WA Limestone Roebourne Quarry:

Targeted Northern Quoll Survey August 2015

Prepared for: WA Limestone Pty Ltd

Prepared by: Western Wildlife 8 Ridgeway Pl Mahogany Creek WA 6072 Ph: 0427 510 934 February 2016 Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

Executive Summary

Introduction

WA Limestone Pty Ltd currently operate their Roebourne Quarry for the extraction of granite. In the future, they are intending to extend the quarry operations south and west of the current pit areas. As these areas are rocky hills, and therefore potential Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) habitat, a targeted Northern Quoll survey was commissioned. The aims of the targeted Northern Quoll Survey were to 1.) identify and map Northern Quoll habitat in the study area, 2.) identify the relative abundance and distribution of Northern Quolls in the study area, and 3.) if possible, identify the presence of Northern Quolls and Northern Quoll habitat outside the study area.

Methods

The targeted Northern Quoll survey took place between 23 – 30 August 2015. The Northern Quoll survey included a review of the relevant literature, habitat identification, camera trapping, searches for scats and trapping for Northern Quolls. Camera trapping took place at 16 locations for 2 – 3 nights. Trapping with cages and large Elliott traps took place across two sites, one in the main study area (the proposed impact area) with 28 traps open for seven nights, giving a total of 196 trap-nights, and one outside the impact area with 12 traps open for six nights giving 72 trap-nights.

Results and Discussion

Across the tenement area surveyed two Northern Quoll denning habitat types were identified; granite outcrops and boulder hills. The granite outcrop habitat occurred only in the southern part of the tenement and is absent from the main study area (proposed impact area). The boulder hills occurred in the main study area and in smaller patches across the northern part of the tenement.

A total of 8.81ha of Northern Quoll potential denning habitat (critical habitat) was identified in the main study area, consisting only of the boulder hills. The denning habitat in and around the study area was patchy, but likely to be connected to some degree by foraging and/or dispersal habitat, as this is considered to be all vegetation within 2km of critical habitat. Regionally, there are more extensive rocky hills, for example around the Harding Dam and Lake Poongkaliyarra about 13km south of the study area.

Northern Quolls were not recorded in the main study area on camera traps, by scat records or through trapping. The three records of Northern Quoll on camera traps and all but one of the scat records were from the granite outcrop habitat on the southern boundary of the tenement area, about 2.2km south of the main study area.

Western Wildlife i Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

At the time of the August 2015 survey, there was no evidence of Northern Quoll presence in the main study area, despite the presence of potential denning habitat. Except for one record of an old scat, there were no Northern Quoll records from similar boulder hills in the northern part of the tenement area, with all remaining records from the granite outcrop habitat in the southern part of the tenement. The study area is not within the 2km foraging zone of the known Northern Quoll denning habitat in the south of the tenement area. This habitat was different to that in the study area, as it was a granite outcrop rather than boulder hills. The area where Northern Quolls were recorded is not to be impacted by quarrying.

It is unlikely that there is a high risk of significant impact on the Northern Quoll if the quarry operation is extended into the study area. The main study area does not contain known habitat, comprises less than 9ha of potential habitat critical to the survival of the species (denning habitat) and less than 8ha of potential foraging and dispersal habitat.

However, it is possible that there is some risk of a significant impact on Northern Quoll, though the likelihood is low. The risks are centred around the following:

• Potential restriction of Northern Quoll dispersal in the local area • Road mortalities • Introduction of Cane Toads to the site • Increase in feral predators such as cats and wild dogs • Increased high intensity fires

In all cases the risk is either relatively low, or able to be mitigated by appropriate management practices.

Western Wildlife ii Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

Table of Contents

Executive Summary...... i 1. Introduction ...... 1 2. The Study Area...... 1 3. Methods ...... 4

3.1 Personnel ...... 4 3.2 Literature Review ...... 5 3.3 Habitat Identification...... 6 3.4 Trapping for Northern Quolls...... 6 3.5 Camera Trapping for Northern Quolls...... 9 3.6 Searching for Northern Quoll Scats ...... 11 4. Results ...... 12

4.1 Background on the Northern Quoll ...... 12 4.1.1 Legislative Protection...... 12 4.1.2 Distribution and Population Trends...... 12 4.1.3 Biology ...... 12 4.1.4 Habitat ...... 13 4.1.5 Threats...... 13 4.2 Northern Quoll Records in the Surrounding Area...... 14 4.3 Northern Quoll Habitat in the Study Area ...... 15 4.4 Northern Quoll Trapping Records in the Study Area...... 20 4.5 Northern Quoll Camera and Scat Records ...... 20 5. Discussion and Conclusions...... 26

5.1 Risk of a significant impact on the Northern Quoll...... 27 6. References...... 29

Appendix 1. Other fauna captured during targeted trapping...... 30 Appendix 2. Opportunistic observations of fauna...... 31

Acronyms used in this report

DEC Department of Environment and Conservation (now split into the DPAW and Department of Environmental Regulation)

DEWHA Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (now DoE)

DPAW Department of Parks and Wildlife (formerly DEC)

DSEWPaC Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (now DoE)

DoE Department of Environment (formerly DSEWPaC and DEWHA)

EPA Environmental Protection Authority

Western Wildlife iii Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

Tables, Figures and Plates

Table 1. Minimum requirements to be considered for a targeted Northern Quoll survey...... 5 Table 2. Camera trap locations, August 2015...... 9 Table 3. Northern Quoll records on DPAW’s Threatened and Priority Fauna Database...... 15 Table 4. Area (ha) of potential Northern Quoll habitat in the study area and wider area...... 16 Table 5. Fauna recorded on camera traps, August 2015 ...... 21

Figure 1. Roebourne Quarry - regional location...... 2 Figure 2. Roebourne Quarry - tenements and main study areas...... 3 Figure 3. Roebourne Quarry - cage trap locations...... 8 Figure 4. Roebourne Quarry - camera trap locations...... 10 Figure 5. Roebourne Quarry - potential Northern Quoll denning habitat in the main study areas...... 17 Figure 6. Roebourne Quarry - potential Northern Quoll denning habitat in the wider area.... 18 Figure 7. Roebourne Quarry - Northern Quoll camera and scat records...... 25

Plate 1. Large Elliott trap in a rock crevice...... 7 Plate 2. Example of camera trap set up...... 11 Plate 3. Potential Northern Quoll habitat in the study area...... 16 Plate 4. Potential Northen Quoll habitat in the study area...... 19 Plate 5. Potential Northern Quoll habitat in the north of the tenement area...... 19 Plate 6. Northern Quoll habitat in the southern part of the tenement area...... 20 Plate 7. Northern Quoll on camera trap WWCAM2.2...... 22 Plate 8. Northern Quoll on camera trap WWCAM7.2...... 22 Plate 9. Northern Quoll record on camera trap WWCAM 9.2...... 23 Plate 10. Feral cat record on camera trap WWCAM7.2...... 23 Plate 11. Dingo/Wild dog record on camera trap WWCAM2.2...... 24 Plate 12. Northern Quoll scat found in the southern part of the tenement...... 24

Western Wildlife iv Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

1. Introduction

WA Limestone Pty Ltd currently operate their Roebourne Quarry for the extraction of granite. In the future, they are intending to extend the quarry operations south and west of the current pit areas. As these areas are rocky hills, and therefore potential Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) habitat, a targeted Northern Quoll survey was commissioned by WA Limestone.

The aims of the targeted Northern Quoll Survey were to:

• Identify and map Northern Quoll habitat in the study area. • Identify the relative abundance and distribution of Northern Quolls in the study area. • If possible, identify the presence of Northern Quolls and Northern Quoll habitat outside the study area.

This report details the findings of the targeted Northern Quoll survey conducted in August 2015.

2. The Study Area

The Roebourne Quarry is located on tenements M47/488, M47/325, G47/1252 and L47/416 (Figure 1), about 11km southwest of Roebourne in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The study area is located in tenement M47488, an area of 644ha. The main study area is 16.3ha, is south of the existing quarry operation and is the proposed impact area. The smaller study area is to the north of the operations area and was chosen as a location for additional trapping close to the operations area (Figure 2).

The study area is within the Chichester subregion of the Pilbara Bioregion (DEWHA 2004), which is comprised of undulating plains of Archaean granite and basalt, with basalt ranges (Kendrick and McKenzie 2001). The climate is semi-desert tropical, receiving about 300mm of rain per year (Kendrick and McKenzie 2001). The dominant land-uses are grazing on native pastures, Aboriginal lands and reserves, Unallocated Crown Land and Crown Reserves, Conservation and Mining (Kendrick and McKenzie 2001).

Western Wildlife 1 0 4km

Scale 1:250,000 MGA94 (Zone 50)

Author: Jenny Wilcox - Western Wildlife~ Drawn: CAD Resources ~ www.cadresources.com.au Tel: +61 8 9246 3242 A4 Date: Oc t 2015 Rev: A Ref: g2345_F001.dgn Figure 1. Roebourne Quarry - Regional Location 0 400m

Scale 1:20,000 MGA94 (Zone 50)

LEGEND Study Areas Tenement Boundary

Author: Jenny Wilcox - Western Wildlife~ Drawn: CAD Resources ~ www.cadresources.com.au Tel: +61 8 9246 3242 A4 Date: Oct 2015 Rev: A Ref: g2345_F002.dgn Imagery: Landgate (July 2014) Figure 2. Roebourne Quarry - Tenements and Main Study Area Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

3. Methods

The targeted Northern Quoll survey was carried out with reference to the following documents:

• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 draft referral guidelines for the endangered northern quoll, Dasyurus hallucatus (DSEWPaC 2011a).

• Survey guidelines for Australia's threatened mammals (DSEWPaC 2011b).

• Technical Guide – Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA & DEC 2010).

In brief, the methods included a review of the relevant literature, habitat identification, camera trapping, searches for scats and trapping for Northern Quolls. The draft referral guidelines state that as a minimum a targeted survey should consider several factors, of which one is to configure the survey to target both impact and non-impact zones (Table 1). This survey primarily targeted the proposed impact zone using trapping, camera traps and searches for scats. Non-impact zones were targeted using camera traps and scat searches only.

3.1 Personnel

The personnel involved in the targeted survey were as follows:

• Ms Jenny Wilcox - BSc. (Biol. & Env.Sci.), Hons. (Biol.) • Ms Caroline Scally - BAppl.Sci. (Protected Area Management)

Jenny Wilcox (Western Wildlife) planned and led the survey and Caroline Scally (WA Limestone) assisted with logistics and fieldwork. The report was prepared by Jenny Wilcox with mapping by CAD Resources. Jenny Wilcox has experience with previous Northern Quoll Surveys in the Pilbara and Kimberley.

Western Wildlife 4 Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

Table 1. Minimum requirements to be considered for a targeted Northern Quoll survey.

Minimum requirement (DSEWPaC 2011a) This survey

Carefully configure the trapping program to address project impact Trapping, camera traps and searches for scats and non-impact zones so that results are adequate to inform in the impact zone. Use of camera traps and monitoring programs and project siting options. searches for scats in non-impact zones.

Trapping should be concentrated in habitat critical to the survival Trapping carried out in critical (denning) with some consideration of non-rocky foraging and dispersal habitat. habitats.

In Western Australia traps should be set for seven consecutive Traps in main study area set for seven nights. nights, unless two or more individuals are caught twice, in which case the traps should be closed after four nights of trapping.

In the Northern Territory and Queensland, traps should be set for N/A a minimum of three nights with the aim of sampling as many sites possible over the three nights

Where large Elliott traps are the primary trapping technique, a Both trap types used, 14 cages and 14 large minimum of four cage traps should be used per trap configuration. Elliots in the main study area.

To be considered effective, traps should be baited with sardines or All traps baited with a mixture rolled oats, a bolus mix of oats and peanut butter with honey being optional. peanut butter and sardines. Chicken wings and diced bacon are also optional.

Traps should be rebaited at least every second day (baits should All traps rebaited every second day. All traps be fresh), cleared within 2-3 hours of sunrise and have adequate cleared within 3 hrs of sunrise. Traps were all shade cover during the day. Consideration should be given to shaded with hessian bags and situated in closing traps during the day to eliminate by-catch and potential shaded locations such as rock crevices and heat stress issues. caves.

In Western Australia, tissue samples (ear clippings) should be Equipment to take tissue samples and collected from all individuals captured and analysed with the aim measurements was prepared for the survey. of increasing genetic knowledge of the northern quoll in Western Australia (ethics clearance is required for this procedure). Tissue samples should be sent to the Western Australian Museum with the following details: Weight, sex, pes (left hindfoot measurement), tail diameter / circumference, crown reproductive condition, presence/absence of bite marks and parasites, locality (GPS coordinate in lat and long), collectors name and date.

Targeted surveys may be supplemented by one of several Camera traps and searches for latrines/scats non-invasive survey techniques such as latrine searches in habitat were undertaken. critical to the survival, use of motion sensitive cameras and / or hair tubes. These methods should however not be relied upon to demonstrate northern quolls are not present in an area.

3.2 Literature Review

The literature review consisted of two parts; a review of the biology and ecology of the species and a review of known Northern Quoll records. The literature review included such materials as published books, peer-reviewed articles and unpublished reports on other Northern Quoll surveys. Using the Roebourne Quarry study area as a centre point, DPAW’s Threatened and Priority Fauna Database was searched within the radius of 20km. Other database searches were not required, as this database also extracts records from the Fauna Survey Returns Database and the Western Australian Museum Mammals Database.

Western Wildlife 5 Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

3.3 Habitat Identification

Identification of Northern Quoll habitat was undertaken using a combination examination of aerial photography and ground-truthing by the zoologists in the field. In the field, areas inside the tenement area identified from the aerial photography were examined on foot for the presence of potential Northern Quoll denning habitat. Areas outside the tenement area were identified on the basis of aerial photography and observations from roads and tracks in the area.

3.4 Trapping for Northern Quolls

Two trapping sites were sampled, one in the main study area to the south of the existing pit, and one in the smaller area to the north (Figure 3). The site in the main study area had 28 traps, consisting of 14 cage traps and 14 large Elliott traps. The site in the smaller study area, had a total of 12 traps, consisting of six cage traps and six large Elliott traps. The trap types were alternated, and situated on average 35m apart in a transect. Every trap was shaded with a hessian bag and, where possible, tucked into a crevice or under an overhang (Plate 1). Traps were baited with a mixture of rolled oats, peanut butter and sardines, and traps were re-baited every second day.

Traps in the main study area were open for seven nights between 23 – 30 August 2015, giving a total of 196 trap-nights in the Study Area. Traps at the smaller study area were open for 6 nights, giving an additional 72 trap-nights. The Northern Quoll Referral Guidelines suggest that the number of trap-nights required is determined by the following formula:

y = 50x0.5 where y is the number of trap-nights and x is the area of potential northern quoll habitat in hectares

The required trap-nights (148 trap-nights in 8.81ha of potential habitat) was exceeded in the main study area during this survey.

All trapping was carried out under Licenses to Take Fauna for Scientific Purposes SF010443, covering all field personnel involved with the fauna survey.

Western Wildlife 6 Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

If any Northern Quoll were captured, they were to be microchipped with a uniquely numbered Trovan microchip. A small ear clip was to be taken as a tissue sample to lodge with the WA Museum to support their genetic research. In addition, the following data were to be recorded:

• Age • Sex • Crown • Pes • Diameter of tail base • Testes width on males

Plate 1. Large Elliott trap in a rock crevice.

Western Wildlife 7 0 300m

Scale 1:5,000 MGA94 (Zone 50)

LEGEND Cage Trap Study Areas Tenement Boundary

Author: Jenny Wilcox - Western Wildlife~ Drawn: CAD Resources ~ www.cadresources.com.au Tel: +61 8 9246 3242 A4 Date: Oct 2015 Rev: A Ref: g2345_F003.dgn Imagery: Landgate (July 2014) Figure 3. Roebourne Quarry - Cage Trap Locations Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

3.5 Camera Trapping for Northern Quolls

The camera traps used were Bushnell Trophy Cameras, set to take three photographs when triggered, and baited with sardines or a mixture of sardines, rolled oats and peanut butter. Camera traps were deployed for two to three nights across the 16 locations shown on Figure 4. Cameras were set in rocky areas considered to be potential Northern Quoll habitat (Plate 2). The deployments dates and locations of the camera traps are given in Table 2.

Table 2. Camera trap locations, August 2015.

Date deployed Date retrieved Camera Code Zone Easting Northing

24/08/2015 26/08/2015 WWCAM1.1 50 507350 7692972

24/08/2015 26/08/2015 WWCAM2.1 50 507303 7693822

24/08/2015 27/08/2015 WWCAM4.1 50 507796 7694213

24/08/2015 27/08/2015 WWCAM5.1 50 507120 7693390

24/08/2015 27/08/2015 WWCAM6.1 50 507164 7693376

24/08/2015 26/08/2015 WWCAM7.1 50 508040 7693501

24/08/2015 26/08/2015 WWCAM8.1 50 507414 7693880

24/08/2015 26/08/2015 WWCAM9.1 50 507277 7693718

26/08/2015 29/08/2015 WWCAM1.2 50 507649 7694293

26/08/2015 29/08/2015 WWCAM2.2 50 507610 7691327

27/08/2015 29/08/2015 WWCAM4.2 50 508259 7694249

27/08/2015 29/08/2015 WWCAM5.2 50 508304 7694091

27/08/2015 29/08/2015 WWCAM6.2 50 508097 7694503

26/08/2015 29/08/2015 WWCAM7.2 50 507673 7690999

26/08/2015 29/08/2015 WWCAM8.2 50 507935 7694159

26/08/2015 29/08/2015 WWCAM9.2 50 507600 7691022

Western Wildlife 9 0 400m

Scale 1:20,000 MGA94 (Zone 50)

LEGEND Camera Locations Study Areas Tenement Boundary

Author: Jenny Wilcox - Western Wildlife~ Drawn: CAD Resources ~ www.cadresources.com.au Tel: +61 8 9246 3242 A4 Date: Oct 2015 Rev: A Ref: g2345_F004.dgn Imagery: Landgate (July 2014) Figure 4. Roebourne Quarry - Camera Trap Locations Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

Plate 2. Example of camera trap set up.

3.6 Searching for Northern Quoll Scats

Searching for Northern Quoll scats or latrine sites was carried out opportunistically throughout the survey period. So far as possible, all discrete rocky areas in the tenement were surveyed. Searching for scats was usually undertaken concurrently with habitat identification. Any scats found were recorded with a GPS location.

Western Wildlife 11 Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

4. Results

4.1 Background on the Northern Quoll

4.1.1 Legislative Protection

The Northern Quoll is listed as Endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and under Schedule 1 (fauna rare or likely to become extinct) of the Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950. Listed under Part 3 of the EPBC Act are ‘matters of National Environmental Significance’. These include threatened species, threatened ecological communities and migratory species. Proposed actions, such as mining or urban developments, that have the potential to significantly impact on a matter of National Environmental Significance must be referred to DSEWPaC for assessment. Guidance on whether a proposed action should be referred is contained in the ‘EPBC Act referral guidelines for the endangered northern quoll’ (DSEWPaC 2011a).

4.1.2 Distribution and Population Trends

The Northern Quoll occurs across the northern parts of Australia including Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland and some offshore islands (Van Dyck and Strahan 2008). The Northern Quoll has declined, now occurring as several disjunct populations, of which the Pilbara population is one (Braithwaite and Griffiths 1994). However, a position paper prepared in 2009 suggests that in the Pilbara the Northern Quoll may not be declining, though they recognise that the area is data deficient (Biota Environmental Sciences 2009).

4.1.3 Biology

The Northern Quoll is reproductively mature at 11 months, and breed in their first year (Van Dyck and Strahan 2008). Breeding occurs between July and September, and is usually synchronised within a population. At about two months old the young are left in a den while the mother forages, and at six months about two or three young are weaned (Van Dyck and Strahan 2008). In general, all adults die after breeding, though some females have been recorded living up to three years in the wild (Van Dyck and Strahan 2008) and at some Pilbara sites males have been recorded living a second year (C.Jackson, pers.comm.).

Western Wildlife 12 Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

4.1.4 Habitat

The Northern Quoll occurs in a variety of habitats across its range, but in the Pilbara favours dissected rocky escarpments (Hill and Ward 2010, Van Dyck and Strahan 2008). Where denning or shelter habitat occurs with the Northern Quolls predicted range, it is considered ‘habitat critical to the survival of the species’ (DSEWPaC 2011a). In the Pilbara, shelter and denning habitat consists of rocky habitats such as ranges, escarpments, mesas, gorges, breakaways, boulder fields and major drainage lines (DSEWPaC 2011a). These rocky habitats may also be refugia in the sense that they may be areas that the Cane Toad does not invade in the future (Biota Environmental Sciences 2009).

Little is known about Northern Quoll foraging and dispersal habitats (DSEWPaC 2011a). Northern Quolls have been recorded dispersing considerable distance between trapping locations, such as 2.5km in one day (Schmitt et al. 1989), 3.5km in seven days (King 1989), 2 – 3km at Poondano (Process Minerals International, unpublished data) and 2km at the Buckland Project (Phoenix Environmental Sciences 2012). However, the referral guidelines recognise all vegetation within 2km of denning and shelter habitat or Northern Quoll records, may be considered foraging and dispersal habitat (DSEWPaC 2011a).

4.1.5 Threats

The Northern Quoll is the subject of a National Recovery Plan (Hill and Ward 2010), which list the potential threats to the species as:

• Cane Toads (Bufo marinus) • Feral predators • Inappropriate fire regimes • Habitat degradation and destruction • Weeds • Disease • Hunting and persecution • Population isolation

Cane Toads are considered the main threat to the Northern Quoll in the parts of its range that overlap the Cane Toad distribution (Hill and Ward 2010). As yet the Pilbara is free of Cane Toads, though it is uncertain whether this will be the case in the future. The Northern Quoll was already in decline in parts of its range prior to Cane Toad invasion, so other threatening processes are thought to be at play (Hill and Ward 2010).

Western Wildlife 13 Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

Feral Predators, such as the Fox (Vulpes vulpes) and Cat (Felis catus), are likely to prey on Northern Quolls. Inappropriate fire regimes, such as too-frequent fires, may also impact Northern Quolls, possibly through decreased cover resulting in increased predation, changes to habitat structure or reduction in food availability. However, these mechanisms are not well understood (Hill and Ward 2010).

Habitat degradation caused by livestock is of concern in the northern savannah habitats, and together with inappropriate fire regimes, may be the cause of declines of this species in the Pilbara (Hill and Ward 2010). Habitat destruction occurs through developments such as mining, housing and agriculture, and though it occurs on a smaller scale than habitat degradation, it may still have a significant impact on critical habitat (Hill and Ward 2010). Weeds such as Gamba Grass (Andropogon gayanus) and Mission Grass (Pennisetum spp.) are dense and may hinder ground movements of Northern Quolls, or foster wildfire (Hill and Ward 2010), however these grasses are unlikely to be of concern in the study area (pers.obs.).

The short lifespan of the Northern Quoll may leave them susceptible to local extinction when populations become isolated. Disease may play a role in local extinctions, though as yet there is only circumstantial evidence for Northern Quoll population crashes due to disease (Hill and Ward 2010).

Hunting and persecution are generally historical pressures in many areas, where Northern Quolls were hunted by Aboriginal peoples, persecuted by Europeans or subject to broad- scale poisoning (Hill and Ward 2010).

4.2 Northern Quoll Records in the Surrounding Area.

There are 15 records on DPAW’s Threatened and Priority Fauna Database for the 20km radius surrounding the Roebourne Quarry study area (Table 3). This database also captures records from the WA Museum Mammals Database and Fauna Survey Returns Database. Of the 15 records, at least four appear to be duplicate records, where the record is listed on both the Threatened and Priority Fauna Database and the WA Museum Mammals Database. Of the remaining 11 records, there is one recent record from Cooya Pooya, the same locality as the Roebourne Quarry.

A previous Level 1 fauna survey in the study area did not return any evidence of Northern Quolls (Keith Lindbeck and Associates 2011). This is unsurprising as the survey was limited to a nine hour site visit and was not primarily targeting quoll habitat

Western Wildlife 14 Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

Table 3. Northern Quoll records on DPAW’s Threatened and Priority Fauna Database.

Source Site name Year Locality name

FAUNASURVEY Cape Preston - Basalt rock Pile 2011 POINT SAMSON

FAUNASURVEY Anketell - Anketell 2013 MOUNT ANKETELL

TFAUNA ? BULGARRA

TFAUNA 1967 POINT SAMSON

TFAUNA W OF SHERLOCK RIVER 1900 ROEBOURNE

TFAUNA WOODBROOK STREET ? ROEBOURNE

TFAUNA OLEANDER PLACE 1975 WICKHAM

TFAUNA Karratha hills 2012 MULATAGA

TFAUNA Karratha hills 2012 MULATAGA

Road verge of the Millstream Link sealed TFAUNA access road, adjacent to a creekline 2012 COOYA POOYA

WAM_MAMMALS KARRATHA ? BULGARRA

WAM_MAMMALS WOODBROOK STREET ? ROEBOURNE

WAM_MAMMALS OLEANDER PLACE 1975 WICKHAM

WAM_MAMMALS 1967 POINT SAMSON

WAM_MAMMALS W OF SHERLOCK RIVER 1899 ROEBOURNE

4.3 Northern Quoll Habitat in the Study Area

The extent of the Northern Quoll habitat identified in the main study area is shown on Figure 5 and Figure 6 shows the extent of the habitat in the wider area. This is rocky denning or shelter habitat deemed ‘habitat critical to the survival of the species’ as defined by DSEWPaC (2011a). The habitat consisted of two main types. In the study area and scattered throughout the northern part of the wider area are basalt boulder hills (Plates 3 - 5). In the southern part of the tenement and wider area were granite outcrops with larger boulders (Plate 6). The granite outcrop habitat type was absent from the main study area.

All Northern Quoll habitat within the tenement area was visually inspected during the targeted survey, and confirmed as containing rocky habitats with crevices that are potentially suitable for shelter.

Western Wildlife 15 Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

The total area of Northern Quoll habitat mapped in the wider area was 99.12ha, of which 8.81ha was within the boundary of the main study area and 0.75ha within the smaller study area (Table 4).

Table 4. Area (ha) of potential Northern Quoll habitat in the study area and wider area.

Northern Quoll Habitat (ha)

Total Boulder Granite Total Area Area (ha) Hills Outcrops Habitat

Main study area 16.3 8.81 - 8.81

Smaller study area 2.5 0.75 - 0.75

Wider Area 4261 43.53 55.59 99.12

Plate 3. Potential Northern Quoll habitat in the main study area.

Western Wildlife 16 0 300m

Scale 1:5,000 MGA94 (Zone 50)

LEGEND Study Areas Tenement Boundary Boulder Hills

Author: Jenny Wilcox - Western Wildlife~ Drawn: CAD Resources ~ www.cadresources.com.au Tel: +61 8 9246 3242 A4 Date: Oc t 2015 Rev: A Ref: g2345_F005.dgn Imagery: Landgate (July 2014) Figure 5. Roebourne Quarry - potential Northern Quoll denning habitat in the main study areas 0 800m

Scale 1:40,000 MGA94 (Zone 50)

LEGEND Study Areas Tenement Boundary Extent of Habitat Mapping Boulder Hills Granite Outcrops

Author: Jenny Wilcox - Western Wildlife~ Drawn: CAD Resources ~ www.cadresources.com.au Tel: +61 8 9246 3242 A4 Date: Oc t 2015 Rev: A Ref: g2345_F006.dgn Imagery: Landgate (July 2014) Figure 6. Roebourne Quarry - potential Northern Quoll denning habitat in the wider area Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

Plate 4. Potential Northern Quoll habitat in the main study area.

Plate 5. Potential Northern Quoll habitat in the north of the tenement area.

Western Wildlife 19 Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

Plate 6. Northern Quoll habitat in the southern part of the tenement area.

4.4 Northern Quoll Trapping Records in the Study Area

No Northern Quolls were captured during the survey. Other fauna captured were mainly Common Rock Rats (Zyzomys argurus) (Appendix 1). Other fauna observed during the survey are listed in Appendix 2.

4.5 Northern Quoll Camera and Scat Records

Of the 16 locations sampled with camera traps, Northern Quolls were recorded at three, all in the southern part of the tenement area (Table 5, Figure 7, Plates 7 - 9). No Northern Quolls were recorded on cameras in the main study areas or other locations in the northern part of the tenement.

Western Wildlife 20 Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

Other fauna recorded on camera traps include rock-dwelling native mammals such as the Common Rock Rat, Rothschilds Rock Wallaby and Woolley’s False Antechinus (Table 5). The Feral Cat, a potential predator of Northern Quolls, was also recorded in one location (Plate 10), as was the Dingo (Plate 11).

Of the three camera traps within the main study area, two recorded nil and one a Common Rock Rat.

Table 5. Fauna recorded on camera traps, August 2015

Camera Code Fauna Recorded

WWCAM1.1 Nil

WWCAM2.1 Zyzomys argurus (Common Rock Rat)

WWCAM4.1 Zyzomys argurus (Common Rock Rat) Petrogale rothschildi (Rothschilds Rock Wallaby) Pseudantechinus woolleyae (Woolley’s False Antechinus)

WWCAM5.1 Egernia pilbarensis (Pilbara Crevice-skink)

WWCAM6.1 Nil

WWCAM7.1 Egernia pilbarensis (Pilbara Crevice-skink) Pseudantechinus woolleyae (Woolley’s False Antechinus)

WWCAM8.1 Nil

WWCAM9.1 Nil

WWCAM1.2 Zyzomys argurus (Common Rock Rat) Petrogale rothschildi (Rothschild’s Rock Wallaby)

WWCAM2.2 Dasyurus hallucatus (Northern Quoll) Pseudantechinus woolleyae (Woolley’s False Antechinus) Canis sp. (Dingo/Dog)

WWCAM4.2 Zyzomys argurus (Common Rock Rat) Petrogale rothschildi (Rothschild’s Rock Wallaby) Pseudantechinus woolleyae (Woolley’s False Antechinus) Egernia pilbarensis (Pilbara Crevice-skink)

WWCAM5.2 Nil

WWCAM6.2 Egernia pilbarensis (Pilbara Crevice-skink)

WWCAM7.2 Dasyurus hallucatus (Northern Quoll) Zyzomys argurus (Common Rock Rat) Felis catus (Feral Cat) Egernia pilbarensis (Pilbara Crevice-skink)

WWCAM8.2 Pseudantechinus woolleyae (Woolley’s False Antechinus) Varanus pilbarensis (Pilbara Rock Monitor)

WWCAM9.2 Dasyurus hallucatus (Northern Quoll) Pseudantechinus woolleyae (Woolley’s False Antechinus)

Western Wildlife 21 Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

Plate 7. Northern Quoll on camera trap WWCAM2.2.

Plate 8. Northern Quoll on camera trap WWCAM7.2.

Western Wildlife 22 Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

Plate 9. Northern Quoll record on camera trap WWCAM 9.2.

Plate 10. Feral cat record on camera trap WWCAM7.2.

Western Wildlife 23 Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

Plate 11. Dingo/Wild dog record on camera trap WWCAM2.2.

Northern Quoll scats were recorded in six locations (Figure 7, Plate 12), all on boulders in relatively prominent positions. Although scat contents were not examined as part of this survey some of the scats were noted to contain fur or feathers, as well as invertebrate remains. All scats appeared recent except the northernmost record.

Plate 12. Northern Quoll scat found in the southern part of the tenement.

Western Wildlife 24 0 400m

Scale 1:20,000 MGA94 (Zone 50)

LEGEND Camera Trap Locations Northern Quoll Record No Northern Quoll Record Scat Record Study Areas Tenement Boundary

Author: Jenny Wilcox - Western Wildlife~ Drawn: CAD Resources ~ www.cadresources.com.au Tel: +61 8 9246 3242 A4 Date: Oct 2015 Rev: A Ref: g2345_F007.dgn Imagery: Landgate (July 2014) Figure 4. Roebourne Quarry - Northern Quoll camera and scat records Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

5. Discussion and Conclusions

Northern Quolls were not recorded in the main study area on camera traps, by scat records or through trapping. The three records of Northern Quoll on camera traps and all but one of the scat records were from a granite outcrop on the southern boundary of the tenement area, about 2.2km south of the main study area. The granite outcrop habitat is absent from the main study area.

A total of 8.81ha of potential Northern Quoll denning habitat was identified in the main study area (Figure 5). In the wider area, extending an additional 2km from the tenement boundary, 99.12ha of denning habitat was identified (Figure 6). Denning and shelter habitat is considered critical to the survival of the Northern Quoll (DSEWPaC 2011a).

The denning habitat in and around the study area is patchy, but is likely to be connected to some degree by foraging and/or dispersal habitat, as this is considered to be all vegetation within 2km of critical habitat (DSEWPaC 2011a). Regionally, there are more extensive rocky hills, for example around the Harding Dam and Lake Poongkaliyarra about 13km south of the study area (Figure 1). Northern Quoll habitat extends throughout the Chichester IBRA subregion in the form of rocky hills, granite outcrops, gorges and escarpments.

At the time of the August 2015 survey, there was no evidence of Northern Quoll presence in the main study area, despite the presence of potential denning habitat. Except for one record of an old scat, there were no Northern Quoll records from similar boulder hills in the northern part of the tenement area. The study area is not within the 2km foraging zone of the Northern Quoll denning habitat in the south of the tenement area where quolls were recorded in 2015. This habitat was different to that in the study area, as it was a granite outcrop rather than boulder hills. The area where Northern Quolls were recorded is not to be impacted by quarrying.

Western Wildlife 26 Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

5.1 Risk of a significant impact on the Northern Quoll

It is unlikely that there is a high risk of significant impact on the Northern Quoll if the quarry operation is extended into the study area. According to the referral guidelines, actions with a high risk are those that remove:

• known habitat critical to the survival of the species • known foraging and dispersal habitat in toad invaded areas • 5ha of known foraging and dispersal habitat in areas not yet invaded by cane toads • more than 10ha of potential habitat critical to the survival of the species • more than 200ha of potential foraging and dispersal habitat (DSEWPaC 2011a).

Known habitat is habitat critical to the survival of the species is habitat critical to the survival of the species where Northern Quoll is recorded on site during surveys, or where no surveys were conducted in suitable habitat. Potential habitat critical to the survival of the species is habitat critical to the survival of the species occurring within the modelled known/likely distribution of the Northern Quoll (DSEWPaC 2011a). The main study area does not contain known habitat, comprises less than 9ha of potential habitat critical to the survival of the species (denning habitat) and less than 8ha of potential foraging and dispersal habitat.

However, it is possible that there is some risk of a significant impact on Northern Quoll, though the likelihood is low. According to the referral guidelines, actions with an uncertain risk of a high impact on the Northern Quoll are those that:

• restrict Northern Quoll dispersal by creating barriers between populations • may increase traffic volumes increasing the risk of mortality and population fragmentation • may introduce cane toads to areas which are not yet exposed to cane toads • have inappropriate quarantine measures in place for movements between offshore islands • may increase the risk of late dry season high intensity fires to the area • may alter habitat structure through the introduction of invasive species (DSEWPaC 2011a).

There is some potential that extending the quarry into the study area will restrict Northern Quoll dispersal in the local area. As the denning habitat is patchy in this area, quolls may move from patch to patch when dispersing. However, there was no evidence of Northern Quoll presence in the study area, and as the study area is relatively small and discrete, it is likely that quolls can disperse around the impact area.

Western Wildlife 27 Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

As there is a current quarrying operation adjacent to the study area, there may already be some impacts relating to road mortalities, though none have been reported. As the trucks access the site during daylight hours when quolls are in their dens, the risk of road mortalities is minimal.

As trucks enter the site to pick up quarry products, there is a small risk of introducing Cane Toads to the site, depending on the provenance of the trucks. However, except for the water in the current open pit, the site lacks open water suitable for Cane Toads. The water in the open pit and the presence of rubbish may attract feral predators such as cats and wild dogs. This risk can be somewhat ameliorated by appropriate waste management on site and potentially the targeted removal of wild dogs or cats noted to be in close proximity to the operations area. Staff inductions should include information on not encouraging feral predators through feeding.

The risk of increased high intensity fires is low, and can be mitigated with an appropriate fire management plan.

Western Wildlife 28 Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

6. References

Baines, A. and McDowell, M.C. (2010). The original mammal fauna of the Pilbara Biogeographic region of north-western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum, Supplement 78: 285-298.

Biota Environmental Sciences (2009). Hope Downs IV Northern Quoll Position Paper. Unpublished report prepared for Rio Tinto Iron Ore on behalf of Hamersley HMS, April 2009.

Braithwaite, R. and Griffiths, A.D. (1994). Demographic variation and range contraction in the northern quoll, Dasyurus hallucatus (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae). Wildlife Research 21: 203-217.

DEWHA (Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts) (2004). Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA), Version 6.1.

DSEWPaC (2011a). Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 referral guidelines for the endangered northern quoll Dasyurus hallucatus. EPBC Act Policy Statement 3.25.

DSEWPaC (2011b). Survey guidelines for Australia's threatened mammals EPBC Act survey Guidelines 6.5.

EPA & DEC (2010). Technical Guide – Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (eds B.M. Hyder, J. Dell & M.A. Cowan). Perth, Western Australia.

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

Keith Lindbeck and Associates (2011). Roebourne Quarry Expansion Level 1 Fauna Survey. Unpublished report to WA Limestone.

King, D. R. (1989). An assessment of the hazard posed to Northern Quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus) by aerial baiting with 1080 to control Dingoes. Australian Wildlife Research 16: 569–574.

Phoenix Environmental Sciences (2012). Targeted Fauna Surveys for the Buckland Project. Unpublished report for Iron Ore Holdings Ltd, November 2012.

Schmitt, L. H., Bradley, A. J., Kemper, C. M., Kitchener, D. J., Humphreys, W. F. & How, R. A. (1989). Ecology and physiology of the northern quoll, Dasyurus hallucatus (Marsupialia, Dasyuridae), at Mitchell Plateau, Kimberley, Western Australia. Journal of Zoology 217: 539–558.

Van Dyck and Strahan, R. (Ed.) (2008). The Mammals of Australia. 3rd Edition. Australian Museum/Reed Books, Sydney.

Western Wildlife 29 Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

Appendix 1. Other fauna captured during targeted trapping.

Trap Trap Date Site Species Common name number type

24/08/2015 1 4 Cage Petrogale rothschildi Rothschilds Rock Wallaby

25/08/2015 1 6 Cage Zyzomys argurus Common Rock Rat

25/08/2015 1 8 Cage Zyzomys argurus Common Rock Rat

25/08/2015 2 4 Elliott Zyzomys argurus Common Rock Rat

26/08/2014 1 6 Cage Zyzomys argurus Common Rock Rat

26/08/2014 1 10 Cage Zyzomys argurus Common Rock Rat

26/08/2014 2 9 Elliott Zyzomys argurus Common Rock Rat

27/08/2015 1 5 Elliott Zyzomys argurus Common Rock Rat

27/08/2015 2 1 Cage Zyzomys argurus Common Rock Rat

27/08/2015 2 6 Elliott Egernia pilbarensis Pilbara Crevice-skink

27/08/2015 2 8 Elliott Zyzomys argurus Common Rock Rat

27/08/2015 2 9 Cage Zyzomys argurus Common Rock Rat

28/08/2015 3 5 Cage Zyzomys argurus Common Rock Rat

Western Wildlife 30 Roebourne Quarry: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2015

Appendix 2. Opportunistic observations of fauna.

Fauna observed 23rd – 30th August 2015, in the Roebourne Quarry tenements.

Date Species Common name Notes

24/08/2015 Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-Lark 24/08/2015 Emblema pictum Painted Finch Common 24/08/2015 Gavicallis virescens Singing Honeyeater 24/08/2015 Eolophus roseicapilla Galah 24/08/2015 Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird 24/08/2015 Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon 24/08/2015 Geophaps plumifera Spinifex Pigeon 24/08/2015 Corvus orru Torresian Crow 24/08/2015 Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch Black-faced 24/08/2015 Artamus cinereus Woodswallow 24/08/2015 Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove Moderately common 24/08/2015 Macropus robustus Euro on rocky hills 508171E, 7693524N Western Pebble 24/08/2015 Pseudomys chapmani (Zone 50) - old mound, Mound Mouse mound no longer active 25/08/2015 Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar 25/08/2015 Ctenophorus caudicinctus Ring-tailed Dragon Gwardar (Western 25/08/2015 Pseudonaja nuchalis Brown Snake) 25/08/2015 Chlamydera guttata Western Bowerbird 26/08/2015 Falco cenchroides Australian Kestrel 26/08/2015 Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier 26/08/2015 Egernia pilbarensis Pilbara Crevice-skink 26/08/2015 Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo 26/08/2015 Varanus pilbarensis Pilbara Rock Monitor 26/08/2015 Canis sp. Dingo/Dog 27/08/2015 Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner 508063E, 7694242N Western Pebble 27/08/2015 Pseudomys chapmani (Zone 50) - old mound, Mound Mouse mound no longer active

Western Wildlife 31