APPENDIX 1-2 Flora and Fauna Survey

Yangibana Rare Earths Project

Flora and Fauna Survey

Prepared for Hastings Technology Metals Limited

8 June 2017

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

DOCUMENT TRACKING

Item Detail

Project Name Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey Project Number 6786 Sarah Dalgleish Project Manager Suite 1 & 2, 49 Ord Street, West Perth WA 6005 (08) 9227 1070 Prepared by Jeni Morris, Sarah Dalgleish Reviewed by Joel Collins Approved by Joel Collins Status FINAL Version Number 2 Last saved on 8 June 2017

Cover photo Rocky granite ridgetop © Eco Logical Australia 2017

This report should be cited as ‘Eco Logical Australia 2017. Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey. Prepared for Hastings Technology Metals Limited.’

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This document has been prepared by Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd with support from Hastings Technology Metals Limited.

Disclaimer This document may only be used for the purpose for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the contract between Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd and Hastings Technology Metals Limited. The scope of services was defined in consultation with Hastings Technology Metals Limited, by time and budgetary constraints imposed by the client, and the availability of reports and other data on the subject area. Changes to available information, legislation and schedules are made on an ongoing basis and readers should obtain up to date information. Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report and its supporting material by any third party. Information provided is not intended to be a substitute for site specific assessment or legal advice in relation to any matter. Unauthorised use of this report in any form is prohibited.

Template 29/9/2015

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Contents

Executive summary ...... vii

1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Project background ...... 1 1.2 Legislative framework ...... 1

2 Desktop assessment ...... 3 2.1 Study area ...... 3 2.2 Climate ...... 3 2.3 Regional context ...... 3 2.3.1 Broad scale vegetation mapping ...... 3 2.4 Database searches and literature review ...... 6 2.4.1 Previous surveys ...... 6 2.5 Likelihood of occurrence assessment ...... 13 2.5.1 Conservation significant species ...... 13 2.5.2 Conservation significant areas and Environmentally Sensitive Areas ...... 13

3 Survey Methodology ...... 16 3.1 Survey team, timing and effort ...... 16 3.2 Survey limitations ...... 16 3.3 Flora and vegetation survey ...... 17 3.3.1 Targeted survey ...... 18 3.3.2 Specimen identification and nomenclature ...... 18 3.4 Fauna ...... 19 3.4.1 Conservation significant fauna and fauna habitat ...... 19 3.4.2 Taxonomy and nomenclature ...... 19

4 Results ...... 21 4.1 Flora of the study area ...... 21 4.1.1 Conservation significant flora ...... 21 4.1.2 Flora likelihood of occurrence...... 22 4.1.3 New (undescribed) species ...... 22 4.2 Vegetation of the study area ...... 24 4.2.1 Vegetation types ...... 24 4.2.2 Conservation significant ecological communities ...... 24 4.2.3 Vegetation condition ...... 34 4.3 Fauna ...... 36 4.3.1 Conservation significant fauna ...... 36

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

4.3.2 Fauna habitats ...... 36 4.3.3 Fauna likelihood of occurrence...... 37

5 Discussion...... 44 5.1 Flora and vegetation ...... 44 5.2 Fauna ...... 45

References ...... 46

Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna rankings ...... 48

Appendix B PMST database search results ...... 56

Appendix C NatureMap database search results...... 65

Appendix D Flora likelihood of occurrence assessment ...... 68

Appendix E Fauna likelihood of occurrence assessment ...... 70

Appendix F Flora species list...... 73

Appendix G Floristic relevé data ...... 77

Appendix H Species matrix by vegetation type ...... 129

List of figures

Figure 2-1: Study area location ...... 5

Figure 2-2: Previous surveys in the vicinity of the study area ...... 12

Figure 2-3: Conservation significant flora species previously recorded within the vicinity of the study area ...... 14

Figure 2-4: Conservation significant fauna species previously recorded within the vicinity of the study area ...... 15

Figure 3-1: Survey effort showing relevés and transects across the study area ...... 20

Figure 4-1: Goodenia berringbinensis (P4) recorded within the study area...... 21

Figure 4-2: Conservation significant flora recorded within the study area ...... 23

Figure 4-3: Vegetation types within the study area ...... 33

Figure 4-4: Vegetation condition of the study area ...... 35

Figure 4-5: A Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) mound recorded within the study area ...... 36

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Figure 4-6: Conservation significant fauna and fauna habitats recorded within the study area ...... 43

List of tables

Table 2-1: Existing environmental attributes of the study area ...... 3

Table 2-2: Vegetation types of the study area ...... 4

Table 2-3: Database searches undertaken for the study area ...... 6

Table 2-4: Summary of previous surveys undertaken within or in the vicinity of the study area ...... 7

Table 3-1: Field survey staff, qualifications, licences and experience ...... 16

Table 3-2: Survey limitations ...... 16

Table 4-1: Locations of conservation significant flora recorded within the study area ...... 21

Table 4-2: Vegetation communities within the study area ...... 25

Table 4-3: Vegetation condition within the study area ...... 34

Table 4-4: Fauna habitats of the study area ...... 38

Abbreviations

Abbreviation Description

BoM Bureau of Meteorology

DAFWA Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia

DEC Department of Environment and Conservation

DER Department of Environment Regulation

DotEE Department of the Environment and Energy

DRF Declared Rare Flora

ELA Eco Logical Australia

EP Act Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA)

EPA Environmental Protection Authority

EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth)

ESA Environmentally Sensitive Areas

ha Hectare

Hastings Hastings Technology Metals Limited

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Abbreviation Description

IBRA Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation for Australia km Kilometre m Metres mm Millimetres

OEPA Office of the Environmental Protection Authority

Parks and Wildlife Department of Parks and Wildlife

PEC Priority Ecological Community

PMST Protected Matters Search Tool

TEC Threatened Ecological Community

WA Western Australia

WAH Western Australian Herbarium

WAM Western Australian Museum

WC Act Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WA)

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Executive summary

Eco Logical Australia was engaged by Hastings Technology Metals Limited to undertake a Reconnaissance and Targeted flora and Level 1 fauna survey of an area proposed for an access road for the Yangibana Rare Earths Project to determine the presence of any significant or isolated fauna habitat that may be impacted during development. The Office of the Environmental Protection Authority has stated in the Environmental Scoping Document that a Level 1 survey with additional Level 2 (and/or targeted surveys if warranted) should be undertaken for the area south of the Lyons River, where an access road is planned. This survey report will be appended to the Environmental Review Document.

The study area is located approximately 270 kilometres east-northeast of Carnarvon on Wanna Station in the Gascoyne Region of Western Australia, and comprises a disturbance footprint consisting of proposed access road, 10 metres wide and 13 kilometres long, running north-south, within a development envelope of approximately 2,000 hectares in size. Previous surveys have been undertaken adjacent and to the north of of the study area by Ecoscape (2017; 2015a; 2015b).

The flora and fauna survey was conducted from 28 April to 3 May 2017. A total of 38 relevés were established across the study area to validate and map vegetation types present by recording dominant three species for the three traditional strata, and to map vegetation condition within the study area. A targeted flora and vegetation survey was conducted to assess the presence of conservation listed flora and vegetation communities within the study area. The targeted survey was undertaken by walking targeted transects across the study area with variable transect spacing. Eight vegetation types and the landforms on which they occur were recorded:

 AsAtEcSS: Acacia and Eremophila sparse shrubland on rocky hardpan plain;  AxTSS: Acacia xiphophylla tall sparse shrubland on calcrete;  VfSS: *Vachellia sparse shrubland over grassland on clay pans;  AaAcTSS: Acacia tall sparse shrubland on drainage lines and fringing clay pans;  ApGbTSS: Acacia and Grevillea tall sparse shrubland over mixed low sparse shrubland on rocky lower slopes;  AcApTSS: Mixed Acacia tall sparse shrubland on minor drainage;  ApTSS: Acacia and Grevillea tall sparse shrubland on rocky granite ridgetops; and  ApEeTSS: Acacia tall sparse shrubland on drainage lines dissecting low rocky hills.

Of these vegetation types, six were found to be similar with Ecoscape’s (2015a) vegetation mapping, with the remaining two not previously recorded by Ecoscape (2015a).

No Threatened (Declared Rare) flora taxa were recorded in the study area; however, one conservation significant flora species was recorded: Goodenia berringbinensis (Priority 4). This species was recorded from four locations within the north of the study area, all occurring within clay pans with the vegetation type ‘VfSS’. Neither this species, nor its associated habitat, were recorded within the disturbance footprint.

Vegetation condition within the study area ranged from Excellent to Very Good condition. Majority of the study area was in Excellent condition, with some areas of Very Good and Good condition. There were minimal disturbances within the study area, with some minor weed disturbances in the north and far south of the study area, and evidence of pests (rabbits) and livestock (cattle) grazing in the north of the study area.

Five broad fauna habitats were delineated across the study area:

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

 Rocky plain;  Granite outcrop;  Minor creekline;  Rocky slopes and foothills; and  Claypan.

Three of these fauna habitats align with Ecoscape’s (2015b) fauna habitats: ‘rocky plain’, ‘granite outcrop’ and ‘minor creekline’. The remaining two fauna habitats were not recorded by Ecoscape (2015b).

The most commonly occurring fauna habitat recorded within the study area was ‘rocky slopes and foothills’, followed by ‘rocky plain’. One conservation significant fauna species was recorded as occurring within the study area, the Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani), listed by Parks and Wildlife as Priority 4. One recently active mound was recorded on ‘rocky plain’ adjacent to ‘minor creekline’ habitat. This species was not recorded within the disturbance footprint, with the record located approximately 1.9 kilometres to the east of the disturbance footprint.

The likelihood of occurrence assessment identified three bird species likely to occur within the study area. These species may use habitat within the study area on an occasional basis, but are not likely to rely solely on habitat within the study area for survival.

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

1 Introduction

1.1 Project background Hastings Technology Metals Limited (Hastings) are currently developing the Yangibana Rare Earths Project (the Project) in the Gascoyne Region of Western Australia.

In 2015, Hastings commissioned Ecoscape to undertake a series of biological surveys over a significant tenement package, covering approximately 55,000 hectares (ha) (Ecoscape 2015a; Ecoscape 2015b). The project footprint has since extended to include a previously unsurveyed area proposed for an access road, which extends 13 kilometres (km) south of the original study site.

The Office of the Environmental Protection Authority (OEPA) has indicated in the Environmental Scoping Document that a complete set of survey data is required for the entire development envelope of the Project, including the unsurveyed area as follows: a Level 1 survey with additional Level 2 (and/or targeted surveys if warranted) for the area south of the Lyons River, where an access road is planned. This survey report will be appended to the Environmental Review Document.

In 2017, Ecoscape completed a preliminary desktop assessment of the proposed access road. In this assessment, it was determined that there is potential for conservation significant flora and vegetation, and that fauna habitat types may be analogous or similar to those encountered within the previously surveyed areas (Ecoscape 2017). It was recommended that a Level 1 flora and fauna survey should be undertaken in order to investigate these findings, and to meet the requirements of the OEPA (Ecoscape 2017).

Eco Logical Australia (ELA) was then engaged by Hastings to undertake a Reconnaissance and Targeted flora and Level 1 fauna survey of the proposed access road (disturbance footprint) within a broader development envelope, to meet OEPA requirements.

The objectives of the flora and fauna survey were to undertake the following:

 Validate vegetation types and extent from the review of background reports;  Describe and map vegetation types present using relevés to record dominant three species for the three traditional strata (upper, mid and ground) and condition;  Targeted searches for conservation listed flora and communities;  Validate and map fauna habitat types, including significant or isolated habitats; and  Targeted searches for conservation listed fauna species and habitats.

1.2 Legislative framework The flora and fauna survey was undertaken in accordance with Commonwealth and State legislation and guidelines. Specifically, the survey was undertaken in accordance with the following:

 Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)  Western Australian Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act)  Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act)  Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Environmental Factor Guideline: Flora and Vegetation (EPA 2016a)  EPA Technical Guidance: Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA 2016b)

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

 EPA Environmental Factor Guideline: Terrestrial Fauna (EPA 2016c);  EPA Guidance Statement No. 56 - Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004)  EPA and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) Technical Guide – Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010).

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

2 Desktop assessment

2.1 Study area The study area is located approximately 270 km east-northeast of Carnarvon on Wanna Station in the Gascoyne Region of Western Australia. The study area comprises a disturbance footprint consisting of proposed access road, 10 metres wide and 13 kilometres long, running north-south, within a development envelope of approximately 2,000 hectares in size (Figure 2-1).

2.2 Climate The Gascoyne Region experiences an arid climate with predominately winter rainfall in the west, and summer rainfall in the east (Bastin 2008). Based on climate data from the nearby Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) Cobra Airstrip (station number 7209, rainfall data 2012 – current, located approximately 30 km south-east of the study area), the study area received a total of 432.8 millimetres (mm) of rainfall in the 12 months prior to the field survey (BoM 2017). This is well above the average rainfall of 231.1 mm, with most rainfall occurring during the months of June 2016, and January and February 2017 (81.4 mm, 58.2 mm and 216.2 mm respectively). In the three months prior to the field survey (April 2017), 284 mm of rainfall was recorded, which is above the average rainfall for the same period (140.4 mm).

2.3 Regional context The existing environmental attributes relevant to the study area are presented in Table 2-1.

Table 2-1: Existing environmental attributes of the study area

Existing Environment Attributes Study Area

Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation for Australia Gascoyne (IBRA) Bioregion*

IBRA Subregion* Augustus (GAS3)

Nadarra, George, Augustus, Winmar, Jamindie, Land systems** Gascoyne

*Department of the Environment and Energy [DotEE] 2017a **Wilcox and McKinnon (1972)

2.3.1 Broad scale vegetation mapping Vegetation has been mapped at a broad scale by Beard (1975) who categorised vegetation into broad vegetation associations. Based on Beard’s (1975) mapping at a scale of 1:1,000,000, Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA 2017) has compiled a list of the types and extent of vegetation associations across Western Australia (WA; Shepherd et al. 2002). Four broad vegetation associations have been previously mapped across the study area (Table 2-2). Each of these vegetation associations have greater than 85% of their total extent located within the Augustus bioregion and greater than 90% of their pre-European extent remaining (Government of Western Australia 2016).

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Table 2-2: Vegetation types of the study area

Pre-European Current Extent Extent (ha) Vegetation (ha) within the Description within the Remaining (%) type Augustus Augustus Bioregion Bioregion

Low Acacia aneura woodland over 18 Eremophila sparse shrubland and 2,425,858.37 2,424,368.48 99.94 Ptilotus sparse forbland.

Acacia open woodland over Eremophila 29 sparse shrubland and Ptilotus sparse 2,188,768.66 2,185,968.53 99.87 forbland.

165 Acacia open woodland. 475,462.88 475,460.54 100

181 Acacia open shrubland. 111,507.54 111,355.36 99.86

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Figure 2-1: Study area location

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

2.4 Database searches and literature review The following Commonwealth and State databases were searched for information relating to conservation listed flora, fauna and ecological communities in order to compile and summarise existing data to inform the field survey. The table below presents the database searches undertaken around the central coordinate (m 423249E, m 7340918N; Table 2-3).

Table 2-3: Database searches undertaken for the study area

Database Reference Buffer (km)

Commonwealth EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST) for Threatened species DotEE 2017b 40 and communities listed under the EPBC Act.

Department of Parks and Wildlife (Parks and Wildlife) and Western Australian Museum’s Parks and Wildlife 2007-2017 40 (WAM) NatureMap online database.

Parks and Wildlife Threatened and Priority flora database searches for Declared Rare Flora (DRF) listed under the latest WA Wildlife Parks and Wildlife 2017a 40 Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice and Priority Flora, (Parks and Wildlife 2016a).

Department of Environment Regulation (DER) Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) DER 2017 n/a database.

2.4.1 Previous surveys Surveys previously undertaken within the study area, or in the nearby vicinity of the study area were also reviewed where available. These included:

 Preliminary assessment of vegetation types and fauna habitat of proposed access road (Ecoscape 2017);  Yangibana Project Biological Assessment: Flora and Vegetation (Ecoscape 2015a); and  Yangibana Project Biological Assessment: Terrestrial Fauna (Ecoscape 2015b).

A detailed summary of these assessments is presented in Table 2-4. The location of these previous surveys in relation to the study area are mapped in Figure 2-2.

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Table 2-4: Summary of previous surveys undertaken within or in the vicinity of the study area

Report (and Size Number of Conservation level of Vegetation types Ecoscape quadrat (ha) taxa significant species survey) AcEt; ‘Acacia cyperophylla var. cyperophylla low open woodland over Eragrostis tenellula, Eragrostis cumingii and Eriachne aristidea low tussock grassland major n/a drainage line’.

EcBp; ‘Eremophila cuneifolia and Scaevola spinescens mid sparse shrubland over Brachyachne prostrata and Sclerolaena eriacantha low sparse grassland/chenopod n/a

Ecoscape. shrubland’. (2017). AaEpDr; ‘Acacia aptaneura low open woodland over Eremophila phyllopoda subsp. Preliminary obliqua, Acacia tetragonophylla and Dodonaea petiolaris mid open shrubland over assessment of n/a Dysphania rhadinostachya, Bulbostylis barbata and Gomphrena cunninghamii low vegetation Not open forbland/ sedgeland’. types and 2,009 Not applicable applicable fauna habitat EcMgCc; ‘Eucalyptus camaldulensis mid woodland over Melaleuca glomerata and of proposed Acacia coriacea subsp. pendens tall shrubland over *Cenchrus ciliaris mid tussock n/a access road grassland’. (11128-33970- 15L). EvCc; ‘Eucalyptus victrix and Acacia citrinoviridis mid open forest over *Cenchrus n/a ciliaris and *C. setiger mid tussock grassland’.

EpAc; Eremophila phyllopoda subsp. obliqua, Acacia tetragonophylla and Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii mid open shrubland over Aristida contorta, Eriachne n/a pulchella subsp. dominii and Portulaca oleracea low grassland/forbland.

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Report (and Size Number of Conservation level of Vegetation types Ecoscape quadrat (ha) taxa significant species survey) AaEpDr: Acacia aptaneura low open woodland over Eremophila phyllopoda subsp. HY15017, obliqua, Acacia tetragonophylla and Dodonaea petiolaris mid open shrubland over HY15018, Dysphania rhadinostachya, Bulbostylis barbata and Gomphrena cunninghamii low HY15020, open forbland/sedgeland. HY15087

AaSaEs: Acacia aptaneura low open woodland over Senna artemisioides subsp.  Acacia curryana oligophylla low sparse shrubland over Eragrostis setifolia and Eragrostis tenellula HY15057 (P1), low tussock grassland  Rhodanthe frenchii (P2), HY15055, Ecoscape. AcAc: Acacia curryana, Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii and Eremophila HY15076,  Solanum octonum (2015a). exilifolia mid sparse shrubland over Aristida contorta and Eriachne pulchella subsp. HY15079, (P2), HY15082, Yangibana dominii low grassland  Wurmbea HY15093, Project HY15095 fluviatilis (P2), Biological 472 flora AcAsCc: Acacia citrinoviridis and Eucalyptus victrix low open woodland over Acacia HY15023, 53,544  Gymnanthera Assessment: taxa sclerosperma subsp. sclerosperma and A. cuthbertsonii subsp. cuthbertsonii tall HY15026, cunninghamii (P3), HY15058, Flora and sparse shrubland over *Cenchrus ciliaris and *C. setiger mid tussock grassland  Sporobolus blakei HY15068 Vegetation (P3), AcEt: Acacia cyperophylla var. cyperophylla low open woodland over Eragrostis HY15001, (10079-3397- HY15014,  Goodenia 15R). tenellula, Eragrostis cumingii and Eriachne aristidea low tussock grassland HY15037, berringbinensis HY15083 (P4), ApAsEp: Acacia pruinocarpa low open woodland over Acacia sibirica, A.  Goodenia nuda tetragonophylla and Eremophila phyllopoda subsp. obliqua mid sparse shrubland HY15042 (P4). over Eriachne pulchella subsp. dominii low sparse tussock grassland

ApSgAc: Acacia pruinocarpa and Grevillea berryana low open woodland over Senna glutinosa subsp. x luerssenii and Eremophila phyllopoda subsp. obliqua mid HY15011, sparse shrubland over Aristida contorta and Eriachne pulchella subsp. dominii low HY15039 grassland

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Report (and Size Number of Conservation level of Vegetation types Ecoscape quadrat (ha) taxa significant species survey)

ArPc: Acacia ramulosa var. linophylla, A aptaneura and A. pruinocarpa low HY15045, woodland over Paspalidium clementii and Dysphania rhadinostachya low HY15051, HY15052, grassland/forbland HY15086

AsFh: Acacia synchronicia and Eremophila cuneifolia mid sparse shrubland over Frankenia hispidula and Aristida contorta low open shrubland/ grassland HY15103

AtGc: Acacia tetragonophylla, Dodonaea petiolaris and Eremophila latrobei subsp. latrobei mid open shrubland over Gomphrena cunninghamii, Aristida contorta and HY15094, Cymbopogon ambiguous low open forbland/grassland HY15102

HY15004, HY15005, HY15007, HY15033, AxEcAc: Acacia xiphophylla, A. synchronicia and A. macraneura low open HY15040, woodland over Eremophila cuneifolia, Senna artemisioides subsp. oligophylla, S. HY15046, glutinosa subsp. x luerssenii mid open shrubland over Aristida contorta and HY15047, HY15056, Enneapogon caerulescens low sparse tussock grassland HY15069, HY15074, HY15097, HY15098, HY1509 EcBp: Eremophila cuneifolia and Scaevola spinescens mid sparse shrubland over Brachyachne prostrata and Sclerolaena eriacantha low sparse grassland/chenopod HY15077, shrubland HY15089

EcMgCc: Eucalyptus camaldulensis mid woodland over Melaleuca glomerata and HY15010, HY15024, Acacia coriacea subsp. pendens tall shrubland over *Cenchrus ciliaris mid tussock HY15049, grassland HY15078, HY15081

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Report (and Size Number of Conservation level of Vegetation types Ecoscape quadrat (ha) taxa significant species survey) HY15003, EeAc: Eremophila exilifolia, Acacia tetragonophylla and A. kempeana mid open HY15008, HY15027, shrubland over Aristida contorta and Eriachne pulchella subsp. dominii low sparse HY15030, tussock grassland HY15032, HY15035, HY15038 HY15041, EfAc: Eremophila flaccida, Acacia tetragonophylla and E. phyllopoda mid sparse HY15050, shrubland over Aristida contorta, Calandrinia sp. The Pink Hills (F. Obbens HY15054, HY15071, FO19/06), Eriachne pulchella subsp. dominii low grassland/forbland HY15072, HY15096 HY15002, HY15006, HY15009, HY15012, HY15013, HY15015, HY15016, HY15019, EpAc: Eremophila phyllopoda subsp. obliqua, Acacia tetragonophylla and Senna HY15021, HY15028, artemisioides subsp. helmsii mid open shrubland over Aristida contorta, Eriachne HY15029, pulchella subsp. dominii and Portulaca oleracea low grassland/forbland HY15031, HY15044, HY15060, HY15070, HY15075, HY15080, HY15084, HY15092, HY15100, HY15101 EvCc: Eucalyptus victrix and Acacia citrinoviridis mid open forest over *Cenchrus HY15022, ciliaris and *C. setiger mid tussock grassland HY15034, HY15043

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Report (and Size Number of Conservation level of Vegetation types Ecoscape quadrat (ha) taxa significant species survey) EvReMg: Eucalyptus victrix low open woodland over Rhagodia eremaea and HY15090, *Vachellia farnesiana mid sparse shrubland over Mimulus gracilis, Panicum HY15091 laevinode and Ammannia multiflora low forbland/grassland

Fs: Frankenia setosa, Sclerolaena medicaginoides and Maireana georgei low open HY15085 shrubland

Mp: Maireana ?polypterygia, Lawrencia densiflora and Eremophea spinosa low HY15036, open chenopod shrubland/forbland HY15088

 Rainbow Bee- eater (Merops ornatus; EPBC Ecoscape. Migratory); (2015b). Five broad fauna habitat types:  Eastern Great Yangibana Egret (Ardea Project  Rocky plain 134 fauna modesta; EPBC n/a Biological 53,549  Sandy plain species Migratory); and Assessment:  Granite outcrop  Longtailed Terrestrial  Major river Dunnart Fauna (10104-  Minor Creekline (Sminthopsis 3397-15R) longicaudata; Parks and Wildlife P4).

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Figure 2-2: Previous surveys in the vicinity of the study area

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

2.5 Likelihood of occurrence assessment Conservation listed flora and fauna species that possibly occur within the survey area were identified from a review of key datasets and literature. An assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of conservation listed flora and fauna was made using existing species records from database searches and results of the field survey (Appendix D and Appendix E). The following criteria were used:

 Known to occur: Recorded from the study area, through database search results and/or from previous surveys of the study area (<20 years)  Likely to occur: The study area is within the species current distribution and contains suitable habitat for the species, however; o The species utilises seasonal habitat or has a large home range, so is not always present/visible in the study area; and/or o Survey limitations identified.  Potential to occur: The study area is within the species current distribution and contains habitat, however (at least two of below); o The study area is located on the edge of the species range or it has a patchy distribution; and/or o Survey limitations identified; and/or o Habitat is less suitable; and/or o Species is cryptic, and/or difficult to record utilising traditional survey methods.  Unlikely to occur: The study area is within the species current distribution and either: o contains habitat, was adequately surveyed (including for seasonal, migratory and cryptic species and fauna species with large home ranges) and did not record the species; or o the habitat is modified and unlikely to support the species and survey limitations identified.  Does not occur: The study area is within the species current distribution, and was adequately surveyed (including for seasonal, migratory and cryptic species and fauna species with large home ranges) and did not record the species. The study area may not contain suitable habitat. There is certainty that the species is not present in the study area.

2.5.1 Conservation significant species No conservation significant flora or fauna species have previously been recorded within the study area (Parks and Wildlife 2017). Previously mapped conservation significant flora within the vicinity of the study area are shown in Figure 2-3 (Parks and Wildlife 2017; Ecoscape 2015a). Conservation significant fauna previously mapped within the vicinity of the study area are shown in Figure 2-4 (Ecoscape 2015b).

2.5.2 Conservation significant areas and Environmentally Sensitive Areas Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are defined in the Environmental Protection (Environmentally Sensitive Areas) Notice 2005 under section 51B of the WA Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act). ESAs include areas declared as World Heritage, areas included on the Register of the National Estate, defined wetlands, vegetation containing Threatened flora, Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs), and Bush Forever sites. Priority Ecological Communities (PEC’s) are biological flora or fauna communities that are recognised to be of significance, but do not meet the criteria for a TEC. There are five categories of PECs, none of which are currently protected under legislation (see Appendix A).

There are no known terrestrial TEC’s or PEC’s mapped as occurring within or in the vicinity of the Study Area.

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Figure 2-3: Conservation significant flora species previously recorded within the vicinity of the study area

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Figure 2-4: Conservation significant fauna species previously recorded within the vicinity of the study area

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

3 Survey Methodology

3.1 Survey team, timing and effort The field survey was conducted by Joel Collins (Senior Botanist) and Sarah Dalgleish (Botanist) from 28 April to 3 May 2017. Rainfall in the three months preceding the survey was well above average for the same period, as described in section 2.2. Although the survey was within recommended timing, many annuals had finished flowering for the season. However, there was still sufficient material available to identify dominant and targeted species. The survey team qualifications and relevant licences are presented below in Table 3-1.

Table 3-1: Field survey staff, qualifications, licences and experience

Name Qualification Licences Relevant experience

More than 13 years’ experience Flora scientific collection undertaking flora, fauna and vegetation B. Agribus Hort licence no. SL012090 surveys in Western Australia with Joel Collins (Hons) DRF collection licence including 6 years’ experience working no. 08-1617 for Parks and Wildlife in the Wheatbelt, including the Gascoyne Bioregion.

More than 5 years’ experience BSc (Hons) Scientific licence: undertaking flora, fauna and vegetation Sarah Dalgleish Environmental SL012095 surveys in arid regions of Western Management DRF permit: 12-1617 Australia, including numerous surveys in the Gascoyne Bioregion.

3.2 Survey limitations The EPA Technical Guide – Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA 2016b) recommends including discussion of the constraints and limitations of the survey methods used. Constraints and limitations for the reconnaissance flora and Level 1 fauna survey for the Study Area summarised in Table 3-2.

Table 3-2: Survey limitations

Limitation Comment

Flora, vegetation and fauna surveys have previously been undertaken in proximity to the study area, and a detailed desktop assessment undertaken within the study area. Broad scale vegetation mapping at a scale of 1:1,000,000 Sources of information was available. Land system mapping at a scale of 1:2,000,000 and soil and landform mapping specific to the Project was also available. The information which was available was sufficient and as such sources of information were not considered a major limitation.

The survey requirement of a Reconnaissance and Targeted flora and vegetation Scope of works survey and a Level 1 fauna survey in accordance with relevant State and Federal legislation and EPA guidance documents was adequately met.

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Limitation Comment

The study area was surveyed to the satisfaction of the scope and a Completeness of survey Reconnaissance and Targeted flora and vegetation survey and a Level 1 fauna survey.

The survey effort was satisfactory. The study area was searched for conservation significant species by personnel walking targeted transects within selected areas. The method provided an accurate assessment of habitat Intensity of survey characteristics and likelihood of occurrence of conservation significant species. The number of relevés used was sufficient to determine the vegetation types and identify any vegetation of conservation significance.

The study area is located in the Eremaean Province which has sporadic rainfall during the year, with most species flowering during spring (including annuals). March – June is the recommended survey timing for this region (EPA 2016b), Timing, weather, season, with many species flowering or fruiting allowing them to be readily identified cycle during this time. The survey was conducted in early May, within this recommended timing. Although the survey was within recommended timing, many annuals had finished flowering. However, there was still sufficient material available to identify dominant and targeted species.

Disturbances There were minimal indications of disturbances within the study area.

The personnel who undertook the survey were both suitably qualified to identify Resources specimens and conduct this type of survey.

Accessibility/Remoteness All relevant areas in the study area were easily accessed and surveyed

3.3 Flora and vegetation survey The flora and vegetation survey was undertaken in accordance with the EPA Environmental Factor Guideline: Flora and Vegetation (EPA 2016a) and the EPA Technical Guidance: Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA 2016b).

A reconnaissance flora and vegetation survey was undertaken from 28 April to 3 May 2017, to provide context and gather broad information about the study area (EPA 2016b). Thirty-eight relevés were established across the study area, covering all vegetation types present. The following tasks were undertaken as part of the reconnaissance flora survey:

 Validate vegetation types and extent from the review of background reports; and  Describe and map vegetation types present using relevés to record dominant three species for the three traditional strata (upper, mid and ground) and condition.

The following data was collected for each relevé:

 GPS coordinate;  Dominant species present;  Vegetation structure;  Landform and soils;  Vegetation condition; and  Fire and disturbance.

The relevé locations within the study area are shown in Figure 3-1.

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

3.3.1 Targeted survey A targeted flora and vegetation survey was conducted using targeted transects across the study area with variable transect spacing, to adequately assess the presence of conservation listed flora and vegetation communities within the study area (Figure 3-1), including:

 Threatened flora or vegetation communities listed under the EPBC Act;  Threatened flora listed under the latest WA Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice; and  Priority Flora or vegetation communities recognised by Parks and Wildlife.

A total distance of 107.1 km was walked during the field survey. Survey efforts were focused on targeting suitable habitats for species identified in the desktop assessment as being likely to occur or habitats likely to support conservation significant species. All vegetation types were surveyed across the study area.

The following data was recorded for any identified conservation significant flora or community:

 Number of individuals in the population (recording a range of co-ordinates if necessary). Estimations made for groups of individuals within a 20 m radius and for large populations to record a polygon);  Potential TECs/PECs mapped using a polygon;  Reproductive phase (flowering, fruiting etc.);  Description of vegetation types in which the species is located;  Associated dominant species;  Photograph of the plant in situ (close-up of flowers/fruit) and habitat;  Voucher specimen collected and verified at Western Australian Herbarium (WAH) and lodgement if suitable material is collected; and  Coordinates of the location (points for individual plants, centroid point for a group of individuals within an indicative 20 m radius or a polygon for large populations).

3.3.2 Specimen identification and nomenclature Nomenclature used for the flora species within this report follows the Western Australian Plant Census as available on FloraBase (Parks and Wildlife and Western Australian Herbarium [WAH] 2017). Voucher specimens were collected in the field of all actual or potential conservation significant flora species where required. Collections were made of other species, if required, that commonly occur in the habitat of the conservation significant species to enable correct identification. All collections were assigned a unique collecting number.

Specimen identification was undertaken by ELA Senior Botanist Joel Collins and ELA Botanist Sarah Dalgleish. Species identification utilised taxonomic literature and keys with all specimens confirmed using the WAH reference collection. Relevant specimens were confirmed by taxonomic specialists at WAH where required.

Species marked with an asterisk (*) in front of the genus name signify an introduced species.

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

3.4 Fauna The fauna survey design was aligned with methodology outlines in EPA Guidance Statement No. 56 - Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004) and EPA and DEC Technical Guide – Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010).

3.4.1 Conservation significant fauna and fauna habitat An assessment of fauna habitat in terms of its ability to support and sustain populations of fauna, along with an assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of conservation significant fauna species (Appendix E) was undertaken during the survey. To survey the study area and to adequately assess the presence of conservation significant fauna and fauna habitats, the targeted survey involved personnel walking targeted transects across the study area with variable transect spacing.

The following tasks were undertaken as part of the Level 1 fauna survey:

 Targeted searches for conservation listed fauna species and habitats; and  Validate and map fauna habitat types, including significant or isolated habitats.

3.4.2 Taxonomy and nomenclature Nomenclature used for the vertebrate fauna species within this report follows the Western Australian Museum (WAM) Checklist of the Vertebrates of Western Australia (WAM 2017). Where common names were not stated for certain species, the following references were consulted:

 Amphibians and reptiles: Bush et al. (2010);  Reptiles: Wilson and Swan (2013);  Birds: Simpson and Day (2010); and  Mammals: Menkhorst and Knight (2011).

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Figure 3-1: Survey effort showing relevés and transects across the study area

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

4 Results

4.1 Flora of the study area A total of 72 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area. This total included 68 (94% of the total) native and four (6% of the total) introduced taxa. The taxa compromised 20 families and 41 genera. The most commonly occurring families were Fabaceae (23 taxa), Poaceae (9) taxa and Scrophulariaceae (8) taxa. The most commonly occurring genera were Acacia (14 taxa), Eremophila (8 taxa) and Senna (5 taxa). A list of all flora species recorded within the study area is provided in Appendix F. Floristic relevé data are provided in Appendix G. A species matrix by vegetation type is provided in Appendix H.

4.1.1 Conservation significant flora No Threatened (Declared Rare) flora taxa were recorded in the study area; however, one conservation significant flora species was recorded: Goodenia berringbinensis (Priority 4; Figure 4-1). G. berringbinensis was recorded from four locations within the study area, with a total of 1,200 – 2,400 individuals recorded. All of these locations occurred within clay pans with the vegetation type VfSS - *Vachellia farnesiana sparse shrubland over Eriachne flaccida and Sporobolus australasicus grassland over Alternanthera nodiflora, Marsilea hirsuta and Stemodia viscosa sparse forbland. These claypans would be inundated following rainfall. These were located in the northern section of the study area (Figure 4-2). Coordinate locations are presented in Table 4-1.

Figure 4-1: Goodenia berringbinensis (P4) recorded within the study area

Table 4-1: Locations of conservation significant flora recorded within the study area

Coordinates Species Number of individuals Easting Northing

Goodenia berringbinensis (P4) 500-1000 423135 7343000

Goodenia berringbinensis (P4) 500-1000 422279 7342033

Goodenia berringbinensis (P4) 100-200 422357 7342101

Goodenia berringbinensis (P4) 100-200 421634 7343579

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

4.1.2 Flora likelihood of occurrence The database searches identified an additional 10 flora species of conservation significance which may occur within the study area. A likelihood of occurrence assessment (Appendix D) undertaken for these species against criteria outlined in section 2.5 has determined that of those additional species, one has the potential to occur within the study area (Goodenia nuda, P4), while the remaining 9 species are considered unlikely to occur within the study area. This assessment is based on thorough search effort and availability of suitable habitat within the study area.

4.1.3 New (undescribed) species Elacholoma sp. ‘Showy Flowers’ is a newly identified species that is not currently listed as a Priority species, but one which is likely to be formally listed in the future. This species has previously been recorded in proximity to the study area by Ecoscape (2015a), with the closest records located approximately 4 km to the west/north-west of the current study area. This species was recorded as occurring in isolated, seasonally inundated clay swamps (Ecoscape 2015a). This species was not recorded from the current survey, however has the potential to occur within the study area on claypans and in surrounding fringing Acacia shrubland. This species may only be conspicuous after suitable heavy rainfall events.

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Figure 4-2: Conservation significant flora recorded within the study area

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

4.2 Vegetation of the study area

4.2.1 Vegetation types Eight vegetation types were recorded within the study area:

Of these types, five had similarities to Ecoscape (2015a) vegetation types (Table 4-2):

 ‘AsAtEcSS’, similar to Ecoscape’s (2015a) ‘AsFh’;  ‘AxTSS’, similar to Ecoscape’s (2015a) ‘AxEcAc’;  ‘AaAcTSS’, similar to Ecoscape’s (2015a) ‘AaSaEs’;  ‘ApGbTSS’, similar to Ecoscape’s (2015a) ‘ApSgAc’; and  ‘AcApTSS’, similar to Ecoscape’s (2015a) ‘AcEt’.

In addition, vegetation type ‘VfSS’ was found to be similar to a sub-community found in Ecoscape’s (2015a) vegetation type ‘EcBp’, smaller clay swamps within this vegetation type that were considered too small to map by Ecoscape (2015a).

The remaining two recorded vegetation types were additional to vegetation types recorded by Ecoscape (2015a).

The most commonly occurring vegetation type within the study area was ‘ApGbTSS’ (875.6 ha; 43.4%), followed by ‘AsAtEcSS’ (487.2 ha; 24.1%). Distribution of vegetation types recorded within the study area is shown in Figure 4-3.

A vegetation community by species matrix is provided in Appendix H.

4.2.2 Conservation significant ecological communities None of the vegetation types identified within the study area are consistent with vegetation types listed as TECs or PECs, or were inferred to be representative of TECs or PECs.

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Table 4-2: Vegetation communities within the study area

Extent Portion of Ecoscape Vegetation within the Associated Description ELA relevé the study vegetation community study area landform area (%) code (ha)

Acacia synchronicia, Acacia tetragonophylla and Eremophila cuneifolia sparse Rocky AsAtEcSS shrubland over Ptilotus nobilis subsp. nobilis low sparse shrubland over 1, 10, 56, 60 487.2 24.1 AsFh hardpan plain Stemodia grossa sparse forbland

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Extent Portion of Ecoscape Vegetation within the Associated Description ELA relevé the study vegetation community study area landform area (%) code (ha)

Acacia xiphophylla tall sparse shrubland over Acacia synchronicia, Eremophila cuneifolia and Senna artemisioides subsp. oligophylla sparse shrubland over AxTSS 2, 5, 54 213.3 10.6 Calcrete AxEcAc Sclerolaena cornishiana chenopod shrubland over Stemodia grossa sparse forbland

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Extent Portion of Ecoscape Vegetation within the Associated Description ELA relevé the study vegetation community study area landform area (%) code (ha)

*Vachellia farnesiana sparse shrubland over Eriachne flaccida and Sporobolus VfSS australasicus grassland over Alternanthera nodiflora, Marsilea hirsuta and 3, 53, 55 20.3 1.0 Clay pans EcBp Stemodia viscosa sparse forbland

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Extent Portion of Ecoscape Vegetation within the Associated Description ELA relevé the study vegetation community study area landform area (%) code (ha)

Acacia aptaneura and Acacia cuthbertsonii subsp. cuthbertsonii tall sparse shrubland over Eremophila cuneifolia and Senna artemisioides subsp. 4, 13, 51, 52, Drainage lines AaAcTSS oligophylla sparse shrubland over Ptilotus obovatus var. obovatus low sparse 57, 66, 67, 191.9 9.5 and fringing AaSaEs shrubland over Aristida contorta and Sporobolus australasicus sparse 68 clay pans grassland over Cleome viscosa sparse forbland

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Extent Portion of Ecoscape Vegetation within the Associated Description ELA relevé the study vegetation community study area landform area (%) code (ha)

Acacia pruinocarpa and Grevillea berryana tall sparse shrubland over Acacia tetragonophylla and Eremophila phyllopoda sparse shrubland over Ptilotus 6, 15, 17, 58, Rocky lower ApGbTSS obovatus var. obovatus, Solanum lasiophyllum and Tribulus suberosus low 64, 65, 69, 875.6 43.4 ApSgAc slopes sparse shrubland over Bulbostylis barbata sparse sedgeland over Aristida 70 contorta sparse grassland

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Extent Portion of Ecoscape Vegetation within the Associated Description ELA relevé the study vegetation community study area landform area (%) code (ha)

Acacia citrinoviridis, Acacia cyperophylla var. cyperophylla and Acacia AcApTSS pruinocarpa tall sparse shrubland over Aristida contorta sparse grassland over 7, 14, 71 33.2 1.6 Minor drainage AcEt *Bidens subalternans var. simulans sparse forbland

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Extent Portion of Ecoscape Vegetation within the Associated Description ELA relevé the study vegetation community study area landform area (%) code (ha)

Acacia paraneura tall sparse shrubland over Grevillea berryana sparse Rocky granite ApTSS 8, 12, 59 72.4 3.6 n/a shrubland over Tribulus suberosus low sparse shrubland ridgetop

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Extent Portion of Ecoscape Vegetation within the Associated Description ELA relevé the study vegetation community study area landform area (%) code (ha)

Drainage lines Acacia paraneura and Eremophila exilifolia tall sparse shrubland over Tribulus 9, 11, 16, 61, ApEeTSS 125.6 6.2 dissecting low n/a suberosus low sparse shrubland over Bulbostylis barbata sparse sedgeland 62, 63 rocky hills

Y a n g i b a n a Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Figure 4-3: Vegetation types within the study area

Y a n g i b a n a Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

4.2.3 Vegetation condition Vegetation condition within the study area ranged from Excellent to Very Good condition, based on the EPA Technical Guidance: Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA 2016b) condition ratings. The majority of the study area was in Excellent condition (1835.3ha; 91.3%), with some areas of Very Good (161 ha, 8%) and Good (13.3 ha; 0.7%) condition (Figure 4-4; Table 4-3).

There were minimal disturbances within the study area, with some minor weed disturbances in the north and far south of the study area, and evidence of pests (rabbits) and livestock grazing (cattle) in the north of the study area. The clay pans have had the greatest impact from cattle grazing with the clay soils heavily trampled and as a result the condition was mapped as Good.

Table 4-3: Vegetation condition within the study area

Vegetation condition Extent within the study area (ha) Portion of the study area (%)

Pristine 0 0

Excellent 1835.3 91.3

Very Good 161.0 8.0

Good 13.3 0.7

Poor 0 0

Degraded 0 0

Completely Degraded 0 0

Total 2009.6 100

Y a n g i b a n a Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Figure 4-4: Vegetation condition of the study area

Y a n g i b a n a Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

4.3 Fauna

4.3.1 Conservation significant fauna One conservation significant fauna species was recorded as occurring within the study area, the Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani), listed by Parks and Wildlife as Priority 4. One mound, which appeared active due to the presence of fresh burrow entrances, was recorded within the study area (Figure 4-5; Figure 4-6; recorded from m 422955E, m 7341212N). This mound was recorded on rocky plain adjacent to a minor creekline. The vegetation here is dominated by mixed Acacia sparse shrublands over chenopod shrublands and sparse forbland on ironstone/quartz gravel.

Figure 4-5: A Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) mound recorded within the study area

4.3.2 Fauna habitats Five broad fauna habitats were delineated across the study area, based on the vegetation type mapping completed by ELA in section 4.2.1:

 Rocky plain;  Granite outcrop;  Minor creekline;  Rocky slopes and foothills; and  Claypan.

The most commonly occurring fauna habitat recorded within the study area was ‘rocky slopes and foothills’ (875.6 ha; 34.4%), followed by ‘rocky plain’ (700.5 ha; 34.7%). Fauna habitat descriptions, associated vegetation types and extents within the study area are outlined in Table 4-4. Distribution of fauna habitat recorded within the study area is shown in Figure 4-6.

Y a n g i b a n a Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

4.3.3 Fauna likelihood of occurrence The database searches identified an additional 20 fauna species of conservation significance which may occur within the study area. A likelihood of occurrence assessment (Appendix E) undertaken for these species against criteria outlined in section 2.5 has determined that of those additional species, three are likely to occur within the study area, based on habitat requirements and previous records of these species in proximity to the study area:

 Ardea modesta (Eastern Great Egret; listed as Schedule 5 under the WC Act and as Migratory birds protected under an international agreement (IA) by Parks and Wildlife);  Falco hypoleucos (Grey Falcon; listed as Schedule 3 under the WC Act and as Threatened by Parks and Wildlife); and  Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater, listed as Schedule 5 under the WC Act and as Migratory birds protected under an international agreement (IA) by Parks and Wildlife).

These species may use habitat within the study area on an occasional basis, but are not likely to rely solely on habitat within the study area for survival. Of the remaining species, two have the potential to occur within the study area, and the remaining 14 are considered unlikely to occur within the study area. This assessment is based on thorough a search effort and availability of suitable habitat within the study area.

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Table 4-4: Fauna habitats of the study area

Associated Extent within Portion of Associated Fauna Description ELA relevés vegetation the study the study Ecoscape habitat community area (ha) area (%) habitat

Gravelly ironstone/quartz stones. Vegetation consists of mixed Rocky Acacia sparse shrublands over chenopod shrublands and sparse 1, 2, 5, 10, 54, 56, 60 AsAtEcSS, 700.5 34.7 Rocky plain plain AxTSS forbland.

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Associated Extent within Portion of Associated Fauna Description ELA relevés vegetation the study the study Ecoscape habitat community area (ha) area (%) habitat

Elevated granite outcrop. Vegetation consists of Acacia and Granite Granite Grevillea tall sparse shrubland over mixed sparse shrubland over 8, 12, 59 72.4 3.6 outcrop ApGbTSS outcrop sparse sedgeland and sparse grassland.

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Associated Extent within Portion of Associated Fauna Description ELA relevés vegetation the study the study Ecoscape habitat community area (ha) area (%) habitat

4, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, Minor Brown coarse sandy substrate. Vegetation dominated by mixed AcTSS, Minor 51, 52, 57, 61, 62, 63, 350.8 17.4 creekline Acacia shrubland over sparse grassland and sparse forbland. AcAcApTSS, creekline 66, 67, 68, 71 ApTSS

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Associated Extent within Portion of Associated Fauna Description ELA relevés vegetation the study the study Ecoscape habitat community area (ha) area (%) habitat

Rocky Gravelly/rocky slopes, foothills of granite with brown sandy loam slopes 6, 15, 17, 58, 64, 65, substrate. Vegetation consists of Acacia and Grevillea tall sparse 875.6 43.4 n/a and 69, 70 ApGbTSS shrubland over low sparse shrubland. foothills

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Associated Extent within Portion of Associated Fauna Description ELA relevés vegetation the study the study Ecoscape habitat community area (ha) area (%) habitat

Cracking clay basins and flats. Vegetation consists of *Vachellia Claypan 3, 53, 55 20.3 1.0 n/a sparse shrubland over mixed grassland over mixed sparse forbland. VfSS

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Figure 4-6: Conservation significant fauna and fauna habitats recorded within the study area

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

5 Discussion

5.1 Flora and vegetation A total of 72 dominant flora taxa were identified within the study area. This total included 68 (94% of the total) native and four (6% of the total) introduced taxa. The taxa compromised 20 families and 41 genera.

One flora species of conservation significance, Goodenia berringbinensis (P4) was recorded within the study area. Priority 4 species are classified as ‘Rare, Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring’ by the Department of Parks and Wildlife (2015). During the current survey, populations of G. berringbinensis were recorded from four locations in the northern section of the study area, totalling between 1,200 and 2,400 individuals. At a regional scale, this species is known from 33 records, and extends over a range of approximately 930 km, extending from 130 km north east of Kalgoorlie to 150 km south of Karratha (Parks and Wildlife 2007-2017). Three of these records occur inside Parks and Wildlife managed lands, including Mount Augustus National Parka and Muddy Lakes Nature Reserve (Parks and Wildlife 2007-2017). The records within the study area are not considered to be regionally significant as this species is widely distributed. Locally, this species has been recorded within the vicinity of the study area by Ecoscape (2015a), with the closest record located approximately 5.7 km to the northwest of the study area (Ecoscape 2015a). The closest record identified from Parks and Wildlife database searches occurs approximately 22 km north of the study area (Parks and Wildlife 2017). The proposed access road alignment (disturbance footprint) currently does not impact upon the locations or habitats of G. berringbinensis.

None of the vegetation types identified within the study area are consistent with vegetation types listed as Threatened or of significance at a National or State level. The Pre-European and current extent of native vegetation types in Western Australia has been interpreted by Shepherd et al. (2002) using data from Beard’s (1975) regional vegetation mapping at a scale of 1:1,000,000 and other vegetation mapping, as well as satellite imagery and orthophoto interpretation. Four of these broad scale vegetation types fall within the study area: Augustus 18, 29, 165 and 181, and all currently have over 90% of their pre- European extent remaining in the Augustus IBRA bioregion (Government of Western Australia 2016).

Eight vegetation types were recorded within the study area. Of these, type ‘ApGbTSS: Acacia and Grevillea tall sparse shrubland over mixed low sparse shrubland on rocky lower slopes’ was the most extensive, covering 43.4% (875.6 ha) of the study area. Type ‘AsAtEcSS: Acacia and Eremophila sparse shrubland on rocky hardpan plain’ was the second most extensive, covering 24.1% (487.2 ha). Vegetation type ‘VfSS: *Vachellia sparse shrubland over grassland on clay pans’ was the least common, occurring in 1% of the study area (20.3 ha). This vegetation type provides suitable habitat for the P4 species G. berringbinensis.

Six of the eight vegetation types showed similarity to Ecoscape’s (2015a) vegetation mapping. Vegetation type ‘VfSS’ was not mapped by Ecoscape as a stand-alone community, but was recorded as a sub- community of the broader vegetation type ‘EcBp’. The remaining two vegetation communities occurred on similar terrain as recorded by Ecoscape (2015a), but with different species compositions.

Vegetation condition within the study area ranged from Excellent to Very Good condition, based on the EPA Technical Guidance: Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA 2016b) condition ratings. The majority of the study area was in Excellent condition (1835.3ha; 91.3%). There were minimal disturbances within the study area, with some minor weed disturbances in the north and far south of the study area, and evidence of pests (rabbits) and livestock grazing (cattle) in the north of the study area, particularly around the clay pans.

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

5.2 Fauna One fauna species of conservation significance, the Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani; Priority 4) was recorded within the study area; a mound (possibly active) located in the north of the study area. Priority 4 species are classified as ‘Rare, Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring’ by the Department of Parks and Wildlife (2015).

This native rodent, within the family Muridae, is restricted to noncoastal, central and eastern parts of the Pilbara, although it was formerly more widespread (IUCN 2007). This species is commonly found in areas of rocky, hummock grassland areas with little or no soil in which to burrow but with plentiful supply of pebbles (Dunlop and Pound 1981). This species was recorded on a rocky plain adjacent to a minor creekline within the study area, with vegetation dominated by mixed Acacia sparse shrublands over chenopod shrublands and sparse forbland on ironstone/quartz gravel.

At a regional scale, this species is known from 1065 records, and extends over a range of approximately 950 km, extending as far west as Exmouth, east to Karlamilya National Park, north to Port Hedland and to as far south as approximately 200 km southeast of Gascoyne Junction. The majority of records for this species occur within the Pilbara region of Western Australia (Parks and Wildlife 2007-2017). This species is currently thought to be locally extinct within the Gascoyne region (Ecoscape 2015b). In a local context, Ecoscape recorded disused mounds throughout their study area (Figure 2-2), though all mounds were considered older than 50 years, indicating no recent or current occupation of this species within their study area (Ecoscape 2015b). The identification of a possible active Western Pebble-mound Mouse mound indicates that the species appears to still be present in the study area, however, at very low numbers. The proposed alignment of the access road does not currently impact upon the location of the identified Western Pebble-mound Mouse mound.

The study area contains five broad fauna habitat types. Of these, three were consistent with Ecoscape’s (2015b) fauna habitat types: ‘rocky plain’, ‘granite outcrop’ and ‘minor creekline’. The remaining two, ‘rocky slopes and foothills’ and ‘claypan’ were not recorded within Ecoscape’s study area. The most commonly occurring fauna habitat recorded within the study area was ‘rocky slopes and foothills’ (875.6 ha; 34.4%), followed by ‘rocky plain’ (700.5 ha; 34.7%). The habitat ‘claypan’ was the most restricted within the study area, covering 20.3 ha (1%) within the study area.

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

References

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Beard, J.S. 1975. The Vegetation Survey of Western Australia. Vegetation, Vol. 30, No. 3, pp. 179-187.

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Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE) 2017a. Australia’s bioregions (IBRA). Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/nrs/science/bioregion-framework/ibra/.

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Department of Parks and Wildlife (Parks and Wildlife). 2007-2017. NatureMap. Available from: http://NatureMap.dec.wa.gov.au/default.aspx.

Department of Parks and Wildlife (Parks and Wildlife) and Western Australian Herbarium (WAH). 2017. FloraBase—the Western Australian Flora. Department of Parks and Wildlife. Available from: https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/.

Department of Parks and Wildlife. 2015. Conservation Codes for Western Australian Flora and Fauna. Available from: https://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/images/documents/plants-animals/threatened- species/Listings/conservation_code_definitions.pdf

Department of Parks and Wildlife (Parks and Wildlife). 2017. Threatened and Priority Flora database search. Reference number 04-0517FL. Department of Parks and Wildlife, Perth.

Dunlop, J. N. and Pound, I. R. 1981. Observations on the Pebble-mound Mouse Pseudomys chapmani Kitchener, 1980. Rec. Western Australian Museum (9) 1.

Ecoscape. (2015a). Yangibana Project Biological Assessment: Flora and Vegetation (10079-3397-15R).

Ecoscape. (2015b). Yangibana Project Biological Assessment: Terrestrial Fauna (10104-3397-15R).

Ecoscape. (2017). Preliminary assessment of vegetation types and fauna habitat of proposed access road (11128-33970-15L).

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC). 2010. Technical Guide – Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment t (eds B.M. Hyder, J. Dell and M.A Cowan). Perth, Western Australia.

Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). 2004. Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia. Guidance Statement No. 56. Perth, Western Australia.

Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). 2016a. Environmental Factor Guideline: Flora and Vegetation. Perth, Western Australia. Available from: http://www.epa.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/Policies_and_Guidance/Guideline-Flora-Vegetation- 131216_4.pdf.

Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). 2016b. Technical Guidance: Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment. Perth, Western Australia. Available from: http://www.epa.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/Policies_and_Guidance/EPA%20Technical%20Guidance% 20-%20Flora%20and%20Vegetation%20survey_Dec13.pdf.

Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). 2016c. Environmental Factor Guideline: Terrestrial Fauna. Perth, Western Australia. Available from: http://www.epa.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/Policies_and_Guidance/Guideline-Terrestrial-Fauna- 131216_3.pdf

Government of Western Australia. 2016. 2016 Statewide Vegetation Statistics (formerly the CAR Reserve Analysis) - Full Report. SLIP Enabler. Available from: https://www2.landgate.wa.gov.au/web/guest/home.

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). 2007. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Menkhorst, P. and Knight, F. 2011. Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. Third Edition. Oxford University Press, Victoria, Australia.

Shepherd, D.P., Beeston, G.R. and Hopkins, A.J.M. 2002. Native Vegetation. In: Western Australia. Technical Report 249. Department of Agriculture, South Perth, Western Australia.

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

Wilcox, D. G. & McKinnon, E. A. 1972, A report on the condition of the Gascoyne River catchment Western Australian Department of Agriculture, Technical Bulletin No. 2.

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

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Appendix A Framework for conservation significant flora and fauna rankings

CATEGORIES OF THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)

Threatened fauna and flora may be listed in any one of the following categories as defined in Section 179 of the EPBC Act. Species listed as 'conservation dependent' and 'extinct' are not Matters of National Environmental Significance and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act.

Category Definition

Extinct (EX) There is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died.

Taxa known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside its past range; or taxa has not been recorded in its known and/or expected habitat Extinct in the Wild (EW) at appropriate seasons, anywhere in its past range, despite exhaustive surveys over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form.

Critically Endangered (CE) Taxa considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

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

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

Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically Near Threatened (NT) Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable now, but is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.

Taxa has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically Least Concern (LC) Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

There is inadequate information to make a direct, or indirect, assessment of taxa’s Data Deficient (DD) risk extinction based on its distribution and/or population status.

Not Evaluated (NE) Taxa has not yet been evaluated against the criteria.

Not an IUCN category. Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister, including: • the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animal) for which Australia is a range state; • the agreement between the Government of Australian and the Government of Migratory (M) the People’s Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their environment (CAMBA); • the agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction and their Environment (JAMBA); or • the agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea to develop a bilateral migratory bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA in respect to

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Category Definition migratory bird conservation and provides a basis for collaboration on the protection of migratory shorebirds and their habitat (ROKAMBA).

CONSERVATION CODES FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLORA AND FAUNA

Specially protected fauna or flora are species which have been adequately searched for and are deemed to be, in the wild, either rare, at risk of extinction, or otherwise in need of special protection, and have been gazetted as such.

Threatened species (T) Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, and listed under Schedules 1 to 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora (which may also be referred to as Declared Rare Flora).

Threatened fauna is that subset of ‘Specially Protected Fauna’ declared to be ‘likely to become extinct’ pursuant to section 14(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act.

Threatened flora is flora that has been declared to be ‘likely to become extinct or is rare, or otherwise in need of special protection’, pursuant to section 23F(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act.

The assessment of the conservation status of these species is based on their national extent and ranked according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria as detailed below.

Schedule Code Description

Threatened species considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Published as Specially Protected under the Schedule 1 Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife S1 (CR) Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Critically Endangered species Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora.

Threatened species considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Published as Specially Protected under the Schedule 2 Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, in Schedule 2 of the Wildlife S2 (EN) Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Endangered species Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora.

Threatened species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction Schedule 3 in the wild. Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife S3 (VU) Conservation Act 1950, in Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation Vulnerable species (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Threatened Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Threatened Flora.

Schedule 4 S4 (EX) Species which have been adequately searched for and there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died. Published as

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Schedule Code Description

Presumed extinct species Specially Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, in Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice for Presumed Extinct Fauna and Wildlife Conservation (Rare Flora) Notice for Presumed Extinct Flora.

Birds that are subject to an agreement between the government of Schedule 5 Australia and the governments of Japan (JAMBA), China (CAMBA) and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA), and the Bonn Convention, Migratory birds protected S5 (IA) relating to the protection of migratory birds. Published as Specially under an international Protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, in Schedule 5 agreement of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice.

Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on Schedule 6 ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for S6 (CD) listing as threatened. Published as Specially Protected under the Conservation dependent fauna Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, in Schedule 6 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice.

Schedule 7 Fauna otherwise in need of special protection to ensure their conservation. Published as Specially Protected under the Wildlife S7 (OS) Other specially protected Conservation Act 1950, in Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Conservation fauna (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice.

Priority species (P) Possibly threatened species that do not meet survey criteria, or are otherwise data deficient, are added to the Priority Fauna or Priority Flora Lists under Priorities 1, 2 or 3. These three categories are ranked in order of priority for survey and evaluation of conservation status so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened flora or fauna.

Species that are adequately known, are rare but not threatened, or meet criteria for near threatened, or that have been recently removed from the threatened species or other specially protected fauna lists for other than taxonomic reasons, are placed in Priority 4. These species require regular monitoring.

Assessment of Priority codes is based on the Western Australian distribution of the species, unless the distribution in WA is part of a contiguous population extending into adjacent States, as defined by the known spread of locations.

Category Code Definition Poorly-known species Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less) which are potentially at risk. All occurrences are either: very small; or on lands not managed for conservation, e.g. agricultural or pastoral lands, urban areas, road and Priority 1 P1 rail reserves, gravel reserves and active mineral leases; or otherwise under threat of habitat destruction or degradation. Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes. Such species are in urgent need of further survey.

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Category Code Definition Poorly-known species Species that are known from one or a few locations (generally five or less), some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation, e.g. national parks, conservation parks, nature reserves and other lands with secure tenure being Priority 2 P2 managed for conservation. Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes. Such species are in urgent need of further survey. Poorly-known species Species that are known from several locations, and the species does not appear to be under imminent threat, or from few but widespread locations with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat, much Priority 3 P3 of it not under imminent threat. Species may be included if they are comparatively well known from several locations but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them. Such species are in need of further survey. Rare, Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring (a) Rare. Species 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 species are usually represented on conservation lands. Priority 4 P4 (b) Near Threatened. Species that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable, but are not listed as Conservation Dependent. (c) Species that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy.

DEFINITIONS, CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES

An Ecological Community is described as “a naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a particular type of habitat”.

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 TECs that do not meet survey criteria are added to DPaW’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.

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.

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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,

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 c

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 short term future (within approximately 20 years);

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).

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

Definitions and Criteria for Priority Ecological Communities

Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community List 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 that are known from very few occurrences with a very restricted distribution (generally ≤5 occurrences or a total area of ≤ 100ha). Occurrences are believed to be under threat either due to limited extent, or being on lands under immediate threat (e.g. within agricultural or pastoral lands, urban areas, active mineral leases) or for which current threats exist. May include communities with occurrences on protected lands. 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 occurrences with a restricted distribution (generally ≤10 occurrences or a total area of ≤200ha). At least some occurrences are not believed to be under immediate 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 with 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 may 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.

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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.

(i) 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.

(ii) 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.

(iii) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the past five years.

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.

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Appendix B PMST database search results

EPBC Act Protected 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.

Information is available about Environment Assessments and the EPBC Act including significance guidelines, forms and application process details.

Report created: 15/05/17 12:52:33

Summary Details Matters of NES Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act Extra Information Caveat Acknowledgements

This map may contain data which are ©Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia), ©PSMA 2010

Coordinates Buffer: 40.0Km

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.

World Heritage Properties: None National Heritage Places: None Wetlands of International Importance: None Great Barrier Reef Marine Park: None Commonwealth Marine Area: None Listed Threatened Ecological Communities: None Listed Threatened Species: 6 Listed Migratory Species: 9

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. Information on the new heritage laws can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage

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.

Commonwealth Land: None Commonwealth Heritage Places: None Listed Marine Species: 11 Whales and Other Cetaceans: None Critical Habitats: None Commonwealth Reserves Terrestrial: None Commonwealth Reserves Marine: 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: 2 Regional Forest Agreements: None Invasive Species: 11 Nationally Important Wetlands: None Key Ecological Features (Marine) None

Details

Matters of National Environmental Significance

Listed Threatened Species [ Resource Information ] Name Status Type of Presence Birds Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper [856] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Pezoporus occidentalis Night Parrot [59350] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Mammals Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll, Digul [331] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Macroderma gigas Ghost Bat [174] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Rhinonicteris aurantia (Pilbara form) Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat [82790] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area

Plants Pityrodia augustensis Mt Augustus Foxglove [4962] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Listed Migratory Species [ Resource Information ] * Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list. Name Threatened Type of Presence Migratory Marine Birds Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift [678] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Migratory Terrestrial Species Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow [662] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Motacilla cinerea Grey Wagtail [642] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail [644] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Migratory Wetlands Species

Name Threatened Type of Presence Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper [59309] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper [874] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper [856] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper [858] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Charadrius veredus Oriental Plover, Oriental Dotterel [882] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act Listed Marine Species [ Resource Information ] * Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list. Name Threatened Type of Presence Birds Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper [59309] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift [678] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Ardea alba Great Egret, White Egret [59541] Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper [874] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper [856] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area

Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper [858] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Charadrius veredus Oriental Plover, Oriental Dotterel [882] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow [662] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater [670] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Motacilla cinerea Grey Wagtail [642] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Name Threatened Type of Presence Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail [644] Species or species habitat may occur within area

Extra Information State and Territory Reserves [ Resource Information ] Name State Cobra WA Mount Phillip WA

Invasive Species [ Resource Information ] Weeds reported here are the 20 species of national significance (WoNS), along with other introduced plants that are considered by the States and Territories to pose a particularly significant threat to biodiversity. The following feral animals are reported: Goat, Red Fox, Cat, Rabbit, Pig, Water Buffalo and Cane Toad. Maps from Landscape Health Project, National Land and Water Resouces Audit, 2001.

Name Status Type of Presence Birds Columba livia Rock Pigeon, Rock Dove, Domestic Pigeon [803] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Mammals Camelus dromedarius Dromedary, Camel [7] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Canis lupus familiaris Domestic Dog [82654] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Capra hircus Goat [2] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Equus asinus Donkey, Ass [4] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Felis catus Cat, House Cat, Domestic Cat [19] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Mus musculus House Mouse [120] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Oryctolagus cuniculus Rabbit, European Rabbit [128] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Vulpes vulpes Red Fox, Fox [18] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Plants

Name Status Type of Presence Cenchrus ciliaris Buffel-grass, Black Buffel-grass [20213] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Prosopis spp. Mesquite, Algaroba [68407] Species or species habitat likely to occur within 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 and National Heritage properties, Wetlands of International and National Importance, Commonwealth and State/Territory reserves, listed threatened, migratory and marine 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.

Threatened, migratory and marine species distributions have been derived through a variety of methods. Where distributions are well known and if time permits, maps are derived using either thematic spatial data (i.e. vegetation, soils, geology, elevation, aspect, terrain, etc) together with point locations and described habitat; or environmental modelling (MAXENT or BIOCLIM habitat modelling) using point locations and environmental data layers.

Where very little information is available for species or large number of maps are required in a short time-frame, maps are derived either from 0.04 or 0.02 decimal degree cells; by an automated process using polygon capture techniques (static two kilometre grid cells, alpha-hull and convex hull); or captured manually or by using topographic features (national park boundaries, islands, etc). In the early stages of the distribution mapping process (1999-early 2000s) distributions were defined by degree blocks, 100K or 250K map sheets to rapidly create distribution maps. More reliable distribution mapping methods are used to update these distributions as time permits.

Only selected species covered by the following provisions of the EPBC Act have been mapped: - migratory and - marine 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 Such breeding sites may be important for the protection of the Commonwealth Marine environment.

Coordinates

-24.01806 116.21861

Acknowledgements This database has been compiled from a range of data sources. The department acknowledges the following custodians who have contributed valuable data and advice: -Office of Environment and Heritage, New South Wales -Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Victoria -Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Tasmania -Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, South Australia -Department of Land and Resource Management, Northern Territory -Department of Environmental and Heritage Protection, Queensland -Department of Parks and Wildlife, Western Australia -Environment and Planning Directorate, ACT -Birdlife Australia -Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme -Australian National Wildlife Collection -Natural history museums of Australia -Museum Victoria -Australian Museum -South Australian Museum -Queensland Museum -Online Zoological Collections of Australian Museums -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, Canberra -University of New England -Ocean Biogeographic Information System -Australian Government, Department of Defence Forestry Corporation, NSW -Geoscience Australia -CSIRO -Australian Tropical Herbarium, Cairns -eBird Australia -Australian Government – Australian Antarctic Data Centre -Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory -Australian Government National Environmental Science Program -Australian Institute of Marine Science -Reef Life Survey Australia -American Museum of Natural History -Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Inveresk, Tasmania -Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Hobart, Tasmania -Other groups and individuals

The Department is extremely grateful to the many organisations and individuals who provided expert advice and information on numerous draft distributions.

Please feel free to provide feedback via the Contact Us page.

Appendix C NatureMap database search results

NatureMap Species Report Created By Guest user on 26/04/2017

Kingdom Plantae Conservation Status Conservation Taxon (T, X, IA, S, P1-P5) Current Names Only Yes Core Datasets Only Yes Method 'By Circle' Centre 116° 13' 07'' E,24° 01' 05'' S Buffer 40km Group By Family

Family Species Records Asteraceae 1 4 Colchicaceae 1 2 Fabaceae 2 4 Goodeniaceae 2 2 Malvaceae 1 1 Poaceae 1 1 Solanaceae 1 3 TOTAL 9 17

Name ID Species Name Naturalised Conservation Code 1Endemic To Query Area Asteraceae 1. 13311 Rhodanthe frenchii P2 Colchicaceae 2. 40822 Wurmbea fluviatilis P2 Fabaceae 3. 44476 Acacia curryana P1 4. 44483 Acacia petricola P2 Goodeniaceae 5. 12512 Goodenia berringbinensis P4 6. 7530 Goodenia nuda P4 Malvaceae 7. 19462 Lawrencia sp. Anna Plains (N.T. Burbidge 1433) P3 Poaceae 8. 13571 Sporobolus blakei P3 Solanaceae 9. 42541 Solanum octonum P2

Conservation Codes 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

1 For NatureMap's purposes, species flagged as endemic are those whose records are wholely contained within the search area. Note that only those records complying with the search criterion are included in the calculation. For example, if you limit records to those from a specific datasource, only records from that datasource are used to determine if a species is restricted to the query area.

NatureMap is a collaborative project of the Department of Parks and Wildlife and the Western Australian Museum.

Page 1 NatureMap Species Report Created By Guest user on 26/04/2017

Kingdom Animalia Conservation Status Conservation Taxon (T, X, IA, S, P1-P5) Current Names Only Yes Core Datasets Only Yes Method 'By Circle' Centre 116° 13' 07'' E,24° 01' 05'' S Buffer 40km

Name ID Species Name Naturalised Conservation Code 1Endemic To Query Area 1. 25554 Apus pacificus (Fork-tailed Swift, Pacific Swift) IA 2. 41324 Ardea modesta (Eastern Great Egret) IA 3. 24473 Falco hypoleucos (Grey Falcon) T 4. 25624 Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) S 5. 24598 Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater) IA 6. 24233 Pseudomys chapmani (Western Pebble-mound Mouse, Ngadji) P4 7. 24115 Sminthopsis longicaudata (Long-tailed Dunnart) P4 8. 24808 Tringa nebularia (Common Greenshank) IA

NatureMap is a collaborative project of the Department of Parks and Wildlife and the Western Australian Museum.

Page 1 Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Appendix D Flora likelihood of occurrence assessment

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

3 4 Conservation code Source Likelihood of Species EPBC Act1 WC Act2 Parks and Wildlife NatureMap WA Herb PMST TPFL Past reports occurrence

Acacia curryana - - P1 X X - - X Unlikely

Acacia petricola - - P2 X X - - - Unlikely

Goodenia berringbinensis - - P4 X X - - - Recorded

Goodenia nuda - - P4 X X - - - Potential

Lawrencia sp. Anna Plains (N.T. Burbidge 1433) - - P3 X X - - - Unlikely

Maireana prosthecochaeta - - P3 - X - - - Unlikely

Pityrodia augustensis VU S3 T - - X X - Unlikely

Rhodanthe frenchii - - P2 X X - X - Unlikely

Solanum octonum - - P2 X X - - - Unlikely

Sporobolus blakei - - P3 X X - - - Unlikely

Wurmbea fluviatilis - - P2 X X - - - Unlikely

1EPBC Act = Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 List of Threatened Flora 2WC Act = Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 Threatened Flora (Rare Flora) 3VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act. S3 = Schedule 3: Flora that are considered likely to become extinct or rare, as vulnerable flora (VU) under the WC Act. T = Threatened species: flora that has been declared likely to become extinct or is rare, or otherwise in need of special protection, pursuant to section 23F(2) of the WC Act. P1 = Priority 1: poorly known species that are known from one or a few locations which are potentially at risk, and are in urgent need of further survey. Listed by Department of Parks and Wildlife. P2 = Priority 2: poorly known species known from one or a few locations, some of which are on lands managed primarily for nature conservation, and are in urgent need of further survey. Listed by Department of Parks and Wildlife. P3 = Priority 3: poorly-known species known from several specimens or records but not under imminent threat, and need further survey. Listed by Department of Parks and Wildlife. P4 = Priority 4: Rare, Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring but not currently threatened; could become threatened if present circumstances change. Listed by Department of Parks and Wildlife. 4NatureMap = NatureMap database search (Parks and Wildlife 2007 - 2017). WaHerb = Western Australian Herbarium (Parks and Wildlife and WAH 2017). PMST = EPBC Act Protected Matters Report (DoEE 2017b). TPFL = Threatened and Priority Flora Database (Parks and Wildlife 2017). Past reports = Ecoscape 2015a.

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Appendix E Fauna likelihood of occurrence assessment

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Conservation Source4 status3 Likelihood of Species WC Act1/Park EPBC Nature Previous occurrence PMST s and Act2 Map reports Wildlife

Actitis hypoleucos (Common S5 M - X - Unlikely Sandpiper)

Apus pacificus (Fork-tailed Swift) S5 M X X - Potential

Ardea modesta (Eastern Great Egret) S5/IA - X - - Likely

Calidris acuminata (Sharp-tailed S5 M - X - Unlikely Sandpiper)

Calidris ferruginea (Curlew S3 CR/M - X - Unlikely Sandpiper)

Calidris melanotos (Pectoral S5 M - X - Unlikely Sandpiper)

Charadrius veredus (Oriental Plover) S5 M - X - Unlikely

Dasyurus hallucatus (Northern Quoll) S2 E - X - Unlikely

Falco hypoleucos (Grey Falcon) S3/T - X - X Likely

Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) S7/S - X - - Unlikely

Hirundo rustica (Barn Swallow) S5 M - X -

Macroderma gigas (Ghost Bat) S3 VU - X - Unlikely

Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater) S5/IA - X - X Likely

Motacilla cinerea (Grey Wagail) S5 M - X - Unlikely

Motacilla flava (Yellow Wagtail) S5 M - X - Unlikely

Oceanites oceanicus (Wilson's Storm- S5 M - - X Unlikely Petrel)

Pezoporus occidentalis (Night Parrot) S1 EN - X - Unlikely

Pseudomys chapmani (Western P4 - X - X Known Pebble-mound Mouse)

Rhinonicteris aurantia (Pilbara leaf- S3 VU - X - Unlikely nosed Bat)

Sminthopsis longicaudata (Long- P4 - X - X Potential tailed Dunnart)

Tringa nebularia (Common S5/IA M X - - Unlikely Greenshank)

1WC Act = Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 Threatened Flora (Rare Flora) 2EPBC Act = Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 List of Threatened Flora 3CR = listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act.

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

EN = listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act. VU = listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act. M = listed as Migratory under the EPBC Act. S1 = Schedule 1: Fauna that is rare or is likely to become extinct as critically endangered fauna (CR) S2 = Schedule 2: Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct as endangered fauna (EN). S3 = Schedule 3: Flora that are considered likely to become extinct or rare, as vulnerable flora (VU) under the WC Act. S5 = Schedule 5: Migratory birds protected under an international agreement (IA). S7 = Schedule 7: Other specially protected fauna (OS). T = Threatened species: flora that has been declared likely to become extinct or is rare, or otherwise in need of special protection, pursuant to section 23F(2) of the WC Act. P4 = Priority 4: Rare, Near Threatened and other species in need of monitoring but not currently threatened; could become threatened if present circumstances change. Listed by Department of Parks and Wildlife. 4NatureMap = NatureMap database search (Parks and Wildlife 2007 - 2017) PMST = EPBC Act Protected Matters Report (DoEE 2017b) Past reports = Ecoscape 2015b.

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Appendix F Flora species list

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Family Species

Alternanthera nodiflora

Gomphrena cunninghamii

Amaranthaceae Ptilotus nobilis subsp. nobilis

Ptilotus obovatus var. obovatus

Ptilotus schwartzii var. schwartzii

Apocynaceae Marsdenia australis

*Bidens subalternans var. simulans Asteraceae Pterocaulon sphacelatum

Boraginaceae Heliotropium heteranthum

Brassicaceae Lepidium platypetalum

Rhagodia eremaea

Sclerolaena cornishiana

Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena cuneata

Sclerolaena eriacantha

Salsola australis

Cleomaceae Cleome viscosa

Bulbostylis barbata Cyperaceae Cyperus iria

*Vachellia farnesiana

Acacia aptaneura

Acacia citrinoviridis

Acacia coriacea subsp. pendens

Acacia cuthbertsonii subsp. cuthbertsonii

Acacia cyperophylla var. cyperophylla

Acacia fuscaneura Fabaceae Acacia kempeana

Acacia paraneura

Acacia pruinocarpa

Acacia ramulosa var. linophylla

Acacia sclerosperma subsp. sclerosperma

Acacia synchronicia

Acacia tetragonophylla

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Family Species

Acacia xiphophylla

Cullen cinereum

Neptunia dimorphantha

Petalostylis labicheoides

Senna artemisioides subsp. oligophylla

Senna artemisioides subsp. sturtii

Senna glutinosa subsp. pruinosa

Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii

Senna glutinosa subsp. luerssenii

Goodenia berringbinensis (P4) Goodeniaceae Scaevola spinescens

*Malvastrum americanum Malvaceae Corchorus crozophorifolius

Marsileaceae Marsilea hirsuta

Nyctaginaceae Boerhavia coccinea

Stemodia grossa Plantaginaceae Stemodia viscosa

*Cenchrus ciliaris

Aristida contorta

Cymbopogon ambiguus

Enneapogon caerulescens

Poaceae Eragrostis dielsii

Eriachne flaccida

Eriachne pulchella subsp. dominii

Paspalidium clementii

Sporobolus australasicus

Grevillea berryana Proteaceae Hakea lorea subsp. lorea

Rubiaceae Psydrax latifolia

Eremophila canaliculata

Scrophulariaceae Eremophila cuneifolia

Eremophila exilifolia

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Family Species

Eremophila flaccida

Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii

Eremophila fraseri subsp. fraseri

Eremophila latrobei subsp. latrobei

Eremophila phyllopoda

Solanum austropiceum Solanaceae Solanum lasiophyllum

Zygophyllaceae Tribulus suberosus

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Appendix G Floristic relevé data

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA01 29/04/17 Releve JC

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Brown Rocky hard pan plain 424029 7342790 sandy loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Excellent Grazing >10 Granite

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia synchronicia 3 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila cuneifolia 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia aptaneura 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia tetragonophylla 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia xiphophylla 1 M tree-fern

Aristida contorta 0.75 L Tussock grass

Ptilotus nobilis subsp. nobilis 0.25 L Forb

Heliotropium heteranthum 0.1 L Forb

Stemodia grossa 0.1 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA02 29/04/17 Releve JC

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Brown Calcrete 423509 7343707 sandy loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Grazing, Excellent pests >10 Calcrete/granite/other (rabbits)

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia synchronicia 3 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia aptaneura 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia xiphophylla 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila cuneifolia 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Senna artemisioides subsp. oligophylla 1 M tree-fern

Sclerolaena cornishiana 4 M Chenopod shrub

Stemodia grossa 0.1 G Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA03 29/04/17 Releve JC

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Brown clay Clay pans 423649 7342548 loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Tracks/graz Very Good >10 n/a ing

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia citrinoviridis 4 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia coriacea subsp. pendens 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia cuthbertsonii subsp. cuthbertsonii 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia tetragonophylla 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Hakea lorea subsp. lorea 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Scaevola spinescens 1 M tree-fern

*Vachellia farnesiana 1 M Chenopod shrub

Eriachne flaccida 80 L Tussock grass

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Marsdenia australis 5 L Forb

Stemodia viscosa 0.1 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA04 29/04/2017 Releve JC

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Brown clay Drainage lines and fringing claypans 421126 7343416 loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Weeds/ Very Good >10 n/a grazing

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia cuthbertsonii subsp. cuthbertsonii 8 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia tetragonophylla 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Senna artemisioides subsp. oligophylla 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila cuneifolia 4 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia fuscaneura 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia sclerosperma subsp. sclerosperma 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia citrinoviridis 1 M tree-fern

Eriachne flaccida 5 L Tussock grass

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Sporobolus australasicus 2 L Other grass

*Malvastrum americanum 1 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA05 29/04/2017 Releve JC

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Brown Calcrete 421113 7342397 sandy loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Very Good Grazing >10 n/a

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila cuneifolia 10 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia synchronicia 3 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia sclerosperma subsp. sclerosperma 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia xiphophylla 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Senna artemisioides subsp. oligophylla 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Scaevola spinescens 1 M tree-fern

Sclerolaena cornishiana 20 L Chenopod shrub

Stemodia grossa 1 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA06 30/04/2017 Releve JC

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Brown Rocky lower slopes 421052 7340933 sandy loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Excellent n/a >10 Granite

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila exilifolia 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila phyllopoda 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia pruinocarpa 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia tetragonophylla 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Ptilotus obovatus var. obovatus 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Solanum lasiophyllum 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii 0.1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Tribulus suberosus 0.1 M tree-fern

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Aristida contorta 2 L Tussock grass

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA07 30/04/2017 Releve JC

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Brown Minor drainage 423156 7339323 sandy loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Grazing Excellent >10 Granite (low)

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia cyperophylla var. cyperophylla 4 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia pruinocarpa 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila exilifolia 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia fuscaneura 0.75 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii 0.1 M tree-fern

Stemodia grossa 0.1 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA08 30/04/17 Releve JC

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Brown Rocky granite ridgetop 421793 7340941 sandy loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Excellent n/a >10 Granite

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia paraneura 3 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Grevillea berryana 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Tribulus suberosus 1 M tree-fern

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA09 30/04/17 Releve JC

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Brown Drainage lines dissecting low rocky hills 424848 7339943 alluvium

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Excellent n/a >10 Granite

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila exilifolia 4 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia fuscaneura 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia paraneura 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia pruinocarpa 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Tribulus suberosus 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Psydrax latifolia 0.1 M tree-fern

Aristida contorta 0.1 L Tussock grass

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA10 30/04/2017 Releve JC

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Brown Rocky hard pan plain 424083 7341162 sandy loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Excellent n/a >10 Granite

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia xiphophylla 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila cuneifolia 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Senna artemisioides subsp. x sturtii 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia fuscaneura 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia synchronicia 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia tetragonophylla 0.25 M tree-fern

Ptilotus nobilis subsp. nobilis 0.25 L Forb

Stemodia grossa 0.25 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA11 01/05/17 Releve JC

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Brown Drainage lines dissecting low rocky hills 424422 7339688 sandy loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Excellent n/a >10 Granite

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia kempeana 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila phyllopoda 4 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia fuscaneura 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia paraneura 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Senna artemisioides subsp. oligophylla 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Senna glutinosa subsp. pruinosa 0.5 M tree-fern

Aristida contorta 0.75 L Tussock grass

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA12 01/05/17 Releve JC

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Brown Rocky granite ridgetop 424817 7339203 sandy loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Excellent n/a >10 Granite

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila exilifolia 4 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia paraneura 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia tetragonophylla 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila flaccida 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila phyllopoda 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Grevillea berryana 1 M tree-fern

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA13 01/05/17 Releve JC

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Brown Drainage lines and fringing claypans 421792 7343620 sandy loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Excellent Grazing >10 Granite

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila cuneifolia 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia citrinoviridis 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia sclerosperma subsp. sclerosperma 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia tetragonophylla 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia xiphophylla 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Ptilotus obovatus var. obovatus 1 M tree-fern

Aristida contorta 0.25 L Tussock grass

Ptilotus nobilis subsp. nobilis 0.1 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA14 02/05/17 Releve JC

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Brown Minor drainage 426997 7334640 alluvium

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Very Good Weeds >10 n/a

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia cyperophylla var. cyperophylla 6 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia citrinoviridis 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia pruinocarpa 2 M tree-fern

Aristida contorta 1 L Tussock grass

*Cenchrus ciliaris 2 L Other grass

*Bidens subalternans var. simulans 4 L Forb

Cleome viscosa 0.1 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA15 02/05/17 Releve JC

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Brown Rocky lower slopes 426835 7336269 sandy loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Minor Excellent >10 Granite grazing

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila phyllopoda 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia kempeana 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia tetragonophylla 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Senna artemisioides subsp. oligophylla 0.5 M tree-fern

Bulbostylis barbata 0.1 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA16 02/05/17 Releve JC

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Brown Drainage lines dissecting low rocky hills 426261 7337517 sandy loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Excellent n/a >10 Granite

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia paraneura 4 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila canaliculata 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila phyllopoda 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila exilifolia 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Tribulus suberosus 0.25 M tree-fern

Bulbostylis barbata 0.1 L Forb

Ptilotus schwartzii var. schwartzii 0.1 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA17 02/05/17 Releve JC

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Brown Rocky lower slopes 426700 7335595 sandy loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Excellent Grazing >10 Granite/Quartz

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia kempeana 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia pruinocarpa 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia tetragonophylla 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila exilifolia 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila phyllopoda 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Senna artemisioides subsp. oligophylla 0.5 M tree-fern

Eriachne pulchella subsp. dominii 1 L Other grass

Ptilotus obovatus var. obovatus 0.1 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA51 29/04/17 Releve SD

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Red sandy Drainage lines and fringing claypans 423408 7342269 loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Cattle Very Good >10 Ironstone grazing

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia aptaneura 40 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia fuscaneura 15 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii 10 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Ptilotus obovatus var. obovatus 10 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia xiphophylla 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Boerhavia coccinea 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Senna artemisioides subsp. oligophylla 1 M tree-fern

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Ptilotus nobilis subsp. nobilis 0.5 M tree-fern

Aristida contorta 1 L Other grass

Sporobolus australasicus 1 L Other grass

Enneapogon caerulescens 0.25 L Other grass

Boerhavia coccinea 1 L Forb

Cleome viscosa 1 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA52 29/04/17 Releve SD

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Red clay Drainage lines and fringing claypans 423190 7342848 loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Very good Pests >10 n/a

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia tetragonophylla 15 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia cuthbertsonii subsp. cuthbertsonii 10 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia sclerosperma subsp. sclerosperma 10 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia aptaneura 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia synchronicia 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Petalostylis labicheoides 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Rhagodia eremaea 1 M tree-fern

Sporobolus australasicus 0.5 L Other grass

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Paspalidium clementii 0.25 L Other grass

Cyperus iria 10 L Sedge

Marsilea hirsuta 5 L Forb

Pterocaulon sphacelatum 1 L Forb

*Malvastrum americanum 0.5 L Forb

Heliotropium heteranthum 0.25 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA53 29/04/17 Releve SD

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Orange clay Clay pans 423115 7342973 loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Good Pests >10 n/a

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Rhagodia eremaea 20 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, *Vachellia farnesiana 5 M tree-fern

Paspalidium clementii 5 L Other grass

Sporobolus australasicus 5 L Other grass

Eragrostis dielsii 2 L Other grass

Alternanthera nodiflora 1 L Forb

Goodenia berringbinensis (P4) 1 L Forb

Marsilea hirsuta 1 L Forb

Stemodia viscosa 1 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA54 29/04/17 Releve SD

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Orange clay Calcrete 422719 7342397 loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Excellent Pests >10 Ironstone

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila cuneifolia 10 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia aptaneura 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia synchronicia 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia xiphophylla 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Sclerolaena cornishiana 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Senna glutinosa subsp. ×luerssenii 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Ptilotus nobilis subsp. nobilis 0.25 M tree-fern

Enneapogon caerulescens 1 L Other grass

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Salsola australis 0.25 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA55 29/04/17 Releve SD

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Orange clay Clay pans 422292 7342067 loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Good Pests >10 n/a

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, *Vachellia farnesiana 1 M tree-fern

Eriachne flaccida 5 L Other grass

Sporobolus australasicus 1 L Other grass

Marsilea hirsuta 5 L Forb

Stemodia viscosa 2 L Forb

Cullen cinereum 1 L Forb

Alternanthera nodiflora 0.25 L Forb

Neptunia dimorphantha 0.1 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA56 29/04/17 Releve SD

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Red clay Rocky hard pan plain 422214 7343394 loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Excellent Pests >10 Ironstone

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila cuneifolia 10 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Ptilotus obovatus var. obovatus 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Sclerolaena cuneata 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Senna artemisioides subsp. oligophylla 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia aptaneura 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia synchronicia 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia xiphophylla 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Scaevola spinescens 0.5 M tree-fern

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Boerhavia coccinea 0.25 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Lepidium platypetalum 0.25 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Ptilotus nobilis subsp. nobilis 0.25 M tree-fern

Aristida contorta 0.5 L Other grass

Eriachne pulchella subsp. dominii 0.5 L Other grass

Stemodia grossa 0.5 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA57 29/04/17 Releve SD

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Orange clay Drainage lines and fringing claypans 422028 7342347 loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Excellent Pests >10 Ironstone

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia aptaneura 15 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia cuthbertsonii subsp. cuthbertsonii 15 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila cuneifolia 15 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia synchronicia 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia tetragonophylla 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Senna artemisioides subsp. oligophylla 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Ptilotus nobilis subsp. nobilis 0.25 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Ptilotus obovatus var. obovatus 0.25 M tree-fern

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Enneapogon caerulescens 0.5 L Other grass

Sporobolus australasicus 0.5 L Other grass

Aristida contorta 0.25 L Other grass

Pterocaulon sphacelatum 0.25 L Forb

Stemodia grossa 0.25 L Forb

Cleome viscosa 0.1 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA58 30/04/17 Releve SD

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Orange clay Rocky lower slopes 421705 7341392 loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Excellent n/a >10 Granite

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia pruinocarpa 10 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia paraneura 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila phyllopoda 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Grevillea berryana 3 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Solanum lasiophyllum 3 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Ptilotus obovatus var. obovatus 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Psydrax latifolia 1 M tree-fern

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Tribulus suberosus 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Ptilotus nobilis subsp. nobilis 0.25 M tree-fern

Aristida contorta 1 L Other grass

Salsola australis 0.25 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA59 30/04/17 Releve SD

Topography Soils Easting Northing

Orange clay Rocky granite ridgetop 423243 7339930 loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Pristine n/a >10 Granite

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia paraneura 15 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila latrobei subsp. latrobei 3 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Grevillea berryana 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Tribulus suberosus 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Solanum lasiophyllum 0.25 M tree-fern

Eriachne pulchella subsp. dominii 0.5 L Other grass

Aristida contorta 0.25 L Other grass

Bulbostylis barbata 2 L Sedge

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA60 30/04/17 Releve SD

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Orange clay Rocky hard pan plain 423680 7341037 loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Excellent n/a 5-10 Granite

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia synchronicia 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila cuneifolia 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia tetragonophylla 3 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Scaevola spinescens 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Sclerolaena eriacantha 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Senna glutinosa subsp. ×luerssenii 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Ptilotus nobilis subsp. nobilis 0.25 M tree-fern

Eriachne pulchella subsp. dominii 0.25 L Other grass

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Salsola australis 0.1 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA61 30/04/17 Releve SD

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Orange clay Drainage lines dissecting low rocky hills 423337 7340468 loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Pristine n/a 5-10 Granite

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia paraneura 15 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila exilifolia 15 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila fraseri subsp. fraseri 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Solanum lasiophyllum 0.1 M tree-fern

Aristida contorta 0.1 L Other grass

Bulbostylis barbata 0.1 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA62 01/05/17 Releve SD

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Drainage lines dissecting low rocky hills Orange clay 424590 7339123

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Pristine n/a >10 Ironstone

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila exilifolia 20 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia tetragonophylla 10 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia paraneura 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Grevillea berryana 3 M tree-fern

Cymbopogon ambiguus 0.25 L Other grass

Bulbostylis barbata 0.25 L Sedge

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA63 01/05/17 Releve SD

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Orange clay Drainage lines dissecting low rocky hills 425359 7338574 loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Pristine n/a >10 Granite

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia paraneura 15 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila exilifolia 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila fraseri subsp. fraseri 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Tribulus suberosus 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Solanum lasiophyllum 0.25 M tree-fern

Cymbopogon ambiguus 0.5 L Other grass

Eriachne pulchella subsp. dominii 0.1 L Other grass

Bulbostylis barbata 0.1 L Sedge

Cleome viscosa 0.1 L Forb

Gomphrena cunninghamii 0.1 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA64 01/05/17 Releve SD

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Orange clay Rocky lower slopes 425799 7338156 loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Pristine n/a >10 Granite

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila fraseri subsp. fraseri 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia tetragonophylla 3 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila phyllopoda 3 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Grevillea berryana 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Solanum lasiophyllum 0.5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Tribulus suberosus 0.5 M tree-fern

Aristida contorta 10 L Other grass

Bulbostylis barbata 0.25 L Sedge

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA65 01/05/17 Releve SD

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Orange clay Rocky lower slopes 423916 7338924 loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Pristine n/a >10 Granite

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii 4 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila phyllopoda 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Grevillea berryana 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Tribulus suberosus 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Solanum lasiophyllum 0.5 M tree-fern

Eriachne pulchella subsp. dominii 0.25 L Other grass

Aristida contorta 0.1 L Other grass

Bulbostylis barbata 0.1 L Sedge

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA66 01/05/17 Releve SD

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Red clay Drainage lines and fringing claypans 423203 7341911 loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Weeds/ Very Good >10 Ironstone grazing

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia aptaneura 25 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia cuthbertsonii subsp. cuthbertsonii 20 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii 3 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Senna artemisioides subsp. oligophylla 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Ptilotus obovatus var. obovatus 1 M tree-fern

Enneapogon caerulescens 0.1 L Other grass

Sporobolus australasicus 0.1 L Other grass

Boerhavia coccinea 0.25 L Forb

Cleome viscosa 0.25 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA67 01/05/17 Releve SD

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Red sandy Drainage lines and fringing claypans 422977 7341328 clay

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Excellent Pests >10 Ironstone

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia aptaneura 30 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia cuthbertsonii subsp. cuthbertsonii 10 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia fuscaneura 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila cuneifolia 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Corchorus crozophorifolius 0.1 M tree-fern

Aristida contorta 0.1 L Other grass

Cleome viscosa 0.1 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA68 01/05/17 Releve SD

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Red sandy Drainage lines and fringing claypans 423385 7340916 clay

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Excellent n/a >10 Granite

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia aptaneura 10 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia cuthbertsonii subsp. cuthbertsonii 10 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia paraneura 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Senna glutinosa subsp. ×luerssenii 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Corchorus crozophorifolius 0.25 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Solanum lasiophyllum 0.1 M tree-fern

Aristida contorta 0.25 L Other grass

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Cleome viscosa 0.1 L Forb

Stemodia grossa 0.1 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA69 02/05/17 Releve SD

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Red clay Rocky lower slopes 426240 7336693 loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Excellent Grazing >10 Granite

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila phyllopoda 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia fuscaneura 3 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia kempeana 3 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia ramulosa var. linophylla 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila canaliculata 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Tribulus suberosus 2 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Solanum lasiophyllum 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Ptilotus obovatus var. obovatus 0.5 M tree-fern

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Bulbostylis barbata 0.1 L Sedge

Salsola australis 0.5 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA70 02/05/17 Releve SD

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Red clay Rocky lower slopes 426459 7335630 loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Excellent Grazing 5-10 Ironstone

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia pruinocarpa 10 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Eremophila phyllopoda 10 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia fuscaneura 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Grevillea berryana 5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii 4 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Psydrax latifolia 1 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Ptilotus obovatus var. obovatus 0.5 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Solanum lasiophyllum 0.5 M tree-fern

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Eriachne pulchella subsp. dominii 1 L Other grass

Aristida contorta 0.5 L Other grass

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Site number Date Site type Observer

ELA71 02/05/17 Releve SD

Landform Soils Easting Northing

Red sandy Minor drainage 426473 7335141 loam

Condition Disturbance Fire (years) Geology

Weeds/ Very Good >10 Ironstone grazing

Stratum (U=Upper, Species Cover (%) Sub-Stratum M=Middle, L=Low)

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia cyperophylla var. cyperophylla 60 M tree-fern

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, Acacia citrinoviridis 10 M tree-fern

Aristida contorta 5 L Other grass

Cymbopogon ambiguus 1 L Other grass

*Bidens subalternans var. simulans 5 L Forb

*Malvastrum americanum 1 L Forb

Y a n g i bana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Appendix H Species matrix by vegetation type

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Vegetation type AsAtEcSS AxTSS VfSS AaAcTSS ApGbTSS AcApTSS ApTSS ApEeTSS Releve site number

Species

1 2 5 3 4 6 7 8 9

10 60 56 54 53 55 13 51 52 57 66 68 67 15 17 58 64 65 69 70 14 71 12 59 11 16 61 62 63

*Bidens subalternans var. x x simulans

*Cenchrus ciliaris x *Malvastrum x x x americanum *Vachellia x x x farnesiana

Acacia aptaneura x x x x x x x x x x

Acacia citrinoviridis x x x x x Acacia coriacea x subsp. pendens Acacia cuthbertsonii subsp. x x x x x x x cuthbertsonii Acacia cyperophylla x x x var. cyperophylla Acacia fuscaneura x x x x x x x x x Acacia kempeana x x x x Acacia paraneura x x x x x x x x x x x

Acacia pruinocarpa x x x x x x x Acacia ramulosa x var. linophylla Acacia sclerosperma x x x x subsp. sclerosperma Acacia synchronicia x x x x x x x x x Acacia x x x x x x x x x x x x x x tetragonophylla

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Vegetation type AsAtEcSS AxTSS VfSS AaAcTSS ApGbTSS AcApTSS ApTSS ApEeTSS Releve site number

Species

1 2 5 3 4 6 7 8 9

10 60 56 54 53 55 13 51 52 57 66 68 67 15 17 58 64 65 69 70 14 71 12 59 11 16 61 62 63

Acacia xiphophylla x x x x x x x Alternanthera x x nodiflora Aristida contorta x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Boerhavia coccinea x x x

Bulbostylis barbata x x x x x x x x x

Cleome viscosa x x x x x x x Corchorus crozoph x x orifolius Cullen cinereum x Cymbopogon x x x ambiguus Cyperus iria x Enneapogon x x x x caerulescens Eragrostis dielsii x Eremophila x x canaliculata Eremophila x x x x x x x x x x x cuneifolia

Eremophila exilifolia x x x x x x x x x

Eremophila flaccida x Eremophila forrestii x x x x x x x x subsp. forrestii Eremophila fraseri x x x subsp. fraseri Eremophila latrobei x subsp. latrobei

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Vegetation type AsAtEcSS AxTSS VfSS AaAcTSS ApGbTSS AcApTSS ApTSS ApEeTSS Releve site number

Species

1 2 5 3 4 6 7 8 9

10 60 56 54 53 55 13 51 52 57 66 68 67 15 17 58 64 65 69 70 14 71 12 59 11 16 61 62 63

Eremophila x x x x x x x x x x x phyllopoda Eriachne flaccida x x x Eriachne pulchella x x x x x x x subsp. dominii Gomphrena x cunninghamii Goodenia berringbinensis x (P4)

Grevillea berryana x x x x x x x x Hakea lorea subsp. x lorea Heliotropium x x heteranthum Lepidium x platypetalum

Marsdenia australis x Marsilea hirsuta x x x Neptunia x dimorphantha Paspalidium x x clementii Petalostylis x labicheoides

Psydrax latifolia x x x Pterocaulon x x sphacelatum Ptilotus nobilis x x x x x x x x x subsp. nobilis Ptilotus obovatus x x x x x x x x x x var. obovatus

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Vegetation type AsAtEcSS AxTSS VfSS AaAcTSS ApGbTSS AcApTSS ApTSS ApEeTSS Releve site number

Species

1 2 5 3 4 6 7 8 9

10 60 56 54 53 55 13 51 52 57 66 68 67 15 17 58 64 65 69 70 14 71 12 59 11 16 61 62 63

Ptilotus schwartzii x var. schwartzii

Rhagodia eremaea x x

Salsola australis x x x x Scaevola x x x x spinescens Sclerolaena x x x cornishiana Sclerolaena cuneat x a Sclerolaena eriacan x tha Senna artemisioides x x x x x x x x x x subsp. oligophylla Senna artemisioides x subsp. x sturtii Senna glutinosa x subsp. pruinosa Senna artemisioide x x x s subsp. helmsii Senna glutinosa x x x subsp. ×luerssenii Solanum austropiceum Solanum x x x x x x x x x x lasiophyllum Sporobolus x x x x x x x australasicus Stemodia grossa x x x x x x x x Stemodia viscosa x x x

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

Vegetation type AsAtEcSS AxTSS VfSS AaAcTSS ApGbTSS AcApTSS ApTSS ApEeTSS Releve site number

Species

1 2 5 3 4 6 7 8 9

10 60 56 54 53 55 13 51 52 57 66 68 67 15 17 58 64 65 69 70 14 71 12 59 11 16 61 62 63

Tribulus suberosus x x x x x x x x x x

Yangibana Rare Earths Project Flora and Fauna Survey

HEAD OFFICE SYDNEY HUSKISSON Suite 2, Level 3 Suite 1, Level 1 Unit 1, 51 Owen Street 668-672 Old Princes Highway 101 Sussex Street Huskisson NSW 2540 Sutherland NSW 2232 Sydney NSW 2000 T 02 4201 2264 T 02 8536 8600 T 02 8536 8650 F 02 9542 5622 F 02 9542 5622 F 02 9542 5622

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DARWIN BRISBANE ADELAIDE 16/56 Marina Boulevard Suite 1, Level 3 2, 70 Pirie Street Cullen Bay NT 0820 471 Adelaide Street Adelaide SA 5000 T 08 8989 5601 Brisbane QLD 4000 T 08 8470 6650 F 08 8941 1220 T 07 3503 7192 F 02 9542 5622 F 07 3854 0310