only occur in small numbers .

The following groups have been mapped, but may not cover the complete distribution of the species:

• non-threatened seabirds which have only been mapped for recorded breeding sites; • seals which have only been mapped for breeding sites near the Australian continent.

Animal Plant Mineral Pty Ltd, 68 Westgrove Drive, Ellenbrook W.A. 6069

Such breeding sites may be important for the protection of the Commonwealth Marine environment.

Acknowledgments

This database has been compiled from a range of data sources. The Department acknowledges the following custodians who have contributed valuable data and advice:

• New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service • Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria • Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Tasmania • Department of Environment and Heritage, South Australia Planning SA • Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory • Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland • Birds Australia • Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme • Australian National Wildlife Collection • Natural history museums of Australia • Queensland Herbarium • National Herbarium of NSW • Royal Botanic Gardens and National Herbarium of Victoria • Tasmanian Herbarium • State Herbarium of South Australia • Northern Territory Herbarium • Western Australian Herbarium • Australian National Herbarium, Atherton and Canberra • University of New England • Other groups and individuals

ANUCliM Version 1.8, Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies, Australian National University was used extensively for the production of draft maps of species distribution. Environment Australia is extremely grateful to the many organisations and individuals who provided expert advice and information on numerous draft distributions.

Animal Plant Mineral Pty Ltd, 68 Westgrove Drive, Ellenbrook W.A. 6069

Appendix D

Animal Plant Mineral Pty Ltd, 68 Westgrove Drive, Ellenbrook W.A. 6069 Page 575757 of 939393 Appendix D: Naturemap Flora Database Search

Appendix D: Naturemap flora search Method='By Circle'; Centre=120°33' 35'' E,22°05' 15'' S

Species Records TOTAL 67 96

Species List Acacia aphanoclada P1 1 Acacia balsamea P4 1 Acacia fecunda P3 1 Atriplex spinulosa P1 1 Goodenia sp. East Pilbara (A.A. Mitchell PRP 727) O'Meara's Goodenia P1 1 Lepidium catapycnon Hamersley Lepidium T 1 Acacia arrecta Acacia bivenosa Acacia colei var. colei Acacia robeorum Acacia sibirica Bastard Mulga Acacia stellaticeps Acacia trachycarpa Minni Ritchi Acacia trachycarpa x tumida var. pilbarensis Amyema sanguinea var. sanguinea Austrobryonia pilbarensis Calandrinia ptychosperma Calandrinia quadrivalvis Calotis hispidula Bindy Eye Chrysocephalum apiculatum Cullen pogonocarpum Dodonaea lanceolata var. lanceolata Duperreya commixta Dysphania plantaginella Eucalyptus lucasii Barlee Box Eucalyptus sp. Rudall River (D. Nicolle & M. French DN 4279) Gomphrena affinis subsp. pilbarensis Goodenia cusackiana Halgania solanacea var. solanacea Hibiscus gardneri Hibiscus sturtii var. truncatus Indigofera trita Lepidium foliosum Leafy Peppercress Lotus australis Austral Trefoil Lysiana casuarinae Maireana carnosa Cottony Bluebush Maireana melanocoma Pussy Bluebush Melaleuca eleuterostachya Myriophyllum verrucosum Red Water Milfoil Nicotiana benthamiana Tjuntiwari Nicotiana occidentalis subsp. obliqua Oldenlandia crouchiana Oxychloris scariosa Panicum decompositum Native Millet Petalostylis labicheoides Slender Petalostylis Podolepis capillaris Wiry Podolepis Polycarpaea longiflora Ptilotus exaltatus Tall Mulla Mulla Ptilotus exaltatus var. exaltatus Tall Mulla Mulla Species List

Appendix D Appendix D: Naturemap Flora Database Search

Ptilotus helipteroides Hairy Mulla Mulla Rhodanthe humboldtiana Rulingia luteiflora Yellow-flowered Rulingia Rutidosis helichrysoides subsp. helichrysoides Scaevola acacioides Sclerolaena densiflora Sclerolaena gardneri Senna sericea Sida fibulifera Silver Sida Solanum chippendalei Solanum gabrielae Solanum sturtianum Thargomindah Nightshade Stemodia viscosa Pagurda Tephrosia rosea Flinders River Poison Trianthema glossostigma Triodia brizoides Triodia longiceps Giant Grey Spinifex Triodia wiseana Limestone Spinifex

Conservation Status T - Rare or likely to become extinct X - Presumed extinct IA - Protected under international agreement S - Other specially protected fauna 1 - Priority 1 2 - Priority 2 3 - Priority 3 4 - Priority 4 5 - Priority 5

Appendix D

Appendix E

Animal Plant Mineral Pty Ltd, 68 Westgrove Drive, Ellenbrook W.A. 6069 Page 606060 of 939393 Appendix E: Naturemap Fauna Database Search

Appendix E: Naturemap fauna database search Method='By Circle'; Centre=120°36' 40'' E,22°05' 60 '' S; Buffer=40km Species Records TOTAL 38 159

Species List Acanthiza robustirostris Slaty-backed Thornbill Acanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill Amphibolurus longirostris Amytornis striatus subsp. whitei Antaresia perthensis Pygmy Python Cacatua roseicapilla subsp. assimilis Carlia munda Climacteris melanura subsp. wellsi Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie Ctenophorus caudicinctus subsp. caudicinctus Ctenophorus nuchalis Central Netted Dragon Ctenotus helenae Ctenotus saxatilis Rock Ctenotus Cyclodomorphus melanops subsp. melanops Delma nasuta Eremiornis carteri Spinifex-bird Gehyra variegata Geophaps plumifera Spinifex Pigeon Heteronotia binoei Bynoe's Gecko Lialis burtonis Litoria rubella Little Red Tree Frog Macroderma gigas Ghost Bat P4 Macropus robustus subsp. erubescens Euro, Biggada Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo, Marlu Menetia surda subsp. surda Ninox connivens subsp. connivens Barking Owl Opisthodon spenceri Centralian Burrowing Frog Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing Pogona minor subsp. minor Pseudomys chapmani Western Pebble-mound Mouse P4 Pseudonaja nuchalis Gwardar Ptilonorhynchus maculatus subsp. guttatus Western Bowerbird Strophurus elderi Taphozous georgianus Common Sheathtail-bat Tiliqua multifasciata Central Blue-tongue Varanus eremius Pygmy Desert Monitor Varanus tristis subsp. tristis Racehorse Monitor Vespadelus finlaysoni Finlayson's Cave Bat

Appendix E

Appendix F

Animal Plant Mineral Pty Ltd, 68 Westgrove Drive, Ellenbrook W.A. 6069 Page 626262 of 939393 PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA

27 August 2008

Note: i) Nothing in this table may be construed as a nomination for listing under the Commonwealth EPBC Act 1999. ii) The inclusion in this table of a community type does not necessarily imply any status as a threatened ecological community. iii) Regions eg Pilbara are based on Department of Environment and Conservation regional boundaries. iv) For definitions of categories (Priority 1 etc.) refer document entitled ‘Definitions and Categories’.

Community name Category PILBARA 1 West Angelas Cracking-Clays Priority 1 Open tussock grasslands of Astrebla pectinata, A. elymoides, Aristida latifolia, in combination with Astrebla squarrosa and low scattered shrubs of Sida fibulifera, on cracking-clay loam depressions and flowlines. Threats: Disturbance footprints increasing from mine, future infrastructure development, possible weed invasion and changes in fire regime. 2 Weeli Wolli Spring community Priority 1 Weeli Wolli Spring's riparian woodland and forest associations are unusual as a consequence of the composition of the understorey. The sedge and herbfield communities that fringe many of the pools and associated water bodies along the main channels of Weeli Wolli Creek have not been recorded from any other wetland site in the Pilbara. The spring and creekline are also noted for their relatively high diversity of stygofauna and this is probably attributed to the large-scale calcrete and alluvial aquifer system associated with the creek. Threat: dewatering and re-watering altering patterns of inundation. 3 Burrup Peninsula rock pool communities Priority 1 Calcareous tufa deposits. Interesting aquatic snails. Threats: recreational impacts, and potential development; NOX and SOX emissions. 4 Burrup Peninsula rock pile communities Priority 1 Comprise a mixture of Pilbara and Kimberley species, communities are different from those of the Hamersley and Chichester Ranges. Threats: mining 5 Roebourne Plains coastal grasslands Priority 1 The Roebourne Plains coastal grasslands with gilgai micro-relief of deep cracking clays are self mulching cracking clays that emerge on depositional surfaces. The Roebourne Plains gilgai grasslands occur on microrelief of deep cracking clays, surrounded by clay plains/flats and sandy coastal and alluvial plains. The gilgai depressions supports ephemeral and perennial tussock grasslands dominated by Sorghum sp. and Eragrostis xerophila (Roebourne Plains grass) along with other native species including Astrebla pectinata (barley mitchell grass), Eriachne benthamii (swamp wanderrie grass), Chrysopogon fallax (golden beard grass) and Panicum decompositum (native millet). It differs from the surrounding clay flats of the Horseflat land system which are dominated by Eragrostis xerophila and other perennial tussock grass species (Eragrostis mostly). Threats: Grazing, clearing for mining and infrastructure 6 Stony Chenopod association of the Roebourne Plains area Priority 1 Roebourne Common and airport. Not a very common community. Threats: Preferentially grazed by stock. 7 Barrow Island subterranean fauna Priority 1 Barrow Island stygofauna and troglofauna. Threats: Mining 8 Subterranean invertebrate communities of mesas in the Robe Valley region Priority 1 A series of isolated mesas occur in the Robe Valley in the state’s Pilbara Region. The mesas are remnants of old valley infill deposits of the palaeo Robe River. The troglobitic faunal communities occur in an extremely specialised habitat and appear to require the particular structure and hydrogeology associated with mesas to provide a suitable humid habitat. Short range endemism is common in the fauna. The habitat is the humidified pisolitic strata. Threats: Mining 9 Subterranean invertebrate community of pisolitic hills in the Robe Valley Priority 1 A series of isolated mesas and low undulating hills occur in the Robe Valley in the state’s Pilbara region. The troglofauna have very short range distributions, generally with each species appearing to be restricted to its individual mesa or hills. Threats: mining 10 Peedamulla Marsh vegetation complex Priority 1 Peedamulla (Cane River) Swamp Cyperaceae community, near mouth of Cane River. Plants are unusual. Threats: grazing 11 Barrow Island creekline vegetation Priority 1 General cover of Triodia angusta with shrubs principally Hakea suberea, Petalostylis labicheoides, Acacia bivenosa, and Gossypium robinsonii. Mangrove thickets (Avicennia marina) at the creek mouths. 12 Astrebla lappacea grasslands Priority 1 On boundary of Hamersley and Brockman Stations

1 Threats: Heavily grazed. 13 Sand Sheet vegetation (Robe Valley) Priority 1 Corymbia zygophylla scattered low trees over Acacia tumida var. pilbarensis, Grevillea eriostachya high shrubland over Triodia schinzii hummock grassland. Other associated species include Cleome uncifera, Heliotropium transforme, Indigofera boviperda subsp boviperda, and Ptilotus arthrolasius. Most northern example/expression of vegetation of Carnarvon Basin. Community is poorly represented type in the Pilbara Region, and not represented in the reserve system. Community contains many plant species that are at their northern limits or exist as disjunct populations. Vulnerable to invasion by weeds (particularly buffel grass) Threats: mining, weed invasion 14 Mingah Springs calcrete groundwater assemblage type on Gascoyne palaeodrainage on Mingah Priority 1 Spring Station Unique assemblages of invertebrates have been identified in the groundwater calcretes. Threats: mining 15 Plant assemblages of the Wona Land System Priority 3 (iii) A system of basalt upland gilgai plains with tussock grasslands, in Chichester National Park and in pastoral leases. Threats: preferential grazing by stock and kangaroos. High level erosion. 16 Coolabah-lignum flats: Eucalyptus victrix over Muehlenbeckia community Priority 3(i) Woodland or forest of Eucalyptus victrix (coolibah) over thicket of Muehlenbeckia florulenta (lignum) on red clays in run-on zones. Associated species include Eriachne benthamii, Themeda triandra, Aristida latifolia, Eulalia aurea and Acacia aneura. Threats: dewatering and grazing. 17 Invertebrate assemblages (Errawallana Spring type) Coolawanya Station Priority 4 (b) Geologically distinct. Sherlock River system. Permanent spring-fed creek. Has atypical invertebrate community. Threats: grazing. 18 Invertebrate assemblages (Nyeetberry Pool type) Priority 4 (b) Jimmawurrada Creek. Nyeetberry pool, Robe River. Permanent River Pool in the Pilbara (groundwater fed). Blind isopod collected from this site. Threats: mining and feral animals 19 Stygofaunal communities of the Millstream Freshwater Aquifer Priority 4(b) A unique assemblage of subterranean invertebrate fauna. Threats: Groundwater drawdown and salinisation. KIMBERLEY 1 Perched spring-fed peat-based swamps on hillslopes of the Durack Range area Priority 1 Assemblages of spring-fed wetlands on organic substrates perched on sandstone hill-slopes in the Central Kimberley bioregion. Drainage lines are vegetated with a forest of Corymbia ptychocarpa (swamp bloodwood), Grevillea pteridifolia, Melaleuca spp, Pandanus spiralis, and some Livistona spp. over the fern Cyclosorus interruptus and the climbing fern Lygodium microphyllum. Sedges occur in the understorey and clumps of Reed Grass Arundinella nepalensis are dominant in the understorey where the canopy is more open. Also associated with the drainage lines are swamps vegetated by dense sedgelands with grasses and herbs. Threats: Cattle grazing and weeds. 2 Assemblages of Point Spring and Long Spring rainforest swamps Priority 1 Closed canopy rainforest on freshwater swamps on alluvial floodplain soils in the east Kimberley. Two occurrences are known, these are Point Spring and Long Swamp. At Point Spring the canopy is 17m high and the dominant tree species include Canarium australianum, Carallia brachiata, Euodia elleryana, Ficus racemosa, F. virens and Terminalia sericocarpa. The rainforest canopy height at Long Swamp is 30m, and the dominant tree species include Nauclea orientalis, Terminalia sericocarpa and Euodia elleryana. The periphery of the patch is permanently moist and supports a Melaleuca leucadendra forest. Threats: Invasion by feral fish, impacts of stock, climate change and rising sea levels. 3 Assemblages of the wetlands associated with the organic mound springs on the tidal mudflats of the Priority 1 Victoria-Bonaparte Bioregion East Kimberley (i.e. Brolga Spring, King Gordon Spring, Attack Spring etc on Carlton Hill Station). Large wetlands with Melaleuca forest with small patches of rainforest on central mounds. Rainforest and paperbark forest associated with mound springs and seepage areas of the Victoria Bonaparte coastal lands. 4 Monsoon vine thickets of limestone ranges Priority 1 Nimbing Range, Napier Range, and Jeremiah hills. 5 Oryza australiensis (wild rice) grasslands on alluvial flats of the Ord River Priority 1 West side of Weaber Hills, Weaber Plain, Mantini Flats, Knox Creek. 6 Inland Mangrove (Avicennia marina) community of Salt Creek Priority 1 Anna Plains Station, Mandora. 7 Plant assemblages on vertical sandstone surfaces Priority 1 Eg. Two undescribed spinifex spp. at Bungles and Molly Spring, foxtail spinifex at Cathedral Gorge and Thompsons Spring. Fire sensitive plants, fire regimes a threat. 8 Invertebrate community of Napier Range Cave Priority 1 On Old Napier Downs, Karst No. KNI. Threats: Mine close by and tourist visitation.

Appendix G

Animal Plant Mineral Pty Ltd, 68 Westgrove Drive, Ellenbrook W.A. 6069 Page 656565 of 939393 List of Threatened Ecological Communities on the Department of Environment and Conservation’s Threatened Ecological Community (TEC) Database endorsed by the Minister for the Environment

Species & Communities Branch (Correct to December 2006)

Community identifier Community name General Location (IBRA Category of Category under Regions) Threat and Commonwealth criteria met Environment Protection under WA and Biodiversity criteria Conservation Act 1999 1. SCP20a Banksia attenuata woodland over species rich dense shrublands Swan Coastal Plain EN B) ii)

2. TOOLIBIN Perched wetlands of the Wheatbelt region with extensive stands of living Swamp Sheoak Avon Wheatbelt CR A) i); CR EN (Casuarina obesa) and Paperbark (Melaleuca strobophylla) across the lake floor. A) 11); CR C)

3. SCP10b Shrublands on southern Swan Coastal Plain Ironstones (Busselton area) Swan Coastal Plain CR B) ii) EN

4. SCP19 Sedgelands in Holocene dune swales of the southern Swan Coastal Plain Swan Coastal Plain CR B) ii) EN

5. Clifton-microbialite Stromatolite like freshwater microbialite community of coastal brackish lakes Swan Coastal Plain CR B) i), CR B) ii)

6. Richmond-microbial Stromatolite like microbialite community of coastal freshwater lakes Swan Coastal Plain CR B)i), CR B) EN ii)

7. Mound Springs SCP Communities of Tumulus Springs (Organic Mound Springs, Swan Coastal Plain) Swan Coastal Plain CR A) i), CR EN A) ii), CR B) i), CR B) ii) 8. SCP20c Shrublands and woodlands of the eastern side of the Swan Coastal Plain Swan Coastal Plain CR B) ii) EN

10. NTHIRON Perth to Gingin Ironstone Association Swan Coastal Plain CR A) ii), CR EN B) ii), CR C) 11. MUCHEA LIMESTONE Shrublands and woodlands on Muchea Limestone Swan Coastal Plain EN B) ii) EN

12. Augusta-microbial Rimstone Pools and Cave Structures Formed by Microbial Activity on Marine Shorelines Warren EN B) ii)

13. SCP30a Callitris preissii (or Melaleuca lanceolata) forests and woodlands, Swan Coastal Plain Swan Coastal Plain VN B)

14. SCP18 Shrublands on calcareous silts of the Swan Coastal Plain Swan Coastal Plain VN B) 15. SCP02 Southern wet shrublands, Swan Coastal Plain Swan Coastal Plain EN B) ii) 16. SCP3a Eucalyptus calophylla - Kingia australis woodlands on heavy soils, Swan Coastal Plain Swan Coastal Plain CR B) ii) EN

17. SCP3c Eucalyptus calophylla - Xanthorrhoea preissii woodlands and shrublands, Swan Coastal Swan Coastal Plain CR B) ii) EN Plain

18. Thetis-microbialite Stromatolite community of stratified hypersaline coastal lakes Geraldton Sandplain VN B) 19. SCOTT IRONSTONE Scott River Ironstone Association Warren EN B) i), EN B) ii) 20. SCP20b Banksia attenuata and/or Eucalyptus marginata woodlands of the eastern side of the Swan Swan Coastal Plain EN B) i), EN Coastal Plain B) ii)

21. SCP15 Forests and woodlands of deep seasonal wetlands of the Swan Coastal Plain Swan Coastal Plain VN C)

22. SCP1b Eucalyptus calophylla woodlands on heavy soils of the southern Swan Coastal Plain Swan Coastal Plain VN B)

23. SCP3b Eucalyptus calophylla - Eucalyptus marginata woodlands on sandy clay soils of the southern Swan Coastal Plain VN B) Swan Coastal Plain

24. CAVES SCP01 Aquatic Root Mat Community Number 1 of Caves of the Swan Coastal Plain Swan Coastal Plain CR B) i), CR EN B) ii)

25. CAVES LEEUWIN01 Aquatic Root Mat Community Number 1 of Caves of the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge Warren CR B) i), CR EN B) ii)

26. CAVES LEEUWIN02 Aquatic Root Mat Community Number 2 of Caves of the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge Warren CR B) i), CR EN B) ii)

27. CAVES LEEUWIN03 Aquatic Root Mat Community Number 3 of Caves of the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge Warren CR B) i), CR EN B) ii)

28. CAVES LEEUWIN04 Aquatic Root Mat Community Number 4 of Caves of the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge Warren CR B) i), CR EN B) ii)

29. MONTANE Montane Thicket of the eastern Stirling Range Esperance Sandplain CR B) ii) EN

30. MEELUP GRANITES Calothamnus graniticus heaths on south west coastal granites Warren/Jarrah Forest VN B) 32. SCP07 Herb rich saline shrublands in clay pans Swan Coastal Plain VN B) 33. SCP08 Herb rich shrublands in clay pans Swan Coastal Plain VN B) 34. SCP09 Dense shrublands on clay flats Swan Coastal Plain VN B) 35. SCP10a Shrublands on dry clay flats Swan Coastal Plain EN B) ii) 38. Morilla swamp Perched fresh-water wetlands of the northern Wheatbelt dominated by extensive stands of Avon Wheatbelt PD B) living Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum) across the lake floor. 39. Camerons Camerons Cave Troglobitic Community Carnarvon Basin CR B) i), CR B) ii)

40. Bryde Unwooded freshwater wetlands of the southern Wheatbelt of Western Australia, dominated Avon Wheatbelt CR B) i), CR by Muehlenbeckia horrida subsp. abdita and Tecticornia verrucosa across the lake floor B) ii)

41. Bundera Cape Range Remipede Community Carnarvon Basin CR B) ii)

42. Greenough River Flats Acacia rostellifera low forest with scattered Eucalyptus camaldulensis on Greenough Alluvial Geraldton Sandplain CR C) Flats.

44. Roebuck Bay mudflats Species-rich faunal community of the intertidal mudflats of Roebuck Bay Kimberley VU B)

46. Themeda Grasslands Themeda grasslands on cracking clays (Hamersley Station, Pilbara). Grassland plains Pilbara VN A) dominated by the perennial Themeda (kangaroo grass) and many annual herbs and grasses.

49. Bentonite Lakes Herbaceous plant assemblages on Bentonite Lakes Avon Wheatbelt EN B) iii)

55. Coomberdale chert hills Heath dominated by one or more of Regelia megacephala, Kunzea praestans and Avon Wheatbelt EN B) ii) Allocasuarina campestris on ridges and slopes of the chert hills of the Coomberdale floristic region.

56. Billeranga System Plant assemblages of the Billeranga System (Beard 1976): Melaleuca filifolia – Allocasuarina Avon Wheatbelt VN A), VN B) campestris thicket on clay sands over laterite on slopes and ridges; open mallee over mixed scrub on yellow sand over gravel on western slopes; Eucalyptus loxophleba woodland over sandy clay loam or rocky clay on lower slopes and creeklines; and mixed scrub or scrub dominated by Dodonaea inaequifolia over red/brown loamy soils on the slopes and ridges

59. Koolanooka System Plant assemblages of the Koolanooka System (Beard 1976): Allocasuarina campestris scrub Avon Wheatbelt VN A), VN B) over red loam on hill slopes; Shrubs and emergent mallees on shallow loam red over massive ironstone on steep rocky slopes; Eucalyptus ebbanoensis subsp. ebbanoensis mallee and Acacia sp. scrub with scattered Allocasuarina huegeliana over red loam and ironstone on the upper slopes and summits; Eucalyptus loxophleba woodland over scrub on the footslopes; and mixed Acacia sp. scrub on granite

60. Moonagin System Plant assemblages of the Moonagin System (Beard 1976): Acacia scrub on red soil on hills; Avon Wheatbelt VN A), VN B) Acacia scrub with scattered Eucalyptus loxophleba and Eucalyptus oleosa on red loam flats on the foothills.

62. Limestone ridges (SCP 26a) Melaleuca huegelii - Melaleuca acerosa shrublands on limestone ridges (Gibson et al. 1994 Swan Coastal Plain EN B) iii) type 26a)

63. Irwin River Clay Flats Clay flats assemblages of the Irwin River: Sedgelands and grasslands with patches of Avon Wheatbelt PD A), PD B) Eucalyptus loxophleba and scattered E. camaldulensis over Acacia acuminata and A. rosellifera shrubland on brown sand/loam over clay flats of the Irwin River.

67. Monsoon thickets Monsoon (vine) thickets on coastal sand dunes of Dampier Peninsula West Kimberley, VU C) Dampierland Bioregion 70. Mt Lindesay Mt Lindesay – Little Lindesay Vegetation Complex Frankland District, Warren EN B) ii) Region 71. Russell Range Russell Range mixed thicket complexes South Coast, Esperance VN B), VN C) Plains Bioregion 72. Ferricrete Ferricrete floristic community (Rocky Springs type) Geraldton Sandplain VU B)

74. Herblands and Bunch Herblands and Bunch Grasslands on gypsum lunette dunes alongside saline playa lakes Esperance Sandplain VU B) Grasslands 75. Inering System Plant assemblages of the Inering System (Beard 1976) Avon Wheatbelt VN A)

76. Lesueur-Coomallo Florstic Lesueur-Coomallo Floristic Community D1 Geraldton Sandplain CR B) i) Community D1 CR B) ii)

77.Lesueuer-Coomallo Floristic Lesueur-Coomallo Floristic Community A1.2 Geraldton Sandplain EN B) ii) Community A1.2

78. Ethel Gorge Ethel Gorge aquifer stygobiont community Pilbara EN B) ii)

80. Theda Soak Assemblages of Theda Soak rainforest swamp North Kimberley VU A), VU B)

81. Walcott Inlet Assemblages of Walcott Inlet rainforest swamps North Kimberley VU B)

82. Roe River Assemblages of Roe River rainforest swamp North Kimberley VU B)

84. Dragon Tree Soak Assemblages of Dragon Tree Soak organic mound spring Kimberley Region, Great EN B) i) Sandy Desert Bioregion 85. Bunda Bunda Assemblages of Bunda Bunda organic mound spring West Kimberley, VU A), VU B) Dampierland Bioregion 86. Big Springs Assemblages of Big Springs organic mound springs West Kimberley, VU A), VU B) Dampierland Bioregion 89. North Kimberley mounds Organic mound spring sedgeland community of the North Kimberley Bioregion North Kimberley VU A), VU B) 92. Black Spring Black Spring organic mound spring community North Kimberley EN B) i), EN B) ii) 95. Mandora Mounds Assemblages of the organic springs and mound springs of the Mandora Marsh area West Kimberley, EN B) iii) Dampierland and Greats Sandy Desert Bioregions 96. Broomehill Plant assemblages of the Broomehill System Avon Wheatbelt PD A)

97. Mound Springs (Three Assemblages of the organic mound springs of the Three Springs area Avon Wheatbelt EN B) i), EN Springs area) B) ii) 99. Depot Springs Depot Springs stygofauna community Goldfields Region, VU B) Murchison Bioregion 102. Eucalyptus acies mallee Thumb Peak, Mid mount Barren, Woolburnup Hill (Central Barren Ranges) Eucalyptus acies Esperance Sandplain VU B) heath mallee heath

Total = 69 TECs in Western Australia that are endorsed by the Minister for Environment(16 of these are listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999)

Critically Endangered: 21; Endangered: 17; Vulnerable: 28; Presumed Destroyed: 3

Appendix H

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Department of Environment and Conservation 2007

DEFINITIONS, CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES

1. GENERAL DEFINITIONS

Ecological Community A naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a particular type of habitat.

Note: The scale at which ecological communities are defined will often depend on the level of detail in the information source, therefore no particular scale is specified.

A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories; “presumed totally destroyed”, “critically endangered”, “endangered” or “vulnerable”.

Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria are added to DEC’s Priority Ecological Community Lists under Priorities 1, 2 and 3. Ecological Communities that are adequately known, are rare but not threatened, or meet criteria for Near Threatened, or that have been recently removed from the threatened list, are placed in Priority 4. These ecological communities require regular monitoring. Conservation Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5.

An assemblage is a defined group of biological entities.

Habitat is defined as the areas in which an organism and/or assemblage of organisms lives. It includes the abiotic factors (eg. substrate and topography), and the biotic factors.

Occurrence: a discrete example of an ecological community, separated from other examples of the same community by more than 20 metres of a different ecological community, an artificial surface or a totally destroyed community.

By ensuring that every discrete occurrence is recognised and recorded future changes in status can be readily monitored.

Adequately Surveyed is defined as follows: “An ecological community that has been searched for thoroughly in most likely habitats, by relevant experts.”

Community structure is defined as follows: “The spatial organisation, construction and arrangement of the biological elements comprising a biological assemblage” (eg. Eucalyptus salmonophloia woodland over scattered small shrubs over dense herbs; structure in a faunal assemblage could refer to trophic structure, eg. dominance by feeders on detritus as distinct from feeders on live plants).

Definitions of Modification and Destruction of an ecological community:

Modification: “changes to some or all of ecological processes (including abiotic processes such as hydrology), species composition and community structure as a

direct or indirect result of human activities. The level of damage involved could be ameliorated naturally or by human intervention.”

Destruction: “modification such that reestablishment of ecological processes, species composition and community structure within the range of variability exhibited by the original community is unlikely within the foreseeable future even with positive human intervention.”

Note: Modification and destruction are difficult concepts to quantify, and their application will be determined by scientific judgement. Examples of modification and total destruction are cited below:

Modification of ecological processes: The hydrology of Toolibin Lake has been altered by clearing of the catchment such that death of some of the original flora has occurred due to dependence on fresh water. The system may be bought back to a semblance of the original state by redirecting saline runoff and pumping waters of the rising underground watertable away to restore the hydrological balance. Total destruction of downstream lakes has occurred due to hydrology being altered to the point that few of the original flora or fauna species are able to tolerate the level of salinity and/or water logging.

Modification of structure: The understorey of a plant community may be altered by weed invasion due to nutrient enrichment by addition of fertiliser. Should the additional nutrients be removed from the system the balance may be restored, and the original plant species better able to compete. Total destruction may occur if additional nutrients continue to be added to the system causing the understorey to be completely replaced by weed species, and death of overstorey species due to inability to tolerate high nutrient levels.

Modification of species composition: Pollution may cause alteration of the invertebrate species present in a freshwater lake. Removal of pollutants may allow the return of the original inhabitant species. Addition of residual highly toxic substances may cause permanent changes to water quality, and total destruction of the community.

Threatening processes are defined as follows: “Any process or activity that threatens to destroy or significantly modify the ecological community and/or affect the continuing evolutionary processes within any ecological community.”

Examples of some of the continuing threatening processes in Western Australia include: general pollution; competition, predation and change induced in ecological communities as a result of introduced animals; competition and displacement of native plants by introduced species; hydrological changes; inappropriate fire regimes; diseases resulting from introduced microorganisms; direct human exploitation and disturbance of ecological communities.

Restoration is defined as returning an ecological community to its pre-disturbance or natural state in terms of abiotic conditions, community structure and species composition.

Rehabilitation is defined as the re-establishment of ecological attributes in a damaged ecological community although the community will remain modified.

2. DEFINITIONS AND CRITERIA FOR PRESUMED TOTALLY DESTROYED, CRITICALLY ENDANGERED, ENDANGERED AND VULNERABLE ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES

Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD) An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative occurrences have been located. The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition and/or structure in the foreseeable future.

An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the community being extant and either of the following applies ( A or B):

A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely habitats or

B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed

Critically Endangered (CR) An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major contraction in area and/or that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or destruction throughout its range in the immediate future, or is already severely degraded throughout its range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated.

An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future. This will be determined on the basis of the best available information, by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A, B or C):

A) The estimated geographic range, and/or total area occupied, and/or number of discrete occurrences since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90% and either or both of the following apply (i or ii):

i) geographic range, and/or total area occupied and/or number of discrete occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within approximately 10 years);

ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within approximately 10 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially rehabilitated.

B) Current distribution is limited, and one or more of the following apply (i, ii or iii):

i) geographic range and/or number of discrete occurrences, and/or area occupied is highly restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely to result in total destruction throughout its range in the immediate future (within approximately 10 years);

ii) there are very few occurrences, each of which is small and/or isolated and extremely vulnerable to known threatening processes;

iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is very small and each occurrence is small and/or isolated and extremely vulnerable to known threatening processes.

C) The ecological community exists only as highly modified occurrences that may be capable of being rehabilitated if such work begins in the immediate future (within approximately 10 years).

Endangered (EN) An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major contraction in area and/or was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future.

An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future. This will be determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A, B, or C):

A) The geographic range, and/or total area occupied, and/or number of discrete occurrences have been reduced by at least 70% since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii):

i) the estimated geographic range, and/or total area occupied and/or number of discrete occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the short term future (within approximately 20 years);

ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated.

B) Current distribution is limited, and one or more of the following apply (i, ii or iii):

ii) there are few occurrences, each of which is small and/or isolated and all or most occurrences are very vulnerable to known threatening processes;

iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small and/or isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes.

C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately 20 years).

Vulnerable (VU) An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining and/or has declined in distribution and/or condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured and/or a community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range.

An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification in the medium to long-term future. This will be determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A, B or C):

A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated.

B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes, is restricted in area and/or range and/or is only found at a few locations.

C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes.

3. DEFINITIONS AND CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES

PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITY LIST

Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community Lists under Priorities 1, 2 and 3. These three categories are ranked in order of priority for survey and/or definition of the community, and evaluation of conservation status, so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological communities. Ecological Communities that are adequately known, and are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened, or that have been recently removed from the threatened list, are placed in Priority 4. These ecological communities require regular monitoring. Conservation Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5.

Priority One: Poorly-known ecological communities

Ecological communities with apparently few, small occurrences, all or most not actively managed for conservation (e.g. within agricultural or pastoral lands, urban areas, active mineral leases) and for which current threats exist. Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements, and/or are not well defined, and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range.

Priority Two: Poorly-known ecological communities

Communities that are known from few small occurrences, all or most of which are actively managed for conservation (e.g. within national parks, conservation parks, nature reserves, State forest, unallocated Crown land, water reserves, etc.) and not under imminent threat of destruction or degradation. Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements, and/or are not well defined, and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes.

Priority Three: Poorly known ecological communities

(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences, a significant number or area of which are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or: (ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences, which are either large or within significant remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur, much of it not under imminent threat, or; (iii) communities made up of large, and/or widespread occurrences, that may or not be represented in the reserve system, but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes such as grazing by domestic and/or feral stock, and inappropriate fire regimes.

Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and/or are not well defined, and known threatening processes exist that could affect them.

Priority Four: Ecological communities that are adequately known, rare but not threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened, or that have been recently removed from the threatened list. These communities require regular monitoring.

(a) Rare. Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been adequately surveyed, or for which sufficient knowledge is available, and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection, but could be if present circumstances change. These communities are usually represented on conservation lands.

(b) Near Threatened. Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent, but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable.

Priority Five: Conservation Dependent ecological communities

Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program, the cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years.

Appendix I

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Appendix J

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Appendix J Terms of Reference

Table 1: Plant Community (Vegetation) Structural Descriptions

LIFE FORM HEIGHT CLASS CANOPY COVER (%) 70-100% 30-70% 10-30% 2-10% Tall Open Trees >30m Tall Closed Forest Forest Tall Woodland Tall Open Woodland Trees 10-30m Closed Forest Open Forest Woodland Open Woodland Low Open Trees <10m Low Closed Forest Forest Low Woodland Low Open Woodland Closed Shrub Open Shrub Very Open Shrub Shrub Mallee Mallee Shrub Mallee Mallee Mallee Tall Open Shrubs >2m Closed Tall Scrub Scrub Tall Shrubland Tall Open Shrubland Shrubs 1 -2m Closed Heath Open Heath Shrubland Open Shrubland Open Low Shrubs <1m Closed Low Heath Heath Low Shrubland Low Open Shrubland Tussock Closed Tussock Tussock Open Tussock Very Open Tussock Grasses Grassland Grassland Grassland Grassland Hummock Closed Hummock Hummock Open Hummock Very Open Hummock Grasses Grassland Grassland Grassland Grassland Herbs Closed Herbland Herbland Open Herbland Very Open Herbland Sedges Closed Sedgeland Sedgeland Open Sedgeland Very Open Sedgeland

Modified from Government of WA, 2000 (which is itself modified from multiple sources - originally Specht 1970)

Table 2: Vegetation Condition (Government of Western Australia, 2000)

CONDITION DEFINITION Pristine No obvious signs of disturbance. Vegetation structure intact, disturbance affecting individual species; weeds are Excellent non-aggressive species. Very Good Vegetation structure altered; obvious signs of disturbance. Vegetation structure significantly altered by very obvious signs of multiple Good disturbance; basic vegetation structure or ability to regenerate it is retained. Basic vegetation structure severely impacted by disturbance; scope for regeneration but not to a state approaching good condition without intensive Degraded management. Completely Vegetation structure no intact; the area completely or almost completely without Degraded native species (‘parkland cleared’).

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Table 3: Vegetation Condition (Vreeswyk et al., 2004)

CONDITION DEFINITION For the land unit-vegetation type (site type), the site’s cover and composition of shrubs, perennial herbs and grasses is near optimal, free from obvious reductions in palatable species or increases in unpalatable species, or the site Excellent- type supports vegetation which is predominantly unattractive to herbivores and is Very Good thus largely unaltered by grazing. Perennials present include all or most of the palatable species expected; some less palatable or unpalatable species have increased, but total perennial cover is Good no very different from the optimal. Very Good Vegetation structure altered; obvious signs of disturbance. Moderate losses of palatable perennials and/or increases in unpalatable shrubs or grasses, but most palatable species and stability desirables still present; foliar cover is less than on comparable sites rated Excellent, Very Good and Good Fair unless unpalatable species have increased. Conspicuous losses of palatable perennials; foliar cover is either decreased through a general loss of perennials or is increased by invasion of unpalatable Poor species. Few palatable perennials remain; cover is either greatly reduced, with much bare ground arising from loss of stability desirables, or has become dominated by a Very Poor proliferation of unpalatable species.

Table 4: Codes and their explanation for fauna species of conservation significance listed as Priority fauna by the Department of Environment and Conservation.

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

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

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

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

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Priority Five: Taxa in need of Taxa which are not considered threatened but are subject to a monitoring (conservation specific conservation program, the cessation of which would result in dependent) the species becoming threatened within five years.

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Table 4: Codes and their explanation for fauna species of conservation significance identified in the Naturemap search

PRIORITY CODES DEFINITION T Rare or likely to become extinct X Presumed extinct

IA Protected under international agreement S Other specially protected fauna

Table 4: Codes and their explanation for fauna species of conservation significance identified as Schedule species under the Wildlife Conservation Act (Specially Protected Fauna Notice 2009) 1950 (cth)

PRIORITY CODES DEFINITION Schedule 1 Fauna that is rare or is likely to become extinct

Schedule 2 Fauna presumed to be extinct

Schedule 3 Birds protected under an international agreement

Schedule 4 Other specially protected fauna

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