APPENDIX F Assessment of threatened and migratory species
Table 1: Applying EPBC Act significant impacts criteria for vulnerable species to potential impacts from the proposed action
Table 2: Applying EPBC Act significant impacts criteria for critically endangered and endangered species to potential impacts from the proposed action
Table 3: Applying EPBC Act significant impacts criteria for migratory species to potential impacts from the proposed action
Table 4: Potential impacts of the proposed action to Northern Territory threatened (critically endangered and endangered) species
Table 5: Potential impacts of the proposed action on Northern Territory threatened (vulnerable) mammals and reptiles of the area
Table 6: Potential impacts of the proposed action to Northern Territory threatened (vulnerable) birds of the area
Table 7: Potential impacts of the proposed action to Northern Territory threatened plants of the area
Referral: Ranger 3 Deeps underground mine 1
OVERVIEW
Tables 1 to 3 provide an assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed action on the following MNES under the EPBC Act:
• listed threatened species and ecological communities; • Commonwealth marine environment; and, • migratory species protected under international agreements.
The assessment criteria is derived from those defined in the EPBC Act Significant impact guidelines 1.1 (DEWHA 2010). Terminology used in the assessment reflects the known state of species' existence within the immediate vicinity of, and/or on, the Ranger Project Area. For example: "not possible" indicates species that are known not to occur on the Ranger Project Area.
Tables 4 to 7 provide an assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed action on listed Northern Territory threatened species 1 not previously addressed under the EPBC Act (e.g. critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable). The threatened species criteria are sourced from the revised Northern Territory Threatened Species List (DLRM 2012) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List Guidelines (IUCN 2012.2). Distribution and ecological descriptions are sourced from the revised Northern Territory Threatened Species List (DLRM 2012), Woinarski , et al. (2007), and the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List Guidelines (IUCN 2012.2).
Species listed as threatened under both jurisdictions are identified and the subsequent status provided.
1 Only threatened species known to occur in Kakadu National Park have been assessed.
Referral: Ranger 3 Deeps underground mine 2 Table 1: Applying EPBC Act significant impacts criteria for vulnerable species to potential impacts from the proposed action
PLANTS MAMMALS BIRDS FISH REPTILES Hibiscus Sauropus Arnhem Rock Brush -tailed Golden -backed Northern Brush - Masked Owl Partridge Pigeon Yellow Chat Red Goshawk Freshwater Dwarf sawfish Green turtle Hawksbill turtle 2 2 Taxa brennanii 0F0F filicinus Rat ( Zyzomys Rabbit-rat Tree-rat tailed Phascogale (Tyto novaehollandiae (Geophaps smithii (Epthianura crocea (Erythrotriorchis sawfish ( Pristis (Pristis clavata ) (Chelonia (Eretmochelys maini )2 (Conilurus (Mesembriomys (Phascogale kimberli ) 2 smithii )2 tunneyi )4 radiatus )2 microdon )2 mydas ) imbracata )2 2 3 4 penicillatus ) macrurus )1F1F tapoatafa pirata )2F2F Main context Restricted to Restricted to Restricted to Prefer red habitat Very little is known Prefers t all open Prefer t all open They primarily Most records of th is Favours coastal and Prefers muddy Usually inhabits Occur in tropical In Australia, there one 7 localities on sandstone is tall eucalypt of the ecology of forests dominated forests dominated by occur in lowland subspecies are from sub coastal areas. bottoms of shallow (2 3 m) and subtropical are two main population the Mt massif of forests where this species. The by Eucalyptus Eucalyptus miniata eucalypt open floodplain Prefers a mix of freshwater areas coastal waters waters. genetically isolated on the Mt Brockman western there is less only information miniata and E. and E.tetrodonta but forests and depressions and vegetation types and upper and estuarine Nationally populations: on the Brockman outlier and Arnhem cover of annual from the Northern tetrodonta . also roosts in woodlands, with channels, including tall open reaches of habitats; does significant west coast, and in outlier of the northern Land grass, less cover Territory is that all monsoon rainforests, grassy concentrating around forest, woodland, estuaries. not utilise any breeding sites in the Top End and western outliers in (including of bare ground, a three recordings Limited distribution and forages in more understoreys. wetter areas at the lightly treed purely the Northern north eastern Arnhem Kakadu Jabiluka smaller basal were from riverine and ecological open vegetation end of the dry season. savannah and the Habitat and freshwater Territory include Queensland. In the Land National lease). area of dead vegetation in upper information types, including Does occur – edge of rainforest species does not areas; restricted Cobourg Northern Territory, sandstone Park, with trees and where McArthur River available on this grasslands. common in the This habitat does not and riparian forests. occur on Ranger to brackish and Peninsula, the most nesting occurs massif. one record Habitat and the impact of (1901); upper Mary species. undisturbed parts occur in the area Project Area. salt water. mainland from on islands. Principal from Arnhem species does fires is less River (1903); and This habitat does not of the Ranger proposed to be Surveys of the Gove to the sites are Habitat and Land. not occur on severe. Deaf Adder Gorge occur in the area Project Area and disturbed. Ranger Project No further Habitat and northern edge concentrated species does Ranger (1969) (Woinarski , proposed to be in parts of Kakadu Area have not assessment species does of Blue Mud around north not occur on Habitat and Project Area. Their preferred et al. 2007). disturbed. National Park. detected its undertaken. not occur on Bay, the eastern Arnhem Ranger species does habitat described No recorded presence. Ranger Project southeast of land and Groote Project Area. not occur on No further above, is not sighting on or Area. Groote Eylandt, Eylandt. Ranger assessment present on the within the vicinity of and the No further Project Area. undertaken. Ranger Project the Ranger Project No further northern Habitat and species assessment Area. Area during assessment beaches of does not occur on undertaken. No further surveys undertaken. islands in the Ranger Project assessment No further undertaken in Sir Edward Area. undertaken. assessment 2007, 2008 and Pellew group. undertaken. 2010 across over No further 40 sites. Habitat and assessment species does undertaken. not occur on Ranger Project Area.
No further assessment undertaken. Significant impact criteria Potential for the project to: Lead to a long Highly unlikely: No Highly unlikely No Highly unlikely – the Unlikely – this Highly u nlikely this Highly u nlikely – term decrease recorded sighting recorded sighting surface infrastructure species is habitat does not occur Infrastructure for the in the size of an on or within the on or within the for the proposed common in the in the area proposed proposed action will important vicinity of the vicinity of the action will be undisturbed parts to be disturbed. be restricted to the population of a Ranger Project Ranger Project restricted to the of the Ranger heavily disturbed species Area. Last Area during heavily disturbed Project Area and areas of the Ranger recorded sighting surveys areas of the Ranger occurs in Project Area, and is in Kakadu was at undertaken in Project Area, and is abundance unlikely to lead to Deaf Adder Gorge 2006, 2007, 2008 unlikely to lead to long throughout parts long term impacts in 1969. and 2010 across term impacts on of Kakadu on species over 40 sites. species populations. National Park. populations. Any disturbances associated with Surface Ranger 3 Deeps infrastructure for
2 Listed as vulnerable under Northern Territory legislation. 3 Listed as critically endangered under Northern Territory legislation. 4 Listed as endangered under Northern Territory legislation.
Referral: Ranger 3 Deeps underground mine 3 PLANTS MAMMALS BIRDS FISH REPTILES Hibiscus Sauropus Arnhem Rock Brush -tailed Golden -backed Northern Brush - Masked Owl Partridge Pigeon Yellow Chat Red Goshawk Freshwater Dwarf sawfish Green turtle Hawksbill turtle 2 2 Taxa brennanii 0F0F filicinus Rat ( Zyzomys Rabbit-rat Tree-rat tailed Phascogale (Tyto novaehollandiae (Geophaps smithii (Epthianura crocea (Erythrotriorchis sawfish ( Pristis (Pristis clavata ) (Chelonia (Eretmochelys maini )2 (Conilurus (Mesembriomys (Phascogale kimberli ) 2 smithii )2 tunneyi )4 radiatus )2 microdon )2 mydas ) imbracata )2 2 3 4 penicillatus ) macrurus )1F1F tapoatafa pirata )2F2F will hav e no impact the proposed on this species. action will be restricted to the heavily disturbed areas of the Ranger Project Area, and is unlikely to lead to long term impacts on species populations. Reduce the area Highly unlikely – Highly u nlikely – No important Unlikely – this No important Highly unlikely as of occupancy of Populations of this the Magela Land populations have species is populations have no important an important spp. have not been Application Area been identified on the common in the been identified on the populations have population recorded within the does not contain Ranger Project Area. undisturbed parts Ranger Project Area. been identified on vicinity of the this habitat; and of the Ranger the Ranger Project Ranger Project species has not Further, this species Project Area and Furthermore it has not Area. Area. been recorded on has never been occurs in been recorded the Ranger Project recorded on, or within abundance despite significant Widespread Area since prior to close vicinity of the throughout parts survey effort on the surveys of the 1995. Ranger Project Area. of Kakadu Ranger Project Area Ranger Project National Park. which would further Area historical or corroborate its recent have not In addition, infra absence. detected it. structure for Ranger 3 Deeps The area to be will be restricted disturbed is not to the heavily known to be preferred disturbed areas of habitat for this the Ranger species. Project Area. Fragment an Highly unlikely – as Highly unlikely – as Highly unlikely – as Highly unlikely – Highly unlikely – as Highly unlikely – as existing the proposed the proposed the proposed action as the proposed the proposed action the proposed action important action will not action will not will not create a action will not will not create a will not create a population into create a dividing create a dividing dividing barrier that create a dividing dividing barrier that dividing barrier that two or more barrier that could barrier that could could split population barrier that could could split population could split populations split population split population groups. split population groups. population groups. groups. groups. groups. Adversely affect Highly unlikely – • Highly unlikely • Highly unlikely – Highly unlikely – • Highly unlikely – • Highly unlikely habitat critical to The Ranger – as the Ranger important activities the Ranger Project as the Ranger 3 the survival of a Project Area does Project Area populations have associated with Area does not Deeps Project species: not contain does not not been recorded the proposed contain recognised will occur within • for activities recognised critical contain or identified on the action do not critical habitat, nor the heavily such as habitat, nor has the recognised Ranger Project correspond with has the species disturbed foraging, species been critical habitat, Area. key threatening been recorded on footprint of the breeding, recorded on the nor has the • The Ranger processes: the Ranger Project Ranger Project roosting, or Ranger Project species been Project Area does 1. Inappropriate Area. Area. dispersal Area. recorded on the not contain fire regimes – • The proposed • Ranger Project • for the long Ranger Project recognised critical ERA's fire action will not have Area does not term Area in recent habitat, nor has the management an adverse impact contain maintenance history despite species been controls will be on the established recognised of the species the recorded on the applied. monitoring critical habitat, or ecological considerable Ranger Project 2. Invasion of program. nor has the community number of Area. weed grasses • Species and species been (including the surveys that • The national – ERA's weed habitats are not recorded on the
Referral: Ranger 3 Deeps underground mine 4 PLANTS MAMMALS BIRDS FISH REPTILES Hibiscus Sauropus Arnhem Rock Brush -tailed Golden -backed Northern Brush - Masked Owl Partridge Pigeon Yellow Chat Red Goshawk Freshwater Dwarf sawfish Green turtle Hawksbill turtle 2 2 Taxa brennanii 0F0F filicinus Rat ( Zyzomys Rabbit-rat Tree-rat tailed Phascogale (Tyto novaehollandiae (Geophaps smithii (Epthianura crocea (Erythrotriorchis sawfish ( Pristis (Pristis clavata ) (Chelonia (Eretmochelys maini )2 (Conilurus (Mesembriomys (Phascogale kimberli ) 2 smithii )2 tunneyi )4 radiatus )2 microdon )2 mydas ) imbracata )2 2 3 4 penicillatus ) macrurus )1F1F tapoatafa pirata )2F2F maintenance have been recovery plan management listed on the Ranger Project of species undertaken. which lapsed in controls will be Register of Critical Area. essential to • There is no 2009, lists Kakadu applied. Habitat. • Kakadu National the survival of existing National Park as a Park is listed as the species or recovery plan or conservation area Species and a conservation ecological management containing small habitats are not area for the community, program for this habitat ranges for listed on the recovery of this such as species. the recovery of this Register of Critical species pollinators) • Species and species (Woinarski Habitat. (DEWHA 2010) • to maintain habitats are not 2004). Kakadu and covers an genetic listed on the National Park area of diversity and Register of covers an area of 19,804 km 2. long term Critical Habitat. 19,804 km 2. • Species and evolutionary habitats are not development, listed on the or Register of • for the reintro Critical Habitat. duction of populations or recovery of the species or ecological community. Such habitat may be, but is not limited to: habitat identified in a recovery plan for the species or ecological community as habitat critical for that species or ecological community; and/ or habitat listed on the Register of Critical Habitat maintained by the minister under the EPBC Act
Referral: Ranger 3 Deeps underground mine 5 PLANTS MAMMALS BIRDS FISH REPTILES Hibiscus Sauropus Arnhem Rock Brush -tailed Golden -backed Northern Brush - Masked Owl Partridge Pigeon Yellow Chat Red Goshawk Freshwater Dwarf sawfish Green turtle Hawksbill turtle 2 2 Taxa brennanii 0F0F filicinus Rat ( Zyzomys Rabbit-rat Tree-rat tailed Phascogale (Tyto novaehollandiae (Geophaps smithii (Epthianura crocea (Erythrotriorchis sawfish ( Pristis (Pristis clavata ) (Chelonia (Eretmochelys maini )2 (Conilurus (Mesembriomys (Phascogale kimberli ) 2 smithii )2 tunneyi )4 radiatus )2 microdon )2 mydas ) imbracata )2 2 3 4 penicillatus ) macrurus )1F1F tapoatafa pirata )2F2F Disrupt the Highly u nlikely – Highly u nlikely – Highly u nlikely – this Highly unlikely – Highly unlikely no Highly unlikely – as breeding cycle the Ranger Project there has only species and as habitat individuals or habitat availability of an important Area does not been on recorded subsequent breeding availability will not populations have will not be population correspond with sighting of this this individuals or be significantly been identified on the significantly known areas of species on the populations have reduced by land Ranger Project Area. reduced by land distribution and Ranger Project never been recorded clearing for the clearing for the subsequent Area pre 1995. on the Ranger Project proposed action. Disturbance will not proposed action. In breeding Subsequent Area despite a The small areas occur in areas of addition, the small populations have breeding significant number of required for preferred habitat. areas required for not been recorded individuals or surveys. clearing occur clearing occur on the Ranger populations have within the heavily within the heavily Project Area. not been recorded disturbed Magela disturbed Magela on the Ranger Land Application Land Application Project Area Area. Area. despite a significant number of surveys. Modify, destroy, Highly unlikely – as Highly u nlikely – Highly unlikely – as Highly unlikely – Highly unlikely – as Hig hly unlikely – as remove or this species has disturbance will be habitat availability will as the small areas the small areas habitat availability isolate or never been restricted to small not be significantly required for required for clearing will not be decrease the recorded on the footprints for the reduced by land clearing occur occur within heavily significantly availability or Ranger Project construction and clearing for the within heavily disturbed areas of the reduced by land quality of habitat Area. In addition, operation of the proposed action. In disturbed areas of Ranger Project Area. clearing for the to the extent the Ranger Project ventilation shafts addition, the small the Ranger For example, the proposed action. In that Area does not within the existing areas required for Project Area. areas to be cleared addition, the small the species is correspond with Magela Land clearing occur within Impacts on this for the ventilation areas required for likely to decline known areas of Application Area, heavily disturbed species from the shafts occur within the clearing occur distribution. which is already areas of the Ranger proposed project heavily disturbed within heavily heavily disturbed. Project Area. are thus Magela Land disturbed areas of considered to be Application Area. the Magela Land insignificant Application Area. particularly with respect to the population as a whole in the Top End. Result in The proposed The proposed The proposed action The proposed The proposed action The pro posed invasive species action is highly action is highly is highly unlikely to action is highly is highly unlikely to action is highly that are harmful unlikely to unlikely to introduce a species unlikely to introduce a species unlikely to introduce to a vulnerable introduce a species introduce a that would impact the introduce a that would impact the a species that species that would impact species that would Masked Owl. species that Yellow Chat. would impact the becoming the Golden backed impact the would impact the Red Goshawk. established in Tree rat. Northern Brush Current operational Partridge Pigeon. Current operational the tailed Phascogale. pest management pest management Current operational vulnerable Ranger has systems and Current systems and pest management species’ habitat established pest Current operational procedures will apply. operational pest procedures will apply. systems and management pest management management procedures will systems and systems and systems and apply. procedures for the procedures will procedures will Ranger Project apply. apply. Area. Introduce The proposed The proposed The proposed action The proposed The proposed action The proposed disease that action is highly action is highly is highly unlikely to action is highly is highly unlikely to action is highly may cause the unlikely to unlikely to introduce a disease unlikely to introduce a disease unlikely to introduce species to introduce a introduce a that would impact this introduce a that would impact this a disease that
Referral: Ranger 3 Deeps underground mine 6 PLANTS MAMMALS BIRDS FISH REPTILES Hibiscus Sauropus Arnhem Rock Brush -tailed Golden -backed Northern Brush - Masked Owl Partridge Pigeon Yellow Chat Red Goshawk Freshwater Dwarf sawfish Green turtle Hawksbill turtle 2 2 Taxa brennanii 0F0F filicinus Rat ( Zyzomys Rabbit-rat Tree-rat tailed Phascogale (Tyto novaehollandiae (Geophaps smithii (Epthianura crocea (Erythrotriorchis sawfish ( Pristis (Pristis clavata ) (Chelonia (Eretmochelys maini )2 (Conilurus (Mesembriomys (Phascogale kimberli ) 2 smithii )2 tunneyi )4 radiatus )2 microdon )2 mydas ) imbracata )2 2 3 4 penicillatus ) macrurus )1F1F tapoatafa pirata )2F2F decline . disease that would disease that would sp ecies . disease that sp ecies . would impact this impact this impact this would impact this species. species. species. species. Interfere Highly unlikely, as Highly unlikely as Highly unlikely as the Highly unlikely as Highly unlikely as the Highly unlikely as substantially the project area the project does project does not this species is project does not the project does not with the does not not correspond correspond with key common in the correspond with key correspond with key recovery of the correspond with with key threatening processes undisturbed parts threatening processes threatening species. known areas of threatening for the species. of the Ranger for the species. processes for the distribution. processes for the Project Area and species. species. occurs in In addition, specific abundance recovery throughout parts management of Kakadu activities have yet National Park. to be established due to the limited data and recorded sightings of this species.
Referral: Ranger 3 Deeps underground mine 7 Table 2: Applying EPBC Act significant impacts criteria for critically endangered and endangered species to potential impacts from the proposed action
MAMMALS BIRDS REPTILES FISH Northern Quoll Gouldian Finch Loggerhead turtle Olive Ridley Yellow-snouted Arnhem Land Speartooth shark Northern river Taxa (Dasyurus (Erythrura (Caretta caretta )2 turtle Gecko ( Lucasium Skink (Bellatorias (Glyphis glyphis ) shark ( Glyphis hallucatus )3 gouldiae )2 (Lepidochelys occultum)2 obiri ) 4 garricki )4 olivacea )2 Main context They occur in many Migratory: A Marine; feeding is Shallow protected Endemic to the Restricted to the Prefers estuarine Prefers estuarine habitats including colourful, nomadic known to occur in tropical and Northern Territory and western Arnhem habitat. Only habitat. Known from eucalypt open finch that Northern Territory subtropical waters is known from only a Land plateau and recorded in the few records, forests, but the occupies two waters from Fog throughout the few locations. It has outliers such as Adelaide River, including in the most suitable different habitats Bay around to world. Nesting been recently Jabiluka. South, East and Northern Territory appears to be rocky on an annual north east Arnhem populations in the discovered on the West Alligator from the Adelaide areas. cycle. During the Land. Northern Territory Wildman Reserve Substrate, habitat Rivers, Murganella and East and South dry season they have been (proposed Mary River and the species do Creek and Marrakai Alligator River inhabit wooded Habitat and species recorded from National Park) and Mt not occur on Creek. systems. hills that contain does not occur on Melville Island to Bundy Training Area. Ranger Project snappy or salmon Ranger Project Groote Eylandt Previous records Area. Habitat and species Habitat and species gums, which Area. with the highest were limited to only does not occur on does not occur on provide nest sites. nesting occurring three specimens, all No further Ranger Project Ranger Project During the wet No further on Melville Island, from the north west of assessment Area. Area. season they move assessment islands to the east Kakadu National undertaken. from the hills to undertaken. of Croker Island Park. More recently No further No further lowlands that and some islands recorded at assessment assessment support perennial off north east Annaburroo. undertaken. undertaken. grasses. Arnhem Land.
Habitat and species does not occur on Ranger Project Area.
No further assessment undertaken. Significant impact criteria Potential for the project to: Lead to a long term Highly unlikely –this Highly unlikely Highly unlikely – The decrease in the size species has historically the literature indicates
Referral: Ranger 3 Deeps underground mine 8 MAMMALS BIRDS REPTILES FISH Northern Quoll Gouldian Finch Loggerhead turtle Olive Ridley Yellow -snouted Arnhem Land Speartooth shark Northern river Taxa (Dasyurus (Erythrura (Caretta caretta )2 turtle Gecko ( Lucasium Skink (Bellatorias (Glyphis glyphis ) shark ( Glyphis hallucatus )3 gouldiae )2 (Lepidochelys occultum)2 obiri ) 4 garricki )4 olivacea )2 of a population. undergone rapid Gouldian Finch that the Yellow collapse to local has been snouted Gecko has a extinction recorded in the restricted range, throughout Kakadu general area; known from only a National Park due however there few locations in the to cane toads. have been no Top End. Neither recorded sightings individual species nor It has not been on, or within close important populations recorded on the vicinity of, the have been recorded Ranger Project Ranger Project on the Ranger Project Area since 1998, Area. Area. despite recent surveys (2007, No further 2008, 2010). assessment undertaken. Reduce the area of Highly unlikely – as Highly unlikely, as . occupancy of the extensive surveys extensive species. of the Ranger historical and Project Area have recent surveys of failed to record this the Ranger species since 1998. Project Area have failed to record or In addition, habitat detect the availability will not presence of this be significantly species. reduced by land clearing for the proposed action.
The small areas required for clearing occur within heavily disturbed areas of the Ranger Project
Referral: Ranger 3 Deeps underground mine 9 MAMMALS BIRDS REPTILES FISH Northern Quoll Gouldian Finch Loggerhead turtle Olive Ridley Yellow -snouted Arnhem Land Speartooth shark Northern river Taxa (Dasyurus (Erythrura (Caretta caretta )2 turtle Gecko ( Lucasium Skink (Bellatorias (Glyphis glyphis ) shark ( Glyphis hallucatus )3 gouldiae )2 (Lepidochelys occultum)2 obiri ) 4 garricki )4 olivacea )2 Area. Fragment an existing Highly unlikely – as Highly unlikely – population into two or the proposed action as the proposed more populations. will not create a action will not dividing barrier that create a dividing could split barrier that could population groups. split population groups. Adversely affect Highly unlikely – the A series of habitat critical to the activities associated national recovery survival of a species: with the proposed plans have been • for activities such action do not implemented for as foraging, correspond with key the Gouldian breeding, roosting, threatening Finch. or dispersal processes: • for the long term 1) Inappropriate fire The project will maintenance of the regimes – ERA's not have an species or fire management adverse impact on ecological controls will be the management community applied. priorities for this (including the 2) Spread of cane species across its maintenance of toads– ERA's feral range. species essential to animal the survival of the management Species and species or controls will be habitats are not ecological applied. listed on the community, Register of Critical such as pollinators) A recovery plan for Habitat. • to maintain genetic this species has not diversity and long been completed. term evolutionary development, or Species and • for the reintro habitats are not listed on the
Referral: Ranger 3 Deeps underground mine 10 MAMMALS BIRDS REPTILES FISH Northern Quoll Gouldian Finch Loggerhead turtle Olive Ridley Yellow -snouted Arnhem Land Speartooth shark Northern river Taxa (Dasyurus (Erythrura (Caretta caretta )2 turtle Gecko ( Lucasium Skink (Bellatorias (Glyphis glyphis ) shark ( Glyphis hallucatus )3 gouldiae )2 (Lepidochelys occultum)2 obiri ) 4 garricki )4 olivacea )2 duction of Register of Critical populations or Habitat. recovery of the species or ecological community. Such habitat may be, but is not limited to: habitat identified in a recovery plan for the species or ecological community as habitat critical for that species or ecological community; and/ or habitat listed on the Register of Critical Habitat maintained by the minister under the EPBC Act Disrupt the breeding Highly unlikely no Highly unlikely cycle of a population. important no important populations have populations have been identified on been identified on the Ranger Project the Ranger Area. Project Area.
Disturbance will not Disturbance will occur in areas of not occur in areas preferred habitat. of preferred habitat. Modify, destroy, Highly unlikely, as Highly unlikely, as remove, isolate or the proposed action the proposed decrease the will affect a very action will affect a
Referral: Ranger 3 Deeps underground mine 11 MAMMALS BIRDS REPTILES FISH Northern Quoll Gouldian Finch Loggerhead turtle Olive Ridley Yellow -snouted Arnhem Land Speartooth shark Northern river Taxa (Dasyurus (Erythrura (Caretta caretta )2 turtle Gecko ( Lucasium Skink (Bellatorias (Glyphis glyphis ) shark ( Glyphis hallucatus )3 gouldiae )2 (Lepidochelys occultum)2 obiri ) 4 garricki )4 olivacea )2 availability or quality small part of very small part of of habitat to the extent extensive area of extensive area of that the species is similar habitat, similar habitat, likely to decline. which is already which is already heavily disturbed. heavily disturbed. Area does not Area does not correspond with correspond with critical processes – critical processes breeding, feeding, – breeding, etc. feeding, etc. Result in invasive The proposed The proposed species that are action is highly action is highly harmful to a critically unlikely to introduce unlikely to endangered or a species that introduce a endangered species would impact the species that becoming established Northern Quoll. would impact the in the endangered or Gouldian Finch. critically endangered Current operational species’ habitat. pest management Current systems and operational pest procedures will management apply. systems and procedures will apply. Introduce disease that The proposed The proposed may cause the action is highly action is highly species to decline. unlikely to introduce unlikely to a disease that introduce a would impact this disease that species. would impact this species. Interfere with the Highly unlikely –this Highly unlikely – recovery of the species has as extensive species. undergone rapid historical and
Referral: Ranger 3 Deeps underground mine 12 MAMMALS BIRDS REPTILES FISH Northern Quoll Gouldian Finch Loggerhead turtle Olive Ridley Yellow -snouted Arnhem Land Speartooth shark Northern river Taxa (Dasyurus (Erythrura (Caretta caretta )2 turtle Gecko ( Lucasium Skink (Bellatorias (Glyphis glyphis ) shark ( Glyphis hallucatus )3 gouldiae )2 (Lepidochelys occultum)2 obiri ) 4 garricki )4 olivacea )2 collapse to local recent surveys of extinction the Ranger throughout Kakadu Project Area have National Park due failed to record or to cane toads. detect the presence of this It has not been species. recorded on the Ranger Project Area since 1998, despite recent surveys (2007, 2008, 2010).
Referral: Ranger 3 Deeps underground mine 13 Table 3: Applying EPBC Act significant impacts criteria for migratory species to potential impacts from the proposed action
Genus and Saltwater Barn Swallow Cattle Egret Common Derby White - Fork -tailed Great Egret, Grey Plover Marsh Melville Oriental Oriental Rainbow Rufous Terek Whimbrel White -bellied species Crocodile, (Hirundo (Ardea ibis ) Sandpiper browed Robin Swift ( Apus White Egret (Pluvialis Sandpiper, Cicadabird Plover, Pratincole Bee-eater Fantail Sandpiper (Numenius Sea Eagle Esturine rustica ) (Actitis (Poecilodryas pacificus ) (Ardea squatarola ) Little (Coracina Oriental (Glareola (Merops (Rhipidura (Xenus phaeopus ) (Haliaeetus (Crocodylus hypoleucos ) superciliosa modesta ) Greenshank Tenuirostris Dotterel maldivarum ) ornatus ) rufifrons ) cinereus ) leucagaster ) porosus ) cerviniventris )* (Tringa melvillensis ) (Charadrius stagnatilis ) veredus ) Main context Species occurs Species could Species Species has Species c ould Species could Species could Species has Species has Specie s Species Species Species Species Species Species has Species occurs on the Ranger occur on the occurs on the been recorded occur on the occur on the occur on the been been could occur could occur could occur occurs on could occur could occur been on the Ranger Project Area, Ranger Project Ranger Project during early Ranger Project Ranger Project Ranger Project recorded recorded on the on the on the the Ranger on the on the recorded Project Area, incidental Area Area, surveys (1994 Area Area Area during early during early Ranger Ranger Ranger Project Area Ranger Ranger during early recorded sightings incidental 1997) surveys surveys Project Area Project Area Project Area Project Area Project Area surveys incidental sightings (1994 1997) (1994 1997) (1994 1997) sightings Significant impact criteria Potential for the project to: Substantially Highly unlikely, Highly unlikely, Highly unlikely, Highly unlikely, Highly unlikely, as Highly unlikely, Highly unlikely, Highly Highly Highly Highly Highly Highly Highly Highly Highly Highly unlikely, modify as surface as surface as surface as surface surface as surface as surface unlikely, as unlikely, as unlikely, as unlikely, as unlikely, as unlikely, as unlikely, as unlikely, as unlikely, as as the project (including by disturbance disturbance will disturbance disturbance disturbance will disturbance disturbance surface surface surface surface surface surface surface surface surface will disturb only fragmenting, will be be restricted to will be will be be restricted to a will be will be disturbance disturbance disturbance disturbance disturbance disturbance disturbance disturbance disturbance a small portion altering fire restricted to a a very small restricted to a restricted to a very small portion restricted to a restricted to a will be will be will be will be will be will be will be will be will be of habitat within regimes, very small portion of very small very small of habitat within very small very small restricted to restricted to restricted to restricted to restricted to restricted to restricted to restricted to restricted to the heavily altering nutrient portion of habitat within portion of portion of the heavily portion of portion of a very small a very small a very small a very small a very small a very small a very small a very small a very small disturbed cycles or habitat within the heavily habitat within habitat within disturbed Magela habitat within habitat within portion of portion of portion of portion of portion of portion of portion of portion of portion of Magela Land altering the heavily disturbed the heavily the heavily Land Application the heavily the heavily habitat within habitat within habitat within habitat within habitat within habitat within habitat within habitat within habitat within Application hydrological disturbed Magela Land disturbed disturbed Area. disturbed disturbed the heavily the heavily the heavily the heavily the heavily the heavily the heavily the heavily the heavily Area. cycles), destroy Magela Land Application Magela Land Magela Land Magela Land Magela Land disturbed disturbed disturbed disturbed disturbed disturbed disturbed disturbed disturbed or isolate an Application Area. Application Application The proposed Application Application Magela Land Magela Land Magela Land Magela Land Magela Land Magela Land Magela Land Magela Land Magela Land The proposed area of Area. Area. Area. area of Area. Area. Application Application Application Application Application Application Application Application Application area of important The proposed disturbance has Area. Area. Area. Area. Area. Area. Area. Area. Area. disturbance habitat for a The proposed area of The proposed The proposed not been The proposed The proposed has not been migratory area of disturbance has area of area of identified as area of area of The The The The The The The The The identified as species: disturbance not been disturbance disturbance important habitat disturbance disturbance proposed proposed proposed proposed proposed proposed proposed proposed proposed important a) habitat has not been identified as has not been has not been for this species, has not been has not been area of area of area of area of area of area of area of area of area of habitat for this utilised by a identified as important identified as identified as which has not identified as identified as disturbance disturbance disturbance disturbance disturbance disturbance disturbance disturbance disturbance species; migratory important habitat for this important important been recorded on important important has not been has not been has not been has not been has not been has not been has not been has not been has not been however there species habitat for this species, which habitat for this habitat for this the Ranger habitat for this habitat for this identified as identified as identified as identified as identified as identified as identified as identified as identified as have been occasionally species; has not been species; species, Project Area species, which species, which important important important important important important important important important incidental or however there recorded on the however there although it has historically nor in has not been has not been habitat for habitat for habitat for habitat for habitat for habitat for habitat for habitat for habitat for sighting of the periodically have been Ranger Project have been been recorded recent surveys. recorded on recorded on this species, this species, this species, this species, this species, this species, this species, this species, this species, species on the within a incidental Area historically incidental during earlier the Ranger the Ranger although it although it which has which has which has although which has which has although it Ranger Project region that sighting of the nor in recent sighting of the surveys of the Project Area Project Area has been has been not been not been not been incidental not been not been has been Area. supports an species on the surveys. species on the Ranger Project historically nor historically nor recorded recorded recorded on recorded on recorded on sighting of recorded on recorded on recorded ecologically Ranger Project Ranger Project Area. in recent in recent during earlier during earlier the Ranger the Ranger the Ranger the species the Ranger the Ranger during earlier significant Area. Area. surveys. surveys. surveys of surveys of Project Area Project Area Project Area occur within Project Area Project Area surveys of proportion of the Ranger the Ranger historically historically historically the historically historically the Ranger the Project Area. Project Area. nor in recent nor in recent nor in recent operational nor in recent nor in recent Project Area. population of surveys. surveys. surveys. area of the surveys. surveys. the species, Ranger and/or Project Area. b) habitat that is of critical importance to the species at particular life cycle stages, and/or c) habitat utilised by a
Referral: Ranger 3 Deeps underground mine 14 Genus and Saltwater Barn Swallow Cattle Egret Common Derby White - Fork -tailed Great Egret, Grey Plover Marsh Melville Oriental Oriental Rainbow Rufous Terek Whimbrel White -bellied species Crocodile, (Hirundo (Ardea ibis ) Sandpiper browed Robin Swift ( Apus White Egret (Pluvialis Sandpiper, Cicadabird Plover, Pratincole Bee-eater Fantail Sandpiper (Numenius Sea Eagle Esturine rustica ) (Actitis (Poecilodryas pacificus ) (Ardea squatarola ) Little (Coracina Oriental (Glareola (Merops (Rhipidura (Xenus phaeopus ) (Haliaeetus (Crocodylus hypoleucos ) superciliosa modesta ) Greenshank Tenuirostris Dotterel maldivarum ) ornatus ) rufifrons ) cinereus ) leucagaster ) porosus ) cerviniventris )* (Tringa melvillensis ) (Charadrius stagnatilis ) veredus ) migratory species which is at the limit of the species range, and/or d) habitat within an area where the species is declining.
Result in an The proposed The proposed The proposed The proposed The proposed The proposed The proposed The The The The The The The The The project The proposed invasive action is highly action is highly action is highly action is highly action is highly action is highly action is highly proposed proposed proposed proposed proposed proposed proposed proposed is highly action is highly species that is unlikely to unlikely to unlikely to unlikely to unlikely to unlikely to unlikely to action is action is action is action is action is action is action is action is unlikely to unlikely to harmful to the introduce a introduce a introduce a introduce a introduce a introduce a introduce a highly highly highly highly highly highly highly highly introduce a introduce a migratory species that species that species that species that species that species that species that unlikely to unlikely to unlikely to unlikely to unlikely to unlikely to unlikely to unlikely to species that species that species would impact would impact would impact would impact would impact this would impact would impact introduce a introduce a introduce a introduce a introduce a introduce a introduce a introduce a would impact would impact becoming the Estuarine the Barn the Cattle the Common species. this species. the Great species that species that species that species that species that species that species that species that the this species. established in Crocodile. Swallow. Egret. Sandpiper. Egret. would impact would impact would impact would impact would impact would impact would impact would impact Whimbrel. an area of Current Current the Grey the Marsh the Melville the Oriental the Oriental the Rainbow the Rufous the Terek Current important Current Current Current Current operational pest operational Current Plover. Sandpiper. Cicadabird. Plover. Pratincole. Bee eater. Fantail. Sandpiper. Current operational habitat for the operational operational pest operational operational management pest operational operational pest migratory pest management pest pest systems and management pest Current Current Current Current Current Current Current Current pest management species. management systems and management management procedures will systems and management operational operational operational operational operational operational operational operational management systems and systems and procedures will systems and systems and apply. procedures will systems and pest pest pest pest pest pest pest pest systems and procedures will procedures will apply. procedures will procedures will apply. procedures will management management management management management management management management procedures apply. apply. apply. apply. apply. systems and systems and systems and systems and systems and systems and systems and systems and will apply. procedures procedures procedures procedures procedures procedures procedures procedures will apply. will apply. will apply. will apply. will apply. will apply. will apply. will apply. Seriously Highly unlikely, Highly unlikely Highly unlikely, Hi ghly unlikely, This species has Highly unlikely, Highly unlikely Highly Highly Highly Highly Highly Highly Highly Highly Highly Highly unlikely, disrupt the as the species as the as the as the species as the species been split into two the species is as the project unlikely, the unlikely, the unlikely as unlikely as unlikely as unlikely, as unlikely as unlikely as unlikely, the as the species lifecycle is widespread species is is widespread widespread spp. P. widespread in area has not species has species is the proposed the proposed the proposed the species the proposed the proposed species is a widespread (breeding, across widespread and common along all superciliosa and Australia, been identified widespread widespread area of area of area of is wide area of area of regular along all feeding, northern across northern across coastlines of P. cerviniventris. southern and as a key global in Australia, disturbance disturbance disturbance spread disturbance disturbance migrant to coastlines of migration or Australia. No Australia. Australia and Australia, and Suspect that P. eastern Asia habitat for the distribution breeding has not been has not been has not been across has not been has not been Australia and Asia, Australia, resting breeding sites broadly broadly superciliosa is the and species. across from eastern identified as identified as identified as northern identified as identified as NZ, with a and Oceana. behaviour) of an have been The proposed distributed distributed relevant sp. Australasia. seasons. Europe to a key habitat a key habitat a key habitat Australia. a key habitat a key habitat primarily ecologically identified on area of internationally. internationally. eastern for the for the for the No breeding for the for the coastal It is not globally significant the Ranger disturbance has The proposed The proposed The Siberia. species. species. species. sites have species. species. distribution. threatened; proportion of Project Area. not been The proposed The proposed area of area of proposed been however the population identified as a area of area of disturbance has disturbance area of The identified on The declines in of a migratory key habitat for disturbance disturbance not been has not been disturbance proposed the Ranger proposed numbers have species. the species. No has not been has not been identified as a key identified as a has not been area of Project Area. area of been recorded breeding sites identified as a identified as a habitat for the key habitat for identified as disturbance disturbance in Australia, have been key habitat for key habitat for species. No the species. a key habitat has not been has not been Thailand and identified on the the species. the species. breeding sites No breeding for the identified as identified as south east Ranger Project No breeding No breeding have been sites have species. No a key habitat a key habitat Asia. Area. sites have sites have identified on the been identified breeding for the for the been identified been identified Ranger Project on the Ranger sites have species. species. No breeding on the Ranger on the Ranger Area. Project Area. been sites have Project Area. Project Area. identified on been identified the Ranger on the Ranger Project Area. Project Area.
Referral: Ranger 3 Deeps underground mine 15 Table 4: Potential impacts of the proposed action to Northern Territory threatened ( critically endangered and endangered) species
Genus and species Fawn antechinus Golden Bandicoot Leatherback Turtle (Antechinus bellus ) (Isoodon auratus ) (Dermochelys coriacea ) Status Endangered Endangered Critically Endangered Threatened species criteria A2a: An observed, estimated, inferred or suspected B1ab+B2ab; C2: A1abd : Population reduction in the form of either of the sourced from the IUCN Red population size reduction of ≥ 50% over the last 10 years • extent of occurrence <5 000 km 2; following: List (IUCN 2012) and or three generations, whichever is the longer, where the • known to exist at <5 locations; 1) An observed, estimated, inferred or suspected Northern Territory Threatened reduction or its causes may not have ceased OR may not • continuing decline, observed, inferred or projected; reduction of at least 80% over the last 10 years or three Species List (DLRM 2012) be understood OR may not be reversible, based on (and • area of occupancy <500 km 2; generations, whichever is the longer, based on (and specifying) any of the following: • population size <2,500 mature individuals; and specifying) any of the following: (a) direct observation • >95 per cent of mature individuals in one a) direct observation subpopulation. b) an index of abundance appropriate for the taxon d) actual or potential levels of exploitation. Distribution/ecology sourced Usually inhabits savannah woodland and tall open forest of In the Northern Territory, it is restricted to Marchinbar Marine; it is found from tropical to sub polar oceans from the IUCN Red List the Top End of the Northern Territory (IUCN 2012.2). This Island off the north east Arnhem Land coast. (IUCN 2012.2). (IUCN 2012) and Northern species does occur on the Ranger Project Area. Territory Threatened Species The presence of this species has not been recorded in List (DLRM 2012) Kakadu National Park, post 1970. Potential for the proposed Unlikely – this species has been recorded on several Does not occur – the habitat and species is not present on Does not occur habitat and species is not present on action to impact on the occasions on the Ranger Project Area (Brady , et al. 2006; the Ranger Project Area. the Ranger Project Area. species: Corbett 1999; Firth 2008). However; surface disturbance for the proposed action will be restricted to a few discrete However; Kakadu National Park is listed as a conservation However; Kakadu National Park is listed as a areas within the heavily disturbed Magela Land Application area for this species based on historical records of its conservation area for the monitoring and recovery of this Area and current operational footprint. former presence in the region (Palmer , et al. 2003). species (Marine Species Section Approvals , et al. 2003).
Kakadu National Park is listed as a conservation area for this species; however there is no existing recovery plan or management program for this species.
Referral: Ranger 3 Deeps underground mine 16 Table 5: Potential impacts of the proposed action on Northern Territory threatened ( vulnerable) mammals and reptiles of the area
MAMMALS REPTILES Taxa Arnhem Leaf -nose Bat Northern Leaf -nosed Black -footed Tree -rat Nabarlek Pale Field -rat Plains death adder Oenp elli Python Merten's Water Monitor Mitchell’s Water Yellow -spotted Monitor (Hipposideros didema Bat ( Hipposideros (Mesembriomys (Petrogale concinna ) (Rattus tunneyi ) (Acanthopsis hawkei ) (Morelia (Varanus mertensi ) Monitor ( Varanus (Varanus panoptes ) inornata ) stenotis ) gouldii ) oenpelliensis ) mitchelli ) Significant impact B2ab(i, ii, iii, iv, v): Area of A2ab: Population A2ab: Population A2bc: Population reduction A2abc: Population A4e: An observed C2a(i): A continuing A4e: An observed, A2e: Population A4e: An observed, criteria sourced from occupancy <2,000 km 2 AND reduction of >30 per reduction of >30 per cent of >30 per cent over the last reduction of >30 per population reduction decline AND (ai) estimated, inferred, reduction based on: estimated, inferred, the IUCN Red List (a) Severely fragmented, cent over the last three over the last three three generations (c. 15 cent over the last ten (over ten years or three Number of mature projected or suspected • An observed, projected or suspected 5 5 (IUCN 2012) and OR number of locations generations (c. 30 generations (c. 30 years); based on both an years; based on direct generations) where the individuals in each population reduction 3F3F (up to estimated, inferred, population reduction (up to Northern Territory ≤ 10 years); based on both years); based on both index of abundance observation, an index of time period includes sub population a maximum of 100 years) projected or a maximum of 100 years) Threatened Species (b) Continuing decline in any direct observation and direct observation and appropriate to the taxon and abundance appropriate both the past and the < 1,000. where the time period must suspected population where the time period must List (DLRM 2012) of: (i) extent of an index of abundance an index of abundance declines in area of to the taxon and future, and where the include both the past and reduction (over ten include both the past and occurrence; (ii) area of appropriate to the taxon. appropriate to the taxon. occupancy and extent of declines in area of causes of reduction the future, and where the years or three the future, and where the occupancy; (iii) area, occurrence. occupancy and extent have not ceased, due to causes of reduction may generations); and causes of reduction may not extent and/or quality of of occurrence. the effects of an not have ceased OR may • the time period have ceased OR may not habitat; (iv) number of introduced taxon (cane not be understood OR may includes both the past be understood OR may not locations or sub toad). not be reversible, based on: and the future, and the be reversible, based on: populations; (v) number (e) effects of introduced causes of reduction (e) effects of introduced of mature individuals. taxa, hybridization, have not ceased, due taxa, hybridization, pathogens, pollutants, to effects of an pathogens, pollutants, competitors or introduced taxon competitors or parasites. (cane toad). parasites. Distribution/ecology Known from only a few Found in areas of A nocturnal animal Two or three subspecies A nocturnal animal Highly venomous Restricted to the This species is semi This species is semi Usually inhabits shallow (2 – sourced from the remote locations in the sandstone cliffs, inhabiting tropical known to occur in the found in in the higher ambush forager, known western Arnhem aquatic and as such rarely aquatic and arboreal, 3 m) coastal waters and IUCN Red List (IUCN Arnhem Land sandstone escarpments and woodlands and open Northern Territory. rainfall areas of the Top to occur on the flat, Land plateau and seen far from water, e.g. inhabiting the margins of estuarine habitats; does not 2012) and Northern massif (Deaf Adder Gorge boulder country, gorges, forests in coastal areas. End of the Northern treeless cracking soils outliers such as creeks and billabongs. watercourses swamps utilise any purely freshwater Territory Threatened and upper South Alligator and waterholes This species is restricted to Territory. and floodplains of the Jabiluka. and lagoons in Northern areas; restricted to brackish Species List (DLRM River area and one site in bordered by paperbark rocky sandstone or granite Adelaide, Mary and . Australia. and salt water. 2012) Litchfield (Tolmer Falls). It trees (IUCN 2012.2). areas on steep slopes but Alligator Rivers. roosts in caves or abandoned known to forage in adjacent mine adits in cool drafty areas flat areas. close to water. Potential for the Unlikely – this species could Unlikely – this species Unlikely – this species Unlikely – this species has Unlikely – this sp ecies Unlikely – preferred Does not occur – Unlikely – this species has Unlikely – this species Does not occur habitat is proposed action to occur on the Ranger Project could occur on the could occur on the never been recorded on the has been recorded habitat (e.g. black soil substrate and been recorded on several could occur on the not present on the Ranger impact on the Area. However habitat Ranger Project Area. Ranger Project Area. Ranger Project Area. during recent field plains) are not present habitat is not occasions on the Ranger Ranger Project Area but Project Area. species: availability will not be However habitat However habitat surveys (2008) on the on the Ranger Project present on the Project Area (2008) and has not been recorded in significantly reduced by land availability will not be availability will not be There is no existing Ranger Project Area. and this species has not Ranger Project incidentally while previous field surveys. In There is no existing clearing for the proposed significantly reduced by significantly reduced by recovery plan or However, surface been recorded in Area. conducting biodiversity addition, habitat recovery plan or action. In addition, the small land clearing for the land clearing for the management program for disturbance associated previous field surveys. surveys during 2007 and availability will not be management program for areas required for clearing proposed action. In proposed action. In this species. with the proposed A sustainable use 2008. However; surface significantly reduced by this species. occur within heavily disturbed addition, the small areas addition, the small areas action will be restricted There is no existing program has been disturbance will be land clearing for the areas of the Magela Land required for clearing required for clearing to a few discrete areas recovery plan or established for this restricted to a few discrete proposed action, as the Application Area. occur within heavily occur within heavily within the heavily management program species (DLRM areas within the heavily small areas required for disturbed areas of the disturbed areas of the disturbed Magela Land for this species. 2012). disturbed Magela Land clearing occur within There is no existing recovery Magela Land Application Magela Land Application Application Area. Application Area. heavily disturbed areas of plan or management program Area. Area. the Magela Land for this species. There is no existing There is no existing Application Area. There is no existing There is no existing recovery plan or recovery plan or recovery plan or recovery plan or management program management program for There is no existing management program management program for this species. this species. recovery plan or for this species. for this species. management program for this species.
5 Population reduction ≥30 %.
Referral: Ranger 3 Deeps underground mine 17 Table 6: Potential impacts of the proposed action to Northern Territory threatened (vulnerable ) birds of the area
Genus and species White -throated grasswren Red Knot Curlew Sandpiper Great Knot Greater Sand Plover Lesser Sand Plover Grey Falcon Bar -tailed Godwit (Amytornis woodwardi ) (Calidris canutus ) (Calidris ferruginea ) (Calidris tenuirostris ) (Charadrius leschenaultii) (Charadrius mongolus ) (Falco hypoleucos ) (Limosa lapponica ) Significant impact criteria B2ab(ii,iii) and C2a(i) , b ased A2a , b ased on : A2ac and 4c: A2a: Based on : A2a, based on : A2a , based on : D1, based on: A2ac ; 3c ; and 4c: sourced from the IUCN Red on : • population reduction of >30 • observed reduction of the • population reduction of >30 • population reduction of >30 • global population reduction • a very small total population • observed reduction of the List (IUCN 2012) and • area of occupancy <2,000 per cent over three migratory population visiting per cent over three per cent over three of >50 per cent over three size (<1,000). migratory population visiting Northern Territory km 2; generations (c. 30 years) Australia of >50 per cent generations (c. 22 years) generations (c. 22 years) generations (c. 16 years) Australia of >50 per cent Threatened Species List • severely fragmented; observed in the past; and over the last three observed in the past; and observed in the past; and observed and continuing; over the last three (DLRM 2012) • continuing decline, • where the causes of generations (c. 23 years), • where the causes of • where the causes of and generations (c. 27 years) observed, inferred or reduction have not ceased expected to continue in the reduction have not ceased reduction have not ceased • the causes of reduction have and expected to continue in projected; and may not be reversible. future; and may not be reversible. and may not be reversible. not ceased and may not be the future; • population size <10 000 • causes of reduction have not reversible. • causes of reduction have not mature individuals; and ceased and may not be ceased and may not be • no subpopulation estimate to reversible; and reversible; and contain more than 1,000 • decline in habitat quality of • decline in habitat quality of mature individuals. northern hemisphere northern hemisphere breeding grounds. breeding grounds.
Distribution/ecology sourced A ground welling grass wren A migratory shorebird ; prefers A m igratory shorebird ; p refers A m igratory shorebird ; p refers A m igratory shorebird ; p refers A migratory shorebird ; p refers Native to Australia and vagrant A m igratory shorebird ; prefers from the IUCN Red List restricted to the sandstone intertidal mudflats and sand to forage on intertidal mudflats intertidal mudflats and sand sheltered sandy beaches, sheltered mudflats, sandy to Papua New Guinea. predominantly coastal habitats, (IUCN 2012) and Northern massif of western Arnhem flats close to the coast during and sand flats close to the flats close to the coast. intertidal mudflats and sand beaches, estuaries and Generally inhabits areas of intertidal mud flats or in shallow Territory Threatened Species Land, extending through to the non breeding season. coast; brackish lagoons, salt flats close to the coast. mangroves. lightly timbered lowland plains, water. List (DLRM 2012) Nitmiluk National Park and marshes and estuaries, and typically on inland drainage Mann River. occasionally on inland systems, where average annual freshwater wetlands. rainfall is <500 mm. Preferred habitat includes bare, flat plateaux and stepped or terraced hillsides along broad valleys, with or without narrow rocky gullies, characterised by mature Triodia microstachya and bare rock, sometimes with shrubland or woodland overstorey Potential for the proposed Unlikely – the proposed area of Highly unlikely, as the species Highly unlikely, as the species Highly unlikely, as the species Highly un likely, as the species Highly unlikely, as the species Unlikely – the preferred habitat Highly unlikely, as the species action to impact on the disturbance has not been is widespread and common is widespread and common is widespread and common is widespread and common is widespread and common does not occur on the Ranger is widespread and common species: identified as important habitat across Australia and broadly across Australia and broadly across Australia and broadly across Australia and broadly across Australia and broadly Project Area. In addition, this across Australia and broadly for this species, which has not distributed internationally. distributed internationally. distributed internationally. distributed internationally. distributed internationally. species has not been recorded distributed internationally. been recorded on the Ranger on the Ranger Project Area Project Area historically nor in The proposed area of The proposed area of The proposed area of The proposed area of The proposed area of historically or in recent surveys. The proposed area of recent surveys. disturbance has not been disturbance has not been disturbance has not been disturbance has not been disturbance has not been disturbance has not been identified as a key habitat for identified as a key habitat for identified as a key habitat for identified as a key habitat for identified as a key habitat for There is no existing recovery identified as a key habitat for There is no existing recovery the species. No breeding sites the species. No breeding sites the species. No breeding sites the species. No breeding sites the species. No breeding sites plan or management program the species. No breeding sites plan or management program have been identified on the have been identified on the have been identified on the have been identified on the have been identified on the for this species. have been identified on the for this species. Ranger Project Area. Ranger Project Area. Ranger Project Area. Ranger Project Area. Ranger Project Area. Ranger Project Area.
There is no existing recovery There is no existing recovery There is no existing recovery There is no existing recovery There is no existing recovery There is no existing recovery plan or management program plan or management program plan or management program plan or management program plan or management program plan or management program for this species. for this species. for this species. for this species. for this species. for this species.
Referral: Ranger 3 Deeps underground mine 18 Table 7: Potential impacts of the proposed action to Northern Territory threatened plants of the area
Genus and Acacia sp. Bolbitis quoyana Cycas Freycinetia Hibbertia Hibbertia Hibbertia sp. Hibbertia Jacksonia divisa Lithomyrtus Malaxis Monochoria Utricularia species Graveside Gorge armstrongii excelsa brennanii pancerea South Magela tricornis linariifolia latifolia hastate dunstaniae Status: Critically Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable endangered Significant impact B1a+c(iv) and D1 and D2, based A4ce based on a D1 and D2 based D2 , based on: D2 , based on: D2 , based on: D2 , based on: D1 and D2, based D1 , based on: D1 and D2 , B1ab(iii,iv) and B1ab(iii,iv) and criteria sourced B2a+c(iv) based on: predicted >30% on: • Restricted to an • Restricted to an • Restricted to an • Restricted to an on: • a small population based on: B2ab(iii,iv) ; D2 , C2a(i) ; D1 and D2, from the IUCN Red on having: • number of reduction in • the total number area of less area of less area of less area of less • number of size estimated to be • a restricted based on: based on: List (IUCN 2012) • an extent of mature population size of individuals is than 20 km 2; than 20 km 2; than 20 km 2; than 20 km 2; mature <1,000 mature distribution • an inferred • an estimated and Northern occurrence individuals over a 100 year estimated to be • Known from a • Fewer than 5 • Fewer than 5 • Fewer than 5 individuals individuals. estimated to decline in population size Territory estimated to be <1,000; period (≤ <1,000; and single location; known known known <1,000; be <20 km 2; quality of of <1,000 Threatened less than 100 • number of generations), • a restricted area and locations; and locations; and locations; and • restricted to a and habitat and mature Species List km 2; and locations is <5; commencing a of occupancy • Threats from • Threats from • Threats from • Threats from very small area • A small population individuals; (DLRM 2012) • a known area of and an decade ago. estimated to be human activities human activities human activities human activities (<2 km 2), with population. numbers as a • area of occupancy of observed threat <20 km 2. and in and in and in and in fewer than 5 result of occupancy less than 10 from stochastic, appropriate fire appropriate fire appropriate fire appropriate fire locations; and invasion by <2,000 km 2; km 2, in just two albeit natural, regimes. regimes. regimes. regimes. • a plausible exotic weeds; • an inferred isolated events (extreme threat from • a population decline in area populations flood damage) inappropriate estimated to and extent and where the that could drive fire regimes that be approx. quality of number of the taxon to could drive the 5,000; and habitat; and mature plants Critically taxon to • an area of • an inferred undergoes Endangered or Critically occupancy of decline in extreme Extinct in a very Endangered or known numbers of fluctuations. short time Extinct in a very populations mature period. short time estimated to individuals. period. be <20 km 2 and an extent of occurrence of 3487 km 2. Distribution/ Known only from Known only from It is known from Species is only Known from only Known from only Known only from Known only from Restricted to the Known from Known to a Known only from Known from 9 ecology sourced Graveside Gorge, Dinner Creek, Gunn Point to known from 7 one location of the one location of the one branch of the one location at Mt edges of a gorge approximately 14 single location the floodplains collection points in from the IUCN Red Kakadu National Kakadu National Hayes Creek, localities across western Arnhem western upper Magela Brockman, on the on the eroding localities in Kakadu in a wet (spring) on the Finnis, the Northern List (IUCN 2012) Park, Park, west to within the Top End. It Land escarpment. escarpment of the Creek Gorge on central western western margin of National Park and rain forest near Reynolds and Territory including and Northern approximately approximately 50 km of the coast occurs in wet Arnhem Land the escarpment of escarpment of the the Marrawal Arnhem Land. It is Munmarlary, in Wildman Rivers. one near Jabiru, at Territory 77 km south west 100 km south west and east to the lowland rainforest Plateau. the Western Arnhem Land Plateau at found in heaths or Kakadu the foot of the Threatened of Jabiru. of Jabiru. Grows in Wildman River and spring fed Arnhem Land Plateau (south of Bloomfield Springs eucalypt National Park Arnhem Land Species List a protected, wet catchment, and rainforests in Plateau. the Ranger Mine). in southern woodlands on approx. 50 km escarpment. (DLRM 2012) gorge on also occurs on the sandstone gullies. Kakadu National sandstone, in sandy or north west of sandstone rocks. Tiwi Islands and Park. skeletal soils, often Ranger on the Cobourg along the margins of South Alligator Peninsula. Allosyncarpia ternata River. forest and almost always growing amongst Triodia microstachya . Potential for the Species does not Species does not Unlikely – species Species does not Species does not Species does not Species does not Species does not Species does not Species does not occur Species does Species does not Species does not proposed action to occur on the occur on the has not been occur on the occur on the occur on the occur on the occur on the occur on the on the Ranger Project not occur on, or occur on the occur on the impact on the Ranger Project Ranger Project recorded on the Ranger Project Ranger Project Ranger Project Ranger Project Ranger Project Ranger Project Area or downstream of in the vicinity of Ranger Project Ranger Project species: Area or Area or Ranger Project Area or Area or Area or Area or Area or Area or the proposed action. the Ranger Area or Area or downstream of the downstream of the Area historically or downstream of the downstream of the downstream of the downstream of the downstream of the downstream of the Project Area. downstream of downstream of the proposed action. proposed action. in recent surveys. proposed action. proposed action. proposed action. proposed action. proposed action. proposed action. the proposed proposed action. action.
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REFERENCES:
• Highlighted documents are available to the public, including web references if relevant.
Brady, C, Firth, R, Gardener, M & Mercer, R (2006) Baseline Vegetation and Brush-Tailed Rabbit-Rat Survey for the New Land Application Areas: July/August 2006 , EWL Sciences Pty Ltd, Indicus Biological Consultants, Oct-06, p 22. Corbett, L (1999) Jabiluka baseline surveys: Terrestrial, arboreal and volant vertebrates and terrestrial invertebrates Final report , ERA ES, Jul-99, pp. 7, plus figures & tables. Department of Land Resource Management (2012) Threatened species List.
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