Conservation Significant Fauna Survey Report Ecosure.Com.Au | Ii

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Conservation significant fauna survey

report - Lot 7 SP228453

October 2015 RIO TINTO YARWUN PTY LTD

Conservationecology Significant / Faunavegetation Survey Report / wildlife / aquatic ecologyecosure.com.au / GIS | i

Executive summary

Rio Tinto Alcan Yarwun Pty Ltd (RTAY) commissioned Ecosure to conduct fauna surveys over an area of remnant vegetation proposed to be cleared on Lot 7 SP228453 for the expansion of Residue Management Area 2.

A baseline flora and fauna assessment undertaken by CQG Consulting in April 2013 collected opportunistic fauna data however no quantitative survey techniques were undertaken.

Ecosure undertook surveys across the project site in August 2015, concentrating on identifying the presence of any conservation significant species that could potentially occur within the area. Various survey methods were utilised including:

• trapping using Elliot traps, cage traps, pitfall and funnel traps

• area searches in potential habitat areas

• night surveys to detect nocturnal species

• motion camera traps

• playback of fauna calls

• Anabat© recording.

This report includes the desktop assessment results for available ecological information including regional ecosystems, essential habitat, biodiversity and conservation significant species records (sourced from the Wildlife Online database, Atlas of Living Australia records and federal protected matters search results).

Essential habitat

Essential habitat for squatter pigeon (Geophaps scripta scripta) has been mapped within the project site by the Queensland government (DNRM, 2015).

Although one specimen was observed within the project site during previous studies, none were observed in this survey. This species is typically found in areas with short grass cover, including cleared areas and remnant woodlands and forests, within close proximity to water. This habitat occurs in patches throughout the Gladstone area.

Conservation significant species

Five species listed under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and/or listed under the state Nature Conservation Act 1992 were recorded in the project site. These included:

• koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) listed as vulnerable under both acts, was recorded at one location

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• short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus), a special least concern species under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 was recorded across the project site

• Latham’s snipe (Gallinago hardwickii), a migratory species listed under international treaties and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, was recorded at the remaining water source

• rainbow bee-eater (Merops ornatus) and satin flycatcher (Myiagra cyanoleuca), both migratory species listed under international treaties and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, were recorded at several locations.

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Glossary, acronyms and abbreviations

CQG CQG Consulting

DBH Diameter at breast height

DEHP Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection

DoE Federal Department of Environment

DNRM Queensland Department of Natural Resource and Mines

Ecosure Ecosure Pty Ltd

E Endangered (conservation significant fauna species status)

EPBC Act Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

EVNT Endangered, vulnerable and near threatened (conservation significant threatened fauna species)

LGA Local government authority

NC Act Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992

NT Near Threatened (conservation significant fauna species status)

RE Regional Ecosystem

SAT Spot Assessment Technique

SEVT Semi-evergreen vine thicket

SLC Special least concern under the NC Act

V Vulnerable (conservation significant fauna species status)

VM Act Queensland Vegetation Management Act 1999

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Contents

Executive summary ...... ii

Glossary, acronyms and abbreviations...... iv

List of figures ...... vi

List of tables ...... vi

1 Introduction ...... 1

1.1 Scope of works ...... 1

1.1.1 Habitat ...... 1

2 Methods ...... 3

2.1 Desktop Assessment ...... 3 2.2 Field survey ...... 4

2.2.1 General survey methods ...... 5 2.2.2 Targeted survey methods ...... 8 2.2.3 Survey effort in relation to published survey guidelines ...... 10

2.3 Survey limitations ...... 11

3 Results ...... 13

3.1 General description of project site ...... 13 3.2 Conservation significant fauna species: ...... 13 3.3 Essential habitat for NC Act listed species ...... 15

4 Recommendations ...... 16

4.1 Targeted koala survey...... 16 4.2 Black-breasted button quail (Turnix melanogaster) ...... 16 4.3 Northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) ...... 16 4.4 Wet season survey ...... 17

5 Conclusion ...... 18

References ...... 19

Appendix 1 Fauna species recorded onsite...... 21

Appendix 2 Location of conservation significant species ...... 23

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List of figures

Figure 1 Map of survey sites ...... 4

Figure 2 Preparation of pitfall line ...... 5

Figure 3 SEVT habitat ...... 7

Figure 4 Koala habitat tree ...... 14

List of tables

Table 1 Broad habitat types ...... 1

Table 2 Survey methods for the EVNT species ...... 8

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1 Introduction

Rio Tinto Alcan Yarwun Pty Ltd (RTAY) commissioned Ecosure to conduct fauna surveys within a proposed clearing area containing remnant vegetation on Lot 7 SP228453. A baseline flora and fauna assessment report, the Baseline Flora and Fauna Assessment Residue Management Area 2, was prepared by CQG Consulting in March 2013. That report identified a range of species known, or with the potential, to occur on site. No quantitative survey techniques were used to determine the potential impacts on EVNT species, special least concern (SLC) fauna species listed under the NC Act and species listed as migratory under the EPBC Act, or their habitats (CQG 2013).

The potential for the presence of endangered, vulnerable and near threatened (EVNT) species, and other fauna species listed under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act) and Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) needs to be determined prior to any vegetation clearing.

1.1 Scope of works

The purpose of this fauna assessment was to provide baseline information on potential conservation significant species that may occur within the habitats of Lot 7 SP228453. The scope of this fauna assessment includes:

• review of previous ecological surveys for the study area

• assessment of areas of essential habitat for squatter pigeon to determine if they contain the specified essential habitat factors as listed in the database referred to in the Vegetation Management Act 1999 (VM Act)

• targeted and/or incidental fauna and habitat survey for conservation significant species potentially occurring across the habitats in the proposed clearing area.

1.1.1 Habitat

The Baseline Flora and Fauna Assessment Residue Management Area 2 report prepared in 2013 by CQG identified the broad habitat types outlined in Table 1:

Table 1 Broad habitat types

Habitat Habitat values Department of Natural Resources & Mines (DNRM)- mapped regional ecosystems (REs) within the project area that contain potential habitat Flat, gentle grassland slopes Largely cleared, some fallen logs and Unmapped other ground habitat. Few large hollow- bearing trees Gullies and drainage lines Some vine thicket with potential habitat 11.3.25 for threatened species 11.11.18

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Habitat Habitat values Department of Natural Resources & Mines (DNRM)- mapped regional ecosystems (REs) within the project area that contain potential habitat Woodlands on low slopes and Some large hollow bearing trees, fallen 11.3.4 hills, predominate habitat logs and debris, leaf litter and rocky 11.11.4 remaining onsite scree 11.11.15 Ridge crests Some hollow bearing trees, rocky 11.11.18 outcrops and fallen logs, vine thicket 11.11.4c Freshwater lake, dams, streams Waterbird habitat – habitat diversity Unmapped limited Freshwater marsh, soak Water bird habitat – habitat diversity Unmapped limited

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2 Methods

Systematic fauna surveys using a full suite of survey techniques were undertaken over a five day period in August 2015 across the six habitat types identified in the baseline survey, including:

• area search/transects

• spotlighting/night survey where appropriate

• broadcast survey – call back to determine presence of nocturnal

• trapping – pitfall/Elliot traps to determine species of small mammals and reptiles

• species habitat surveys – hollow logs, trees

• Anabat® – determination of bat species

• motion sensing camera traps

• incidental observations

• targeted surveys for squatter pigeon in order to quantify essential habitat. Early morning and evening surveys were undertaken to provide the best opportunity to observe fauna species.

2.1 Desktop Assessment

Prior to field investigations and surveys, a preliminary desktop assessment was undertaken to identify possible survey sites, as well as identification of conservation significant target species that may inhabit the area.

The desktop assessment included:

• EPBC protected matters database search conducted over a 2 km radius surrounding the coordinates; latitude: -23.8769 longitude: 151.0515

• Wildlife online database search was conducted over a 5 km radius surrounding the coordinates, latitude: -23.8769 longitude: 151.0515

• Essential habitat database – VM Act

• perusal of available EIS data of surrounding major project sites existing reports and previous studies

• Environmental Reports - Matters of State Environmental Significance

• the Atlas of Living Australia (2015) database for locations of conservation significant fauna species (including specimens in Australian museums and Birds Australia historical records)

• review of the DoE SPRAT profiles (DoE 2013b) and recommended survey guidelines for potential threatened species as identified from the desktop study.

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2.2 Field survey

The field surveys were undertaken from 24 – 28 August 2015 by James Binkhorst (Wildlife Biologist) and Lindsay Boyd (Environmental Scientist). Sites, identified in Figure 1, were selected based on the desktop analysis as well as an onsite determination at the beginning of the survey; this provided the best opportunity to determine whether any conservation significant species were present in the project site.

Figure 1 Map of survey sites

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2.2.1 General survey methods

A range of methods (detailed below) were used across the project site designed to maximise the number of vertebrate species observed.

Elliott trapping

Twenty Elliott traps were opened for three to four nights at three trapping sites to survey small to medium sized mammals. Traps were placed under bushes and alongside logs (where possible) to increase the chances of trapping animals and to protect animals from the weather. Traps were placed at least 10 m apart to increase the likelihood of detecting species and increase the area surveyed. Traps were baited with a mixture of peanut butter, honey, vanilla and oats. These methods conform to the suggested methods for Elliott trapping in the Queensland terrestrial fauna survey guidelines (Eyre et al. 2012).

Funnel and pitfall trapping

One pitfall/funnel line was located in two trapping sites to survey small mammals and reptiles. Each line consisted of three pitfall traps (20 L plastic buckets) along a drift fence. Six mesh funnel traps were also placed in pairs along the drift fence to capture small terrestrial reptiles and mammals. Pitfalls and funnel traps were left open for three to four days and nights and checked daily. Leaf litter, bark and small twigs were left in the pits to provide shelter and a dry island if there was unexpected rainfall.

Figure 2 Preparation of pitfall line

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Diurnal active searches

Searches involved hand searching for more cryptic fauna that are not normally captured in traps, including raking leaf litter, opening or turning over of deadfall timber and turning over rocks and other debris. This was undertaken across various habitats randomly where vegetation appeared to be possible habitat. Essential habitat for squatter pigeon mapped under the VM Act was searched for evidence of nests and/or for individuals feeding in the area.

Each of the five active search sites was searched for at least two person hours (two people searching for one hour), during the mid-morning or mid-afternoon (i.e. the peak activity period).

Signs of animal presence (scats, bones, tracks, scratches, diggings, etc.) were also recorded.

Ultrasonic bat detection

An ANABAT© detector was placed at two likely bat habitat sites or flyways for two to three nights. One site (AB1) was situated in remnant vegetation alongside an ephemeral creek line, with the other site (AB2) on a ridge line above remnant semi-evergreen vine-thicket (SEVT) habitat. The results were analysed by a bat call analysis specialist, Greg Ford, on completion of the survey.

Bird surveys

Bird surveys (vocalisations and sightings) were undertaken for four mornings (between 0530 and 0900) and during nocturnal searches at random areas along tracks, as well as at each trapping site. Surveys were conducted for 1-2 person hours per day using the random meander survey technique.

Nocturnal searches and spotlighting

Spotlighting was conducted by walking around the site or driving at around at 5 km per hour on nearby tracks and firebreaks. Where possible, areas such as waterbodies and creeks were targeted, any animals heard calling were also recorded.

At least two person hours (two people searching for one hour) was spent at potential habitat sites, as well as at each trapping site detailed survey site surveying for amphibians, reptiles and nocturnal mammals and birds.

Call playback was used for species such as powerful owl, in areas which had suitable habitat for the species. Calls were generally played for 2 minutes and then followed by 3 minutes of listening, with the process repeated 5 times (or until the species responded).

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Camera trapping

Several SEVT habitat sites were targeted, using seven automatic fauna cameras with motion sensors which were installed for three to four nights to detect the presence of terrestrial fauna. Cameras were set up along likely transit routes, such as paths or creek lines to increase the likelihood of detecting fauna including black-breasted button-quail.

Meat baits (chicken frames) were secured on a tree in front of each camera to attract introduced and native predators. Baited cameras are a proven technique for detecting quolls (DSEWPaC 2011c).

Figure 3 SEVT habitat

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Incidental sightings

Any fauna observed within the entire project site were recorded to provide a list of fauna species occurring in the project area. A full list of faunal observations is listed in Appendix 1.

2.2.2 Targeted survey methods

Conservation significant species identified in the desktop assessment as potentially occurring within the project area, and the required survey methods for each, are shown in Table 2.

Table 2 Survey methods for the EVNT species

Species (scientific and common name) NC Act EPBC Act Survey methods status* status* Australian painted snipe (Rostratula V E/Marine - Bird survey australis) - Incidental sightings throughout site

Barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) SLC Marine/ - Bird survey Migratory - Incidental sightings throughout site

Black-breasted button quail (Turnix V V - Search suitable melanogaster) habitat for platelets - Bird survey - Incidental sightings throughout suitable habitat - Call back - Motion sensor camera traps - 15hrs-3 days(50ha)

Black-faced monarch (Monarcha SLC Marine/ - Bird survey melanopsis) Migratory - Incidental sightings throughout site

Black-throated finch (southern) (Poephila E E - Bird survey cincta cincta) - Incidental sightings throughout site

Cattle egret (Ardea ibis) SLC Marine/ - Bird survey Migratory - Incidental sightings throughout site

Collared delma (Delma torquata) V V - Pitfall trap lines comprising six 20 litre buckets and funnel traps spread along a 15 meter fence - Active search

Coxen’s fig parrot (Cyclopsitla E E - Bird survey diophthalma coxeni) - Incidental sightings throughout site

Dunmall’s snake (Furina dunmalli) V V - Pitfall trapping - Active searches (Diurnal & Nocturnal)

Eastern great egret (Ardea modesta) SLC Marine/ - Bird survey

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Species (scientific and common name) NC Act EPBC Act Survey methods status* status* Migratory - Incidental sightings throughout site

Fork-tailed swift (Apus pacificus) SLC Marine/ - Bird survey Migratory - Incidental sightings throughout site

Grey-headed flying-fox (Pteropus LC V - Night foraging survey poliocephalus) - Check flowering Eucalyptus - spotlight

Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) V V - Determine suitable trees and check for scats - Night spot lighting - Spot Assessment Technique (SAT) recommended

Large eared pied bat (Chalinolobus V V - Identify potential rocky dwyeri) outcrops - Anabat (minimum 4 detector nights)

Latham’s snipe (Gallinago hardwickii) SLC Marine/ - Bird survey Migratory - Incidental sightings throughout site

Magpie goose (Anseranas semipalmata) SLC Marine - Bird survey - Incidental sightings throughout site

Northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) LC E - Camera traps with bait (Chicken frames/wings)

Powerful owl (Ninox strenua) V - - Night survey - Call back - Id suitable trees in landscape

Rainbow bee-eater (Merops ornatus) SLC Marine/ - Bird survey Migratory - Incidental sightings throughout site

Red goshawk (Erythrotbuircgus raduatus) E V - Bird survey - Incidental sightings throughout site

Rufous fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons) SLC Marine/ - Bird survey Migratory - Incidental sightings throughout site

Satin flycatcher (Myiagra cyanoleuca) SLC Marine/ - Bird survey Migratory - Incidental sightings throughout site

Short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus SLC - - Incidental sightings aculeatus) - Active search - Identify diggings and possible burrows

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Species (scientific and common name) NC Act EPBC Act Survey methods status* status* Spectacled monarch (Symposiochrus SLC Marine/ - Bird survey trivirgatus) Migratory - Incidental sightings throughout site

Squatter pigeon (southern) (Geophaps V V - Area searches or scripta scripta) transect surveys (15hrs – 3 days) - Flushing surveys useful (10hrs – 3 days) - Random meander searches were undertaken on foot through the mapped areas.

Star finch (eastern and southern) E E - Bird survey (Neochmia ruficauda ruficauda) - Incidental sightings throughout site

White-bellied sea-eagle (Pandion SLC Marine - Bird survey haliaetus) - Incidental sightings throughout site

White-throated needle tail (Hirundopus SLC Marine/ - Bird survey caudacutus) Migratory - Incidental sightings throughout site

Yakka skink (Egernia rugosa) V V - search suitable habitats for potential colony sites, burrow systems and communal defecation sites - place Elliot traps adjacent burrows - minimum 3 survey days and nights

2.2.3 Survey effort in relation to published survey guidelines

The federal government has published several recommended survey guidelines for the survey of threatened species. These include:

• survey guidelines for Australia's threatened bats (DEWHA 2010a)

• survey guidelines for Australia's threatened frogs (DEWHA 2010b)

• survey guidelines for Australia's threatened birds (DEWHA 2010c)

• survey guidelines for Australia's threatened reptiles (DEWHA 2011)

• survey guidelines for Australia's threatened mammals (DSEWPaC 2011c).

In addition, some specific fauna or fauna groups have draft referral guidelines which include specific targeted survey guidelines. The relevant draft guidelines include:

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• draft referral guidelines for the nationally listed Brigalow Belt reptiles (not limited to the Brigalow Belt Bioregion) (DSEWPaC 2011a)

• EPBC Act referral guidelines for the endangered northern quoll, Dasyurus hallucatus (DSEWPaC 2011b).

None of these guidelines are mandatory, but they outline the recommended survey effort and survey methods for EPBC Act listed species.

The Queensland Government has also released the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Survey Guidelines for Queensland (Eyre et al. 2012), which has generic survey guideline methods for all terrestrial fauna species. Species specific survey guidelines have been developed for some species which are relevant and include targeted species survey guidelines - Yakka skink Egernia rugosa (Ferguson 2014).

Survey methods and effort utilised during this fauna survey closely aligned with these guidelines.

2.3 Survey limitations

Survey limitations included:

• Data contained from the Atlas of Living Australia comes from a large variety of sources including Australian Museum specimen records, Birds Australia and government departments (including DEHP Wildlife Online). The absence of any specimen records for a particular species from an area does not imply that that species does not occur in that area.

• Data from the Department of Environment (DoE) Protected Matters Search Tool are based on actual records, primarily from State Government databases, combined with modelled distributions of species according to their ecological characteristics. Modelled distributions provided by DoE are based on distributions given in published sources such as recovery plans and habitat studies as well as bioclimatic models built on known records. Species and communities identified by this search may occur in the search area, but require further investigation to confirm their presence.

• Targeted surveys can confirm the presence of a particular species from a given area, but cannot confirm the absence of a species. Many of the species targeted in the surveys are cryptic and difficult to detect. Species detectability may also be affected by factors outside the control of survey design, such as climate, cyclical variations in species abundance and disturbances such as grazing and fire. This assessment included thorough field searches for target species using currently accepted methods. However, it cannot entirely rule out the presence of a species in areas containing suitable habitat for the species, based on existing knowledge of the species’ ecological requirements.

• The most recent Queensland Herbarium RE mapping (Version 8.0) and ground-truthed vegetation mapping was used to determine locations of potential habitats. Actual vegetation and habitats may differ from mapped REs due to mapping scale and clearing activities since 2009.

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• Due to time constraints and very dry conditions, habitat assessments aimed at assessing the suitability of habitat for fauna species were not conducted and these should be undertaken during a follow up wet season survey. This will confirm whether the mapped habitat for squatter pigeon is suitable for this species.

• Extreme dry conditions led to there being very little permanent water in dams which resulted in limited water bird sightings.

• Due to safety concerns with digging equipment, only 2 pitfall lines were placed, more sites, (3-4 sites) are required in order to adequately quantify and determine presence of targeted species.

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3 Results

3.1 General description of project site

Lot 7 SP228453 is an 898.4 ha parcel of land situated adjacent to the current RMA 1 dam site. The site is situated in the Brigalow Belt bioregion and forms part of the Calliope catchment. 35.5% of the site is mapped as containing remnant vegetation (Mortimer & Cox 1999).

The site has largely been impacted by vegetation clearing in the past and is heavily infested with the non-native weed Sporobolus pyramidalis (Giant rats tail grass). Six broad habitat types have been were recorded within the project area:

• riparian vegetation

• woodland and Eucalypt forest

• wetlands

• grassland – consisting almost entirely of Giants rats tail grass

• semi-evergreen vine thicket

• non-remnant cleared areas.

3.2 Conservation significant fauna species:

Desktop analysis identified 30 conservation significant species as potentially occurring within the project site, of these the following species were recorded during this survey:

Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

Although previous studies had indicated that no suitable habitat for koala exists within this project area, one single koala was observed during a nocturnal spotlight survey. This animal was spotted in a tall Eucalyptus crebra (narrow-leaved Ironbark) tree on the north western section of the project site. Further active searches the following days failed to reveal any further sighting of the koala.

Koalas are known to occupy woodlands where Eucalyptus crebra, E. camaldulensis, E. tereticornis, E. chloroclada, E. melanophloia and E. populnea are available (DSEWPaC 2012, Mitchell 2012). The koala is listed as vulnerable under the NC Act and under the EPBC Act. The Draft EPBC referral guideline (DoE 2013a) for the vulnerable koala recommends the SAT for surveying koala.

It is recommended that a further targeted survey using the SAT be undertaken to definitively determine the current extent of potential koala habitat onsite. This will provide the necessary information required to meet any EPBC Act approval requirements for listed EPBC species.

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Figure 4 Koala habitat tree

Latham’s Snipe (Gallinago hardwickii)

This migratory species is a regular migrant to Australia from Japan and has been recorded in the Gladstone region on several occasions (L Boyd, personal observation).

A single individual was observed flying off from the dam site on the north-west edge of the project site, this is a migratory species under the EPBC Act and is listed as SLC under the NCA Act.

Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus)

Rainbow bee-eaters prefer open country including woodlands, open forest, semi-arid scrub, grasslands, clearings in heavier forests and farmlands, generally avoiding dense forest. This is a migratory species listed as SLC under the NC Act.

This species is not uncommon in the Gladstone area and was recorded in two separate locations onsite, both in eucalypt wood land .

Satin Flycatcher (Myiagra cyanoleuca)

Coastal forests, woodlands, mangroves and drier woodlands and open forests are the preferred habitat of this species. This migratory species (EPBC Act) is listed as SLC under the NCA Act and was recorded in several locations onsite.

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Short-beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

Short-beaked echidna are one of Australia’s most widely distributed species and occur in most habitat types (Van Dyck and Strahan 2008).

Numerous diggings were observed across the entire site which indicated the presence of this species, listed as SLC under the NC Act.

Locations of these observations are listed in Appendix 2.

3.3 Essential habitat for NC Act listed species

The squatter pigeon (Geophaps scripta scripta) essential habitat was thoroughly searched for signs of squatter pigeon. This bird species is regularly seen feeding along the sides of roads and tracks in the Gladstone region. One was observed during the baseline survey in 2013 in the north west of the project area. Although none were observed during this survey, it is possible that the area is utilised by squatter pigeons for foraging of grass seeds during favourable conditions.

Typical habitat includes open dry sclerophyll woodlands however this bird nests on the ground, sometimes among or sheltered by vegetation including short grass and bushes. The squatter pigeon forages on the ground and feed on a wide range of seeds including grasses and legumes. This species feeds by walking and pecking, often in pairs or small flocks, and drinks every day usually in the morning (Higgins & Davies, 1996).

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4 Recommendations

The following recommendations are based on the results of the desktop assessment and field survey:

4.1 Targeted koala survey

Targeted search site - koalas (SAT surveys)

The Draft EPBC referral guideline (DoE 2013a) for the vulnerable koala recommends the SAT for surveying koala. SAT assessments should be undertaken in suitable habitat containing primary food tree species across the project site; in particular in the area where the koala was observed.

Each survey site should be assessed using the SAT as designed by Philips and Callaghan (2011). A central tree with a diameter at breast height (DBH) >100 mm will be selected, flagged and coordinates recorded using a handheld GPS device. Using this tree as a site centre-point, the 29 closest trees over 100 mm DBH will be searched for koala faecal pellets and the species of the tree and its DBH (mm) recorded. Koala faecal pellet surveys determine the extent of tree use and associated activity by koalas. Surveys at each SAT site will incorporate a search for koalas in every tree within a 25 m radius of the centre tree. This method may require some adaption in order to ensure coverage is adequate across the project site.

4.2 Black-breasted button quail (Turnix melanogaster)

Potential black-breasted button quail habitat in the project site is limited to the few patches of SEVT. This species is shy and inconspicuous and is usually detected by the observation of birds moving away (flushed) when disturbed or from evidence of foraging in leaf litter (DoE 2010).

This species inhabits fragments of vine forest, thickets, and coastal scrubs (Mathieson & Smith 2009). The Atlas of living Australia records indicate that these birds have been recorded in adjoining locations.

Further investigation during a wet season survey into the potential occurrence of Black- breasted button quail within the remaining SEVT on the project site is recommended.

4.3 Northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus)

Quolls are carnivorous marsupials and usually occur in rocky and/or high rainfall areas in a variety of habitats. As opportunistic foragers, these animals feed on a broad range of foods (Hill & Ward 2010).

A dead northern quoll has been recorded in Gladstone at Tondoon Botanic Gardens and unconfirmed reports of sightings have been received (L Boyd, personal observation).

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Further investigation during a wet season survey into the potential occurrence of this species is required to determine if the northern quoll occurs within in the project site.

4.4 Wet season survey

Patterns of annual activity varies in response to the time of day (day versus night), seasonal changes as well as between years (rainy vs drought). Single season terrestrial surveys do not provide an adequate sample for either simple inventories or impact studies, to increase precision in collected data, at least two surveys undertaken in different seasons is a minimum requirement (Queensland Government 2014).

A repeat survey in the wet season is required due to dry conditions experienced during the survey in August, which limited faunal activity and therefore data collected.

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5 Conclusion

Conservation significant species recorded within the project site include koala, short-beaked echidna, satin flycatcher, rainbow bee-eater and Latham’s snipe.

Suitable potential habitat for black-breasted button quail and northern quoll may exist and further surveys will determine presence of these species.

The koala observation was unexpected as koalas are not known to be common in the Gladstone region and as a result further targeted (SAT) surveys will be required.

An additional wet season survey will be essential to provide adequate robust data regarding fauna species occurring within the project area, the additional survey will take into account the updated flora mapping and habitat assessments for potential EVNT fauna species will be completed if necessary.

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References

Atlas of Living Australia 2015, Atlas of Living Australia, http://www.ala.org.au/

DEWHA 2010a, Survey guidelines for Australia's threatened bats, Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, http://www.environment.gov.au/resource/survey- guidelines-australias-threatened-bats-guidelines-detecting-bats-listed-threatened

DEWHA 2010b, Survey guidelines for Australia's threatened frogs, Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.

DEWHA 2010c, Survey guidelines for Australia’s threatened birds, Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, http://www.environment.gov.au/resource/survey- guidelines-australias-threatened-birds-guidelines-detecting-birds-listed-threatened

DEWHA 2011, Survey guidelines for Australia's threatened reptiles, Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, http://www.environment.gov.au/resource/survey- guidelines-australias-threatened-reptiles-guidelines-detecting-reptiles-listed

DNRM 2014, Vegetation management regional esosystem and remnant map Version 8.0, Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Queensland, http://dds.information.qld.gov.au/dds/

DNRM 2015, Essential habitat mapping Version 4.16, Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Queensland, http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/vegetation/code_review_06/eh_review.html

DoE 2013a, Draft EPBC Act referral guideline for the vulnerable koala (combined populations of Queensland, New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory), Department of Environment, http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/660be80e-01f5-407d- bd1a-3f40f6d6a5a9/files/draft-koala-referral-guidelines.pdf

DoE 2013b, Species profile and threats database, Department of the Environment, http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl

DoE 2014b, EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool, Department of the Environment, http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/about-us/legislation/environment-protection-and- biodiversity-conservation-act-1999/protected

DSEWPaC 2011b, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 referral guidelines for the endangered northern quoll, Dasyurus hallucatus (EPBC policy statement 3.25) Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/f31d0eec-04d5-4743-9cc7- ad877ae0a6ef/files/northern-quoll.pdf

DSEWPaC 2011c, Survey guidelines for Australia’s threatened mammals, Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, http://www.environment.gov.au/resource/survey- guidelines-australias-threatened-mammals-guidelines-detecting-mammals-listed

Eyre, TJ Ferguson, DJ Hourigan, CL Smith, GC Mathieson, MT Kelly, AL Venz, MF and Hogan, LD 2012, Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Survey Assessment Guidelines for Queensland, Queensland Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, https://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/ecosystems/biodiversity/pdf/fauna_survey_guidelines.pdf

Hill B M & Ward S J 2010, National Recovery Plan for the Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus, Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport, Darwin

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Higgins P J & S J J F Davies (Eds) 1996, Handbook of Australian, New Zealand & Antarctic Birds. Volume 3 Snipes to Pigeons, Oxford University press, Melbourne

Mathieson M T & Smith G C 2009, National recovery plan for the black-breasted button-quail Turnix melanogaster, Report to the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra. Department of Environment and Resource Management, Brisbane

Philips S & Callaghan J 2011, The Spot Assessment Technique: a tool for determining localised levels of habitat use by Koalas Phascolarctos cinereus, Australian Zoologist, vol 35 (3),

Queensland Government 2015, Regional Ecosystems - biodiversity status, Environmental Report, Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection

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Appendix 1 Fauna species recorded onsite

Fauna Species List:

Key to species codes sp. Identified to genus level only Q - Queensland conservation status under Nature Conservation Act 1992. E = Presumed Extinct, E = Endangered, V = Vulnerable, NT = Near Threatened, LC = Least Concern EPBC - Australian conservation status under Environmental Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. CD = Conservation Dependent, CE = Critically Endangered, E = Endangered, V= Vulnerable, M = Migratory Species

* Exotic species

BIRDS: Family Genus & species Common Name NCA EPBC Acanthizidae Smicornis brevirostris Weebill LC - Accipitridae Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle LC - Aviceda subcristata Pacific Baza LC - Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite LC - Milvus migrans Black Kite LC - Aegothalidae Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-Nightjar LC - Artamidae Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird LC - Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie LC - Strepera graculina Pied Currawong LC - Burhinidae Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone Curlew LC - Cacatuidae Eolophus roseicapillus Galah LC - Campephagidae Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike LC - Coracina tenuirostris Cicadabird SL - Lalage luecomela Varied Triller LC - Cisticola juncidis laveryi Zitting Cisticola LC - Climacteridae Climacteric picumnus Brown Treecreeper LC - Columbidae Geopelia humeralis Bar-shouldered Dove LC - Geopelia striata Peaceful Dove LC - Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon LC - Corcoracidae Corcorax melanorhamphos White-winged Chough LC - Corvidae Corvus orru Torresian Crow LC - Cuculidae Cacomantis flabelliformis Fan-tailed Cuckoo LC - Centropus phasianinus Pheasant Coucal LC - Dicruridae Dicrurus bracteatus Spangled Drongo LC - Estrildidae Taeniopygia bichenovii Double-barred Finch LC - Falconidae Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel LC - Falco longipennis Australian Hobby LC - Halcyonidae Dacelo leachii Blue-winged Kookaburra LC - Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra LC - Todiramphus macleayii Forest Kingfisher LC - Hirundinidae Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow LC - Maluridae Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren LC -

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Malurus melanocephalus Red-backed Fairy-wren LC - Megaluridae Megalurus timoriensis Tawny Grassbird LC - Megapodiidae Alectura lathami Australian Bush Turkey LC - Meliphagidae Melithreptus albogularis White-throated Honeyeater LC - Melithreptus gularis Black-chinned Honeyeater LC - Philemon citreogularis Little Friarbird LC - Philemon corniculatus Noisy Friarbird LC - Philemon corniculatus Noisy Friarbird LC - Meropidae Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater LC - Monarchidae Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark LC - Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher LC M Pachycephalidae Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush LC - Phasianidae Coturnix ypsilophora Brown Quail LC - Podargidae Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth LC - Psittacidae Platycercus adscitus Pale-headed Rosella LC - Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus Scaly-breasted Lorikeet LC - Trichoglossus haematodus Rainbow Lorikeet LC - moluccanus Rhipiduridae Rhipidura albiscapa Grey Fantail LC - Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail LC - Scolopacidae Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe LC M Strigidae Ninox boobook Southern Boobook LC - AMPHIBIANS: Family Genus & species Common Name NCA EPBC Bufonidae Rhinella marina* Cane Toad - - Hylidae Litoria inermis Bumpy Rocket Frog LC - Litoria rothii Northern Laughing Treefrog LC - MAMMALS: Bovidae Bos taurus* European Cattle - - Macropodidae Macropus agilis Agile Wallaby LC - Macropus giganteus Eastern Grey Kangaroo LC - Molossidae Miniopterus australis Little Bent-wing Bat LC - Phalangeridae Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail Possum LC - Phascolarctidae Phascolarctos cinereus Koala V V Potoroidae Aepyprymnus rufescens Rufous Bettong LC - Pteropodidae Pteropus scapulatus Little Red Flying-fox LC - Tachyglossidae Tachyglossus aculeatus Short-beaked Echidna SL - REPTILES: Boidae Morelia spilota Carpet Python LC - Scincidae Lampropholis guichenoti Common Garden Skink LC -

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Appendix 2 Location of conservation significant species

Date observed Species Location onsite

24/08/2015 Rainbow Bee-eater -23.862576 151.053894 (Merops ornatus)

25/08/2015 Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) -23.880215 151.035080

26/08/2015 Latham Snipe -23.872896 151.035156 (Gallinago hardwickii)

26/08/2015 Short-beaked echidna -23.874058 151.061203 (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

27/08/2015 Satin Flycatcher -23.866867 151.042725 (Myiagra cyanoleuca)

28/08/2015 Rainbow bee-eater -23.874002 151.058899 (Merops ornatus)

28/08/2015 Satin Flycatcher -23.862600 151.053680 (Myiagra cyanoleuca)

28/08/2015 Short-beaked echidna -23.874060 151.059006 (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

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Revision History

Revision No. Revision date Details Prepared by Reviewed by Approved by 01 13/10/2015 Conservation Lindsay Boyd, Leigh Knight, significant fauna Wildlife Scientist Senior Environmental Planner survey report Lot 7 SP228453

02 02/11/2015 Conservation Lindsay Boyd Leigh Knight, significant fauna Senior Environmental Planner Lot 7 SP228453

Distribution List

Copy # Date Type Issued to Name 1 02/11/2015 Electronic RTA Yarwun Pty Ltd Alison Cox 2 02/11/2015 Electronic RTA Yarwun Pty Ltd Timothy Deery 3 02/11/2015 Electronic Ecosure Administration

Citation: Ecosure (2015), Conservation significant fauna survey report, Report to RTA Yarwun Pty Ltd, Publication Location – Rockhampton

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