A FAUNA SURVEY

OF THE PROPOSED HOPE DOWNS 4 MINING AREA,

NEAR NEWMAN, WESTERN

Prepared for: Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd

on behalf of Iron Company (Services) Pty Ltd

Prepared by: Ninox Wildlife Consulting

February 2009 i Hope Downs 4 Mining Area – Fauna Survey 2008

Table of Contents

Page

1 SUMMARY...... iv

2 INTRODUCTION ...... 2

3 DEFINITION OF TERMS ...... 2 3.1 Protected - Australian Government...... 2 3.2 Protected Species - ...... 3 3.3 Priority Species - Western Australia ...... 3 3.4 Significant Fauna ...... 3 3.5 Other Classification...... 3 4 NOMENCLATURE, AND DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS...... 4

5 STUDY OBJECTIVES ...... 4 5.1 Study Limitations ...... 5 6 METHODS...... 5 6.1 Fauna Habitats...... 6 6.2 Vertebrate Fauna ...... 11 6.3 Short Range Endemic Invertebrates (SREs)...... 13 7 RESULTS...... 15 7.1 Native Mammals ...... 15 7.2 ...... 17 7.3 ...... 18 7.4 ...... 22 7.5 Short Range Endemic Invertebrates ...... 29 7.6 Introduced or Feral Species...... 31 8 PROTECTED SPECIES...... 32

9 DISCUSSION...... 41 9.1 Native Mammals ...... 41 9.2 Amphibians ...... 42 9.3 Reptiles...... 42 9.4 Birds ...... 42 9.5 Local and Regional Significance...... 43 9.5.1 Fauna Habitats...... 43 9.5.2 Fauna ...... 44 10 POTENTIAL IMPACT ...... 44

11 MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR FAUNA ...... 48

12 REFERENCES ...... 50

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LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Minima and maxima temperatures experienced during the fauna survey at Project Area 1 in May and September 2008...... 6 Table 2 List of systematic sampling sites within Project Area 1, their corresponding community code and a brief description of the vegetation. The coordinates provided are in GDA94 format...... 7 Table 3 SRE search sites and duration – May and September 2008. The coordinates provided are in GDA94 format...... 14 Table 4 List of native mammal species recorded during the May and September 2008 field survey of Project Area 1. (OP - results from opportunistic sampling, including Anabat results - designated with an X; S - signs such as scats, tracks or diggings etc, counted as one individual.) ...... 15 Table 5 List of native mammal species recorded during the 2005 and 2008 field surveys of East Angelas/Project Area 1 (NS = not systematically sampled...... 16 Table 6 List of species recorded during the May and September 2008 field survey of Project Area 1...... 18 Table 7 List of reptile species recorded during the May and September 2008 field survey of Project area 1. (OP - results from opportunistic sampling.)...... 19 Table 8 List of reptile species recorded during the 2005 and 2008 field surveys of East Angelas/ Project Area 1 (NS = not systematically sampled)...... 20 Table 9 List of species recorded during the May and September 2008 field survey of Project Area 1...... 22 Table 10 List of bird species recorded during the May and September 2008 field survey of Project Area 1. Numbers are derived from the highest daily count for each species in each site. (OP - results from opportunistic sampling.)...... 24 Table 11 List of bird species recorded during the June 2005 and May/September 2008 field survey of East Angelas/ Project Area 1...... 27 Table 12 Summary table of results of the collection of potential SRE invertebrate fauna from Project Area 1 during May and September 2008...... 30 Table 13 List of species protected under the EPBC Act 1999, the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 or listed on DEC’s Priority Fauna list. Species within groups are listed in order of conservation status. (Those species recorded during the 2005 or 2008 surveys have been highlighted in bold text.)...... 33 Table 14 Species, record origin (Department of Environment & Conservation or WA Museum), date of record, number of records and location of species listed as Schedule 1 or Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation Act (1950)...... 39 Table 15 List of vertebrate fauna species of conservation significance recorded or that could potentially occur within Project area 1. (Appendix 13 shows the dates and localities for the species resulting from the search of DEC’s rare fauna database.) ...... 45

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LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix 1 Definition of Terms...... 52 Appendix 2 Report from Specialised Zoological on the presence of bat species within the Hope Downs Project Area 1 and 2: May 2008...... 55 Appendix 3 Report from Specialised Zoological on the presence of bat species within the Hope Downs Project Area 1 and 2: September 2008...... 61 Appendix 4 List of native mammal species recorded in Project Area 1 and known to occur in the eastern Pilbara...... 68 Appendix 5 List of and reptile species recorded in Project Area 1 and known to occur in the eastern Pilbara...... 70 Appendix 6 List of bird species recorded in Project Area1 and known to occur in the eastern Pilbara...... 74 Appendix 7 The short range endemic invertebrate fauna collected in May 2008 from Hope Downs 4, Western Australia...... 79 Appendix 8 The short range endemic invertebrate fauna collected in October 2008 from Hope Downs 4, Western Australia...... 92 Appendix 9 Molluscs from the Hope Downs 4 project area collected in May 2008, Western Australia...... 102 Appendix 10 Molluscs from the Hope Downs 4 project area collected in May 2008, Western Australia...... 107 Appendix 11 List of introduced species recorded in the Hope Downs 4 Project Area and known to occur in the eastern Pilbara...... 115 Appendix 12 EPBC Act Protected Matters Report. (Please note that , marine and species known not to occur in the Pilbara region have been removed from the following report.) ...... 116 Appendix 13 Results of a search of DEC’s rare fauna database for the Newman/Hope Downs 4 area...... 122

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Map showing Project Area 1 and location of fauna sampling sites during 2005 (EA sites – ecologia) and 2008 (HD sites - Ninox). See Table 2 for explanation of vegetation codes...... 1 Figure 2 Diagrammatic layout of vertebrate fauna trapline used in the survey of Project Area 1 during May and September 2008...... 11 Figure 3 Map showing the location and activity level of pebble mounds constructed by the Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) in Project Area 1...... 38 Figure 4 Species, date of record and location of species listed as Schedule 1 or Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation Act (1950)...... 40

LIST OF PLATES Plate 1 Fauna sampling site HD01...... 8 Plate 2 Fauna sampling site HD02...... 8 Plate 3 Fauna sampling site HD03...... 9 Plate 4 Fauna sampling site HD04...... 9 Plate 5 Fauna sampling site HD05...... 10 Plate 6 Fauna sampling site HD06...... 10 Plate 7 Pitfall trap with custom-made insert...... 12 Plate 8 Eagle Rock Falls - opportunistic sampling area ...... 14

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1 SUMMARY

This document reports on the vertebrate and potential short range endemic (SRE) invertebrate fauna results from a survey within the proposed Hope Downs 4 mining area, including the proposed village location, (hereafter called Project Area 1) which is situated approximately 30km north-west of Newman in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

The main objectives of the study were to prepare an inventory of the vertebrate and SRE fauna recorded in the area, compare these results with those from a previous study conducted by ecologia Environment in 2005 and produce a list of species that could potentially occur there. This list of species was to be reviewed to discuss fauna considered to be of conservation significance. This report is intended as a supporting document for the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed Hope Downs 4 Project. Other objectives are described in detail in the relevant section of the report.

The survey was based on two sampling periods between 6 and 13 May and 12 to 18 September 2008. Fauna sampling covered the six major landforms and plant communities of Project Area 1. A range of techniques was used within six systematic sampling locations. Other locations were opportunistically assessed during the survey.

Ten native mammals, three reptiles and 16 birds recorded or potentially occurring within the Project Area are listed under the Australian Government EPBC Act 1999, the Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 or the Department of Environment and Conservation’s Priority Fauna list. All of these are fully discussed with notes on their presence or likely occurrence in the proposed Hope Downs 4 Project Area 1. Two mammals that are listed on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List, but not on either Australian Government or State legislation, are also discussed. Five of these are also considered as Pilbara endemics. In total, three species of native mammal of conservation significance have been recorded, an additional two have a moderate to high probability of occurring within Project Area 1, and a further six have a low to moderate probability of occurring. Of the three reptiles of conservation significance that are known to occur in the Pilbara region one, the Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceous barroni), has been recorded in Rhodes Ridge camp, approximately 20km west of the current survey area; the remaining two species have a moderate to high probability of occurring in Project Area 1. Of the 16 birds of conservation significance known to occur in the Pilbara region, three have been recorded, an additional four species are highly likely to occur based on preferences, and a further nine are less likely to occur.

With the combination of the June 2005 results from East Angelas, which overlaps the current survey area, and those from this 2008 survey, a total of 19 native mammals are known to occur in the survey area including three Pilbara endemics. Only one species of has been recorded within Project Area 1 and this was captured during June 2005; no were recorded during either May or September 2008. While eight species of frog could potentially occur, none are of particular conservation significance. In total, 36 species of reptile have been recorded in Project Area 1 (2005 and 2008 results), including 10 Pilbara endemic species. Sixty-six species of bird were identified during this survey although some groups were not well-represented; for example, only seven of the possible 16 birds of prey and three of the 10 species of parrot/cockatoo known to occur in the general area were observed.

The results of sampling for short range endemic invertebrates during May and September 2008 showed that none were located in any of the sites sampled.

Of the nine introduced or feral animals that could occur in the area, only the feral cat (Felis catus) was recorded.

Based on the results of this survey, none of the habitats sampled appear to be of particular significance to vertebrate fauna although some of the dense Mulga patches could be ecologically significant as they support a greater range of terrestrial vertebrate fauna and have the potential to support SREs. The

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Eagle Rock Falls, pool and creekline is of significance to a range of species, mainly birds, which prefer the large eucalypts for feeding and breeding.

None of the species recorded was restricted to one location, although the Pilbara endemic Kaluta (Dasykaluta rosamondae) and Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani), appear to favour spinifex on rocky soils found on the upper slopes and ridges of hills. Development of the proposed mine and associated accommodation village is not expected to change the conservation status of the species likely to occur in the area.

The impact of mining can be divided into two: direct and indirect impact. The first is a consequence of clearing of vegetation; the second results from changes to drainage patterns and the effects on adjacent vegetation. Indirect impact may affect a greater area than any direct impact.

While most birds, larger mammals and reptiles will be able to avoid the impact of clearing, most small mammals, reptiles and burrowing frogs will be unavoidably killed by the large machinery used for vegetation removal and ground preparation, or by exposure to predators. While the local impact on individual animals is high, the localised clearing will have very little impact on the species known to occur within Project area 1 overall.

As the more mobile species move away from areas being prepared for mining, they inevitably cause disruption to adjacent populations. However, this is likely to have no more impact than the displacement caused by the recent extensive fire that had occurred through much of the Survey Area prior to the May 2008 survey.

As many bird and bat species are dependent on the availability of permanent and or seasonal surface water supplies, there is a need to minimise the impacts of the proposed dewatering and discharge activities associated with the proposed mining activities. These impacts can include modification and/or interruption of existing natural drainage habitats such as creeks resulting from development of mine pits, placement of waste rock dumps, construction of access and haul roads or other infrastructure. Dewatering of mine pits may result in major changes to natural surface water levels and water quality and there may be contamination of surface and/or ground water from chemical or hydrocarbon spills, or excessive runoff from waste rock dumps. Apart from the direct impacts listed above there may also be secondary impacts if there is subsequent impact on adjacent vegetation. As mentioned earlier some animals require water, but the majority does not. However, the provision of additional, permanent water sources has the potential to increase the number of introduced predators and herbivores that do require surface water and this will have an impact on both the fauna (directly from predators) and the habitat (from increased grazing). There is also the potential for additional water sources to change the breeding habits of some native species, in particular, frogs and large kangaroos.

A range of management strategies for reducing the impact of mine development on fauna are given in the report and include minimising the removal of vegetation, rapid rehabilitation of areas no longer required for development or maintenance, management of introduced predators and education of the work force on the significance of native fauna.

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Figure 1 Map showing Project Area 1 and location of fauna sampling sites during 2005 (EA sites – ecologia) and 2008 (HD sites - Ninox). See Table 2 for explanation of vegetation codes.

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2 INTRODUCTION

This document reports on the vertebrate and short range endemic (SRE) invertebrate fauna results from a survey within the proposed Hope Downs 4 mining area including the proposed village site (hereafter called Project Area 1) which is situated approximately 30k north-west of Newman in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The survey was based on two sampling periods which ran from 6 to 13 May and 12 to 18 September 2008 following a data and literature review of published information on the fauna of the general area (Ninox Wildlife Consulting 2008). The climate, landforms, vegetation and soils have been described in detail in Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd (2008) and have not been repeated in this current document. However, a summary of the plant communities sampled for fauna has been provided in Table 2.

A report prepared by ecologia Environment (2005) on the vertebrate fauna of the East Angelas Project Area (which overlaps the Hope Downs 4 Project Area – see Figure 1) has been used to supplement the results and discussion of the vertebrate fauna of the area.

3 DEFINITION OF TERMS

A full description of terms that define fauna species of conservation significance is given in Appendix 1. A summary of Australian Government and Western Australian Acts is set out below, as is an additional listing by the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).

While some animals are present on all World, Australian Government and State lists, their classification may differ. This is mainly a result of each animal’s distribution so that, for example, an animal may be endangered in Western Australia but relatively common in other States. In addition, the status of rare, threatened or vulnerable species is a dynamic process, with intensive field surveys and taxonomic reviews providing information that may result in a species being added or removed from these lists. For example, recent taxonomic work has resulted in the small marsupial carnivore known as the Mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda), which was listed under both Australian Government and State Acts, being separated into two species. The Western Australian species, the Brush-tailed Mulgara (Dasycercus blythi) is not listed under either Act.

3.1 Protected Species - Australian Government

The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) administers the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC). There are six parts to this Act covering species that are:

1. extinct; 2. extinct in the wild; 3. critically endangered; 4. endangered;

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5. vulnerable; 6. conservation dependent.

DEWHA also administers international treaties as discussed below.

A range of birds are listed under the Japan-Australia (JAMBA), China-Australia (CAMBA) and Republic of Korea/Australia (ROKAMBA) Migratory Bird Agreements. The main aim of these international agreements is to protect migratory birds and their breeding and/or feeding habitats.

3.2 Protected Species - Western Australia

Currently in Western Australia, rare or endangered species are protected by the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC) administered by DEC, The various schedules defined under this act are:

 Declared Threatened Fauna - fauna that is ranked as presumed extinct, critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable;  Conservation Dependent Fauna; and  Other Specially Protected Fauna.

3.3 Priority Species - Western Australia

The DEC Priority Fauna List does not confer any additional legal protection to the species listed, apart from the normal protection afforded to most native animals. It does, however, indicate the need for vigilance during the construction and commissioning of mining or other development projects to ensure that Priority species, should they occur, do not meet the IUCN Criteria for listing on the Threatened Species List. The Priority Fauna List classifies species as:

 Priority 1 - taxa with few, poorly known populations on threatened lands.  Priority 2 - taxa with few, poorly known populations on conservation lands.  Priority 3 - taxa with several, poorly known populations, some on conservation lands.  Priority 4 - taxa in need of monitoring.  Priority 5 - taxa in need of monitoring.

3.4 Significant Fauna Habitats

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Australia-wide, a small number of Threatened Ecological Communities (TEC) has been defined under Australian Government legislation. These TEC’s are usually described in flora and vegetation reports as they may not be relevant to vertebrate fauna. However, while not defined under any legislation, other fauna habitats within a project area may be defined as locally significant because they:

 support rare or vulnerable species;  support specialised or habitat specific fauna;  are regionally or locally uncommon; or  are restricted in area.

Although not protected under any State or Australian Government legislation, in the interests of good project management, where possible, conservation of such locations within a project area will provide the basis for the fauna component of an environmental management plan to be put in place for the duration of a project.

3.5 Other Classification

The following paragraph has been extracted from the The World Conservation Union (IUCN) which aims to assess the conservation status of species, subspecies, varieties and even selected subpopulations on a global scale in order to highlight taxa threatened with extinction, and therefore promote their conservation.

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species provides taxonomic, conservation status and distribution information on taxa that have been globally evaluated using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. This system is designed to determine the relative risk of extinction, and its main purpose is to catalogue and highlight those taxa that are facing a higher risk of global extinction (i.e. those listed as Critically Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable). The IUCN Red List also includes information on taxa that are categorized as Extinct or Extinct in the Wild; on taxa that cannot be evaluated because of insufficient information (i.e. are Data Deficient); and on taxa that are either close to meeting the threatened thresholds or that would be threatened were it not for an ongoing taxon-specific conservation programme (i.e. are Near Threatened).

There are a number of animals that are shown on the IUCN Red List that are not listed on any Australian Government or State Act. The IUCN Red List does not confer any additional protection over and above that provided to Australia’s native animals.

4 NOMENCLATURE, TAXONOMY AND DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS

The following literature sources have been used to discuss nomenclature, taxonomy and fauna distribution patterns in this report:

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Birds: Barrett et al. (2003); Johnstone & Storr (1998 and 2004); Storr, G.M. (1984). Mammals: Van Dyck &Strahan (2008). Bats: Churchill (1998) Amphibians: Tyler et al. (2000). Reptiles: Cogger (1992); Storr et al. (1983; 1990; 1999; and 2002); Wilson & Swann (2008).

Other, more recent, taxonomic revisions have been used when applicable. These are noted in text and are listed in References. In particular, the recent revision of two species has resulted in 18 new being added to the State’s list (Smith and Adams 2007, and Horner 2007).

Several authors including Thompson and Thompson (2002) and How (1998) discuss the need for extensive sampling in both temporal and spatial scales in order to more fully document the biodiversity of the fauna of an area. In addition, Cowan and How (2004) conclude that short-term studies infrequently encounter threatened and/or rare ground-dwelling vertebrate fauna species and therefore do not provide adequate information to assist land managers. As only a relatively small percentage of the vertebrate fauna species that could occur within Hope Downs 4 Project Area 1 are likely to have been recorded during May 2008, with supplementary information from ecologia (2005) taken into account, the list of animals that could potentially occur has been constructed from a wide range of sources. While some of the survey areas are fairly distant from Hope Downs 4, many of the habitats surveyed are similar. The literature and data search included both Australian Government and State databases including DEWHA, DEC and the Western Australian Museum (WAM).

5 STUDY OBJECTIVES

The Pilbara is a region with a diverse range of vertebrate and invertebrate fauna including several endemic species. Therefore, the main study objectives of the survey were to:

 prepare an inventory of the vertebrate and SRE fauna recorded in the Hope Downs 4 Project Area;  compare the results to the list of species that could potentially occur in the Project Area;  review vertebrate and SRE fauna considered to be rare, threatened, vulnerable, geographically restricted, or those that occur as an outlier population;  assess the status of introduced and feral animals, both predators and herbivores, through the Project Area;  assess the relationships between vertebrate fauna and the vegetation communities of the project area in order to clearly identify any habitats of significance;  assess the regional and local conservation status, both at the species and ecosystem levels, of the project area;  based on all the above, assess the potential impact of mining on the fauna; and  develop strategies for the environmental management of these species and their habitats.

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5.1 Study Limitations

The results described in this report are based on two seasonal surveys undertaken in May and September 2008. However, the results from an earlier survey of the East Angelas Project Area (ecologia 2005) which overlaps with the current survey area (Figure 1), have supplemented the information provided in this report. While the species recorded during 2005 have been used in the Ninox document, the ecologia report does not show the number of individuals captured or observed or, in the case of birds, the habitat in which this group was recorded. Some of the habitats sampled during this earlier survey, such as minor creeklines, were not sampled during 2008 because of a recent fire that had occurred, making the habitat unsuitable for sampling as the results would have been relatively poor. This limits any direct comparisons that can be made between the sampling sessions.

Some of the issues that could have affected the Ninox results and thus limited the choice of sampling locations included noise from current drilling activity which could have had an impact, especially on bird sampling; a recent fire through parts of the area and, habitat disturbance from an extensive network of tracks on the ridges and upper slopes of the hills.

Experience throughout Western Australia has shown that without sampling in several seasons and over several years, compiling a complete inventory of small mammals, amphibians and reptiles is not possible. However, there are a range of procedures used to maximise capture rates in the shorter term and several current techniques were used during this survey and are described in detail in Section 6.

While the use of bat echolocation call recorders (Anabats) enhances the range of bat species recorded, a small number of species cannot be distinguished by this method. In addition, harp traps are limited in where they can be usefully placed and rarely capture high-flying species, therefore it is unlikely that all of the bats known to occur in the region have been recorded by these two methods.

6 METHODS

The Ninox team members were:

Ninox Principal Jan Henry Survey leader and senior zoologist

Team members Greg Harold Assisting zoologist Maureen Francesconi Senior ornithologist Kevin Fairbairn Assisting ornithologist John Francesconi Senior SRE specialist Claire Bailey Assisting SRE specialist

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The survey was carried out to a Level 2 Detailed Survey as defined in Environmental Protection Authority (2004) under DEC License Number SF006146.

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Survey leader, Jan Henry, has completed work in the Pilbara region between 1985 and 2007 as follows:

• Mount Channar mining area near Paraburdoo (Hamersley Iron). • Yandicoogina rail spur line, Mount Newman (Hamersley Iron). • Mount Samson, Brockman 2 & Section 10, Tom Price (Hamersley Iron). • Brockman Detritals, near Tom Price (Hamersley Iron). • Proposed tailings dam sites, Tom Price (Hamersley Iron). • North Deposit, near Tom Price (Hamersley Iron). • Vertebrate fauna survey: Marandoo Iron Ore project ERMP (Hamersley Iron). • Extensions to Leslie Salt evaporation ponds. • Hedland HBI Project - Boodarie Site (BHP Billiton). • Central Pilbara iron ore mine & alternative rail corridors (Hamersley Iron). • Ruth Well Project Area, Karratha (Fox Resources). • Whundo Project Area, Karratha (Fox Resources). • Golden Eagle Project Area, Nullagine (Wedgetail Exploration). • Golden Gate Project Area, Nullagine (Wedgetail Exploration). • Assessment of the distribution of the DEC Priority 4 skink nigrilineatus: Golden Eagle Project Area (Wedgetail Exploration). • Cape Lambert Iron Ore Project Area, north-east of Karratha (Cape Lambert Iron Ore Pty Ltd).

The following table shows the daily temperatures and rainfall for Newman during the course of the May and September 2008 sampling session at Hope downs 4.

Table 1 Minima and maxima temperatures experienced during the fauna survey at Project Area 1 in May and September 2008.

Date 6 May 7 May 8 May 9 May 10 May 11 May 12 May 13 May 14 May Average Min 17.1 16.3 13 12 11.3 9.5 10.1 8.9 12.8 12.3 Max 34 32.9 32.1 30.9 29.7 30.4 30.1 30 28.5 30.9 Rainfall 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Date 12 Sept 13 Sept 14 Sept 15 Sept 16 Sept 17 Sept 18 Sept 19 Sept 20 Sept Average Min 14.4 16.5 10.6 11.6 11.3 15.9 12.9 13.2 14.2 12.3 Max 31.8 27.6 31.2 29.7 33.8 32.7 29.8 30.4 31.8 31.0

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Rainfall 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

6.1 Fauna Habitats

Table 2 lists the four major plant communities based on the dominant landforms which were assessed using six fauna sampling sites during this survey within Project Area 1. The following descriptions have been provided by Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd (2008). Photographs of each site are provided in

Plate 1 to Plate 6.

While it was planned to re-open the ecologia trapline set in a small creekline (ecologia site 1 on Figure 1), a recent fire had had a major impact on the vegetation and melted several of the pitfall traps. Experience at the Abydos-Woodstock Reserve in the eastern Pilbara (How et al. 1991) showed that a fire through that survey area had eliminated the small mammal assemblage and that the number of species and individual reptiles had declined markedly. Therefore, it was decided that other, unburnt habitats would provide more successful and therefore realistic results.

Table 2 List of systematic sampling sites within Project Area 1, their corresponding plant community code and a brief description of the vegetation. The coordinates provided are in GDA94 format.

Rio Tinto Code / Fauna Mattiske Plant Site Description Easting Northing Community Code Code Hummock Grassland of Triodia wiseana with emergent SE Eucalyptus socialis, Eucalyptus trivalva and Corymbia (Spinifex with hamersleyana over Acacia tenuissima, Petalostylis labicheoides, Eucalypts) HD01 Santalum lanceolatum, Senna artemisioides subsp. oligophylla x 762 375 7 440 045 / helmsii, Rulingia luteiflora, Acacia bivenosa, Acacia X1 inaequilatera, Acacia maitlandii (narrow form) and a range of annual species on calcrete soils on mid to upper slopes. Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia with pockets of Triodia basedowii and Triodia pungens with emergent Corymbia RR hamersleyana, Eucalyptus gamophylla, Eucalyptus leucophloia (Ridges & over var. aneura, Acacia pruinocarpa, Acacia Ranges) HD02 758 580 7 438 075 rhodophloia, Codonocarpus cotinifolius, Psydrax latifolia and / Grevillea berryana over Acacia adoxa var. adoxa, Acacia arida, S1 Acacia tenuissima, Acacia tetragonophylla, Acacia bivenosa, Acacia distans, Acacia hilliana, latrobei and

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Rio Tinto Code / Fauna Mattiske Plant Site Description Easting Northing Community Code Code Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii over range of annual species on gravely soils on lower slopes. Hummock Grassland of Triodia basedowii, Triodia aff. wiseana and Triodia epactia with emergent Acacia pruinocarpa, Acacia HD03 inaequilatera, Corymbia deserticola subsp. deserticola, Corymbia 759 070 7 437 345 RR hamersleyana, Eucalyptus leucophloia and Eucalyptus (Ridges & gamophylla over Eremophila latrobei, Acacia adoxa var. adoxa, Ranges) Acacia arida, Acacia bivenosa, Eremophila exilifolia, Acacia / spondylophylla, Acacia ancistrocarpa, Acacia bivenosa, Acacia S2 HD06 inaequilatera, Acacia hilliana, Indigofera monophylla and a range 764 490 7 437 040 of annual species on gravelly soils on mid and upper slopes of small ranges. Low Woodland to Low Open Forest of Acacia aneura var. aneura, Acacia pruinocarpa, Acacia catenulata subsp. HD04 occidentalis, Acacia rhodophloia, Grevillea berryana with an 757 940 7 437 340 MG (Mulga occasional emergent Eucalyptus leucophloia and Eucalyptus Groves) gamophylla over Psydrax latifolia, Keraudrenia nephrosperma, / Acacia distans, Eremophila fraseri, Acacia tetragonophylla, M1 HD05 Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii, Solanum lasiophyllum over 756 870 7 439 980 Chrysopogon fallax, Triodia pungens and Triodia epactia and a range of annual species on sandy-loam flats and broad plains.

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Plate 1 Fauna sampling site HD01.

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Plate 2 Fauna sampling site HD02.

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Plate 3 Fauna sampling site HD03.

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Plate 4 Fauna sampling site HD04.

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Plate 5 Fauna sampling site HD05.

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Plate 6 Fauna sampling site HD06.

6.2 Vertebrate Fauna

Six individual sampling sites were established in the four dominant plant communities within Project Area 1. One team of two personnel was required to efficiently monitor the number of traplines established. One person was responsible for clearing traplines, identification, marking and safe release of animals; the second conducted systematic bird sampling which was carried out concurrently with trapline monitoring.

Mammals, Amphibians and Reptiles: six traplines were established which consisted of ten pitfall traps (15 litre plastic drums) bisected across the top by 10 metres of flywire drift fence 300mm high. Custom-made plastic inserts ensured that small vertebrates could not escape from the pitfall traps and gave shade during hot conditions (

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Plate 7). The lid of each plastic drum was also used to provide additional shade. Surface traps in each site consisted of 10 medium Elliott box traps and two cage traps that were placed in association with the pitfall traps. Two additional 10 metre fence lines in each sampling location included two flywire funnel traps each. Figure 2 shows a diagram of the trapline layout.

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Figure 2 Diagrammatic layout of vertebrate fauna trapline used in the survey of Project Area 1 during May and September 2008.

Plate 7 Pitfall trap with custom-made insert.

Traplines were monitored over six consecutive nights during each survey (6 - 11 May and 13 to 18 September 2008 inclusive) and were checked each morning. A grid reference (GDA94) was recorded at trap 1 in each sampling location to enable trapline positions to be accurately mapped (Figure 1).

Captured animals were identified and details of trapping location and method, sex, age and reproductive status were recorded on field data sheets. The animals were released near their point of capture as soon as practicable. Small mammals received a fur clip on the rump prior to release in order to confirm recapture data.

Bats: bats were sampled by means of a ‘harp trap’ set for six nights in a small creekline and also by the use of two Anabat ultrasonic call detectors. The resulting recordings were analysed and compared with known calls to identify the species present. Bat echolocation analysis of resulting data was undertaken by K. Armstrong of Specialised Zoological who provided two reports which are consistent with the minimum standards recommended by the Australasian Bat

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Society in terms of the transparency of the identification process. This included presentation of parameter summaries derived from echolocation pulses, a representative call for each species, and a description of the reference library used. The Anabats were placed in a range of locations over several nights during each survey. In addition, one unit was placed at Eagle Rock Pool, the only source of permanent water in the current survey area; however, all of the surrounding hills had recently been burnt with only the most mature trees having any foliage remaining. The two Specialised Zoological reports have been summarised in this report and provided in full as Appendix 2 and Appendix 3.

Birds: during each sampling period the second team member searched the surrounding plant community in order to record all birds utilising the habitat. The observer moved slowly through each habitat for approximately 45 minutes each day, identifying and counting all bird species seen and heard. Recording commenced during the peak bird activity period immediately following dawn. Sampling times in the various locations were rotated to minimise variations in weather and the peak activity periods of birds. The resulting data allows for statistically valid comparisons to be made between the various habitats.

While systematically monitoring a site over a set number of days, it is inevitable that some birds will be recorded on several occasions. Examples are highly territorial birds such as Fairy-wrens, inquisitive species such as Grey Fantails which sometimes follow the observer, nesting birds or flocking species such as cockatoos and Tree Martins which may remain in a localised area for an extended period. This over-recording unavoidably results in an exaggerated figure of relative abundance for some species. To overcome this difficulty, the daily data from the six sites were scanned to ascertain the specific day in each season when the highest number of individuals for each species in every site was recorded. The total for this day was selected as being a reliable index of the relative abundance of birds on a site-by-site and seasonal basis.

Birds were also recorded opportunistically while team members travelled between sites and while participating in other activities such as setting out the Anabat in various locations, and sampling for invertebrates.

6.3 Short Range Endemic Invertebrates (SREs)

Prior to the field survey, discussions were held with Dr Mark Harvey and Ms Shirley Slack-Smith of the Western Australian Museum (WAM) in order to identify the target group of potential short range endemic invertebrate taxa in the Hope Downs 4 project area. The following groups were identified for targeted sampling:

 mygalomorph  myriopods (particularly millipedes)  scorpions  pseudoscorpions  terrestrial molluscs (and aquatic if suitable habitat located)

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Within each of the six vertebrate fauna trapping sites, one 10m x 10m quadrat was searched systematically for 20 to 30 minutes per day at varying times of day over a period of five days during the May 2008 sampling period. Table 3 shows the type of sampling and duration within each vertebrate fauna trapping site. These quadrats were chosen as the most likely habitat for the targeted SREs within the vertebrate fauna trapping sites. Search techniques included:

 intensive ground searches;  digging and collection of mygalomorph spiders;  hand searching of various microhabitats;  searching under various suitable vegetation, rocks, bark etc;  searching through vegetation litter and soils.

When a scorpion burrow was located, a small pitfall trap was placed immediately outside and left in place until the scorpion was captured.

At the end of the survey period litter samples were collected from each of the six vertebrate fauna trapping sites. Approximately 500ml of leaf litter and surface soils was collected and returned to the Perth laboratory for sorting. Litter and soils were sieved and then spread in a thin layer in a petri-dish and examined with a stereo microscope for micro specimens of the target taxa.

At the end of each day SRE field staff sorted the day’s capture into groups and prepared the specimens to the requirements of the WAM.

Each day during the vertebrate fauna pitfall trap inspections a check was done for the invertebrate SRE ‘bycatch’. No invertebrate wet pit trapping was undertaken during the survey.

Other sampling included searches within the habitat surrounding each vertebrate fauna trapline. These searches were mainly done during afternoons following preliminary sorting of specimens collected during the morning’s activity. Durng the September survey a more free-ranging approach was taken to more fully sample the area surrounding each trapline and to ensure that the most likely micro-habitats were adequately searched for this group of animals. In addition, opportunistic sampling was undertaken at Eagle Rock Falls, pool and creekline (Plate 8), and within an extensive Mulga woodland south of site HD06.

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Plate 8 Eagle Rock Falls - opportunistic sampling area

Table 3 SRE search sites and duration – May and September 2008. The coordinates provided are in GDA94 format.

Single Quadrat Opportunistic Soil & leaf Site 10m x 10m areas within vertebrate fauna Easting Northing litter sorting (5 days) sampling sites (7 days) HD01 120 minutes 270 minutes 90 minutes 762 375 7 440 045 HD02 140 minutes 300 minutes 90 minutes 758 580 7 438 075 HD03 including 120 minutes 3105 minutes 180 minutes 759 070 7 437 345 ridge & gullies

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HD04 100 minutes 390 minutes 90 minutes 757 940 7 437 340 HD05 120 minutes 270 minutes 90 minutes 756 870 7 439 980 HD06 120 minutes 270 minutes 90 minutes 764 490 7 437 040 Eagle Rock Pool - 1080 minutes 90 minutes 764 482 7 442 734 Mulga grove - 300 minutes 90 minutes 764 338 7 437 050 720 minutes 5985 minutes 720 minutes Total Time 12 hrs 99.75 hrs 12 hrs

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7 RESULTS

7.1 Native Mammals

The literature and data review revealed 41 native mammals, including 17 bats, have been recorded in the more eastern portion of the Pilbara region (Appendix 4). Of these, six non-volant mammals were recorded during the May survey and seven during September, (Table 4). Overall, four species of small carnivores were captured, with the most common being the small marsupial Kaluta (Dasykaluta rosamundae). Three individuals were captured in site HD02 and HD06 during May and one individual was captured in site HD06 in September. Both HD02 and HD06 had the dense, intricate maze of spinifex habitat required by this animal. No native rodents were captured but large, active, pebble-mounds constructed by the Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) were noted in sites HD03 and HD06. Large kangaroos were extremely uncommon with only three Red Kangaroos (Macropus rufus) and two Euros (Macropus robustus) observed; however scats were noted in all sites. Scats of a large carnivore, probably the Dingo, but possibly a dog/dingo hybrid, were noted.

Table 4 List of native mammal species recorded during the May and September 2008 field survey of Project Area 1. (OP - results from opportunistic sampling, including Anabat results - designated with an X; S - signs such as scats, tracks or diggings etc, counted as one individual.)

Sampling Site Code HD01 HD02 HD03 HD04 HD05 HD06 OP NATIVE MAMMALS Trip Number 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 DASYURIDAE Dasykaluta rosamondae Kaluta 3 3 1 Ningaui timealeyi Pilbara Ningaui 1 1 1 Planigale maculata Common Planigale 2 Sminthopsis ooldea Ooldea Dunnart 1 MACROPODIDAE Macropus robustus Euro 1 1 Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo 1 2 MOLOSSIDAE Chaerephon jobensis 1Northern Freetail-bat X? Tadarida australis White-striped Mastiff-bat X EMBALLONURIDAE Saccolaimus flaviventris 1Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat X Taphozous georgianus Common Sheathtail Bat X VESPERTILIONIDAE Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat 2 + X Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat X

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Nyctophilus sp. Unidentified Long-eared Bat X Scotorepens greyi Little Broad-nosed Bat X Vespadelus finlaysoni Inland Cave Bat X MURIDAE Pseudomys chapmani Western Pebble-mound Mouse S S S S CANIDAE Canis lupus dingo Dingo S S S S No. of Species per Trip 1 0 1 3 2 1 1 2 0 0 4 3 1 Total Number of Species (16) 1 4 4 3 0 4 Abundance per Trip 1 0 3 4 2 3 1 2 0 0 9 3 Total Abundance 1 7 5 3 0 12

1 –Echolocation calls not always distinguishable.

Seven species of bat were identified with confidence from the echolocation calls recorded by the Anabat during 2008. One of these species, Gould’s Wattled- bat (Chalinolobus gouldii) was captured in the harp trap which was set in a small gully close to camp (758 595mE and 7 439 800mN). One additional species of bat may also be present based on the calls which were not identified with similar confidence levels as the previous seven. In some instances the calls of the Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris) could not be distinguished from the Northern Freetail-bat (Chaerephon jobensis). Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 provide full reports from Specialised Zoological on the results from the Anabat recordings for each of the seasonal surveys.

The following table (Table 5) compares the results from East Angelas in June 2005 (ecologia 2005) and this 2008 survey of the Hope Downs 4 Project Area 1. Please note that the abundance of individuals cannot be used in this comparison as numbers are not provided in the ecologia report. While it was intended that the creekline sampled during 2005 would be assessed again during the September 2008 survey, it had been extensively burnt between 2005 and 2008 with little regrowth of vegetation and several of the pitfall traps had melted; therefore this site was not sampled with a trapline. However, while neither the creekline nor rocky gully habitat was systematically sampled during the 2008 survey, the Anabat was placed in these locations during May and September 2008.

Table 5 List of native mammal species recorded during the 2005 and 2008 field surveys of East Angelas/Project Area 1 (NS = not systematically sampled

Mulga Rocky HABITAT Creekline Woodland Hill/Gully SURVEY 2005 2008 2005 2008 2005 2008 NATIVE MAMMALS NS DASYURIDAE

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Mulga Rocky HABITAT Creekline Woodland Hill/Gully SURVEY 2005 2008 2005 2008 2005 2008 Dasykaluta rosamondae Kaluta X X Ningaui timealeyi Pilbara Ningaui X X Planigale maculata Common Planigale X Sminthopsis macroura Stripe-faced Dunnart X X Sminthopsis ooldea Ooldea Dunnart X MACROPODIDAE Macropus robustus Euro X X Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo X X MOLOSSIDAE Chaerephon jobensis Northern Freetail-bat ?X ?X ?X Tadarida australis White-striped Mastiff-bat X EMBALLONURIDAE Taphozous georgianus Common Sheathtail Bat X X X Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat X X X VESPERTILIONIDAE Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat X X X Scotorepens greyi Little Broad-nosed Bat X X X Vespadelus finlaysoni Inland Cave Bat X X X X MURIDAE Pseudomys chapmani Western Pebble-mound Mouse X X Pseudomys desertor Mouse X Pseudomys hermannsburgensis Sandy Inland Mouse X X Zyzomys argurus Common Rock-rat X CANIDAE Canis lupus dingo Dingo X Number of Species (19) ?6 ?11 ?18

The Common Planigale (Planigale maculata – a species undergoing taxonomic revision) was also captured in June 2005 and three specimens vouchered for the Western Australian Museum. However, the ecologia (2005) report does not show in which habitat these animals were trapped. This species was captured during September 2008 bringing the total to 19 native mammal species now known to occur in the areas sampled for fauna.

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While it appears from Table 5 that the rocky hills and gullies have the highest diversity of native mammals, this is most likely a result of the intensity of sampling. For example, six traplines have been located in this habitat during the three sampling sessions compared to the creekline which had only one in one survey. In addition, ecologia (2005) states that it was not possible to undertake sampling with the Anabat due to prevailing weather conditions, so these results are from 2008 only.

All three of the Pilbara endemic mammals discussed in Ninox Wildlife Consulting (2008) were recorded in this survey. These are discussed below.

 The Kaluta (Dasykaluta rosamondae) is widespread throughout the Pilbara region, where it inhabits areas of mature and unburnt clumps of spinifex on various substrates (Woolley 2008) that provide adequate shelter. Six individuals were recorded in May 2008; three in site HD02 and three in site HD06. The three females captured showed no signs of breeding activity. Only a single sub-adult specimen was captured during September 2008 at site HD06. Also recorded by ecologia in June 2005.  The Pilbara Ningaui (Ningaui timealeyi) is also widespread through the Pilbara region where it inhabits dense to mid-dense hummock grassland, mainly along drainage lines and runoff areas (Menkhorst and Knight 2001). Two individuals were captured in May 2008; one in site HD01 and one in site HD03. The single female captured showed no signs of breeding activity. One adult male was captured in September 2008 in site HD04. This species was not recorded by ecologia in June 2005.  The Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) constructs large pebble-mounds wherever suitable habitat is present, generally on hills where pebbles of the right size for them to carry are present. Although none was captured in either sampling period, active mounds constructed by this native mouse were recorded in sites HD03 and HD06. Also recorded during June 2005, although it is not stated if individuals were captured or if pebble-mounds only were noted. The Western Pebble-mound Mouse is listed as P4 on the Priority list compiled by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).

In total, three species of native mammal species of conservation significance have been recorded, an additional two have a moderate to high probability of occurring within Hope Downs 4 Project Area 1, and a further six have a low to moderate probability. Table 13 shows those species that have been recorded, those that are highly likely to occur based on habitat preferences, and those that are less likely to occur based on the information gathered during the data and literature review.

7.2 Amphibians

Eight species of frog have been recorded in the eastern portion of the Pilbara (Appendix 5) but none was recorded during either of the seasonal surveys undertaken in 2008. Eagle Rock Pool is a permanent source of water in the 2008 Hope Downs 4 survey area but no frogs were recorded during opportunistic sampling there. One was recorded in woodland by ecologia in June 2005: Main’s Frog (Cyclorana maini).

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There are no frogs of particular conservation significance likely to occur within the Hope Downs 4 Project Area 1, and no species are endemic to the Pilbara region.

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7.3 Reptiles

Appendix 5 lists 120 species of reptile that have been recorded in the eastern portion of the Pilbara region. Nineteen species were recorded during the May survey and 22 during September with a total of 29 species now known to occur within the HD4 Project Area 1 (Table 7). This total was made up of four dragons, five , four legless , 11 skinks, two monitors, one python and two elapid (venomous) . Of these 29 species, only 16 were common to both sampling periods; 10 reptile species were added during trip 2 and seven species recorded in May were not recorded in September.

Table 6 List of reptile species recorded during the May and September 2008 field survey of Project Area 1. SURVEY REPTILE SPECIES May September Dragons Caimanops amphiboluroides X X c. caudicinctus X X Lophognathus longirostris X X Pogona m. minor X X Geckos savagei X Diplodactylus stenodactylus X variegata X X Nephrurus w. wheeleri X Strophurus wellingtonae X X PYGOPODIDAE Legless Lizards Delma haroldi X Delma tincta X Lialis burtonis X Pygopus n. nigriceps X SCINCIDAE Skinks Carlia munda X X Carlia triacantha X Ctenotus duricola X Ctenotus affin. helenae X Ctenotus pantherinus ocellifer X X Ctenotus rutilans X X

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SURVEY REPTILE SPECIES May September Ctenotus saxatilis X Ctenotus schomburgkii X X Lerista muelleri X Lerista zietzi X Tiliqua multifasciata X X VARANIDAE Monitors Varanus acanthurus X X Varanus bushi X BOIDAE Pythons Aspidites melanocephalus X Venomous Snakes Acanthophis wellsi X Vermicella snelli X 19 22 Number of Species 29

Table 7 shows that the most abundant reptiles were the dragon Ctenophorus c. caudicinctus (71 individuals) and the skink Ctenotus pantherinus ocellifer (44 individuals). Many of these were juvenile or young sub-adult specimens. Thirteen species were represented by single individuals, mainly relatively uncommon legless lizards and monitors.

Table 7 List of reptile species recorded during the May and September 2008 field survey of Project area 1. (OP - results from opportunistic sampling.)

SAMPLNG SITE CODE HD01 HD02 HD03 HD04 HD05 HD06 OP # SAMPLING PERIOD NUMBER 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 AGAMIDAE Dragons Caimanops amphiboluroides 3 3 6 Ctenophorus c. caudicinctus 4 7 4 4 4 12 4 1 17 14 71 Lophognathus longirostris 3 1 1 1 1 7 14 Pogona m. minor 1 1 2 1 1 1 7 GEKKONIDAE Geckos Diplodactylus savagei 1 1 Diplodactylus stenodactylus 1 1

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SAMPLNG SITE CODE HD01 HD02 HD03 HD04 HD05 HD06 OP # SAMPLING PERIOD NUMBER 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 Nephrurus w. wheeleri 1 1 Strophurus wellingtonae 1 2 1 1 5 Gehyra variegata 1 3 1 11 16 PYGOPODIDAE Legless Lizards Delma haroldi 1 1 Delma tincta 1 1 Lialis burtonis 1 1 Pygopus n. nigriceps 1 1 SCINCIDAE Skinks Carlia munda 1 3 1 1 1 3 1 11 Carlia triacantha 1 1 Ctenotus duricola 1 1 Ctenotus affin. helenae 2 3 7 12 Ctenotus pantherinus ocellifer 4 1 4 4 5 1 4 9 7 5 44 Ctenotus rutilans 2 1 1 4 Ctenotus saxatilis 2 1 4 1 8 Ctenotus schomburgkii 2 2 1 5 Lerista muelleri 1 1 2 Lerista zietzi 1 1 Tiliqua multifasciata 1 1 1 1 3 7 VARANIDAE Monitors Varanus acanthurus 1 1 2 Varanus bushi 1 1 BOIDAE Pythons Aspidites melanocephalus 1 1 ELAPIDAE Venomous Snakes Acanthophis wellsi 2 2 Vermicella snelli 1 1 No. of Species per Trip 4 8 8 6 7 9 10 5 9 4 5 6 Total Number of Species (29) 9 11 11 12 10 8 Abundance per Trip 12 16 16 12 15 21 21 10 36 20 25 19 Total Abundance 28 28 36 31 56 44

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Four sites had between 10 and 12 species of reptile, with the maximum being recorded from site HD04, a mulga woodland/forest site on sandy loam flats. The remaining two sites, HD01 and HD06, had eight and nine species respectively. However, site HD06 had a high abundance of individuals with 44, mainly juvenile dragons (Ctenophorus c. caudicinctus). Site HD05 had the highest abundance of reptiles with 56 individuals; one dragon, one and two skink species being particularly abundant.

There is a high degree of variability between the results from the two surveys with three sites having more species in September than in May and the remaining three having fewer species. A similar result is apparent in the abundance of individuals with two sites having a greater abundance in September than in May and the remaining four sites having a lower abundance. Table 1 shows that temperatures during each sampling session were very similar with averages over the period of sampling almost identical.

The following table compares the results from East Angelas in June 2005 (ecologia 2005) and this current survey of the Hope Downs 4 Project Area 1. As stated in the previous section, the abundance of individuals cannot be used in Table 8 as numbers are not provided in the former report.

Table 8 List of reptile species recorded during the 2005 and 2008 field surveys of East Angelas/ Project Area 1 (NS = not systematically sampled).

Mulga Rocky HABITAT Creekline Woodland Hill/Gully SURVEY 2005 2008 2005 2008 2005 2008 REPTILES NS AGAMIDAE Dragons Caimanops amphiboluroides X X Ctenophorus c. caudicinctus X X X X X Lophognathus longirostris X X Pogona m. minor X X X GEKKONIDAE Geckos Diplodactylus savagei X Diplodactylus stenodactylus X Nephrurus w. wheeleri X Strophurus wellingtonae X X Gehyra punctata X X Gehyra variegata X X X X Heteronotia binoei X X X Strophurus wellingtonae X X X X PYGOPODIDAE Legless Lizards Delma haroldi X X

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Mulga Rocky HABITAT Creekline Woodland Hill/Gully SURVEY 2005 2008 2005 2008 2005 2008 Delam nasuta X X Delma tincta X Lialis burtonis X X X Pygopus n. nigriceps X SCINCIDAE Skinks Carlia munda X X X X X Carlia triacantha X Cryptoblepharus sp.1 ( revision since survey) X Cryptoblepharus sp.2 (Genus revision since survey) X X Ctenotus duricola X Ctenotus affin. helenae X X X Ctenotus pantherinus ocellifer X X X Ctenotus rutilans X X Ctenotus saxatilis X X X X Ctenotus schomburgkii X Cyclodomorphus melanops X X X Egernia depressa X X Lerista muelleri X Lerista neander X Lerista zietzi X X Menetia greyi X X Menetia surda X Morethia ruficauda exquisita X Tiliqua multifasciata X X VARANIDAE Monitors Varanus acanthurus X X X Varanus bushi X Varanus gilleni X X Varanus tristis X Blind Snakes Ramphotyphlops grypus X

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Mulga Rocky HABITAT Creekline Woodland Hill/Gully SURVEY 2005 2008 2005 2008 2005 2008 BOIDAE Pythons Aspidites melanocephalus X ELAPIDAE Venomous Snakes Acanthophis wellsi X Vermicella snelli X Number of Species (36) 12 27 35

Twenty-eight species of reptile were recorded by ecologia during June 2005 with 16 species being added to the site inventory by Ninox during May and September 2008; these included one dragon, four geckos, two legless lizards, five skinks, one monitor, one python and two elapid snakes. However, there were a large number of reptiles recorded during 2005 that were not recorded during 2008; these included two geckos, one legless , eight skinks, two monitors and one blind (Table 8). The difference between the reptile results from the three surveys to date illustrate the natural variability between sampling periods, with daily maxima and minima temperatures, humidity, availability of food resources and breeding success (survival of young) all combining to influence the capture rate of reptiles.

Eight of the 26 species of Pilbara endemic reptile species listed on Appendix 5 were recorded during the 2008 surveys: two geckos (Diplodactylus savagei and Nephrurus wheeleri cinctus); three skinks (Ctenotus duricola, Ctenotus rutilans and Lerista zeitzi); one monitor (Varanus bushi) and two snakes: the Pilbara Death Adder (Acanthophis wellsi) and the Pilbara Bandy Bandy (Vermicella snelli). Two additional Pilbara endemic skinks were recorded during June 2005: Lerista neander and Menetia surda (ecologia 2005).

Three reptiles of conservation significance are known to occur in the Pilbara region and are discussed in Section 8.0. One of these, the Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceous barroni), has been recorded in Rhodes Ridge camp, approximately 20km west of the current survey area; the remaining two species have a moderate to high probability of occurring in Project Area 1. Table 13 shows those species that have been recorded, those that are highly likely to occur based on habitat preferences, and those that are less likely to occur based on the information gathered during the data and literature review.

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7.4 Birds

A total of 160 birds (88 Non- and 72 Passerines) are listed in Appendix 6 as being known to occur in the eastern Pilbara. Of these, 66 species were recorded during the two surveys during both systematic and opportunistic sampling (Table 10). Forty-six species were recorded during May and 55 during September 2008, this latter number included some of the migratory species such as the cuckoos. Nine species observed in May were not seen in September, but 10 species were added to the area inventory during this second survey.

Table 9 List of bird species recorded during the May and September 2008 field survey of Project Area 1. SURVEY BIRD SPECIES May September ARDEIDAE Ardea pacifica White-necked Heron X ACCIPITRIDAE Hamirostra melanosternon Black-breasted Buzzard X Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite X Aquila morphnoides Little Eagle X Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle X X FALCONIDAE Falco berigora Brown Falcon X X Falco cenchroides Australian Kestrel X Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon X OTIDIDAE Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard X X TURNICIDAE Turnix velox Little Button-quail X COLUMBIDAE Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing X X Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon X Geophaps plumifera Spinifex Pigeon X Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove X X PSITTACIDAE Cacatua roseicapilla Galah X Platycercus zonarius Australian Ringneck X

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SURVEY BIRD SPECIES May September Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar X CUCULIDAE Cuculus pallidus Pallid Cuckoo X Chrysococcyx basalis Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo X STRIGIDAE Ninox novaeseelandiae Boobook Owl X X CAPRIMULGIDAE Eurostopodus argus Spotted Nightjar X AEGOTHELIDAE Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar X HALCYONIDAE Dacelo leachii Blue-winged Kookaburra X X Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher X MEROPIDAE Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater X X MALURIDAE Malurus splendens Splendid Fairy-wren X X Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren X Malurus leucopterus White-winged Fairy-wren X X Stipiturus ruficeps Rufous-crowned Emu-wren X X Amytornis striatus Striated Grasswren X PARDALOTIDAE Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote X X ACATHIZIDAE Pyrrholaemus brunneus Redthroat X Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill X X Gerygone fusca Western Gerygone X X Acanthiza apicalis Broad-tailed Thornbill X X Acanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill X X MELIPHAGIDAE Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater X Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater X X

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SURVEY BIRD SPECIES May September Lichenostomus keartlandi Grey-headed Honeyeater X X Lichenostomus plumulus Grey-fronted Honeyeater X Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater X Melithreptus gularis Black-chinned Honeyeater X Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner X X Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater X X PETROICIDAE Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin X Petroica cucullata Hooded Robin X X POMATOSTOMIDAE Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler X Pomatostomus superciliosus White-browed Babbler X X PACHYCEPHALIDAE Oreoica gutturalis Crested Bellbird X X Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler X X Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush X X DICRURIDAE Rhipidura fuliginosa Grey Fantail X Rhipidura albicauda White-tailed Fantail X X Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail X X Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark X X CAMPEPHAGIDAE Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike X X Lalage tricolor White-winged Triller X Artamus personatus Masked X Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow X X Artamus minor Little Woodswallow X X CRACTICIDAE Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird X X Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird X X CORVIDAE

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SURVEY BIRD SPECIES May September Corvus orru Torresian Crow X SYLVIIDAE Eremiornis carteri Spinifexbird X X DICAEIDAE Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird X PASSERIDAE Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch X X 46 55 Number of Species 66

Thirteen of the species listed above were only recorded opportunistically and have not been used in any analysis of the data, although one of these, the Peregrine Falcon, is of conservation significance and is discussed in Section 8. Also of conservation significance and discussed in Section 8 is the Autralian Bustard which was observed in both surveys.

Appendix 6 shows that 10 species of parrot are known to occur in the general area but only three have been observed to date in Project Area 1 and only seven of the possible 16 species of birds of prey that could occur have been recorded.

Table 10 shows that 52 of the 66 bird species now known to occur within Project Area 1 were recorded in the systematic sampling sites, with a maximum of 29 species being recorded in site HD10 and a minimum of 19 species in two sites (HD03 and HD05). The species that made up these totals within sites varied between trips, for example, 21 species were recorded in site HD06 in May, 19 in September, but 29 species have been observed in this site overall. Another example is in site HD02 where 14 species were recorded in each sampling session but 21 species have been observed there overall.

Only one bird, the Singing Honeyeater (Lichenostomus virescens), was recorded in all of the six sites in both seasons, although another common species, the Zebra Finch, was absent from site HD03 in May. Ten species were only recorded in single sites in one survey; these were the Whistling Kite, Little Button- quail, Striated Grasswren, Grey-fronted and Black-chinned Honeyeaters, Red-capped Robin, Grey Fantail, White-winged Triller and Masked Woodswallow. While uncommon during this study, none of these birds are of particular conservation significance.

The three species of wren recorded in site HD06 were unusual in that the rocky hills habitat does not usually support species such as the White-winged Fairy- wren (Malurus leucopterus) or Rufous-crowned Emu-wren (Stipiturus ruficeps), both of which normally inhabit vegetation lower in the landscape. A large proportion of country on the lower slopes and adjacent loamy flats had recently been burnt and had apparently forced these birds to move upslope into unburnt country.

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Table 10 List of bird species recorded during the May and September 2008 field survey of Project Area 1. Numbers are derived from the highest daily count for each species in each site. (OP - results from opportunistic sampling.)

Sampling Site Code HD01 HD02 HD03 HD04 HD05 HD06 OP Bird Species Trip Number 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 ARDEIDAE Ardea pacifica White-necked Heron X ACCIPITRIDAE Hamirostra melanosternon Black-breasted Buzzard 2 X Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite 1 Aquila morphnoides Little Eagle X Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle 1 2 X FALCONIDAE Falco berigora Brown Falcon 3 1 1 1 X Falco cenchroides Australian Kestrel X Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon X OTIDIDAE Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard 2 1 X TURNICIDAE Turnix velox Little Button-quail 1 COLUMBIDAE Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing 1 1 1 1 X Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon 1 2 Geophaps plumifera Spinifex Pigeon X Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove 3 3 2 2 1 2 2 2 X PSITTACIDAE Cacatua roseicapilla Galah 3 7 X Platycercus zonarius Australian Ringneck X Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar 2 4 4 CUCULIDAE Cuculus pallidus Pallid Cuckoo 1 1 Chrysococcyx basalis Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo 1 STRIGIDAE Ninox novaeseelandiae Southern Boobook X

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Sampling Site Code HD01 HD02 HD03 HD04 HD05 HD06 OP Bird Species Trip Number 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 CAPRIMULGIDAE Eurostopodus argus Spotted Nightjar X AEGOTHELIDAE Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar X HALCYONIDAE Dacelo leachii Blue-winged Kookaburra X Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher X MEROPIDAE Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater 1 2 2 X MALURIDAE Malurus splendens Splendid Fairy-wren 3 7 7 Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren 2 3 6 5 4 Malurus leucopterus White-winged Fairy-wren 6 3 Stipiturus ruficeps Rufous-crowned Emu-wren 2 1 Amytornis striatus Striated Grasswren 4 PARDALOTIDAE Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote 1 1 ACATHIZIDAE Pyrrholaemus brunneus Redthroat 1 Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill 6 10 2 2 6 4 4 4 2 4 X Gerygone fusca Western Gerygone 1 1 1 1 1 X Acanthiza apicalis Broad-tailed Thornbill 1 2 Acanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill 2 3 X MELIPHAGIDAE Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater 2 1 1 Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater 1 6 4 6 1 1 1 2 2 12 4 2 X Lichenostomus keartlandi Grey-headed Honeyeater 1 4 2 3 2 2 Lichenostomus plumulus Grey-fronted Honeyeater 1 Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater X Melithreptus gularis Black-chinned Honeyeater 3 Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner 2 9 5 1 Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater 1 1 2 2 2 8 X

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Sampling Site Code HD01 HD02 HD03 HD04 HD05 HD06 OP Bird Species Trip Number 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 PETROICIDAE Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin 2 Petroica cucullata Hooded Robin 2 1 3 POMATOSTOMIDAE Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler 4 Pomatostomus superciliosus White-browed Babbler 4 2 PACHYCEPHALIDAE Oreoica gutturalis Crested Bellbird 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler 1 1 2 2 1 2 8 2 1 2 X Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 X DICRURIDAE Rhipidura fuliginosa Grey Fantail 1 Rhipidura albicauda White-tailed Fantail 1 2 X Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 X Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark 1 X CAMPEPHAGIDAE Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 2 3 1 1 2 X Lalage tricolor White-winged Triller 7 ARTAMIDAE Artamus personatus Masked Woodswallow 1 Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow 2 2 2 1 5 X Artamus minor Little Woodswallow 2 5 CRACTICIDAE Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird 1 1 1 1 1 Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird 1 1 1 1 1 1 CORVIDAE Corvus orru Torresian Crow X SYLVIIDAE Eremiornis carteri Spinifexbird 1 1 2 1 DICAEIDAE Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird X PASSERIDAE

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Sampling Site Code HD01 HD02 HD03 HD04 HD05 HD06 OP Bird Species Trip Number 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch 10 15 20 6 6 6 4 4 2 17 3 X No. of Species per Trip 16 17 14 14 13 16 18 19 8 16 21 19 Total Number of Species 24 21 19 27 19 29 Index of Abundance per Trip 35 58 46 35 25 38 42 54 18 41 60 49 Total Index of Abundance 93 81 63 96 59 109

Table 10 shows the index of abundance, calculated on the highest daily count for each species in each site. Four of the six sites had a greater abundance of birds during September than in May but the remaining two sites (HD02 and HD06) had a lower abundance in September.

Site HD06 had the greatest number of birds with 109 made up of 60 birds in May and 49 in September. While very similar habitat to site HD06, site HD03 had a relatively low abundance with only 63 birds (25 in May and 38 in September). Site HD04 and HD01 had the next highest abundance with 96 and 93 individuals respectively (HD04 with 42 in May/54 in September and HD01 with 35 in May and 58 in September). Site HD05 had the lowest species richness and also the lowest abundance of individuals with only 59 (18 in May and 41 in September) with the increase in spring mainly due to two species of honeyeater (Singing and Spiny-cheeked).

Table 11 has been constructed from ecologia (2005) and the results from these current surveys. Only presence/absence data within the survey areas have been shown as the ecologia report does not designate the habitat in which birds were recorded. However, the list shows that 76 species of bird have been recorded in the three surveys. Fifty-three were recorded in June 2005 and 66 in these current surveys. However, nine species that were observed in June 2005 were not seen during either May or September 2008 and 23 were observed in either May or September 2008 that were not recorded in June 2005. This possibly illustrates the differences in habitats sampled; for example, during the survey of Hope Downs 4 Project Area 2 (infrastructure corridor), 29 out of 37 species were observed in a single sampling site which was a major creekline (Ninox Wildlife consulting in prep.). The extensive area that had been burnt prior to the 2008 survey, including the creekline sampled by ecologia in 2005, and the normal fluctuations in bird populations as they move between areas in response to the availability of food resources, are also likely to account for some of the differences in results between the 2005 and 2008 surveys.

Table 11 List of bird species recorded during the June 2005 and May/September 2008 field survey of East Angelas/ Project Area 1.

June Sept/May BIRDS 2005 2008 ARDEIDAE Ardea pacifica White-necked Heron X ACCIPITRIDAE Hamirostra melanosternon Black-breasted Buzzard X X

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June Sept/May BIRDS 2005 2008 Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite X X Accipiter cirrhocephalus Collared Sparrowhawk X Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk X Aquila morphnoides Little Eagle X X Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle X X FALCONIDAE Falco berigora Brown Falcon X X Falco cenchroides Australian Kestrel X X Falco peregrines Peregrine Falcon X OTIDIDAE Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard X TURNICIDAE Turnix velox Little Button-quail X COLUMBIDAE Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing X X Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon X X Geophaps plumifera Spinifex Pigeon X X Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove X X PSITTACIDAE Cacatua roseicapilla Galah X Platycercus zonarius Australian Ringneck X X Platycercus varius Mulga Parrot X Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar X CUCULIDAE Cuculus pallidus Pallid Cuckoo X Chrysococcyx basalis Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo X STRIGIDAE Ninox novaeseelandiae Boobook Owl X PODARGIDAE Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth X CAPRIMULGIDAE Eurostopodus argus Spotted Nightjar X

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June Sept/May BIRDS 2005 2008 AEGOTHELIDAE Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar X X HALCYONIDAE Dacelo leachii Blue-winged Kookaburra X Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher X MEROPIDAE Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater X X MALURIDAE Malurus splendens Splendid Fairy-wren X X Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren X X Malurus leucopterus White-winged Fairy-wren X X Stipiturus ruficeps Rufous-crowned Emu-wren X Amytornis striatus Striated Grasswren X PARDALOTIDAE Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote X X ACATHIZIDAE Pyrrholaemus brunneus Redthroat X X Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill X X Gerygone fusca Western Gerygone X Acanthiza apicalis Broad-tailed Thornbill X X Acanthiza robustirostris Slaty-backed Thornbill X Acanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill X X MELIPHAGIDAE Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater X X Certhionyx variegatus Pied Honeyeater X Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater X X Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater X X Lichenostomus keartlandi Grey-headed Honeyeater X X Lichenostomus plumulus Grey-fronted Honeyeater X Melithreptus gularis Black-chinned Honeyeater X X Phylidonyris albifrons White-fronted Honeyeater X Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner X X

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June Sept/May BIRDS 2005 2008 Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater X X PETROICIDAE Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin X Petroica cucullata Hooded Robin X X POMATOSTOMIDAE Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler X Pomatostomus superciliosus White-browed Babbler X X PACHYCEPHALIDAE Oreoica gutturalis Crested Bellbird X X Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler X X Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush X X DICRURIDAE Rhipidura fuliginosa Grey Fantail X X Rhipidura albicauda White-tailed Fantail X Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail X X Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark X X CAMPEPHAGIDAE Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike X X Coracina maxima Ground Cuckoo-shrike X Lalage tricolor White-winged Triller X ARTAMIDAE Artamus personatus Masked Woodswallow X Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow X X Artamus minor Little Woodswallow X CRACTICIDAE Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird X X Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird X X Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie X CORVIDAE Corvus orru Torresian Crow X X PTILONORHYNCHIDAE Ptilonorhynchus guttata Western Bowerbird X

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June Sept/May BIRDS 2005 2008 SYLVIIDAE Eremiornis carteri Spinifexbird X DICAEIDAE Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird X X PASSERIDAE Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch X X No. of Species (76) 53 66

Three of the birds shown in Table 11 are of conservation significance: Peregrine Falcon; Australian Bustard and Rainbow Bee-eater. These birds are discussed in detail in Section 8.0. Table 13 shows those species of conservation significance that have been recorded (three species), those that are highly likely to occur based on habitat preferences (four species), and those that are less likely to occur (nine species) based on the information gathered during the data and literature review.

7.5 Short Range Endemic Invertebrates

A report on the invertebrate fauna and their status as SREs from the Hope Downs 4 Project Area has been prepared by M. Harvey and V. Framenau (spiders, scorpions, millipedes and pseudoscorpions), and C. Whisson and S. Slack-Smith (snails) of the Western Australian Museum. Their reports have been summarised here and are presented in full in Appendix 7, Appendix 8 and

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Appendix 9.

Harvey (2002) examined the issue of short-range endemism in the Australian invertebrate fauna, and series of major groups were nominated as having a very high proportion of individual species that satisfied a certain set of criteria that characterise SREs. The main criterion nominated for inclusion as an SRE was that the species had a naturally small range of less than 10,000 km2. Harvey (2002) found that those species possessed a series of ecological and life-history traits, including:

• poor powers of dispersal; • confinement to discontinuous habitats; • usually highly seasonal, only active during cooler, wetter periods; and • low levels of fecundity.

The Western Australian fauna contains a number of SRE taxa, including millipedes, land snails, trap-door spiders, some pseudoscorpions, slaters, and onychophorans.

Scorpions, trapdoor spiders and pseudoscorpions were collected during May and September 2008 and Table 12 summarises the data shown in Appendix 7, Appendix 8 and

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Appendix 9 listing potential SRE’s that were collected in Hope Downs 4 Project Area 1.

One species of scorpion (Lychas `multipunctatus`) was collected by Ninox personnel in the proposed Hope Downs 4 mining area (Project Area 1) and examined by Harvey and Framenau. This was represented by a single specimen collected in camp and was not identified as an SRE.

The three mygalomorph spiders collected from Project Area 1 in May 2008 represented two individuals from the genus Cethegus (species unknown); a juvenile was collected from site HD06 and a female from HD04; the third individual was from the genus Gnaphosidae (unknown species) which was represented by a male from site HD02. One additional species from the genus Synothele (species unknown) was collected during September 2008 in site HD03. None of these mygalomorph spiders is considered an SRE.

Twenty specimens representing three Families of pseudoscorpion were collected from Project Area 1 in May 2008 (Appendix 7). One specimen of Afrosternophorus (unknown species) was collected from site HD01; three individuals of pseudoscorpion Synsphyronus ‘sp. nov. paradoxus were collected from site HD03 and 15 from HD06; one specimen of Haplochernes (unknown species) was collected from site HD01. Many species of Synsphyronus may represent SRE’s (Harvey 1987), but these are generally found in ground habitats such as under rocks. Five pseudoscorpion specimens representing two Families were collected during September 2008 (Appendix 8): three individuals of the genus Oratemnus were collected between HD03 (gully) and Eagle Rock Falls; one individual of the genus Beieropium was also collected from HD03 (gully) and one individual of the genus Indolpium was also collected from HD03 (gully).

All of the pseudoscorpion specimens collected by Ninox personnel in May were found under the bark of eucalypts; the tree-dwelling species tend to be much more widely distributed, and are not short-range endemics. Those collected in September were all found under rocks. Harvey and Framenau (Appendix 7 and Appendix 8) consider that none of the pseudoscorpions collected at Hope Downs 4 Project Area 1 are SRE’s.

Table 12 Summary table of results of the collection of potential SRE invertebrate fauna from Project Area 1 during May and September 2008.

INVERTEBRATE FAMILY GENUS SPECIES SITE

TYPE SEX SRE SPECNUM MAY 2008 Scorpions Buthidae Lychas `multipunctatus` HD4 Camp F 1 N Spiders Dipluridae Cethegus HD06 J 1 N Dipluridae Cethegus HD04 F 1 N Gnaphosidae HD02 M 1 N Pseudoscorpions Sternophoridae Afrosternophorus HD01 - 1 N

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INVERTEBRATE FAMILY GENUS SPECIES SITE

TYPE SEX SRE SPECNUM Garypidae Synsphyronus `sp. nov. paradoxus gp, 8/1` HD06 MF 2 N Chernetidae Haplochernes HD01 F 1 N Garypidae Synsphyronus `sp. nov. paradoxus gp, 8/1` HD03 MF 3 N Garypidae Synsphyronus `sp. nov. paradoxus gp, 8/1` HD06 MF 13 N Snails Subulinidae Gastrocopta cf. mussoni HD04 - 8 N SEPTEMBER 2008 Scorpions Buthidae Lychas `bituberculatus gp` HD02 - 1 N Buthidae Lychas `Pilbara sp. 1` HD02 - 1 N Buthidae Lychas `harveyi group` HD05 - 1 N Buthidae Lychas `harveyi group` HD05 - 1 N Spiders Barychelidae Synothele `near karara` HD03 - 1 N Pseudoscorpions Atemnidae Oratemnus Eagle R. F - 1 N Atemnidae Oratemnus HD03 gully - 2 N Olpiidae Beierolpium HD03 gully - 1 N Olpiidae Indolpium HD03 gully - 1 N Millipedes Pachybolidae Austrostrophus `sp.` HD03 F 1 N Pachybolidae Austrostrophus `sp. (fragment)` Eagle R. F - 1 N Polyxenidae HD03 gully - 1 N Snails Pupillidae Pupoides cf. beltianus Eagle R. F - - N Pupillidae Pupoides pacificus Eagle R. F - - N Pupillidae Pupoides cf. lepidulus Eagle R. F - - N Pupillidae Gastrocopta ?larapinta Eagle R. F - - N Subulinidae Eremopeas interioris Eagle R. F - - N Lymnaeidae Austropeplea sp. c.f. A. lessoni Eagle R. F - - N Leichhardtia sp. Eagle R. F - - N

While only one genus of millipede (Gastrocopta) was collected during May (eight individuals), two specimens of the genus Austrostrophus and one individual of an unidentified genus in the Family Polyxenidae were collected in September.

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The report on land snails collected during May 2008 is presented in

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Appendix 9. Five adult and three juvenile micro snails were found in site HD04 after sorting through litter and soil samples. These samples consisted of approximately 500ml of soil and litter per site and were examined in the laboratory in Perth using 12 to 20 X magnification. Only one species of snail was found (Gastrocopta cf. mussoni) and Whisson and Slack-Smith state that they have no reason to believe that, at the species level, these snails exhibit any degree of short range endemicity, as all are believed to belong to species that occupy wide geographic ranges.

The results from September 2008 are presented in Appendix 10. All of the specimens were found during opportunistic sampling at Eagle Rock Falls. Five genera were represented but only two species could be identified with confidence (Table 12). The report presented in Appendix 10 does not show the number of specimens recovered from direct sampling or found within the litter samples collected by Ninox in September 2008. However, Whisson and Slack-Smith state that none of the specimens collected during this time showed any degree of short range endemicity and all are believed to occupy wide geographic ranges (Appendix 10).

7.6 Introduced or Feral Species

Nine introduced or feral species of mammal are listed in

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Appendix 11 as having been recorded in the eastern section of the Pilbara region. These include one rodent, three carnivores and five herbivores. However, only one, the feral Cat (Felis catus) was recorded during the survey with one animal being seen in site HD03 and fresh footprints noted in site HD04. This species was also recorded during June 2005 (ecologia 2005) as was the House Mouse (Mus musculus) which was recorded in creekline and rocky hillside habitats.

It is also possible that the Dingo scats listed in Table 4 were from a dog/Dingo hybrid.

8 PROTECTED SPECIES

As part of the background data and literature review (Ninox 2008a), a search of Australian Government and State fauna databases was conducted for fauna species that could be present in the Hope Downs Project Area and that are listed under the Australian Government EPBC Act 1999, the Western Australian WC Act 1950 or DEC’s Priority Fauna list (Appendix 12 and Appendix 13). Eleven native mammals, three reptiles and 16 birds resulted from this search. All of these are discussed in Table 13 with notes on their presence or likely occurrence in Project Area 1. Five of these animals are also considered to be Pilbara endemics. Two mammals that are listed on the IUCN Red List but not on either Australian Government or State legislation are also discussed.

The results of the data search have been updated in this current document to include results from the ecologia 2005 survey and the two Ninox 2008 surveys. The potential occurrence of species that could occur in Project Area 1 has been revised.

In order to clarify the potential occurrence of species of conservation significance within Project Area 1, the following definitions of the categories used in Table 13 include:

Unlikely – has not been recorded in the general area or preferred habitat is not present; Low – has not been recorded in the general area in the recent past; Moderate – has been recorded in the general area and/or preferred habitat is present; Seasonally High – a seasonal migrant or nomadic species that has a widespread distribution and/or has been recorded in close proximity to Project Area 1; High – has been recorded in close proximity to the Project Area 1 and/or preferred habitat is present; Recorded – has been recorded within Project Area 1 by Ninox (2008) or ecologia (2005).

The definitions are relatively broad and have been supported by the judgement of Ninox personnel as to whether the habitats present within Project Area 1 will support the species listed in Table 13. The references given in Section 4 have also assisted with ecological notes.

In order to place some of the judgements into a regional and/or local perspective, the results from a search of DEC’s rare fauna database (Appendix 13) has been used to show the closest locality and date that species have been recorded. However, it must be recognised that this listing has limitations in that not all records are included in the database.

In addition to the DEC listing, a more precise search of WAM records for those species listed on Schedule 1 or Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation Act recorded since 1980 was undertaken. The location and date of recording of these species are shown in Table 14 and are mapped in Figure 4.

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Table 13 List of species protected under the EPBC Act 1999, the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 or listed on DEC’s Priority Fauna list. Species within animal groups are listed in order of conservation status. (Those species recorded during the 2005 or 2008 surveys have been highlighted in bold text.)

DEC list: DEC IUCN EPBC WC Pilbara date & Potential to SPECIES Priority COMMENTS Red List 1999 1950 Endemic locality Occur # (Appendix 13) Native Mammals Listed in both Appendix 12 and Appendix 13; currently, colonies of this species are uncommon and scattered in a variety of habitats, 1997 Macrotis lagotis Schedule 1 mainly in the central desert areas, including Acacia shrublands and Low to Vulnerable Vulnerable Mulga Downs Bilby Threatened hummock grasslands, both of which occur within Project Area 1. Moderate Station Several occurrences of this species were reported in Davis et al. (2005) within the Cloud Break tenement. Listed in both Appendix 12 and Appendix 13; this small, beautiful bat has very stringent roost requirements including very hot and humid conditions. Churchill (1998) states that they require between 28 to 32oC and 96 to 100% relative humidity. Deep caves and mines which Rhinonicteris aurantia Schedule 1 have these conditions may support colonies of this bat. The 2006 Low to (unnamed Pilbara form) Vulnerable Vulnerable Yes Threatened distribution of Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bats is dependent upon the Nullagine Moderate Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat availability of roosting sites rather than any particular habitat type. There appears to be two strongholds for this species: the eastern and western Pilbara (Armstrong 2008). No suitable roosting areas for this bat were located during the ecologia or Ninox surveys. Listed in both Appendix 12 and Appendix 13; ecologia (2005) report that this marsupial has been recorded at Yarrie/Goldsworthy and Dasyurus hallucatus Schedule 1 1989 Low to Lower Risk Vulnerable within the Whaleback Mine area. Its preferred habitat includes rocky Northern Quoll Endangered Marble Bar Moderate outcrops and eucalypt woodlands. The most suitable habitat occurs in the Eagle Rock Falls area. Listed in Appendix 13; this highly agile rock-wallaby never ventures far from the rocky hills it inhabits where it shelters in rocky crevices Petrogale lateralis during the day, although it may be seen basking on rocks in the sun Schedule 1 1975 Black-footed Rock-wallaby Vulnerable during cool weather. Identification of this species is difficult due to Moderate Vulnerable Newman (Black-flanked Rock-wallaby) the highly variable fur colour and markings. A similar rock-wallaby species (Petrogale rothschildi) and an unidentified species were noted in ecologia (2005). Listed in Appendix 13; this small macropod occurs patchily within the Lagorchestes conspicillatus Pilbara region, occupying areas where large clumps of spinifex 2001 Lower Risk P3 Low Spectacled Hare-wallaby provide shelter. Not recorded in any recent surveys in the eastern Panorama Pilbara region.

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DEC list: DEC IUCN EPBC WC Pilbara date & Potential to SPECIES Priority COMMENTS Red List 1999 1950 Endemic locality Occur # (Appendix 13) More commonly associated with breakaways and scree slopes in the , this small, marsupial carnivore had not been recorded in the Pilbara region since 1940. However, one specimen was located Sminthopsis longicaudata in typical rocky scree slope habitat during a biological survey of the Low to P3 Not shown Long-tailed Dunnart Mt Channar area in 1984 (Ninox Wildlife Consulting 1985). Moderate Subsequently this species has been located in various locations through the Pilbara region, the Gascoyne and mid-west. Suitable habitat occurs throughout the hills and ranges of Project Area 1. Listed in Appendix 13; this large, carnivorous, white bat roosts in both shallow and deep caves and has been found in abandoned mine shafts. Although widely distributed, colonies of this bat are scattered in a variety of habitats as diverse as the arid Pilbara and the tropical Macroderma gigas 2006 Low to Vulnerable P4 rainforests of Queensland (Richards et al. 2008). ecologia (2005) Ghost Bat Marble Bar Moderate state that their preferred habitat in the Pilbara region are caves beneath bluffs of low rounded hills composed of Marra Mamba geology and granite rockpiles. As for the Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat, their presence is determined by the availability of suitable roosting sites. This small, native mouse is known from the Kimberley and Pilbara regions in Western Australia, although there may be some doubt as to the actual identification of this animal in this State. It is thought that Leggadina lakedownensis Low to Lower Risk P4 populations fluctuate widely in response to seasonal climatic Not shown Lakeland Downs Mouse Moderate conditions and the availability of seed. Very few records exist in the vicinity of Newman and Hope Downs but it was recorded during the Biota (2005) survey of the FMG Stage B rail corridor and mine areas. More common in the spinifex/sandplain areas of the desert east of the Pilbara, this native rodent was recorded by ecologia (2005) in Recorded Pseudomys desertor rocky hill slopes in the East Angelas survey. One specimen was Lower Risk Not shown ecologia Desert Mouse captured during the survey of the Option 1 infrastructure 2005 corridor (Ninox 2008c). Likely to be found in spinifex areas in Project Area 1. Listed in Appendix 13; this small rodent is common in suitable habitat in the Pilbara region. Although difficult to trap, the Recorded identification of active pebble-mounds is straightforward. Active ecologia Pseudomys chapmani and inactive mounds were recorded by Ninox Wildlife Consulting 2008 P4 Yes 2005 Pebble-mound Mouse although no animals were trapped. The Mattiske botanical team Newman & has also recorded active and inactive mounds during their flora Ninox 2008 and vegetation survey within the Hope Downs 4 Project Area. See Figure 3.

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DEC list: DEC IUCN EPBC WC Pilbara date & Potential to SPECIES Priority COMMENTS Red List 1999 1950 Endemic locality Occur # (Appendix 13) This relatively large bat is widespread in the northern half of the State, foraging for food over most habitats. It roosts in tree Saccolaimus flaviventris hollows but will also use burrows of other species if no trees are Recorded Lower Risk Not shown Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat available (Menkhorst and Knight 2001). Recorded during the Ninox 2008 survey although not all of the echolocation calls could be positively identified (Appendix 2). REPTILES Listed in both Appendix 12 and Appendix 13; the Pilbara Olive Python prefers to inhabit areas where prey species congregate; pools in creeks or rocky ranges are particularly favoured. They have 2004 discrete home ranges although during June and July, males may travel Newman Liasis olivaceus barroni Schedule 1 long distances to locate females for breeding (Burbidge 2004). The Vulnerable Yes High Pilbara Olive Python Vulnerable Pilbara Olive Python was observed at the Rhodes Ridge camp by the 2008 botanical team during their preliminary survey of the Hope Downs 4 Rhodes Ridge Project Area. A photograph was sent to J. Henry of Ninox for Camp confirmation of the identification. Eagle Rock Falls, pool and creekline comprise the most likely habitat for this python. Listed in Appendix 13; this small skink was once known only from Ctenotus nigrilineatus Meenthena and Woodstock Stations, it has recently been located near 1990 P1 Yes Moderate Skink (no common name) Nullagine and there is an unconfirmed record from Hope Downs Marble Bar (Rapallo 2006). Listed in Appendix 13; this blind snake is known from widely separated localities between Newman and Pannawonica (Wilson & 1995 Ramphotyphlops ganei Swann 2008). Thought to prefer moist gorges and gullies, therefore P1 Yes Cathedral Moderate Blind Snake (no common name) Eagle Rock Falls pool and creekline may be the most likely habitat for Gorge this blind snake although suitable small gullies and creeklines occur throughout Project Area 1 (see Figure 1). BIRDS Listed in both Appendix 12 and Appendix 13; formerly patchily distributed in northern and inland Australia, this parrot is presumed extinct throughout most of its range. This nocturnal parrot was Pezoporus occidentalis Critically Endangered Critically recorded during the Cloud Break survey (Davis et al. 2005) with three 2005 Low Night Parrot Endangered Migratory Endangered individuals being observed on 12/4/05. This is a highly significant Mulga Downs sighting as there have been no confirmed reports of this bird in W.A since the 1930s. Spinifex grasslands and chenopod shrublands around salt lakes appear to be the preferred habitat of this parrot.

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DEC list: DEC IUCN EPBC WC Pilbara date & Potential to SPECIES Priority COMMENTS Red List 1999 1950 Endemic locality Occur # (Appendix 13) Listed in Appendix 12; while spending the summer and most of the Apus pacificus autumn in Australia, Fork-tailed Swifts are almost entirely aerial. Seasonally Not shown Fork-tailed Swift They feed and sleep on the wing, sometimes occurring in extremely High large flocks. Caladrius acuminata JAMBA Sharp-tailed Sandpiper CAMBA Caladrius subminuta ROKAMBA These trans-equatorial shorebirds may occur seasonally if flooding Long-toed Stint Low to occurs in low-lying areas. May also occur in the vicinity of Eagle Not shown Tringa nebularia Moderate Rock Pool. Common Greenshank Tringa hypoleucos

Common Sandpiper Listed in Appendix 12; this large white egret occurs in a range of Ardea alba JAMBA wetland habitats including floodwaters, rivers, estuaries and inter-tidal Low to Not shown Great Egret CAMBA mudflats. May occur in the vicinity of Eagle Rock Pool; seasonal Moderate flooding in low-lying areas may also attract this bird. Caladrius ruficollis JAMBA

Red-necked Stint ROKAMBA May occur in the vicinity of Eagle Rock Pool; seasonal flooding in Low to Not shown Caladrius melanotos low-lying areas may attract these birds. Moderate JAMBA Pectoral Sandpiper Listed in Appendix 12; these birds are summer migrants to southern Australia but may be resident in the north. They prefer Merops ornatus lightly wooded country, near water and preferably with sandy Recorded JAMBA Not shown Rainbow Bee-eater soils suitable for their breeding burrows, i.e. soils that are easy to Ninox 2008 excavate but firm enough to support burrows. Recorded during the survey. This bird of prey occurs Australia-wide and has no particular Falco peregrinus habitat preference although it has adapted to nesting and roosting Recorded Schedule 4 Not shown Peregrine Falcon on the artificial ‘cliffs’ in abandoned mine pits and on city Ninox 2008 buildings. Recorded during the survey. Listed in Appendix 13; known from the northern half of Australia, this Falco hypoleucos Near 1997 P4 scarce bird of prey appears to be nomadic and may be more frequently Moderate Grey Falcon Threatened Nullagine observed in lightly wooded country and riverine plains. Listed in Appendix 13; this large bird is widespread throughout Ardeotis australis Near Australia with the exception of densely forested areas. It inhabits 2008 Recorded P4 Australian Bustard Threatened a range of habitats and is highly nomadic. Recorded during the Newman Ninox 2008 survey.

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DEC list: DEC IUCN EPBC WC Pilbara date & Potential to SPECIES Priority COMMENTS Red List 1999 1950 Endemic locality Occur # (Appendix 13) Listed in Appendix 13; this unusual bird occurs in the Kimberley, Pilbara and the western half of the rest of the State. It appears to prefer Burhinus grallarius Near 2005 Moderate to P4 lightly wooded country, often with a ground surface of stones or Bush Stone-curlew Threatened Nullagine High pebbles. Introduced predators are thought to have had a major impact on this ground-dwelling species. Listed in Appendix 13; this finch occurs mainly in association with Neochmia ruficauda Near waterside vegetation along creeks and rivers but may be observed in 2008 Low to P4 Star Finch Threatened irrigated crops. Could occur in the vicinity of Eagle Rock Falls, pool Newman Moderate and creek. Known mainly from the Pilbara, Gascoyne and Murchison regions, Lacustroica whitei there are scattered records in the Western Australian Goldfields and Moderate to P4 Not shown Grey Honeyeater northern portions of the Wheatbelt. This bird prefers Acacia scrub, High particularly mulga communities. May be nomadic.

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Figure 3 Map showing the location and activity level of pebble mounds constructed by the Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) in Project Area 1.

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Table 14 Species, record origin (Department of Environment & Conservation or WA Museum), date of record, number of records and location of species listed as Schedule 1 or Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation Act (1950).

# of Status & Species DEC WAM Date Location Lat. Long. Records SCHEDULE 1 1900 1 X Nullagine 21.56 120.07 1980 1 1959 1 X 1988 Marble Bar 1 21.10 119.44 1989 1 X 1988 Chichester N. P. 1 21.35 117.04 Dasyurus hallucatus X 1990 Woodstock 1 21.35 118.59 Northern Quoll X 1989 Woodstock 1 21.32 119.09 X 1989 Woodstock 2 21.35 118.59 X 1988 Millstream 1 21.39 117.03 X 1988 Woodstock 1 21.40 119.02 X 1999 1 24.19 120.15 X 1980 Chichester Range 1 22.24 119.32 1962 1 X Marble Bar 21.10 119.44 1969 1 Macrotis lagotis X 1997 Mulga Downs Station 1 22.06 118.28 Bilby X 1997 Mulgal Homestead 1 22.17 119.3 X 1980 Woodstock Station 2 21.40 119.02 Petrogale l. lateralis X 1975 Newman 3 23.21 119.43 Black-flanked Rock-wallaby X 1975 Mount Newman 1 23.14 119.51 1981 50 X Klondyke 21.13 119.51 1994 5 Rhinonicteris aurantius X 2006 Panorama Station 32 20.57 119.15 Orange Leaf-nosed Bat X 2006 Marble Bar 12 21.10 119.44 X 2006 Nullagine 2 21.56 120.07 X 1999 Mount Vernon Hmsd 1 24.13 118.14 X 1998 Bamboo Creek Mine 1 21.54 120.12 X 1995 Marandoo 1 22.44 117.51 Pezoporus occidentalis X 2005 Mulga Downs 3 22.06 118.28 Night Parrot 1975 1 X Newman 23.21 119.43 2004 1 Liasis olivaceus barroni X 1980 Hmsd 1 22.47 119.14 Pilbara Olive Python X 1999 Tom Price 2 22.42 117.47 X 1988 Woodstock St 1 21.37 119.01

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Figure 4 Species, date of record and location of species listed as Schedule 1 or Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation Act (1950).

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In summary, three native mammal and three bird species of conservation significance have been recorded in Project Area 1. These are:

• the Desert Mouse (Pseudomys desertor): listed as Lower Risk on the IUCN Red List; • the Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani): listed as P4 on DEC’s Priority Fauna List; • the Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris): listed as Lower Risk on the IUCN Red List (not positively identified from echolocation calls); • the Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus): listed on JAMBA; • the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus): listed on Schedule 4 of the WC Act 1950; • the Australian Bustard (Ardeotis australis): listed as P4 on DEC’s Priority Fauna List.

While not recorded within the proposed mining area, the Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceus barroni) was recorded by the botanical team approximately 20km to the west at Rhodes Ridge camp. The Pilbara Olive Python is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act 1999 and Schedule 1 of the WC Act 1950. This python is also a Pilbara endemic species.

9 DISCUSSION

9.1 Native Mammals

With the combination of the June 2005 results from East Angelas (ecologia 2005) and those from this 2008 survey, a total of 15 native mammals are known to occur in Project Area 1; these consist of four small dasyurid marsupials, two large kangaroos, seven bats, one rodent and one large carnivore. It also includes three Pilbara endemic mammals.

Appendix 4 shows that when compared to other surveys for proposed mining developments in the Pilbara region, the native mammal results are similar, with 11 species being recorded in May 2004 from Mesa A and Mesa G near Pannawonica (Biota 2005) and 17 from Cloud Break (Davies et al. 2005).

Twenty-four native mammal species were recorded in nine sampling sessions between March 1988 and October 1990 in the Abydos-Woodstock Reserve. These consisted of one monotreme, nine small dasyurid marsupials, one bandicoot, two wallabies, two large kangaroos, five bats and four rodents (How et al. 1991). The trapping data for this WA Museum study show that there was a slow but steady accumulation of species in each of the surveys until the last session in October 1990 when no new species were added to the area inventory. With detailed research conducted in the 1950’s and nine sampling sessions between March 1988 and October 1990, this reserve is probably the most researched area in the Pilbara region. Three of the Pilbara endemic mammals were recorded for the first time in this location. The size of the reserve and range of habitats present have had a major influence on the results, with sampling effort also having some effect. For example, of the 13 ground- dwelling, small native mammals captured, five were captured in March 1988, only one in May 1988 and eight in February 1990. None of these small native mammals were captured in every sampling session. Therefore, the results from the two sampling sessions in Project Area 1 probably reflect the natural variation experienced in sampling this group of animals and represent a good proportion of what is likely to be present.

Of the 11 mammals of conservation significance that could occur, three have been recorded in either June 2005, May and/or September 2008: Desert Mouse (Pseudomys desertor); Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani); and theYellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris). An additional two species have a moderate to high probability of occurring and a further six are less likely

Ninox WildlifeWildlife ConsConsultingulting ––– FebFebFebrFebrrruaryuary 2009uary 2009 61 Hope Downs 4 Mining Area – Fauna Survey 2008 to occur based on previous records and habitat preferences. Table 15 provides a summary of species of conservation significance and the potential impact from development of a mine at Hope Downs 4.

9.2 Amphibians

Only one species of frog has been recorded in the three surveys within the proposed Hope Downs 4 mining area and this was recorded during June 2005; no frogs were recorded during either May or September 2008. How et al. (1991) state that at Abydos-Woodstock frogs were only recorded following rainfall which resulted in five species being recorded. No frogs were recorded by Biota in the Mesa A and Mesa G survey (Biota 2005) and only one species was recorded in the Cloud Beak survey (Davies et al. 2005). As in the majority of short-term studies, frogs are obviously under- sampled and this is no different in Project Area 1. Following rain, some of the frog species will be found in various habitats but are likely to be most abundant in watercourses.

9.3 Reptiles

With the addition of the results from ecologia (2005), 36 species of reptile have been recorded in the survey area, including seven Pilbara endemic species. The combination of the three surveys still accounts for only a small proportion of the reptiles that could occur (Appendix 5).

Thirty-three reptile species were recorded in the Mesa A and Mesa G survey (Biota 2005) and 25 at Cloud Break (Davies et al. 2005). When compared to the 68 species recorded during nine sampling sessions at the Abydos-Woodstock Reserve (How et al. 1991), it can be seen that only a relatively small proportion of reptiles have been recorded in any of the short-term surveys. However, the Abydos-Woodstock Reserve is large by comparison with these mining proposal surveys and covers a greater range of habitats. Given further sampling, the inventory of reptiles recorded within Project Area 1 would almost certainly increase. Several authors including Thompson and Thompson (2002) and How (1998) discuss the need for extensive sampling in both temporal and spatial scales in order to more fully document the biodiversity of the fauna of an area. In addition, Cowan and How (2004) conclude that short-term studies infrequently encounter threatened and/or rare ground-dwelling vertebrate fauna species and therefore do not provide adequate information to assist land managers.

None of the three reptiles of conservation significance has been recorded in either 2005 or 2008 although two have a moderate to high probability of occurring and one has been recorded in close proximity to Project Area 1 (the Pilbara Olive Python observed at Rhodes Ridge camp). Error! Reference source not found. provides a summary of species of conservation significance and the potential impact from development of a mine at Hope Downs 4.

9.4 Birds

Forty-six species of bird were recorded in the first survey of Project Area 1 with 20 species being added during the second sampling session (Table 9). The ecologia site in a small creekline that was sampled in 2005 had been burnt just prior to this 2008 survey and was not considered suitable as a sampling site. Only seven of the possible 16 birds of prey and three of the 10 species of parrot/cockatoo known to occur in the general area were observed during this 2008 survey (Appendix 6). Small insectivores from the family were also under-represented during the survey. However, all of the species of wren that are known to occur in the eastern Pilbara were recorded in the Project Area 1 survey.

Ninety-two species of bird were recorded by Davies et al. (2005) at Cloud Break, with some permanent sources of water and several creeklines resulting in a high diversity of species. Fifty-two species were recorded by Biota in the Mesa A and Mesa G survey (Biota 2005) with creeklines adding

Ninox WildlifeWildlife ConsConsultingulting ––– FebFebFebrFebrrruaryuary 2009uary 2009 62 Hope Downs 4 Mining Area – Fauna Survey 2008 to the area inventory. Ninety-two were also recorded by How et al. (2005) in the Abydos-Woodstock Reserve. These authors state that only half of the total number of species was recorded in each of the nine surveys indicating that repeated surveys are required to document a more complete bird assemblage for an area. This faunal group is highly mobile when compared to ground-dwelling species, rapidly responding to seasonal changes and the availability of food resources.

One bird of conservation significance was recorded during 2005, and three out of a possible 16 were observed in 2008; an additional four species are highly likely to occur based on habitat preferences, and a further nine are less likely to occur. All of these are discussed in Error! Reference source not found. which presents a summary of species of conservation significance and the potential impact from development of a mine at Hope Downs 4.

9.5 Local and Regional Significance

9.5.1 Fauna Habitats

Fauna habitats may be significant because they:

 support rare or vulnerable species;  support specialised or habitat specific fauna;  are regionally or locally uncommon; or  are restricted in area.

All the habitats sampled are both locally and regionally well represented, although the calcrete soils present in site HD01 are unusual in the survey area. However, this habitat did not support any species of vertebrate fauna that differed significantly from the other rocky habitats sampled during this survey; in fact this habitat appeared to be relatively depauperate in terrestrial species (Table 4 and Table 7).

The upper slopes and top of the hills (hummock grasslands on gravelly soils on mid and upper slopes of small ranges) supported the majority of active pebble-mounds of the Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) which is of conservation significance. This habitat also supported the Kaluta which was not recorded elsewhere in Project Area 1. However, this habitat is widespread throughout the Pilbara and the loss of some habitat within Project Area 1 is unlikely to have a significant impact on either of these species.

As discussed in Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd (2008), several of the Mulga thickets support denser patches of Mulga and these are locally significant as many stands in these northern areas occur as scattered and sparse communities. The lack of fire in some of these stands is ecologically significant as the litter layer is extensive and therefore a potential fauna habitat for some species of interest, particularly SREs. The more loamy soils in these woodlands are also likely to support a greater range of both vertebrates and invertebrates that use burrows for shelter. The results of this survey show that the Mulga woodlands as represented by site HD04 supported a greater range of terrestrial species compared to other sites.

While this current survey did not include any systematic sampling in creekline habitats, the results from sampling along the Option 1 infrastructure corridor (Ninox 2008c) showed that this habitat is of significance, especially to birds. Additional species will eventually be found within this habitat; in particular, the Eagle Rock Falls, pool and creekline will become the focus for a wide range of birds as the vegetation recovers from fire. Well-vegetated creeklines are uncommon within Project Area 1 and are, therefore, of local importance. In addition to being a focus for birds, they also act as corridors for the movement of animals between habitats, which may be vital when fire occurs in the area. The large eucalypts also provide nesting and shelter habitat for a wide range of animals.

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9.5.2 Fauna

Three native mammal and three bird species of conservation significance have been recorded in Project Area 1 to date (Table 13); these are:

• the Desert Mouse (Pseudomys desertor): listed as Lower Risk on the IUCN Red List; • the Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani): listed as P4 on DEC’s Priority Fauna List; • the Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris): listed as Lower Risk on the IUCN Red List (not positively identified from echolocation calls); • the Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus): listed on JAMBA; • the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus): listed on Schedule 4 of the WC Act 1950; • the Australian Bustard (Ardeotis australis): listed as P4 on DEC’s Priority Fauna List.

While not recorded within Project Area 1, the Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceus barroni) was recorded by the botanical team approximately 20km to the west at Rhodes Ridge camp. The Pilbara Olive Python is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act 1999 and Schedule 1 of the WC Act 1950. This python is also a Pilbara endemic species.

The removal of some habitat within Project Area 1 is unlikely to have a detrimental effect on the range or distribution of these species although the impact on individuals may be high.

A number of the species recorded were exclusive to one location, although this may be the product of the low catch rate rather than any habitat-specificity of the animals concerned. Some, however, show a strong preference for certain habitats. For example, the Pilbara endemic Kaluta (Dasykaluta rosamondae) appears to favour the spinifex on rocky soils of the upper slopes and ridges of the hills (sites HD02 and HD06).

Some of the reptiles, although low in captures during this survey, are sufficiently well known to state that their habitat preferences were confirmed. Examples include the dragon Caimanops amphiboluroides and the gecko Gehyra viegata which prefer Mulga woodlands. Both of these reptiles were recorded in either site HD04 or HD05.

10 POTENTIAL IMPACT

The effect of mine development on fauna can be divided into four primary areas of impact:  clearing for exploration grid lines and drill pads;  removal of vegetation for mining;  changes to drainage patterns and subsequent effects on adjacent vegetation and fauna habitats;  changes to creeklines through proposed discharge and dewatering activities associated with the development of the mining activities.

The impact described above can be divided into two: direct and indirect impact. The first is a consequence of clearing of vegetation; the second results from changes to drainage patterns and the effects on adjacent vegetation. Indirect impact may affect a greater area than direct impact.

While most birds, larger mammals and reptiles will be able to avoid the impact of clearing for exploration, mining and construction of infrastructure, most small mammals, reptiles and burrowing frogs will be unavoidably killed by the large machinery used for vegetation removal and ground

Ninox WildlifeWildlife ConsConsultingulting ––– FebFebFebrFebrrruaryuary 2009uary 2009 64 Hope Downs 4 Mining Area – Fauna Survey 2008 preparation, or by exposure to predators. While the local impact on individual animals is high, the clearing will have very little impact on the species known to occur within the proposed Hope Downs 4 mining area overall.

As the more mobile species move away from areas being prepared for mining, they inevitably cause disruption to adjacent populations. However, this is likely to have no more impact than the displacement caused by the recent extensive fire that had occurred through much of the Survey Area prior to the May 2008 survey.

As many bird and bat species are dependent on the availability of permanent and or seasonal surface water supplies, there is a need to minimise the impacts of the proposed dewatering and discharge activities associated with the proposed mining activities. These impacts can include modification of and/or interruption to existing natural drainage habitats such as creeks resulting from development of mine pits, placement of waste rock dumps, construction of access and haul roads or other infrastructure. Dewatering of mine pits can result in major changes to natural surface water levels and water quality and there may be contamination of surface and/or ground water from chemical or hydrocarbon spills, or excessive runoff from waste rock dumps. Apart from the direct impacts listed above there may also be secondary impacts if there is subsequent impact on adjacent vegetation.

The majority of native animals do not require permanent water as they do not need to drink. However, the provision of additional, permanent water sources has the potential to increase the number of introduced predators and herbivores that do require surface water and this will have an impact on both the fauna (directly from predators) and the habitat (from increased grazing). There is also the potential for additional water sources to change the breeding habits of some native species. For example, both Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus) and Euro (Macropus robustus) may breed more successfully, increasing grazing pressure on adjacent habitats. The Desert Tree Frog (Litoria rubella) rapidly colonises new sources of water, with large increases in population levels which may disadvantage other frog species.

However, it is unlikely that, given appropriate management of fauna habitats based on the information given in this report, development of the Hope Downs 4 mine will have a significant impact on vertebrate or invertebrate SRE fauna either on a local or regional level.

Table 15 List of vertebrate fauna species of conservation significance recorded or that could potentially occur within Project area 1. (Appendix 13 shows the dates and localities for the species resulting from the search of DEC’s rare fauna database.) Status 1 = Species listed under the EPBC Act 1999, the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950. 2 = Species listed under DEC’s Priority Fauna list. 3 = Pilbara endemic species. 4 = IUCN listing.

Potential to SPECIES Status Impact Occur MAMMALS Macrotis lagotis Low to 1, 4 Given the low to moderate probability of occurrence Bilby Moderate of these species, it is unlikely that the development of Rhinonicteris aurantia a mine will have an impact on these species. Low to (unnamed Pilbara form) 1,3,4 Moderate Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat Should additional survey work show any of these species to be present, appropriate management Dasyurus hallucatus Low to 1, 4 measures should be discussed with DEC. Northern Quoll Moderate

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Potential to SPECIES Status Impact Occur There was no indication that either of these species Petrogale lateralis was present in the proposed mining area during the 1 Moderate Black-footed Rock-wallaby 2008 survey.

Should additional sampling show either to be present, Lagorchestes conspicillatus 2, 4 Low appropriate management measures should be Spectacled Hare-wallaby discussed with DEC. As yet, there have been no records of this species in the Newman area therefore it is unlikely that there will be any impact on this species. Sminthopsis longicaudata Low to 2 Long-tailed Dunnart moderate Should additional survey work show this species to be present, appropriate management measures should be discussed with DEC. Given the low to moderate probability of occurrence, Macroderma gigas Low to 2, 4 it is unlikely that the development of a mine will have Ghost Bat Moderate an impact on these species.

Leggadina lakedownensis Low to Should additional survey work show these species to 2, 4 Lakeland Downs Mouse Moderate be present, appropriate management measures should be discussed with DEC. Given that this native rodent is not shown on either Pseudomys desertor Recorded by Australian Government or State listings, it is unlikely 4 Desert Mouse ecologia that development of a mine will have an impact that will raise its conservation status. The impact on this species within the proposed mining area could be relatively high as pebble- mounds constructed by this rodent were present on the ridge and upper slopes of the ranges that will be Pseudomys chapmani Recorded by mined. However, this species is widespread in 2, 3 Pebble-mound Mouse Ninox suitable habitat both within and adjacent to the proposed mining area (Figure 3) and throughout the Pilbara region as a whole; therefore, the localised impact is unlikely to reduce the known range or cause its conservation status to be raised. This bat is rarely captured due to its high-flying and high speed disposition (Richards 2008) some of the Anabat recordings have been confirmed as this Saccolaimus flaviventris Recorded by species. It is unlikely that development of a mine will 4 Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat Ninox have an impact that will reduce its known range or raise its conservation status, given the lack of listing of this species under either Australian Government or State legislation. REPTILES The potential for this python to occur is high, especially in creeklines and gorges. Some direct mortality may occur with mine development and operations. Given the preference for rocky habitats near water, there may be some impact if excess water is discharged into natural drainage lines. However, the Liasis olivaceus barroni 1,3 High impact on the species is unlikely to be significant. Pilbara Olive Python

Should Pilbara Olive Pythons be located during preparation for mine development, consideration should be given to relocation to suitable habitat distant from mining operations following discussions with DEC.

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Potential to SPECIES Status Impact Occur Latest survey results show that this species is more widespread than shown in Appendix 13; they have been located at Nullagine in 2007 (Ninox wildlife Ctenotus nigrilineatus Consulting 2007a and 2007b). An unconfirmed record 2, 3 Moderate Skink (no common name) for Hope Downs is shown in Rapallo (2006). Given the widespread and fragmented distribution of this species (to date) it is unlikely that the development of a mine will have any impact on the species. Appendix 13 states that very little is known about this blind snake. It has also been recorded in Newman and Mount Whaleback in 1985. If this species is recorded Ramphotyphlops ganei 2, 3 Moderate in future surveys, appropriate measures should be Blind Snake (no common name) discussed with DEC to ensure that infrastructure construction does not result in raising its conservation status to a higher level. BIRDS Given the low probability of this species occurring Pezoporus occidentalis 1, 4 Low within Project Area 1, there is unlikely to be any Night Parrot impact on this species. Apus pacificus Seasonally As this bird rarely lands and its occurrence is 1 Fork-tailed Swift High spasmodic, there will be no impact on the species. Caladrius acuminata 1 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Caladrius subminuta 1 Long-toed Stint Seasonal flooding in low-lying areas within the Tringa nebularia 1 mining area may result in suitable shallows and Common Greenshank mudflats used for feeding by these birds. However, Tringa hypoleucos Low to 1 this event would be ephemeral and, given that areas Common Sandpiper Moderate such as this would be common throughout the region Ardea alba 1 following cyclonic events, there will be no impact of Great Egret mine development on any of these species. Caladrius ruficollis 1 Red-necked Stint Caladrius melanotos 1 Pectoral Sandpiper This bird burrows to create nesting chambers and they can be found in sandy banks of creeks and drainage Merops ornatus 1 Recorded lines. Disturbance to these areas between September Rainbow Bee-eater and February may have some impact on the breeding success of this species and should be avoided. This bird of prey is likely to hunt over most habitats especially where birds such as pigeons and ducks congregate. They roost and nest on cliffs and ledges in the hills and ranges throughout their distribution. Any impact on individuals will occur when Falco peregrinus 1 Recorded development activity in the vicinity of nesting areas Peregrine Falcon coincides with breeding.

No nesting ledges were found during either May or September 2008 within the area of impact; therefore there will be no impact on the species.

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Potential to SPECIES Status Impact Occur This rarely seen bird of prey favours lightly timbered habitat in the arid inlandand may be observed hunting in Mulga woodlands. Falco hypoleucos 2 Moderate Grey Falcon It is unlikely that it is resident in Project Area 1 and, as it has a wide distribution in the desert areas, it is unlikely that development of a mine will have any impact on this species. The Australian Bustard has a very wide distribution in Western Australia, is highly nomadic, preferring open grassy habitats. Ardeotis australis 2 Recorded Australian Bustard The main impact on this bird will occur along roads and tracks where individuals may be killed by vehicles. However, there is unlikely to be an impact on the species. This bird is secretive and often active at night; occurring in open woodlands and nesting in open stony ground where the chicks are extremely well camouflaged. Burhinus grallarius Moderate to 2 Bush Stone-curlew High As for the Australian Bustard, the main impact on this bird will occur along roads and tracks where individuals may be killed by vehicles. However, there is unlikely to be an impact on the species. The most likely habitat for this finch is in the Eagle Rock Falls, pool and creekline area. It may also occur Neochmia ruficauda Low to 2 in other creeklines as the vegetation recovers from Star Finch Moderate fire. The development of a mine will have little impact on this bird. The Grey Honeyeater prefers Acacia scrub and may Lacustroica whitei Moderate to be observed in Mulga habitat. Given that there will be 2 Grey Honeyeater High little disturbance to most of the Mulga thickets in Project Area 1, there will be little impact on this bird.

11 MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR FAUNA

In order to reduce the impact of mine development on vertebrate fauna, the minimising of disturbance to their habitat is of most importance. Therefore, a series of general recommendations are given below. While many of these are already in place as part of current work practices, they have been listed in this document to reinforce their importance to the maintenance of healthy fauna habitats.  Avoidance of unnecessary clearing of vegetation beyond that strictly required.  Windrows of topsoil, log debris and leaf litter formed during clearing should be retained, as they create extremely good microhabitat for a large range of fauna, particularly reptiles.  Rapid rehabilitation of cleared areas such as laydown sites, access tracks and grid lines where these are no longer required. Vegetation debris resulting from clearing in other areas should be used to assist with reducing erosion, to act as seed traps and prevent unauthorised access.

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 Should any terrestrial fauna species of conservation significance be discovered during future work within Project Area 1, discussions need to be held with DEC to assess any requirement for relocation of that species to areas that will remain undisturbed.  Fire prevention and control strategies will be developed and implemented.  All subcontracting teams are adequately briefed and made aware of the environmental constraints imposed on the project and themselves.  Firearms, trail bikes and pets should be excluded from the Project Area.  Adequate rubbish disposal procedures should be applied, especially for food refuse, in order to discourage scavenging by crows, foxes and feral cats. Large numbers of these animals can have an adverse impact on other fauna.  Regular spot-checks for breaches of sound environmental practises are carried out by delegated individuals so that problems can be anticipated or rectified at an early stage.  Consideration to preparing a brief handout on sound environmental practices which will be given to all members of subcontracting teams and permanent employees during site induction. The pamphlet should cover relevant aspects defined above.

______

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12 REFERENCES

Armstrong, K.N. (2008). Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat Rhinonicteris aurantia (unnamed Pilbara form) (Gray, 1845). In : Van Dyck, S & Strahan, R. (eds) (2008). The Mammals of Australia. Third Edition. Queensland Government & Queensland Museum. Barrett, G., Silcocks, A., Barry, S., Cunningham, R. & Poulter, R. (2003). The new atlas of Australian birds. Birds Australia, Victoria. Biota Environmental Sciences (2005). Fauna habitats and fauna assemblage of the proposed FMG Stage B rail corridor and mine areas. Unpublished report to Fortescue Metals Group. Churchill, S. (1998). Australia Bats. New Holland Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd. Cogger, H.G. (1992). Reptiles and amphibians of Australia. Reed Books, Chatswood, NSW, Australia.

Cowan, M.A. & How R.A. (2004). Comparison of ground vertebrate assemblages in arid Western Australia in different seasons and decades. Rec. West. Aust. Mus. 22:2. Davis, R.A., Wilcox, J.A., Metcalf, B.M. & Bamford, M.J. (2005). Fauna survey of a proposed iron ore mine, Cloud Break. Unpublished report prepared for Fortescue Metals Group. ecologia Environmental (2005). East Angelas Project fauna survey October 2005. Unpublished report prepared for Pty Ltd. Horner, P. (2007). Systematics of the snake-eyed skinks, Cryptoblepharus Wiegmann (Reptilia::Scincidae) – an Australian-based review. ‘The Beagle’ Records of the Museum and Art Galleries of NT. Suppl. 3. Hope Downs Management Service Pty Ltd (2000). Hope Downs Iron Ore Project Public Environmental Report / Public Environmental Review. How, R.A. (1998). Long-term sampling of a herpetofaunal assemblage on an isolated urban bushland remnant, Bold Park, Perth. Jour. Roy. Soc. West. Aust. 81:3. How, R.A., Dell, J. & Cooper, N.K. (1991). 5. Vertebrate fauna. In: Ecological Survey of Abydos- Woodstock Reserve, Western Australia. Rec. West. Aust. Mus. Suppl. No. 37. Johnstone, R.E. and Storr, G.M. (1998). Handbook of Western Australian Birds Volume 1 - Non- passerines (Emu to Dollarbird). Western Australian Museum. Johnstone, R.E. and Storr, G.M. (2004). Handbook of Western Australian Birds Volume I1 - Passerines (Blue-winged Pitta to Goldfinch). Western Australian Museum. Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd (2008). Flora and vegetation on the Hope Downs 4 mine and village/camp area. Unpublished report prepared for Pilbara Iron. Menkhorst, P. & Knight, F. (2001). A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. Oxford University Press South Melbourne, Australia. Ninox Wildlife Consulting (1985). A vertebrate fauna survey of the Mount Channar area near Paraburdoo, Western Australia. Unpublished report prepared for Hamersley Iron Pty Ltd. Ninox Wildlife Consulting (2008). Vertebrate fauna habitat assessment, Hope Downs 4 Project Area, near Newman, Western Australia. Unpublished report prepared for: Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd on behalf of Pilbara Iron Company (Services) Pty Ltd. Ninox Wildlife Consulting (2008b). A Vertebrate Fauna Survey of the proposed Hope Downs 4 Infrastructure Area – Option 1, near Newman, Western Australia. Unpublished report prepared for: Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd on behalf of Pilbara Iron Company (Services) Pty Ltd. Ninox Wildlife Consulting (2008c). A Vertebrate Fauna Survey of the proposed Hope Downs 4 Infrastructure Area – Option 6, near Newman, Western Australia. Unpublished report prepared for: Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd on behalf of Pilbara Iron Company (Services) Pty Ltd.

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Rapallo (2006). A Vertebrate Fauna Survey of the Golden Eagle Deposit, Nullagine Region, Western Australia. Unpublished report prepared for Wedgetail Mining Limited. Richards, G.C., Hand, S, Armstrong, K.N. & Hall, L.S. (2008). Ghost Bat Macroderma gigas (Dobson, 1880). In: Van Dyck, S & Strahan, R. (eds) (2008). The Mammals of Australia. Third Edition. Queensland Government & Queensland Museum. Smith, L.A. & Adams, M. (2007). Revision of the Lerista muelleri species-group (Lacertilia: Scincidae) in Western Australia, with a redescription of L. muelleri (Fischer, 1881) and the description of nine new species. Rec. West. Aust. Mus. 23:4. Storr, G.M. (1984). Birds of the Pilbara Region, Western Australia. Rec. West. Mus. Suppl. No. 16. Storr, G.M., Smith, L.A. & Johnstone, R. E. (1983). Lizards of Western Australia. Vol. II. Dragons and Monitors. West. Aust. Mus. Perth. Storr, G.M., Smith, L.A. & Johnstone, R.E. (1986). Snakes of Western Australia. West. Aust. Mus. Perth. Storr, G.M., Smith, L.A. & Johnstone, R.E. (1990). Lizards of Western Australia. Vol. III. Geckos and Pygopods. West. Aust. Mus. Perth. Storr, G.M., Smith, L.A. & Johnstone, R.E. (1999). Lizards of Western Australia. Vol I. Skinks. West. Aust. Mus. Perth. Storr, G.M., Smith, L.A. & Johnstone, R.E. (2002). Snakes of Western Australia. West. Aust. Mus. Perth. Thompson, G.G. and Thompson, S.A. (2002). Terrestrial fauna surveys: why when and how much? In : “The boundary fence and beyond”. Proceedings of 2002 workshop on Environmental Management in Arid and Semi-arid Areas, Goldfields Environmental Management Group, Boulder, Western Australia.Tyler, M.J., Smith, L.A. & Johnstone, R.E. (2000). Frogs of Western Australia. West. Aust. Mus. Perth. Van Dyck, S & Strahan, R. (eds) (2008). The Mammals of Australia. Third Edition. Queensland Government & Queensland Museum. Wilson, S.K. & Swann, G. (2008). A complete guide to reptiles of Australia. New Holland Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd. Woolley, P.A. (2008). Kaluta Dasykaluta rosamondae (Ride, 1964). In: Van Dyck, S & Strahan, R. (eds) (2008). The Mammals of Australia. Third Edition. Queensland Government & Queensland Museum.

Ninox WildlifeWildlife ConsConsultingulting ––– FebFebFebrFebrrruaryuary 2009uary 2009 71 Hope Downs 4 Mining Area – Fauna Survey 2008 Appendix 1 Definition of Terms

Prior to any discussion of the significance of vertebrate fauna or their habitats a definition of terms is required. This section of the document describes the various Australian Government and State Acts that cover rare, threatened and vulnerable vertebrate fauna species and was correct at the time of the preparation of this document. However, as changes are made to both State and Australian Government legislation and new treaties are entered into, all current documentation regarding rare, threatened and vulnerable fauna should be periodically reviewed for any changes to the status of these animals in a given area.

Additionally, in any discussion of rare, threatened or vulnerable species, several aspects require clarification before the significance of these species can be considered in context of the development and operation of any mining or development project.

 Resident, habitat-specific rare fauna are much more susceptible to the influences of disturbance than nomadic or migratory species.  Not all rare species are equally susceptible to disturbance. Some rare species such as the Peregrine Falcon can accommodate the high levels of disturbance present in urban and rural environments.  The concept of species rarity is a dynamic process considerably influenced by the level of survey work carried out in a particular location and the climatic conditions prevailing at the time.

Protected Species - Australian Government

The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) oversees the Acts described in this section and also the International Agreements described in the following section. All of these Acts can be viewed on DEWHA’s website: www.environment.gov.au.

In 1974, Australia signed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). As a result, an official list of endangered, vulnerable or presumed extinct species was constructed (Schedule 1) and is regularly updated (Endangered Species Protection Act 1992).

In July 2000 this Act was replaced by The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC 1999), which retained the schedule of threatened species of the Act it replaced.

The vertebrate fauna listed on the current schedule differs from the two State lists, although there are several species that appear on both, for example, the Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata), and the Giant Desert Skink (Egernia kintorei). There are six parts to the EPBC Act covering species that are:

1. extinct; 2. extinct in the wild; 3. critically endangered; 4. endangered; 5. vulnerable; 6. conservation dependent.

Set out below are the criteria for referral of a project under the EPBC Act (1999) for endangered and vulnerable fauna species.

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ENDANGERED An action has, will have, or is likely to have a significant impact on a critically endangered or endangered species if it does, will, or is likely to: * lead to a long-term decrease in the size of a population; * reduce the area of occupancy of the species; * fragment an existing population into two or more populations; * adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species; * disrupt the breeding cycle of a population; * modify, destroy, remove, isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline; * result in invasive species that are harmful to a critically endangered or endangered species becoming established in the endangered or critically endangered species´ habitat; * interfere with the recovery of the species.

VULNERABLE An action has, will have, or is likely to have a significant impact on a vulnerable species if it does, will, or is likely to: * lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population of a species; * reduce the area of occupancy of an important population; * fragment an existing important population into two or more populations; * adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species; * disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population; * modify, destroy, remove or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline; * result in invasive species that are harmful to a vulnerable species becoming established in the vulnerable species´ habitat; * interferes substantially with the recovery of the species.

International Agreements

A range of birds are listed under the Japan-Australia (JAMBA), China-Australia (CAMBA) and Republic of Korea/Australia (ROKAMBA) Migratory Bird Agreements. Most of the species listed on these three agreements are shorebirds associated with coastal zones or inland saline wetlands.

Protected Species - Western Australia

Currently in Western Australia, rare or endangered species are protected by the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act 1950). There are two Schedules that are relevant to the current study and these are:

 Schedule 1: fauna which are Rare or likely to become extinct, are declared to be fauna that is in need of special protection;  Schedule 4: declared to be fauna that is in need of special protection.

This Act is periodically reviewed and the current list of protected fauna can be viewed on DEC’s Faunabase website. Burbidge (2004) acknowledges however, that the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 is now outdated and a Biodiversity Conservation Bill is currently being prepared for introduction to Western Australia’s Parliament.

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Priority Species - Western Australia

The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) Priority Fauna List classifies species as:

 Priority 1 - taxa with few, poorly known populations on threatened lands. Taxa which are known from few specimens or sight records from one or a few localities on lands not managed for conservation, e.g. agricultural or pastoral lands, urban areas, active mineral leases. The taxon needs urgent survey and evaluation of conservation status before consideration can be given to declaration as threatened fauna.

 Priority 2 - taxa with few, poorly known populations on conservation lands. Taxa which are known from few specimens or sight records from one or a few localities on lands not under immediate threat of habitat destruction or degradation, e.g. national parks, conservation parks, nature reserves, State forest, vacant Crown land, water reserves, etc. The taxon needs urgent survey and evaluation of conservation status before consideration can be given to declaration as threatened fauna.

 Priority 3 - taxa with several, poorly known populations, some on conservation lands. Taxa which are known from few specimens or sight records from several localities, some of which are on lands not under immediate threat of habitat destruction or degradation. The taxon needs urgent survey and evaluation of conservation status before consideration can be given to declaration as threatened fauna.

 Priority 4 - taxa in need of monitoring. Taxa which are considered to have been adequately surveyed, or for which sufficient knowledge is available, and which are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection, but could be if present circumstances change. These taxa are usually represented on conservation lands.

 Priority 5 - taxa in need of monitoring. Taxa which are not considered threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program, the cessation of which would result in the species becoming threatened within five years.

Ninox WildlifeWildlife ConsConsultingulting ––– FebFebFebrFebrrruaryuary 2009uary 2009 74 Hope Downs 4 Mining Area – Fauna Survey 2008 Appendix 2 Report from Specialised Zoological on the presence of bat species within the Hope Downs Project Area 1 and 2: May 2008.

Bat call identification from

Hope Downs 4, Pilbara

Type: Bat Call Analysis

Prepared for: Ninox Wildlife Consulting

Date: 30 June 2008

Job No. SZ045

Prepared by: Specialised Zoological Kyle Armstrong PhD and Yuki Konishi ABN 92 265 437 422 0404 423 264 [email protected] [email protected]

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SUMMARY

Bat identifications from Anabat echolocation call recordings are provided from the Hope Downs 4 project area, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. A total of six species / complexes was identified with a medium to high level of confidence (Tables 1 and 2). The calls of the yellow-bellied sheath-tailed bat Saccolaimus flaviventris can sometimes be confused with those of the northern free-tailed bat Chaerephon jobensis, and are not separated here. Details supporting the identifications are provided, as recommended by the Australasian Bat Society (ABS 2006). A summary of pulse parameters is provided in Table 3, and representative call sequences are illustrated in Figure 1. Further data are available if verification is required.

METHODS

Signals recorded with Anabat SD1 bat detectors were downloaded as Anabat sequence files. Sequences were examined and measured in AnalookW 3.5f software. Three call variables were measured on good quality search phase pulses in representative call sequences: pulse duration (milliseconds), maximum frequency (kHz) and characteristic frequency (equivalent to minimum frequency; kHz). Species were identified based on information in McKenzie and Muir (2000). Nomenclature follows Armstrong and Reardon (2006).

REFERENCES ABS (2006). Recommendations of the Australasian Bat Society Inc for reporting standards for insectivorous bat surveys using bat detectors. The Australasian Bat Society Newsletter 27: 6–9. [ISSN 1448-5877]

Armstrong, K. and Reardon, T. (2006). Standardising common names of bats in Australia. The Australasian Bat Society Newsletter 26: 37–42.

McKenzie, N.L. and Muir, W.P. (2000). Bats of the southern Carnarvon Basin, Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum Supplement 61: 465–477.

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TABLE 1. Follows Table 3.

TABLE 2. Key to the confidence level of identifications in Table 1. The identification of each species is made based on one or more sequences at each site.

Code Confidence level Highest. Capture of the species was made at the site, and the identification is supported R by measurements, a Reference call recording, and/or submission of a specimen/tissue to a museum. High. Unambiguous identification of the species at the site based on measured call H characteristics and comparison with available reference material. Medium. Either call quality was poor, or the species cannot be distinguished reliably from another that makes similar calls. Alternative identifications are indicated elsewhere in this M report. If this is a species of conservation significance, further survey work might be required to confirm the record.

TABLE 3. Summary of variables from representative call sequences. (Mean ± SD; range; s,p: number of sequences measured, combined total number of pulses measured).

Duration Max Frequency Char frequency Species s,p (ms) (kHz) (kHz) Gould’s wattled bat 7.0 ± 1.4 43.0 ± 8.9 31.1 ± 1.5 4,38 Chalinolobus gouldii 4.1 – 9.7 33.3 – 58.0 28.6 – 34.9 Northern free-tailed bat Chaerephon jobensis / 10.9 ± 1.7 26.4 ± 4.4 18.2 ± 1.1 4,51 Yellow-bellied sheath-tailed bat 8.3 – 13.9 20.0 – 38.1 16.4 – 20.5 Saccolaimus flaviventris Little broad-nosed bat 8.0 ± 1.3 43.5 ± 5.4 35.8 ± 0.8 4,38 Scotorepens greyii 3.3 – 10.1 37.6 – 54.4 34.4 – 38.8 White-striped free-tailed bat 12.7 ± 3.4 16.3 ± 1.9 11.8 ± 1.0 3,23 Tadarida australis 7.0 – 19.7 11.7 – 18.2 10.5 – 14.8 Common sheath-tailed bat 10.8 ± 2.3 29.0 ± 2.0 26.1 ± 0.6 3,22 Taphozous georgianus 5.2 – 14.1 26.4 – 32.7 25.0 – 27.1 Finlayson’s cave bat 5.0 ± 0.7 66.8 ± 5.3 55.7 ± 0.9 4,50 Vespadelus finlaysoni 3.7 – 7.1 59.3 – 92.0 53.9 – 57.3

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TABLE 1. Site by species matrix of identifications, with the degree of confidence indicated by a code. Date and Anabat serial number correlates with site. See Table 2 for confidence level codes; and Table 3 for full species names.

Serial and date Site C. gouldii C. jobensis / S. flaviventris S. greyii T. australis T. georgianus V. finlaysoni 3006 7/05/2008 Rhodes Ridge H M — — H H 8/05/2008 HD05 H M — — — H 9/05/2008 Eagle Rock Falls H M — — M H 10/05/2008 HD06 — — — — — H 11/05/2008 HD04 M — — — M H

3725 10/05/2008 Campsite H M H — — H 11/05/2008 HD03 H — — — H H 14/05/2008 Campsite H — H H — H

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FIGURE 1A. Representative call sequences of the six species / complexes identified (time is compressed between pulses).

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FIGURE 1B. Representative call sequences of the six species /complexes identified (time is compressed between pulses).

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Appendix 3 Report from Specialised Zoological on the presence of bat species within the Hope Downs Project Area 1 and 2: September 2008.

Bat call identification

from Hope Downs 4

Type: Bat Call Analysis

Prepared for: Ninox Wildlife Consulting

Date: 20 October 2008

Job No.: SZ068

Prepared by: Specialised Zoological Kyle Armstrong and Yuki Konishi ABN 92 265 437 422 0404 423 264 [email protected] [email protected]

Ninox Wildlife Consulting – July 2008

81 Hope Downs 4 Mining Area – Fauna Survey 2008

SUMMARY

Bat identifications from Anabat echolocation call recordings are provided from Hope Downs, Western Australia. Eight species were identified with a ‘medium’ to ‘high’ level of confidence (Table 1). No species of conservation significance were recorded.

There were many sequences that could not be identified reliably to one species. The calls of the yellow-bellied sheath-tailed bat Saccolaimus flaviventris can sometimes be confused with those of the northern free-tailed bat Chaerephon jobensis. In most cases the calls appeared to be from S. flaviventris, however several sequences might have been from either species – these instances are indicated in Table 1. The calls of long-eared bats Nyctophilus spp. are typically difficult to identify to species, and the sequences identified as Nyctophilus sp. may derive from either the lesser long-eared bat Nyctophilus geoffroyi or the pallid long-eared bat Nyctophilus bifax daedalus. The common sheath-tailed bat Taphozous georgianus can produce calls with a variety of structures. Several sequences below 25 kHz could have been derived from either T. georgianus, C. jobensis, or Beccari’s free-tailed bat Mormopterus beccarii. In the Pilbara, sequences over 50 kHz are usually from Finlayson’s cave bat Vespadelus finlaysoni, however some had pulses with the characteristic shape of the chocolate wattled bat Chalinolobus morio. Capture would be required to distinguish these four species pairs / clusters described above.

Details supporting the identifications are provided, as recommended by the Australasian Bat Society (ABS 2006). A summary of pulse parameters is provided in Table 2, and representative call sequences are illustrated in Figure 1. Further data is available should verification be required.

METHODS

Signals as recorded with an Anabat SD1 unit were supplied as downloaded sequences, which were examined in AnalookW 3.5f software. Three call variables were measured on good quality search phase pulses in representative call sequences: pulse duration (milliseconds), maximum frequency (kHz) and characteristic frequency (equivalent to minimum frequency; kHz). Species were identified based on information in McKenzie and Muir (2000). Nomenclature follows Armstrong and Reardon (2006).

Ninox Wildlife Consulting – July 2008

82 Hope Downs 4 Mining Area – Fauna Survey 2008

REFERENCES ABS (2006). Recommendations of the Australasian Bat Society Inc for reporting standards for insectivorous bat surveys using bat detectors. The Australasian Bat Society Newsletter 27: 6–9. [ISSN 1448-5877]

Armstrong, K. and Reardon, T. (2006). Standardising common names of bats in Australia. The Australasian Bat Society Newsletter 26: 37–42.

McKenzie, N.L. and Muir, W.P. (2000). Bats of the southern Carnarvon Basin, Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum Supplement 61: 465–477.

TABLE 1. See after Table 2.

TABLE 2. Summary of variables from representative call sequences.

1 Duration Max Frequency Char frequency Species s,p 2 2 2 (msec) (kHz) (kHz) Gould’s wattled bat 6.0 ± 1.3 46.8 ± 7.4 32.2 ± 1.4 3,34 Chalinolobus gouldii 4.0 – 8.7 33.6 – 60.4 29.4 – 35.0 Chocolate wattled bat 5.3 ± 0.7 61.6 ± 3.8 54.9 ± 0.8 1,20 Chalinolobus morio 3.8 – 7.3 55.4 – 72.7 53.7 – 57.3 Beccari’s free-tailed bat 10.4 ± 1.3 24.9 ± 0.7 22.5 ± 0.4 2,23 Mormopterus beccarii 7.4 – 12.5 23.6 – 25.9 21.8 – 23.3 Unidentified long-eared bat 2.8 ± 0.9 65.9 ± 4.1 45.5 ± 2.1 1,13 Nyctophilus sp. 1.3 – 3.8 57.1 – 69.9 42.8 – 48.8 Northern free-tailed bat Chaerephon jobensis / 11.9 ± 2.6 23.3 ± 2.3 18.0 ± 1.2 5,58 Yellow-bellied sheath-tailed bat 5.3 – 15.8 18.2 – 31.7 15.7 – 20.1 Saccolaimus flaviventris Little broad-nosed bat 6.0 ± 1.2 43.5 ± 4.2 36.6 ± 0.8 3,28 Scotorepens greyii 3.2 – 7.6 38.9 – 57.8 35.2 – 38.6 Common sheath-tailed bat 8.7 ± 1.8 25.6 ± 0.4 24.6 ± 0.2 2,14 Taphozous georgianus 5.8 – 11.6 25.0 – 26.1 24.2 – 24.8 Finlayson’s forest bat 5.0 ± 1.0 72.8 ± 8.0 56.2 ± 1.1 1,22 Vespadelus finlaysoni 3.6 – 7.9 58.6 – 87.4 54.4 – 58.8

1 s,p: number of sequences measured, combined total number of pulses measured; 2 Mean ± SD; range.

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TABLE 1. Species identifications, with the degree of confidence indicated by a code. See Table 2 for full species names.

C. C. C. M. Nyctophilus S. S. T. V. Date Site gouldii jobensis morio beccarii sp. flaviventris greyii georgianus finlaysoni Serial 3725 Rhodes Outstation H — — — — — H H H 13/09/2008 Camp Rhodes Outstation H — — — — — H H H 14/09/2008 Camp 15/09/2008 Eagle Rock Falls H M — — — H H H H 16/09/2008 Eagle Rock Falls — — — — — — H H — 17/09/2008 HD4 H M — — — H H H H 18/09/2008 HD4 H — — — — — H M H 19/09/2008 HD11 H — — — — M H H H 20/09/2008 HD13 — — — — — — — — — 21/09/2008 HD1 H — — — — M H H — 22/09/2008 HD11 H — — — — — — — H 23/09/2008 HD16 H — — — — — — — H 24/09/2008 HD14a — — — — — — — — — Serial 4497 15/09/2008 Ecologia site 1 H — — — M H H H H 16/09/2008 HD5 H M M — — H H H H 17/09/2008 HD3 gully H M — — — H H H H 18/09/2008 Camp creek — — — — — — — — — 19/09/2008 Option 6 pool H — — — — — H — H 20/09/2008 Option 6 pool H — — — — — H — H 21/09/2008 Option 6 pool H — — — — H — — H 22/09/2008 HD12 H — — — — — — H H 23/09/2008 HD15 H — — — — H H H H 24/09/2008 HD14 H — — — — H H H H

Continued over …

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Definition of confidence level codes in Table 1: R Reference. Capture of the species was made at the site, and the identification is supported by measurements, a Reference call recording, and/or submission of a specimen/tissue to a museum. H High. Unambiguous identification of the species at the site based on measured call characteristics and comparison with available reference material. M Medium. Either call quality was poor, or the species cannot be distinguished reliably from another that makes similar calls. Alternative identifications are indicated in the Summary section of this report. If this is a species of conservation significance, further survey work might be required to confirm the record.

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FIGURE 1A. Representative call sequences of the eight species identified (time is compressed between pulses).

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FIGURE 1B. Representative call sequences of the eight species identified (time is compressed between pulses).

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Appendix 4 List of native mammal species recorded in Project Area 1 and known to occur in the eastern Pilbara.

Data Sources WAM - WA Museum Ninox - 1985; 1986; 1992; 1995. ecologia - 1995; 1998a and b; 2004a, b, c, d, e; 2005. Davies et al. - Davis, R.A., Wilcox, J.A., Metcalf, B.M. & Bamford, M.J. 2005. Ninox 08 - Hope Downs 4 Project Area (Hope Downs 4 mining area; Option 1 infrastructure corridor; Option 6 infrastructure corridor). Conservation Status 1 = Species listed under the EPBC Act 1999, the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 or listed in Appendix 12 under the Protected Matters Report. 2 = Species listed under DEC’s Priority Fauna list 3 = Pilbara endemic species 4 = IUCN Listing Data Sources Ninox 08 Davies HD4 Status WAM Ninox ecologia OP1 IC OP6 IC et al. Mine Number of Surveys 4 9 1 2 1 1 NATIVE MAMMALS TACHYGLOSSIDAE Tachyglossus aculeatus Echidna X X DASYURIDAE Dasykaluta rosamondae Kaluta 3 X X X X X X X Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll 1 X Ningaui timealeyi Pilbara Ningaui 3 X X X X X X Planigale maculata 1 Common Planigale X X X? X X Pseudantechinus roryi Rory’s Antechinus X Pseudantechinus woolleyae Woolley's Pseudantechinus X X Sminthopsis longicaudata Long-tailed Dunnart 2 X X Sminthopsis macroura Striped-faced Dunnart X X X X Sminthopsis ooldea Ooldea Dunnart X X X Sminthopsis youngsoni Lesser Hairy-footed Dunnart X THYLACOMYIDAE Macrotis lagotis Bilby 1 X X X MACROPODIDAE Macropus robustus Euro X X X X X Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo X X X X X Petrogale lateralis Black-footed Rock-wallaby 1 X Petrogale rothschildi Rothschild's Rock-wallaby X X? X Lagorchestes conspicillatus Spectacled Hare-wallaby 2 MEGADERMATIDAE Macroderma gigas Ghost Bat 2 X X X HIPPOSIDERIDAE Rhinonycteris aurantius Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat 1 & 3 EMBALLONURIDAE Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat X X X X X X X Taphozous georgianus Common Sheathtail-bat X X X X X X X Taphozous hilli Hill's Sheathtail-bat X X X MOLOSSIDAE Chaerephon jobensis Northern Freetail-bat X X X X X Mormopterus beccarii Beccari's Freetail-bat X X X

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Data Sources Ninox 08 Davies HD4 Status WAM Ninox ecologia OP1 IC OP6 IC et al. Mine Number of Surveys 4 9 1 2 1 1 Mormopterus planiceps Little Mastiff-bat X Nyctinomus australis White-striped Freetail-bat X X X X VESPERTILIONIDAE Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat X X X X X X X Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat X X Nyctophilus bifax Eastern Long-eared Bat X X Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat X X X X Nyctophilus bifax Northern Long-eared Bat X? Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat X Nyctophilus sp. Unidentified Long-eared Bat X Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat X X X X X Vespadelus finlaysoni Finlayson’s Cave Bat X X X X X X X MURIDAE Leggadina lakedownensis Lakeland Downs Mouse 2 X Notomys alexis Spinifex Hopping-mouse X X X Pseudomys chapmani Western Pebble-mound Mouse 3 X X X X X X X Pseudomys delicatulus2 Delicate Mouse X Pseudomys desertor Desert Mouse X X X X Pseudomys hermannsburgensis Sandy Inland Mouse X X X X Zyzomys argurus Common Rock-rat X X X X X CANIDAE Canis lupus dingo Dingo X X X X TOTAL NUMBER OF SPECIES 33 28 29 17 15 10 11

1 Planigale species are currently under taxonomic review. 2 Pseudomys delicatulus may represent a distinct species in arid areas (Ford 2008).

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Appendix 5 List of amphibian and reptile species recorded in Project Area 1 and known to occur in the eastern Pilbara.

Data Sources WAM - WA Museum Ninox - 1986; 1992; 1995. ecologia - 1995; 1998a and b; 2004a, b, c, d and e; 2005. Davies et al. - Davis, R.A., Wilcox, J.A., Metcalf, B.M. & Bamford, M.J. 2005. Ninox 08 - Hope Downs 4 Project Area (Hope Downs 4 mining area; Option 1 infrastructure corridor; Option 6 infrastructure corridor). Conservation Status 1 = Species listed under the EPBC Act 1999, the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 or listed in Appendix 12 under the Protected Matters Report. 2 = Species listed under DEC’s Priority Fauna list 3 = Pilbara endemic species Data Sources Ninox 08 Davies HD4 Status WAM Ninox ecologia OP1 IC OP6 IC et al. Mine Number of Surveys 4 9 1 2 1 1 AMPHIBIANS HYLIDAE Frogs Cyclorana maini X X X X X Cyclorana platycephala X X Litoria rubella X X X X Frogs Opisthodon spenceri X X X Neobatrachus centralis X Neobatrachus sutor X Notaden nichollsi X X Uperoleia russelli X X X REPTILES TOTAL NUMBER OF SPECIES 7 5 6 1 0 1 1 CHELUIDAE Freshwater Turtles Chelodina steindachneri X X X AGAMIDAE Dragons Caimanops amphiboluroides X X X X X X X X X X X X Ctenophorus isolepis X X X Ctenophorus nuchalis X X X Ctenophorus reticulatus X X X X X Diporiphora valens 3 X X X Lophognathus longirostris X X X X X X X Pogona minor X X X X X X cephalus X GEKKONIDAE Geckos Crenadactylus ocellatus X X Diplodactylus conspicillatus X X X X Diplodactylus mitchelli 3 X Diplodactylus pulcher X X X X Diplodactylus savagei 3 X X X X X Diplodactylus squarrosus X Diplodactylus stenodactylus X X Gehyra pilbara X X X

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Data Sources Ninox 08 Davies HD4 Status WAM Ninox ecologia OP1 IC OP6 IC et al. Mine Number of Surveys 4 9 1 2 1 1 Gehyra punctata X X X X Gehyra purpurascens X X Gehyra variegata X X X X X X X Heteronotia binoei X X X X X X Heteronotia spelea 3 X X X X Lucasium stenodactylum X X X Lucasium wombeyi 3 X X X Nephrurus levis pilbarensis X X Nephrurus milii X X Nephrurus wheeleri cinctus 3 X X X X Oedura marmorata X X X Rhynchoedura ornata X X X X Strophrurus ciliaris X X Strophurus elderi X X X Strophurus jeanae X X Strophurus wellingtonae X X X X X Strophurus wilsoni X PYGOPODIDAE Legless Lizards Delma borea X Delma butleri X X X Delma elegans 3 X X X Delma haroldi X X X X Delma nasuta X X X X X Delma pax X X X X X Delma tincta X X X X X Lialis burtonis X X X X X X Pygopus nigriceps X X X X SCINCIDAE Skinks Carlia munda X X X X X X X Carlia triacantha X? X? X Cryptoblepharus carnabyi1 X? X? X? Cryptoblepharus plagiocephalus 1 These species have Cryptoblepharus buchananii X recently been X? X? X? X? separated from within Cryptoblepharus ustulatus the Cryptoblepharus X complex Ctenotus ariadnae X Ctenotus duricola 3 X X X X X X Ctenotus grandis titan 3 X X Ctenotus hanloni X Ctenotus affin. helenae X X X X X X Ctenotus leonhardii X X Ctenotus nasutus X Ctenotus nigrilineatus 2 & 3 Ctenotus pantherinus ocellifer X X X X X X X Ctenotus piankai X X Ctenotus rubicundus 3 X X X X Ctenotus rutilans 3 X X X X X X

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Data Sources Ninox 08 Davies HD4 Status WAM Ninox ecologia OP1 IC OP6 IC et al. Mine Number of Surveys 4 9 1 2 1 1 Ctenotus saxatilis X X X X X X X Ctenotus schomburgkii X X X X X X Ctenotus serventyi X X Ctenotus uber X X Cyclodomorphus melanops X X X X X X Egernia depressa X X Egernia formosa X X X Egernia pilbarensis 3 Egernia striata X Eremiascincus richardsonii X X X Lerista flammicauda 3 X Lerista labialis X X Lerista muelleri 1 X X X Lerista amicorum These species have Lerista clara recently been X? X? X? X? Lerista jacksoni separated from within Lerista rhodonoides the L. muelleri Lerista vehmens complex Lerista neander 3 X X X Lerista zietzi 3 X X X Menetia greyii X X X X Menetia surda 3 X X X X Morethia ruficauda exquisita X X X X X ornatus X X Proablepharus reginae X X Tiliqua multifasciata X X X X X X X VARANIDAE Monitors Varanus acanthurus X X X X X X Varanus brevicauda X X X X Varanus bushi 3 X X Varanus caudolineatus X X X X Varanus eremius X Varanus giganteus X X X Varanus gilleni X X Varanus gouldii X X Varanus panoptes rubidus X X X X Varanus pilbarensis 3 X X X Varanus tristis X X X X X TYPHLOPIDAE Blind Snakes Ramphotyphlops ammodytes 3 X X X Ramphotyphlops ganei 2 & 3 X Ramphotyphlops grypus X X X X Ramphotyphlops hamatus X X X Ramphotyphlops pilbarensis 3 Ramphotyphlops waitii X X BOIDAE Pythons Antaresia perthensis X X X Antaresia stimsoni X X

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Data Sources Ninox 08 Davies HD4 Status WAM Ninox ecologia OP1 IC OP6 IC et al. Mine Number of Surveys 4 9 1 2 1 1 Aspidites melanocephalus X X X X X Liasis olivaceus barroni 1 & 3 X X ELAPIDAE Venomous Snakes Acanthophis wellsi 3 X X X X X Brachyurophis approximans X X X Demansia psammophis cupreiceps X X X X Demansia rufescens 3 X X X Furina ornata X X Parasuta monachus X X X X Pseudechis australis X X X X Pseudonaja modesta X X Pseudonaja nuchalis X X X bertholdi X X fasciata X X X Suta punctata X Vermicella snelli 3 X X X TOTAL NUMBER OF SPECIES 104 93 80 25 29 23 33

1 Cryptoblepharus species and the Lerista muelleri group have undergone recent taxonomic review and these records may represent several species.

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Appendix 6 List of bird species recorded in Project Area 1 and known to occur in the eastern Pilbara. Data Sources BA - Birds Australia WAM - WA Museum Ninox - 1986; 1992; 1995. ecologia - 1995; 1998a and b; 2004a, b, c, d, e; 2005. Davies et al. - Davis, R.A., Wilcox, J.A., Metcalf, B.M. & Bamford, M.J. 2005. Ninox 08 - Hope Downs 4 Project Area (Hope Downs 4 mining area; Option 1 infrastructure corridor; Option 6 infrastructure corridor). Conservation Status 1 = Species listed under the EPBC Act 1999, the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 or listed in Appendix 12 under the Protected Matters Report. 2 = JAMBA; CAMBA; ROKAMBA. 3 = Species listed under DEC’s Priority Fauna list 4 = Pilbara endemic species Data Sources Ninox 08 Davies HD4 OP1 OP6 Status BA WAM Ninox ecologia et al. Mine IC IC Number of Surveys 4 9 1 2 1 1 NON- BIRDS CASUARIIDAE Dromaius novaehollandiae Emu X X X X PHASIANIDAE Coturnix pectoralis Stubble Quail X Coturnix ypsilophora Brown Quail X X ANATIDAE Cygnus atratus Black Swan X X X X Tadorna tadornoides Australian Shelduck X X Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck X X Anas gracilis Grey Teal X X X Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck X X Malacorhynchus membranaceus Pink-eared Duck X X X Aythya australis Hardhead X PODICIPEDIDAE Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Australasian Grebe X X Poliocephalus poliocephalus Hoary-headed Grebe X X ANHINGIDAE Anhinga melanogaster Darter X X PHALACROCORACIDAE Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Little Pied Cormorant X X Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Little Black Cormorant X X ARDEIDAE Ardea pacifica White-necked Heron X X X Ardea novaehollandiae White-faced Heron X X X X X Ardea alba Great Egret 1 & 2 X X Nycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night Heron X X THRESKIORNITHIDAE Threskiornis aethiopica Sacred Ibis X X Threskiornis spinicollis Straw-necked Ibis X X X Platalea flavipes Yellow-billed Spoonbill X ACCIPITRIDAE Elanus notatus Black-shouldered Kite X X X

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Data Sources Ninox 08 Davies HD4 OP1 OP6 Status BA WAM Ninox ecologia et al. Mine IC IC Number of Surveys 4 9 1 2 1 1 Hamirostra melanosternon Black-breasted Buzzard X X X X Milvus migrans Black Kite X X X X Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite X X X X X Hamirostra isura Square-tailed Kite X X Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk X X X Accipiter cirrhocephalus Collared Sparrowhawk X X X X X Aquila morphnoides Little Eagle X X X X Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle X X X X X X X Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier X X X X X Circus approximans Swamp Harrier X FALCONIDAE Falco berigora Brown Falcon X X X X X X X X Falco cenchroides Australian Kestrel X X X X X X Falco longipennis Australian Hobby X X X X X Falco hypoleucos Grey Falcon 1 X X X Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon 1 X X X X X RALLIDAE Gallinula ventralis Black-tailed Native-hen X X X Porzana tabuensis Spotless Crake X X OTIDIDAE Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard 3 X X X X X X TURNICIDAE Turnix velox Little Button-quail X X X X X X SCOLOPACIDAE Caladrius acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper 2 X X Caladrius melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper 2 X Caladrius ruficollis Red-necked Stint 2 X X Caladrius subminuta Long-toed Stint 2 X X Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank 2 Tringa hypoleucos Common Sandpiper 2 X X BURHINIDAE Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew 3 X X X RECURVIROSTRIDAE Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt X Recurvirostra novaehollandiae Red-necked Avocet X CHARADRIIDAE Vanellus tricolor Banded Lapwing X Charadrius ruficapillus Red-capped Plover X X Charadrius melanops Black-fronted Plover X X X X Erythrogonyus cinctus Red-kneed Dotterel X X Peltohyas australis Inland Dotterel X LARIDAE Chlidonias hybrida Whiskered Tern X Larus novaehollandiae Silver Gull X X COLUMBIDAE Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing X X X X X X X Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon X X X X X X Geophaps plumifera Spinifex Pigeon X X X X

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Data Sources Ninox 08 Davies HD4 OP1 OP6 Status BA WAM Ninox ecologia et al. Mine IC IC Number of Surveys 4 9 1 2 1 1 Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove X X X X X X X Geopelia striata Peaceful Dove X X X X PSITTACIDAE Calyptorhynchus banksii Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Cacatua roseicapilla Galah X X X X X X X X Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella X X X X X X Nymphicus hollandicus Cockatiel X X X X Pezoporus occidentalis Night Parrot 1 X Platycercus zonarius Australian Ringneck X X X X X X X X Platycercus varius Mulga Parrot X X X Neophema elegans Elegant Parrot X Neophema bourkii Bourke's Parrot X X X X X Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar X X X X X X X X CUCULIDAE Cuculus pallidus Pallid Cuckoo X X X X X Chryoscoccyx osculans Black-eared Cuckoo X X Chrysococcyx basalis Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo X X X X X X X Centropus phasianus Pheasant Coucal X STRIGIDAE Ninox connivens Barking Owl X X X X X Ninox novaeseelandiae Boobook Owl X X X X X X TYTONIDAE Tyto alba Barn Owl X X X X PODARGIDAE Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth X X X X CAPRIMULGIDAE Eurostopodus argus Spotted Nightjar X X X X X X AEGOTHELIDAE Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar X X X X X X APODIDAE Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift 2 X HALCYONIDAE Dacelo leachii Blue-winged Kookaburra X X X X X Todiramphus pyrrhopygia Red-backed Kingfisher X X X X X X Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher X X X X MEROPIDAE Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater 2 X X X X X PASSERINE BIRDS CLIMACTERIDAE Climacteris melanura Black-tailed Treecreeper X X X X MALURIDAE Malurus splendens Splendid Fairy-wren X X X Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren X X X X X X X X Malurus leucopterus White-winged Fairy-wren X X X X X X X Stipiturus ruficeps Rufous-crowned Emu-wren X X X X X X Amytornis striatus Striated Grasswren X X X X X X PARDALOTIDAE Pardalotus rubricatus Red-browed Pardalote X X X X

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Data Sources Ninox 08 Davies HD4 OP1 OP6 Status BA WAM Ninox ecologia et al. Mine IC IC Number of Surveys 4 9 1 2 1 1 Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote X X X X X X X ACATHIZIDAE Calamanthus campestris Rufous Fieldwren X Pyrrholaemus brunneus Redthroat X X X X X Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill X X X X X X X Gerygone fusca Western Gerygone X X X X X X X X Acanthiza apicalis Broad-tailed Thornbill X X X X X X Acanthiza robustirostris Slaty-backed Thornbill X X X X Acanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill X X X X X X Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Yellow-rumped Thornbill X X X X nigricincta Banded Whiteface X Aphelocephala leucopsis X X MELIPHAGIDAE Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater X X X X X Certhionyx niger Black Honeyeater X X X Certhionyx variegatus Pied Honeyeater X X X Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater X X X X X X X X Lichenostomus keartlandi Grey-headed Honeyeater X X X X X X X Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater X X X X X X X Lichenostomus plumulus Grey-fronted Honeyeater X X X Melithreptus gularis Black-chinned Honeyeater X X X X X X Phylidonyris albifrons White-fronted Honeyeater X X X X Lacustroica whitei Grey Honeyeater 3 X X X Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner X X X X X X X Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater X X X X X X X Ephthianura aurifrons Orange Chat X X X Epthianura tricolor Crimson Chat X X X X PETROICIDAE Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin X X X X X X Petroica cucullata Hooded Robin X X X X X X X POMATOSTOMIDAE Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler X X X X X X X X Pomatostomus superciliosus White-browed Babbler X X X X X CINCLOSOMATIDAE Psophodes occidentalis Western Wedgebill X X Cinclosoma castaneothorax Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush X X X X NEOSITTIDAE Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sittella X X X X X PACHYCEPHALIDAE Oreoica gutturalis Crested Bellbird X X X X X X X X Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler X X X X X X X X Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush X X X X X X X DICRURIDAE Rhipidura albicauda White-tailed Fantail X X Rhipidura fuliginosa Grey Fantail X X X X X X X Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail X X X X X X X Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark X X X X X X X CAMPEPHAGIDAE

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Data Sources Ninox 08 Davies HD4 OP1 OP6 Status BA WAM Ninox ecologia et al. Mine IC IC Number of Surveys 4 9 1 2 1 1 Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike X X X X X X X X Coracina maxima Ground Cuckoo-shrike X X X X X Lalage tricolor White-winged Triller X X X X X ARTAMIDAE Artamus leucorhynchus White-breasted Woodswallow X Artamus personatus Masked Woodswallow X X X X X Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow X X X X X X X X Artamus cyanopterus X X Artamus minor Little Woodswallow X X X X CRACTICIDAE Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird X X X X X X X Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird X X X X X X X Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie X X X X X CORVIDAE Corvus orru Torresian Crow X X X X X X X Corvus bennetti Little Crow X X X X PTILONORHYNCHIDAE Ptilonorhynchus guttata Western Bowerbird X X X X X HIRUNDINIDAE Cheramoeca leucosternum White-backed X X X Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow X X Hirundo nigricans Tree Martin X X X X X Hirundo ariel Fairy Martin X X SYLVIIDAE Megalurus gramineus Little Grassbird X X Eremiornis carteri Spinifexbird X X X X X X Cinclorhamphus mathewsi Rufous Songlark X X X Cinclorhamphus cruralis Brown Songlark X X X X ALAUDIDAE Mirafra javanica Singing Bushlark X X X X X DICAEIDAE Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird X X X X PASSERIDAE Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch X X X X X X Neochmia ruficauda Star Finch 2 X X X X Emblema pictum Painted Firetail X X X X X MOTACILLIDAE Anthus australis Australian Pipit X X X X X X TOTAL NUMBER OF SPECIES 144 60 129 105 92 66 37 45

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Appendix 7 The short range endemic invertebrate fauna collected in May 2008 from Hope Downs 4, Western Australia.

The Short-Range Endemic

Invertebrate Fauna

from Hope Downs 4, Western Australia

Report to Ninox Wildlife Consulting

August 2008

Mark S. Harvey and Volker Framenau

Department of Terrestrial Invertebrates, Western Australian Museum, Locked Bag 49, Welshpool DC, Western Australia 6986, Australia

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The terrestrial invertebrate fauna of inland Australia contains a plethora of species, and just the arthropods were recently estimated to consist of more than 250,000 species (Yeates et al. 2004). The vast majority of these are found within the Insecta and Arachnida, although significant numbers of millipedes are to be expected. For many years, the prospect of including invertebrates in assessments of biological systems subject to alteration proved daunting, and were largely ignored as being too diverse and too difficult to comprehend to satisfy the rapid turn-around needed for environmental surveys.

In a recent publication, the issue of Short-Range Endemism in the Australian invertebrate fauna was examined (Harvey 2002), and series of major groups were nominated as having a very high proportion of individual species that satisfied a certain set of criteria. The main criterion nominated for inclusion as a Short-Range Endemic (SRE) was that the species had a naturally small range of less than 10,000 km2. Harvey (2002) found that those species possessed a series of ecological and life-history traits, including:

• poor powers of dispersal; • confinement to discontinuous habitats; • usually highly seasonal, only active during cooler, wetter periods; and • low levels of fecundity.

The Western Australian fauna contains a number of SRE taxa, including millipedes, land snails, trap-door spiders, some pseudoscorpions, slaters, and onychophorans. The south coast region is relatively well known compared with other regions of the state but there are many poorly known species and gaps in our understanding of the distributions of many species.

The Hope Downs 4 region

The short-range endemic fauna of the region was assessed by examination of pseudoscorpions and scorpions collected by staff from Ninox Wildlife Consulting,

Ninox WildlifeWildlife ConsConsultingulting ––– FebFebFebrFebrrruaryuary 2009uary 2009 100 Hope Downs 4 Mining Area – Fauna Survey 2008 preserved in ethanol and submitted to the Western Australian Museum for identification. The specimens were examined using a Leica dissecting microscope (MZ16) and an Olympus compound microscope (BH-2).

SCORPIONS

Lychas bituberculatus Pocock (family Buthidae)

Lychas bituberculatus was found at Hope Downs, and is fairly widespread throughout the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of Western Australia, as well as in the Northern Territory (Figure 1). It is not a short-range endemic species.

Fig. 1. Distribution of Lychas bituberculatus.

Lychas ‘multipunctatus’ Volschenk, in press (family Buthidae)

A single female of Lychas ‘multipunctatus’ was found at Hope Downs. This is widespread throughout the Pilbara and Kimberley region of Western Australia (Figure 2). Within the Pilbara, it also occurs in the Hamersley Ranges and Barrow Island. It is not a short-range endemic species.

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Fig. 2. Distribution of Lychas ‘multipunctatus’.

Urodacus sp. (family Urodacidae)

A single juvenile specimen of the scorpion genus Urodacus was collected. Only adult scorpions can be identified with any certainty, and it is not possible to provide a specific name for this specimen.

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The fauna of Western Australia is very diverse, with numerous families represented, including many new species.

Gaius sp. (family Idiopidae)

The trapdoor spider genus Gaius is widely distributed within Western Australia ranging from the south coast to the Pilbara (Figure 3). They construct deep burrows with conspicuous, twig-lined lids. The only named species, G. villosus Rainbow, has been identified from the Wheatbelt, Murchison and Pilbara regions. Other unnamed species are recognised but difficult to identify without adult male specimens which possess the best taxonomic features (Main 1985). The sole specimen collected from Hope Downs is a female, and adult males are necessary to obtain an accurate identification.

Fig. 3. Records of Gaius from Western Australia, based upon collections from the WA Museum.

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Members of the mygalomorph spider family Dipluridae are represented in Western Australia by the genus Cethegus. They are known as curtain-web spiders due to the shape of their webs, which consist of numerous strands of silk hanging across the entrance of their burrows. They are usually constructed at the base of trees or against logs.

The genus Cethegus is represented in Western Australia by one named species, C. fugax Simon (Main 1960; Raven 1981), and several unnamed species. The Western Australian Museum has records from many different regions of the state (Figure 4).

The status and distribution of these species are not well understood and detailed taxonomic work is needed to understand the Western Australian fauna. Male specimens are required for accurate species identification, but the Hope Downs collection consists of a female and a juvenile. It is very unlikely that the Hope Downs specimens represent a short-range endemic species.

Fig. 4. Records of Cethegus from Western Australia, based upon collections from the WA Museum.

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Members of the mygalomorph spider family Nemesiidae are represented in Western Australia by several genera, including Aname, Chenistonia, Yilgarnia, Stanwellia, Teyl and Kwonkan. They usually dig burrows in the soil, and do not cover their burrow entrances with lids.

The genus Aname is very well represented in the Western Australian fauna by several named and numerous unnamed species. The Western Australian Museum has records from many different regions of the state (Figure 5). The status and distribution of many of these species are not well understood and detailed taxonomic work is needed to understand the Western Australian fauna. Male specimens are required for accurate species identification, but the Hope Downs collection consists of a female. It is very unlikely that the Hope Downs specimen represents a short- range endemic species.

Fig. 5. Records of Aname from Western Australia, based upon collections from the WA Museum.

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The spider family is well represented in the Australian fauna, and has been recently revised by Platnick (2002). Fissarena castanea (Simon) occurs over large areas of northern Western Australia (Figure 6), and also occurs in south-western Queensland (Platnick 2002). It is not a short-range endemic species.

Fig. 6. Records of Fissarena castanea from Western Australia.

Genus? (family Gnaphosidae)

The spider family Gnaphosidae is very commonly collected in Western Australia, where numerous species are known to occur. The Australasian representatives are currently under study by Dr V. Ovtsharenko in New York, but there are no results from that study as yet. We are therefore unable to identify the Hope Downs specimen any further. However, it is extremely unlikely to represent a short-range endemic species.

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The Western Australian pseudoscorpion fauna is fairly diverse with representatives of 17 different families. They are found in a variety of biotopes, but can be most commonly collected from the bark of trees, from the underside of rocks, or from leaf litter habitats. The pseudoscorpion fauna of Hope Downs was found to consist of species of Olpiidae, Garypidae, Sternophoridae and Chernetidae (Appendix 1).

Beierolpium sp. (family Olpiidae) A single specimen of this species, an adult male, was collected at Hope Downs (Appendix 1). The systematic status of members of this genus in the Pilbara has not been fully assessed, but it is very unlikely that this species represents a short-range endemic species.

Synsphyronus ‘sp. nov. paradoxus group (family Garypidae) Several specimens of this undescribed species were collected from under the bark of trees (Appendix 1). The species has been previously found near Mt Brockman and other regions of the Pilbara. Morphologically, it is very distinct from all other species of the genus.

Many species of Synsphyronus may represent short-range endemic species (Harvey 1987), but these species are generally found in ground habitats such as under rocks. The tree-dwelling species tend to be much more widely distributed, and are not short- range endemics.

Afrosternophorus sp. (family Sternophoridae)

Species of Afrosternophorus are commonly found under bark throughout northern Australia (Harvey 1985). They can be locally abundant, and have been collected in considerable numbers in some locations. Based on our current levels of knowledge, it appears that this species is not a short-range endemic species.

Ninox WildlifeWildlife ConsConsultingulting ––– FebFebFebrFebrrruaryuary 2009uary 2009 107 Hope Downs 4 Mining Area – Fauna Survey 2008 Haplochernes sp. (family Chernetidae)

Chernetid pseudoscorpions are generally found under bark of trees, and the genus Haplochernes is found throughout many different regions of Australasia (Harvey 2008). This large species of Haplochernes was found at Hope Downs, and is widespread throughout the Pilbara. It is not a short-range endemic species.

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Genus? (family Scutigeridae)

Centipedes of the order Scutigerida are found over all of Western Australia but their taxonomic status is not well known. No species is thought to represent a short-range endemic species.

Ninox WildlifeWildlife ConsConsultingulting ––– FebFebFebrFebrrruaryuary 2009uary 2009 109 Hope Downs 4 Mining Area – Fauna Survey 2008 REFERENCES

Harvey, M.S. (1985). The systematics of the family Sternophoridae (Pseudoscorpionida). Journal of Arachnology 13: 141-209.

Harvey, M.S. (1987). A revision of the genus Synsphyronus Chamberlin (Garypidae: Pseudoscorpionida: Arachnida). Australian Journal of Zoology, Supplementary Series 126: 1-99.

Harvey, M.S. (2002). Short-range endemism in the Australian fauna: some examples from non-marine environments. Invertebrate Systematics 16: 555-570.

Harvey, M.S. (2008). Pseudoscorpions of the World, version 1.1. Western Australian Museum, Perth. http://www.museum.wa.gov.au/arachnids/pseudoscorpions/.

Main, B.Y. (1960). The genus Cethegus Thorell (Mygalomorphae: Macrothelinae). Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia 43: 30-34.

Main, B.Y. (1985). Further studies on the systematics of ctenizid trapdoor spiders: a review of the Australian genera (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Ctenizidae). Australian Journal of Zoology, Supplementary Series 108: 1-84.

Platnick, N.I. (2002). A revision of the Australasian ground spiders of the families Ammoxenidae, Cithaeronidae, Gallieniellidae and Trochanteriidae (Araneae: Gnaphosoidea). Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 271: 1-243.

Raven, R.J. (1981). A review of the Australian genera of the mygalomorph spider subfamily Diplurinae (Dipluridae: Chelicerata). Australian Journal of Zoology 29: 321-363.

Yeates, D.K., Harvey, M.S. and Austin, A.D. (2004). New estimates for terrestrial arthropod species-richness in Australia. Records of the South Australian Museum, Monograph Series 7: 231-241.

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Appendix 1. Location data for samples from Hope Downs 4. (Note: only sites HD4-1 to HD4-6 & Eagle Rock Falls are relevant to this report.)

SEX SITE STATE GENUS GENUS ORDER ORDER PREFIX FAMILY REGNO REGNO SPECIES SPECIES SPECNUM SPECNUM AUTHORITY AUTHORITY

T T91703 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas bituberculatus Pocock, 18T91 W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 30 km NW Newman, HD4-10 M 1 Volschenk, in T T91704 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `multipunctatus` press W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 30 km NW Newman, HD4-Camp F 1 T T91705 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas bituberculatus Pocock, 18T91 W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 30 km NW Newman, HD4-10 J 1 T T91706 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas bituberculatus Pocock, 18T91 W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 30 km NW Newman, HD4-10 M 1 T T91707 Scorpiones Urodacidae Urodacus `sp.` W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 30 km NW Newman, HD4-8 J 1 T T91708 Araneae Idiopidae Gaius W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 30km NW Newman, HD4-8 F 1 T T91709 Araneae Idiopidae Gaius W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 30km NW Newman, HD4-8 F 1 T T91710 Araneae Dipluridae Cethegus W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 30km NW Newman, HD4-6 J 1 T T91711 Araneae Dipluridae Cethegus W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 30km NW Newman, HD4-4 F 1 T T91712 Araneae Nemesiidae Aname W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 30km NW Newman, HD4-7 F 1 T T91713 Araneae Trochanteriidae Fissarena castanea (Simon, 1908) W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 30km NW Newman, HD4-8 M 1 T T91714 Araneae Gnaphosidae W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 30km NW Newman, HD4-2 M 1 T T91715 Pseudoscorpiones Olpiidae Beierolpium W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 30km NW Newman, HD4-8 M 1 T T91716 Pseudoscorpiones Sternophoridae Afrosternophorus W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 30km NW Newman, HD4-1 1 `sp. nov. paradoxus gp, T T91718 Pseudoscorpiones Garypidae Synsphyronus 8/1` W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 30km NW Newman, HD4-6 MF 2 T T91719 Pseudoscorpiones Chernetidae Haplochernes W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 30km NW Newman, HD4-1 F 1 `sp. nov. paradoxus gp, T T91720 Pseudoscorpiones Garypidae Synsphyronus 8/1` W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 30km NW Newman, HD4-3 MF 3 `sp. nov. paradoxus gp, T T91721 Pseudoscorpiones Garypidae Synsphyronus 8/1` W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 30km NW Newman, HD4-6 MF 13

T T91717 Scutigerida W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 30km NW Newman, HD4-9 1

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Appendix 8 The short range endemic invertebrate fauna collected in October 2008 from Hope Downs 4, Western Australia.

The Short-Range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna of Hope Downs 4, Western Australia

Report to Ninox Wildlife Consulting 23 December 2008

Volker W. Framenau and Mark S. Harvey

Department of Terrestrial Invertebrates, Western Australian Museum, Locked Bag 49, Welshpool DC, Western Australia 6986, Australia

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Summary

The samples from Hope Downs 4 submitted to the Western Australian Museum in 2008 included spiders (Barychelidae: Synothele; Idiopidae: Anidiops), pseudoscorpions in the family Atemnidae (Oratemnus) and Olpiidae (Beierolpium, Indolpium), scorpions in the family Buthidae: Lychas), and millipedes in three orders (Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae: Antichiropus; Polyxenida: Polyxenidae; Spirobolida: Pachybolidae: Austrostrophus).

Putative short-range endemic taxa at Hope Downs 4 include:

• ?Antichiropus sp. (juv.) (site HD4-13, specimen no. 29). This juvenile paradoxosomatid millipede is most likely a member of Antichiropus. However, species identification is only possible based on an examination of the gonopod of adult male specimens and further collecting is advised to clarify the identification of this species.

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Short-Range Endemism

The terrestrial invertebrate fauna of inland Australia contains a plethora of species, and the arthropods alone were recently estimated to consist of more than 250,000 species (Yeates et al. 2004). The vast majority of these are found within the Insecta and Arachnida, although significant numbers of millipedes are to be expected. For many years, the prospect of including invertebrates in assessments of biological systems subject to alteration proved daunting and were largely ignored as being too diverse and too difficult to comprehend to satisfy the rapid turn-around needed for environmental surveys.

In a recent publication, the issue of Short-Range Endemism in the Australian invertebrate fauna was examined (Harvey 2002), and series of major groups were nominated as having a very high proportion of individual species that satisfied a certain set of criteria. The main criterion nominated for inclusion as a Short-Range Endemic (SRE) was that the species had a naturally small range of less than 10,000 km2. Harvey (2002) found that those species possessed a series of ecological and life-history traits, including:

• poor powers of dispersal; • confinement to discontinuous habitats; • usually highly seasonal activity during cooler, wetter periods; and • low levels of fecundity.

The Western Australian fauna contains a number of SRE taxa, including millipedes, land snails, trap-door spiders, some pseudoscorpions, slaters, and onychophorans. The south coast region is relatively well known compared with other regions of the state but there are many poorly known species and gaps in our understanding of the distributions of many species.

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Hope Downs 4

The short-range endemic fauna of Hope Downs 4 was assessed by examination of mygalomorph spiders, pseudoscorpions, scorpions, and millipedes preserved in ethanol, submitted to the Western Australian Museum for identification on the 16 October 2008 (WAM accession no. A6553). The specimens were examined using Leica dissecting microscopes (MZ6, MZ16) and an Olympus compound microscope (BH-2).

ARANEAE (spiders)

Infraorder Mygalomorphae (Trapdoor Spiders)

Synothele sp. ‘near karara’ (family Barychelidae)

Members of the Barychelidae, the “Brush-footed Trapdoor Spiders” are cryptic spiders. Their burrow often lacks the firm and thick door of the Idiopidae or the extensive web of the Dipluridae (Raven 1994).

Two specimens of Synothele were found at Hope Down 4, one of which was missing the abdomen so that species identification is impossible (Appendix 1). The second specimen was identified as Synothele sp. ‘near karara’ by Robert Raven (Queensland Museum). It is not a short-range endemic species.

Anidiops sp. (family Idiopidae)

The mygalomorph spider family Idiopidae includes a number of genera in Western Australia, including Anidiops, Gaius, Arbanitis, Euoplos, Blakistonia, Cataxia, Eucyrtops, Idiosoma and Misgolas (Main 1985; Raven & Wishart 2005). They comprise the ‘typical’ trap door spiders, i.e. those species that usually close the burrow with a hinged door. Spiders of this family are abundant, in particular in relatively stable habitats in temperate to tropical regions (Main 1985).

The genus Anidiops (including its current junior synonym Gaius) is common throughout Western Australia. Two species are currently described (A. manstridgei and A. villosus).

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Unpublished research by Barbara Main, University of Western Australia, suggests that both Anidiops and Gaius represent valid genera with Anidiops having generally a more northern distribution (B.Y. Main, personal communication). The Anidiops specimens collected at Hope Downs are female and juvenile, however accurate species identification is only possible for males. It is unlikely that Anidiops includes many short-range endemic species.

PSEUDOSCORPIONS

The Western Australian pseudoscorpion fauna is fairly diverse with representatives of 17 different families. They are found in a variety of biotopes, but can be most commonly collected from the bark of trees, from the underside of rocks, or from leaf litter habitats. The pseudoscorpion fauna of Hope Downs 4 was found to consist of species in two different families, Atemnidae and Olpiidae (Appendix 1).

Family Atemnidae

Oratemnus sp.

Three female specimens of Oratemnus were collected during the survey. Atemnids are frequently found under bark of trees in Western Australia, but the systematics of the group, particularly of the genus Oratemnus, is uncertain and the taxonomy of individual species unclear. However, based upon current evidence, it seems that most species will eventually be found to be widely distributed. For this reason, we do not believe that the specimens collected at Hope Downs 4 represent a short-range endemic species.

Family Olpiidae Olpiids are found in most regions of the world, but are mostly found in xeric habitats. They occur under stones, in leaf litter and under bark of trees. Two specimens in the genera Beierolpium and Indolpium were collected at Hope Downs 4 (Appendix 1). Most Olpiidae are not considered short-range endemics.

Beierolpium sp. (family Olpiidae) A single female specimen of this species was collected at Hope Downs 4 (Appendix 1). The systematic status of members of this genus in the Pilbara has not been fully assessed, but it is very unlikely that this species represents a short-range endemic species.

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Indolpium (family Olpiidae)

A single immature specimen of Indolpium was collected during the survey (Appendix 1). Extremely similar specimens have been collected from other regions of Western Australia, suggesting that only a single species is involved. Based on our current levels of knowledge, it appears that this species is not a short-range endemic species.

SCORPIONS

Lychas (family Buthidae) Species of Lychas are abundant across all of mainland Australia (Koch 1977), as well as adjacent parts of south-eastern Asia. All species are generally quite small with slender pedipalps and mottled colouration.

Lychas bituberculatus-group

Three specimens of the Lychas bituberculatus-group were collected at Hope Downs 4. The group is fairly widespread throughout the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of Western Australia, as well as in the Northern Territory. Recent morphological examinations of material of this group suggested it to consist of more than one species; however the taxonomy is poorly resolved (E. Volschenk pers. comm.). It is unlikely that any member of this group represents a short-range endemic species.

Lychas ‘harveyi’-group (family Buthidae)

Five specimens of this group were found at Hope Downs 4 (Appendix 1). The group is widespread throughout the Pilbara region of Western Australia, and it is unlikely that it contains any short-range endemic species.

Lychas ‘Pilbara sp. 1’ (family Buthidae)

Two specimens of this species were found at Hope Downs 4 (Appendix 1). It is rarely collected but apparently fairly widespread throughout the Pilbara region of Western Australia (E. Volschenk pers. comm.). It is not considered a short-range endemic species.

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DIPLOPODA (Millipedes)

Order Polydesmida

Genus Antichiropus (family Paradoxosomatidae)

Millipedes are an extremely diverse group of animals, with representatives of nine different orders found in Australia (Harvey & Yen 1989). The most abundant and diverse millipede group in Western Australia is the genus Antichiropus of the family Paradoxosomatidae. This genus was first named in 1911 for seven species (Attems, 1911), and additional species were added by Jeekel (1982) and Shear (1992). As the result of large field surveys and taxonomic work at the Western Australian Museum, the genus is now known to consist of over 110 species, ranging as far north as the Pilbara, and extending onto the Nullarbor Plain and the Eyre Peninsula in (Figure 1). With the exception of Antichiropus variabilis, which inhabits the jarrah forests of south-western WA, all species of the genus are known to be short-range endemics, and many are known from only a few hundred square kilometres (Harvey et al., 2000; Harvey, 2002).

Fig. 1: Records of Antichiropus (Paradoxosomatidae) in Western Australia (WAM collection).

Although the vast majority of Antichiropus species currently lack formal taxonomic descriptions and scientific names, one of the authors of this report (MSH) has spent the past decade comparing different species of the genus and assigning temporary codes to each of the species. The distinction between species is largely based upon differences in the structure of the male gonopods. These are modified legs on the seventh abdominal segment

Ninox WildlifeWildlife ConsConsultingulting ––– FebFebFebrFebrrruaryuary 2009uary 2009 118 Hope Downs 4 Mining Area – Fauna Survey 2008 that are used to store sperm prior to mating. After courtship, the male mounts the female and inserts the gonopods into her genital orifice, transferring a sperm packet. The sperm then becomes mobilised and swims along the genital duct before fertilising the . The shape of the gonopod of each Antichiropus species is different, making the identification of individual species a relatively simple task. These differences in gonopod morphology have been used in millipede taxonomy for 150 years, and have been shown to be good indicators of valid biological species.

?Antichiropus sp. (juv.)

A juvenile of a paradoxosomatid millipede, most likely representing the genus Antichiropus, was taken at Hope Downs 4 (Appendix 1). Detailed examination of male gonopods is required to assess the identification of this species, therefore necessitating further collecting. It is likely that this specimen represents a short-range endemic species.

Order Polyxenida

Family Polyxenidae

Genus ? sp.

The taxonomy of the Australian polyxenid fauna is very poorly resolved and the status of the samples from Hope Downs 4 is uncertain. However, polyxenid millipedes are not uncommon throughout Western Australia and often appear in plague-like proportions throughout the northern parts of the state (Koch 1985). The specimen presented is highly unlikely to represent a short-range endemic species.

Order Spirobolida

Austrostrophus sp. (family Pachybolidae)

The samples from Hope Downs 4 included juveniles, females and fragments of the pachypolid genus Austrostrophus. A single species is currently known from northern Western Australia, A. stictopygus, and it is possible that the specimens belong to this species (Hoffman 2003). However, accurate species identification requires the examination of the male genitalia (gonopods). It is unlikely that the Austrostrophus specimens represent a short- range endemic species.

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REFERENCES

Attems, C.G. 1911. Myriopoda exkl. Scolopendridae. In Michaelsen, W. and Hartmeyer, R. (eds), Die Fauna Südwest-Australiens, vol. 3: 147-204. Gustav Fischer: Jena. Harvey, M. S. (2002) Short-range endemism in the Australian fauna: some examples from non-marine environments. Invertebr. Syst., 16, 555. Harvey, M. S. and Yen, A. L. (1989). Worms to Wasps. An Illustrated Guide to Australia's Terrrestrial Invertebrates. Melbourne, Oxford University Press. 203pp. Harvey, M. S., Sampey, A., West, P. L. J. and Waldock, J. M. (2000). The Chilopoda and Diplopoda of the southern Carnarvon Basin, Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum 61: 323-333. Hoffman, R. L. (2003). A new genus and species of trigoniuline milliped from Western Australia (Spirobolida: Pachybolidae: Trigoniulinae). Records of the Western Austalian Museum 22: 17-22. Jeekel, C. A. W. (1982). Millipedes from Australia, 1: Antichiropodini from South Australia (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae). Bulletin Zoologisch Museum, Universiteit van Amsterdam 8: 121-132. Koch, L. E. (1977) The taxonomy, geographic distribution and evolutionary radiation of Australo-Papuan scorpions. Records of the Western Australian Museum, 5, 83. Koch, L. E. (1985). Pincushion millipedes (Diplopoda: Polyxenida): their aggregations and identity in Western Australia. Western Australian Naturalist 16: 30-32. Main, B. Y. (1985). Further studies on the systematics of ctenizid trapdoor spiders: a review of the Australian genera (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Ctenizidae). Australian Journal of Zoology, Supplementary Series 108: 1-84. Raven, R. J. and Wishart, G. (2005). The trapdoor spider Arbanitis L. Koch (Idiopidae: Mygalomorphae) in Australia. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 51: 531-557. Raven, R. J. (1994). Mygalomorph spiders of the Barychelidae in Australia and the western Pacific. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 35: 291-706. Shear, W.A. 1992. A new genus and two new species of millipedes from the Cape Range, Western Australia (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae). Records of the Western Australian Museum 15, 777-784. Yeates, D. K., M. S. Harvey & A. D. Austin (2004) New estimates for terrestrial arthropod species-richness in Australia. Records of the South Australian Museum, Monograph Series, 7, 231.

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Appendix 1. Location data of SRE survey from Hope Downs 4. (Note: only sites HD4-1 to HD4-6 & Eagle Rock Falls are relevant to this report.)

REGNO ORDER FAMILY GENUS SPECIES SITE LATITUDE LONGITUDE SPECNUM 93439 Spirobolida HD4-11, 41 23°06`05.22"S 119°17`30.48"E 8 93440 Spirobolida Pachybolidae Austrostrophus `sp. (females)` HD4-13, 28 23°06`13.62"S 119°16`47.76"E 5 93441 Spirobolida Pachybolidae Austrostrophus `sp. (females)` HD4-13, 30 23°06`13.62"S 119°16`47.76"E 1 93442 Polyxenida Polyxenidae HD4-15, 21 23°05`30.66"S 119°11`16.92"E 80 93443 Spirobolida Pachybolidae Austrostrophus `sp. (female)` HD4-3, 9 23°09`11.82"S 119°31`44.52"E 1 93444 Spirobolida Pachybolidae Austrostrophus `sp. (fragment)` HD4-15, 22 23°05`30.66"S 119°11`16.92"E 1 93445 Spirobolida Pachybolidae Austrostrophus `sp. (fragment)` HD4 Eagle R. F 23°06`10.86"S 119°34`55.68"E 1 93446 Spirobolida Pachybolidae Austrostrophus `sp. (fragment)` HD4-12, 32 23°06`22.68"S 119°17`30.72"E 1 93447 Polydesmida Paradoxosomatidae Antichiropus `sp. (juv.)` HD4-13, 29 23°06`13.62"S 119°16`47.76"E 2 93448 Pseudoscorpiones Atemnidae Oratemnus HD4 Eagle R. F 23°06`10.86"S 119°34`55.68"E 1 93449 Pseudoscorpiones Atemnidae Oratemnus HD4-3 Gully, 12 23°09`12.48"S 119°31`58.26"E 2 93450 Polyxenida Polyxenidae HD4-3 Gully, 12 23°09`12.48"S 119°31`58.26"E 1 93451 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `harveyi group` HD4-11, 43 23°06`05.22"S 119°17`30.48"E 1 93452 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `Pilbara sp. 1` HD4-15, 25 23°05`30.66"S 119°11`16.92"E 1 93453 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `harveyi group` HD4-11, 36 23°06`05.22"S 119°17`30.48"E 1 93454 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `harveyi group` HD4-11, 35 23°06`05.22"S 119°17`30.48"E 1 93455 Scorpiones Buthidae Isometroides `sp. (female)` HD4-11, 37 23°06`05.22"S 119°17`30.48"E 1 93456 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `bituberculatus gp` HD4-2, 7 23°08`45.36"S 119°31`34.56"E 1 93457 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `bituberculatus gp` HD4-13, 31 23°06`13.62"S 119°16`47.76"E 1 93458 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `bituberculatus gp` HD4-12, 34 23°06`22.68"S 119°17`30.72"E 1 93459 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `Pilbara sp. 1` HD4-2, 8 23°08`45.36"S 119°31`34.56"E 1 93460 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `harveyi group` HD4-5, 15 23°07`42.18"S 119°30`32.10"E 1 93461 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `harveyi group` HD4-5, 16 23°07`42.18"S 119°30`32.10"E 1 93462 Araneae Barychelidae Synothele `sp. (no abd.)` HD4-16, 20 23°05`28.98"S 119°10`16.74"E 1 93463 Araneae Idiopidae Anidiops `sp. (juv.)` HD4-14B, 27 23°05`33.12"S 119°12`21.12"E 1 93464 Araneae Idiopidae `?Anidiops` `sp. (juv.)` HD4-11, 40 23°06`05.22"S 119°17`30.48"E 1 93465 Araneae Barychelidae Synothele `near karara` HD4-3, 10 23°09`11.82"S 119°31`44.52"E 1 93466 Araneae Idiopidae Anidiops HD4-11, 38-39 23°06`05.22"S 119°17`30.48"E 1 93964 Pseudoscorpiones Olpiidae Beierolpium HD4-3 Gully 23°09`12.48"S 119°31`58.26"E 1 93965 Pseudoscorpiones Olpiidae Indolpium HD4-3 Gully 23°09`12.48"S 119°31`58.26"E 1

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Appendix 9 Molluscs from the Hope Downs 4 project area collected in May 2008, Western Australia.

Final Report to Ninox Wildlife Consulting

Molluscs from the area of Hope Downs, Western Australia,

collected by Ninox Wildlife Consulting during May, 2008

C. Whisson & S. Slack-Smith Western Australian Museum September 2008

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Background

Five samples of snail specimens, collected by staff of the environmental consultancy company, Ninox Wildlife Consulting, were presented for identification and comment to the Department of Aquatic Zoology (Mollusc Section), Western Australian Museum on the 29th May 2008 (WAM Accession No. A6014).

The samples had been collected at three sites during a short-range endemic survey of the Hope Downs “Four” area, approximately 30 kilometres north-west of Newman in the Pilbara area of WA. Specimen and habitat data, including the collecting dates and methods, and the site co-ordinates were provided with the specimens (see Table 1).

Procedures

Snail specimens in the five samples of molluscs were examined and sorted under a dissecting microscope, and compared with descriptions and figures in relevant publications and with dry and preserved specimens in the Mollusc Collections of the Western Australian Museum.

As non-marine mollusc specimens from the Hope Downs area are not well represented in the Western Australian Museum, all material from this survey was registered and lodged into the Western Australian Museum Mollusc Collection.

Table 1 – Hope Downs Four Survey Sites Coordinates Site (Zone 50) Date Site description Latitude Longitude Open Mulga woodland (≤5m) over mixed HD4-04 23°08.846`S 119°31.148`E 14/05/2008 shrubs (≤1.5m); red washed clays with pesolitic gravel and clay loams. Dense Mulga shrublands (≤5m) over mixed HD4-08 23°05.193`S 119°19.102`E 13/05/2008 shrubs (≤1m); loamy clays and open wash bands of red clays hardpan with pesolite. Tall (≤6m) open woodland Eucalyptus and Acacia spp. over mixed shrubs (≤2m); HD4-10 23°02.275`S 119°12.743`E 13/05/2008 Triodia and grasses on alluvial soils and silts; some deep stone layers.

Results

The specimens in the samples belong to the terrestrial snail families Bulimulidae; Pupillidae and Subulinidae (see Table 2). Species identifications are necessarily based, both in this instance and in previous examinations of survey material, exclusively on shell characters that, in these three families, may vary only slightly within a genus.

All of the species identified from this survey are considered to form part of the indigenous Western Australian fauna.

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Family Subulinidae

Eremopeas interioris (Tate, 1894)

This very slender, small (max. height 11.0mm), high-spired snail is endemic to a wide area of northern Australia, ranging from the North West Cape area, the Pilbara and the Kimberley regions of Western Australia into the Northern Territory and central Australia eastwards – perhaps to western Queensland (Solem 1988).

The only other subulinid species known to be native to Australia is Eremopeas tuckeri (Pfeiffer, 1846), which has a known distribution from the Northern Territory; east to northern Queensland and then south to the Narrabri area of New South Wales. Four introduced subulinid species have been recorded from Australia, but can be readily differentiated from the two native species on their shell characters (Solem 1988, Smith 1992, Shea 2007).

Table 2. Mollusc species recorded during the SRE survey of Hope Downs “Four”.

Site Identification Specimen Numbers 5 adult dead-taken shells HD4-04 Gastrocopta cf. mussoni Pilsbry, 1917 3 juvenile dead-taken shells HD4-08 Eremopeas interioris (Tate, 1894) 1 live-taken adult 2 adult dead-taken shells HD4-08 Gastrocopta cf. mussoni Pilsbry, 1917 1 juvenile dead-taken shell

HD4-10 Gastrocopta cf. mussoni Pilsbry, 1917 1 adult dead-taken shell

17 dead-taken shells HD4-10 Bothriembryon sp. 19 live-taken snails

Family Pupillidae

Gastrocopta cf. mussoni Pilsbry, 1917

These microsocopic, elongate snails are tentatively identified as a species of the genus Gastrocopta. On shell characters, they most closely resemble the species G. mussoni Pilsbry, discussed by Pokryszko in his 1996 publication on the pupillid subfamily Gastrocoptinae. In that publication, he states that there are two forms of this species, a cylindrical form and an ovate form. It is the former form recorded during this survey.

G. mussoni has a geographical distribution from Central Australia (the southern part of Northern Territory), with specimens recorded from a few localities in the northern parts of Western Australia,; the northern parts of the Northern Territory; the northern and north-eastern parts of Queensland and also from the mid-west coast of Western Australia (Pokryszko 1996).There are also a few records from South Australia (Pokryszko, 1996). This geographical distribution has included Gastrocopta deserti Pilsbry, 1917 as a synonym (Pokryszko 1996).

Prior to Pokryszko’s 1996 publication, a species of Gastrocopta, G. pilbarana Solem, 1986, had been described from the Chichester Range (north of ) and Shark Bay area. This species was later synonymised with G. margaretae (Cox, 1868) by Pokryszko in 1996, but the Chichester Range specimens were not examined. Examination of the Chichester Range Gastrocopta material suggests it is not the same as G. margaretae from the south and mid-west coasts, but is rather the ovate form of Gastrocopta mussoni.

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Another similar species, G. larapinta (Tate, 1896) is found in central Australia (southern part of the Northern Territory) with fewer known localities in north-western and eastern Queensland, and a single record from the Fitzroy Crossing area, Western Australia (Pokryszko 1996).

Family Bulimulidae

Bothriembryon sp.

The molluscan family Bulimulidae is represented in Western Australia by the single genus Bothriembryon. This genus is represented in this State by a considerable number of species, most of which are confined to its south-western corner. However, beside the Pilbara populations, representatives of this genus are also found on the coastal areas around and south of the Shark Bay coastal area; along the southern coast of WA, into coastal South Australia and inland from those coasts. Away from the higher-rainfall areas near to those coasts, the number of species appears to decrease, and the size of the populations also appears to diminish. However, this apparent paucity might be due to collecting bias, both because the areas are less frequented by collectors and because the periods of activity of these inland species would probably be shorter and more closely dependent on infrequent and unpredictable periods of rainfall.

The Hope Downs area is situated within what currently appears to be the northern limit of the genus Bothriembryon in Western Australia. The specimens taken during this survey belong to a recognised, yet un-described new species, from the area of the Hammersley Range.

The Museum's collections contain almost 80 specimen lots of what appears to be the same un- described species collected during this survey. These records indicate the species has a distribution across most of the , from Gregory Gorge at the north-west end, intermittently through to Roy Hill at the south-eastern end of the Hamersley Range.

However, there appears to be a significant variation in the size and shape of shells across this range, both within and between populations. It is not known whether this morphological variation represents “normal” population variance or represents genetic differentiation at the population level.

Remarks

We have no reason to believe that, at the species level, any of the subulinid or pupillid taxa exhibit any degree of short range endemicity, as all are believed to belong to species that occupy wide geographic ranges.

The un-described Bothriembryon species appears to be distributed over a wide area that extends across most of the Hamersley Range. It does, however, show considerable variation in the size and shape of shells within and between populations. Until genetic work is undertaken, the level of endemicity between populations cannot be determined.

As we did not carry out the field survey, we have no way of evaluating the relationship of the molluscan taxa to the available habitats. Nor are we able, in the absence of data on the spatial relationship between the collecting sites and the boundaries of the leased area(s) within which disturbance is proposed, to comment upon the possible effect of such interference on the population/populations of molluscan species in the Hope Downs 4 area.

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References

Pokryszko, B.M. 1996. The Gastrocoptinae of Australia (: : Pupilloidea): systematics, distribution and origin. Invertebrate Taxonomy 10: 1085-1150

Smith, B.J., 1992, Non-marine . In Houston, W.W.K. (ed.) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Canberra: AGPS Vol. 8, xii+405 pp.

Shea, M, 2007. Exotic snails and slugs found in Australia. Newsletter of the malacological Society of Australasia No. 130: 3-12.

Solem, A., 1986. Pupilloid land snails from the south and mid-west coasts of Australia. J. Malac. Soc. Aust. 7(3-4): 95-124

Solem, A., 1988, Non-camaenid snails of the Kimberley and Northern Territory, Australia. 1. Systematics, affinities and ranges. Invertebrate Taxonomy 2(4): 455- 604

Solem, 1991, Distribution and diversity patterns of Australian pupilloid land snails (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Pupillidae, s.l.) The Veliger. 34(3):233-252.

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Appendix 10 Molluscs from the Hope Downs 4 project area collected in May 2008, Western Australia.

Final Report to Ninox Wildlife

Consulting

Molluscs from the area of Hope Downs, Western Australia,

collected by Ninox Wildlife Consulting during September, 2008

Shirley Slack-Smith and Corey Whisson

January 2009

Department of Aquatic Zoology (Molluscs), Western Australian Museum Locked Bag 49, Welshpool DC, Western Australia 6986

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Background

Samples of snail specimens, collected by staff of the environmental consultancy company, Ninox Wildlife Consulting, were presented for identification and comment to the Department of Aquatic Zoology (Mollusc Section), Western Australian Museum on the 16th of October 2008 (WAM Accession No. A6554).

The samples had been collected at a number of sites during a short-range endemic survey of the Hope Downs “Four” area, approximately 100 kilometres north-west of Newman in the Pilbara area of WA. This follows an earlier survey (March 2008) of this area by Ninox Wildlife Consulting (see Whisson and Slack-Smith 2008). Specimen and habitat data, including the collecting dates and methods, and the site co-ordinates were provided with the specimens (see Table 1).

Procedures

Snail specimens in the samples of molluscs were examined and sorted under a Leica MZ95 dissecting microscope, and compared with descriptions and figures in relevant publications and with dry and preserved specimens in the Mollusc Collections of the Western Australian Museum.

Apart from the specimens collected by the same staff of Ninox Wildlife Consulting during their May, 2008 survey, the non-marine molluscs from the area around the Hope Downs tenements are not well represented in the Western Australian Museum. So all material from this survey has been registered and lodged in the Mollusc Collections of the Western Australian Museum as valuable additions to the Museum’s holdings.

Results

The specimens in the samples belong to the terrestrial snail families Bulimulidae; Pupillidae and Subulinidae and to the freshwater families Lymnaeidae and Planorbidae (see Table 1). Species identifications are necessarily based, both in this instance and in previous examinations of survey material, exclusively on shell characters that, in these families, may vary only slightly within a genus.

All of the species identified from this survey are considered to form part of the indigenous Western Australian fauna.

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Table 1 – Hope Downs Four Survey Sites

Site Co-ordinates and Collecting Habitat Identification Date Hope Downs 4 Mining Area HD 4-2 23°08.756’S No molluscs taken 119°31.576’E HD 4-3 23°09.179’S No molluscs taken 119°31.742’E HD 4-3 23°09.208’S No molluscs taken gully 119°31.971’E HD 4-5 23°07.703’S No molluscs taken 119°30.535’E HD-4 23°06.181’S Pool edged with sedges, scattered tall Pupoides cf. beltianus Eagle Rock 119°34.928’E eucalypts, low shrubs, mixed herbs & grasses Pupoides pacificus Falls with Triodia; Pupoides cf. lepidulus 18 Sept. 2008 cliff near pool with small scree slope; coarse sands & pebbles; recently burned Gastrocopta ?larapinta Eremopeas interioris Austropeplea sp. c.f. A. lessoni Leichhardtia sp. Hope Downs 4 – Option 6 infrastructure corridor HD4-11 23°06.087’S Open Acacia woodland <4m, sparse Ptilotus Bothriembryon sp. 119°17.508’E sp.<0.5m, scattered Triodia among grasses; Eremopeas interioris brown loamy clay with laterite pebbles & Pupoides sp. (broken juvenile) 24. Sept. 2008 pesolites; some mounds ? Gastrocopta sp. (shell pieces) HD4-12 23°06.378’S No molluscs taken 119°17.512’E HD4-13 23°06.227’S No molluscs taken 119°16.796’E HD 4-14A 23°05.477’S Large Triodia sp. clumps, eucalypts <4m; Eremopeas interioris 119°12.720’E Mid-slope; laterite & ironstone rocks on Pupoides sp. c.f. P. pacificus brown loamy clays 21 Sept. 2008 HD 4-14B 23°05.552’S Large Triodia sp. clumps, eucalypts <4m; Bothriemryon sp. 119°12.352’E Mid-slope; laterite & ironstone rocks with Eremopeas interioris quartz pebbles on brown loamy clays Pupoides sp. (juv.) 21 Sept. 2008 HD 4-15 23°05.511’S Creek margins with eucalypts <4m, occasional Bothriemryon sp. 119°11.282’E mixed shrubs <2.5m, grasses<0.5m; soft fine Eremopeas interioris silt loams Pupoides sp. (juvenile) 20 Sept. 2008 HD 4-16 23°05.483’S No molluscs taken 119°10.279’E

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Family Bulimulidae

The family Bulimulidae is of Gondwanan derivation, with its current distribution being in South and Central America, New Zealand, some Pacific Islands and Australia. The family is represented in Western Australia by the single genus Bothriembryon. Most WA species of this genus live in the southern half of the State. However a few, apparently-relict species occur in lower latitudes, mainly in sheltered habitats in the Hamersley Ranges.

Bothriembryon sp.

There is some doubt concerning the diversity of the members of the genus Bothriembryon persisting in the Hamersley Ranges between Gregory Gorge at its north-west end, intermittently through to Roy Hill at the south-eastern end of the Range.

As mentioned in our previous Hope Downs survey report (Whisson and Slack-Smith 2008)., the specimens taken during these surveys belong to one of two groups of what seem, on presently available data, to be un-described new species inhabiting an area near to what seems to be the northern limit of the genus Bothriembryon in Western Australia.

The paucity and spatial separation of collections of these groups from the Hamersley Ranges allow only an approximation of this taxon’s distribution.

Family Subulinidae

Eremopeas interioris (Tate, 1894)

This species is widely distributed throughout the warmer areas of Australia, having been recorded from Central Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland as well as from the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of Western Australia. Only one other subulinid species, E. tuckeri (Pfeiffer, 1846), is known to be endemic to Australia. (Solem 1988, Smith 1992).

Some other subulinid species of the genera Lamellaxis and Subulina are known to have extra-Australian distributions but have been recorded from coastal areas of Australia (Solem 1988, Zilch, 1959, Shea 1983, Shea 2007, Smith & Dartnall 1976)

Family Pupillidae

The family Pupillidae is distributed practically worldwide. The pupillid fauna of Western Australia has been poorly collected except along the main roads of the more coastal areas of the State and along the main east-west roads. As most collected specimens are dead-taken, it is often difficult to separate congeneric species, because shell characters differ only very slightly between species.

Sub-family Pupillinae

Pupoides cf. beltianus (Tate, 1894)

The dead-taken specimens collected during this survey most closely resemble the red centre species Pupoides beltianus (Tate, 1894).

The known distributional range of P. beltianus encompasses an area from the Reynolds and Jervois Ranges in the Northern Territory; south to the Musgrave and Mann Ranges in South Australia and then west to the Barrow Ranges in Western Australia, which are near the junction of the borders of Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory (Solem 1988).

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In his 1986 and 1988 publications, Dr Solem suggested that the distribution of that species in Western Australia may extend as far north-west as the Hamersley Ranges, and as far west as the Shark Bay area. However, because of variation in the shell morphology between the specimens from the western areas of WA and those of central Australia, he listed the former only as Pupoides aff. beltianus, indicating a doubt as to their conspecificity.

It is unknown whether these survey specimens are conspecific with P. beltianus or, perhaps, belong to an undescribed species.

Pupoides pacificus (Pfeiffer, 1846)

In his 1988 and 1991 publications, Solem discussed the distribution of P. pacificus, establishing its then-known distribution in Western Australia as extending from east of Kununurra westward and southward to Quondong Point, north of Broome, with a single isolated record from the Chichester Range in the Pilbara.

The area of Hope Downs lies south-east of the Chichester Range and represents a significant inland range extension for P. pacificus in the Pilbara. However, more recently- collected specimens housed in the Mollusc Collections of the Western Australian Museum indicate that this species is more widely spread throughout the Pilbara region.

Pupoides sp. cf. P. lepidulus (Adams and Angas, 1864)

These shells closely resemble those of the species Pupoides lepidulus (Adams and Angas, 1864) in the Museum’s collections and in literature records but are slightly larger in size.

The known geographical distribution of P. lepidulus extends from the coastal areas between Shark Bay and Port Hedland, plus one record from Cape Latouche-Treville (south-west of Broome). This species has also been recorded from the Houtman Abrolhos island group; South Muiron Island and Barrow Island. A single inland record exists from Station in the Pilbara (Solem 1986).

If the Hope Downs population is, in fact, conspecific with P. lepidulus, this survey record would establish a range extension to an area even further from the coast.

Subfamily Gastrocoptinae

Gastrocopta ?larapinta (Tate, 1896)

Gastrocopta larapinta is a minute dextrally-coiled species that has a wide but apparently- patchy distribution in central Australia (southern part of the Northern Territory), with a few records from the north-west and the east coast of Queensland. There is a single published record of this species from the Oscar Ranges, in the southern Kimberley region of Western Australia (Pokryszko 1996).

The structure of the apertural teeth of the Hope Downs specimens is similar to that of G. larapinta and differs from that of those other species of Gastrocopta (e.g. G. margaretae (Cox, 1868) and G. mussoni Pilsbry, 1917) that may possibly have distributional ranges extending to the area of investigation.

Because the Hope Downs record would indicate a substantial range extension southwards and westward for G. larapinta, we have only tentatively identified the specimens as belonging to that species.

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Family Lymnaeidae

Lymnaeids are found virtually world-wide. They are, essentially, inhabitants of fresh water and are usually encountered on vegetation in pools and slowly flowing streams (permanent &/or ephemeral). However some species can adopt an amphibious mode when the soil and vegetation are wet and the air is humid. The native Australian lymnaeid fauna has not been well researched below the generic level and so the degree of relationship within and between the native species is not known, nor are the limits of their distributional ranges. More emphasis has been placed on the geographic ranges of introduced species, particularly those that may act as vectors for parasitic worms.

Austropeplea sp. c.f. A. lessoni (Deshayes, 1830)

What appears to be a single native Australian species, common in northern and eastern areas of Australia, has been recorded in Western Australia at least as far south as the Gascoyne region. Because of its apparently-wide area of distribution and a wide range of variation in its shell characters, its specific name has a large number of synonyms (see Smith 1992). This species has been shown to act as an intermediate host to a trematode parasite that can cause “bathers’ itch”.

Family Planorbidae

As with the lymnaeids, the planorbid snails occur throughout most of the world’s land masses. The genera of the Australian planorbid fauna are fairly well recognised (Walker 1988), particularly those known to act as vectors for human or livestock parasites. However, much work remains to be done at the sub-generic level - on both the systematics and the distribution of the taxa.

?Leichhardtia sp.

The small planorbid shells from the Hope Downs 4 survey appear to most closely resemble those of the type species of the monospecific genus Leichhardtia. However, because of their poor condition, there is some doubt that the 3 worn and dead-taken shells in the samples from the site at E R Falls belong to that species, L. sisurnius (Hedley, 1918), which has been recorded from the northern WA and NT coastal areas (Walker 1988, Smith 1992).

Without live-taken or freshly dead conspecific specimens, nothing can be said about the taxonomic placement of these specimens, much less about the level of their endemicity.

Remarks

From current knowledge, we have no reason to believe that, at the species level, any of the above taxa (excluding the un-described Bothriembryon species) exhibit any degree of short range endemicity, as all are believed to belong to species that occupy wide geographic ranges.

The un-described Bothriembryon species appears to be distributed over a wide area that extends across most of the Hamersley Range. It does, however, show considerable variation in the size and shape of shells within and between populations. Until genetic work is undertaken, the level of endemicity between and within populations cannot be determined.

As we did not carry out the field survey, we have no way of evaluating the relationship of the molluscan taxa to the available habitats. Nor are we able, in the absence of data on the spatial relationship between the collecting sites and the boundaries of the leased area(s)

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References

Adams, A. and Angas, G.F. 1864. Descriptions of new species of shells, chiefly from Australia in the collection of Mr Angas. Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1864: 35-40 Cox, J.C., 1868, Monograph of Australian Land Shells. William Maddox : Sydney. 111 pp. Deshayes, G.P. 1830. 113 pls in, Guérin-Méneville, F.E. (ed.) Magasin de Zoologie, journal destiné à Établir une correspondance entre les Zoologists de tous les pays, et à leur faciliter les moyens de publierles espèces nouvelles ou peu conneus qu'ils possedent. 2me sect. Mollusques et Zoophytes. Paris : Arthus Bertrand [pl. 16, figs 1–2]. Hedley, C. 1918. Narrative of an expedition of exploration in North Western Australia by Herbert Basedow. Special Report. Mollusca. Transactions of the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia, South Australian Branch 18: 263–283. Pfeiffer,L. 1846. Descriptions of thirty new species of Helicea, belonging to the collection of H. Cuming, Esq. Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1846: 28-34 Pilsbry, H.A., 1917. in Tyron, G.W. & Pilsbry, H.A. Manual of Conchology. Philadelphia : Conchology Department, Academy of Natural Sciences Ser. 2 Vol. 24 Pokryszko, B.M. 1996. The Gastrocoptinae of Australia (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Pupilloidea): systematics, distribution and origin. Invertebrate Taxonomy 10: 1085- 1150 Shea, M., 1983, A checklist of the land snails from the Sydney area. Aust. Shell News No. 44: 6-7 Shea, M, 2007. Exotic snails and slugs found in Australia. Newsletter of the Malacological Society of Australasia No. 130: 3-12. Smith, B.J., 1992, Non-marine Mollusca. In Houston, W.W.K. (ed.) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Canberra: AGPS Vol. 8, xii+405 pp. Smith, B.J. & Dartnall, A.J., 1976, Veronicellid slugs of the Northern Territory with notes on other land molluscs. J. malac. Soc. Aust. 3: 186 Solem, A., 1986. Pupilloid land snails from the south and mid-west coasts of Australia. J. Malac. Soc. Aust. 7(3-4): 95-124 Solem, A., 1988, Non-camaenid snails of the Kimberley and Northern Territory, Australia. 1. Systematics, affinities and ranges. Invertebrate Taxonomy 2(4): 455- 604 Solem, 1991, Distribution and diversity patterns of Australian pupilloid land snails (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Pupillidae, s.l.) The Veliger. 34(3):233-252. Tate, R. 1894. Brief diagnoses of Mollusca from Central Australia. Trans. R. Soc. S. Aust. 18: 191-194. Tate, R. 1896. Mollusca. pp. 181–226 in Spencer, W.B. (ed.). Report on the Work of the Horn Scientific Expedition to Central Australia. Pt 2 Zoology. London & Melbourne : Melville, Mullen & Slade. Walker, J.C. 1988. Classification of Australian buliniform planorbids (Mollusca: Pulmonata). Records of the Australian Museum 40: 61–89.

Ninox WildlifeWildlife ConsConsultingulting ––– FebFebFebrFebrrruaryuary 2009uary 2009 133 Hope Downs 4 Mining Area – Fauna Survey 2008

Whisson, C.S. & Slack-Smith, S.M. 2008. Molluscs from the area of Hope Downs, Western Australia, collected by Ninox Wildlife Consulting during May, 2008 : final report to Ninox Wildlife Consulting. Unpublished Report. Western Australian Museum. 4 pg. Zilch, A., 1959, Euthyneura. In Schindewolf, O.H. (ed.) Handbuch der Paläozoologie. Berlin- Zehlendorf: Bornträger 6.II.2., xii+ 834 pp.

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Appendix 11 List of introduced species recorded in the Hope Downs 4 Project Area and known to occur in the eastern Pilbara. Data Sources Ninox - 1986; 1992; 1995. ecologia - 1995; 1998a and b; 2004a, b, c, d, e; 2005. Davies et al. - Davis, R.A., Wilcox, J.A., Metcalf, B.M. & Bamford, M.J. 2005.

Davies Ninox DATA SOURCES WAM Ninox ecologia et al. 08 Number of Surveys 4 9 1 1 INTRODUCED MAMMALS MURIDAE Mus musculus House Mouse X X X CANIDAE Vulpes vulpes Red Fox X Canis familiaris Feral Dog X X FELIDAE Felis catus Feral Cat X X X X LEPORIDAE Oryctolagus cuniculus European Rabbit X X X EQUIDAE Equus asinus Donkey X X Equus caballus Horse X CAMELIDAE Camelus dromedarius One-humped Camel X X BOVIDAE Bos taurus Cattle X X X TOTAL NUMBER OF SPECIES (9) 2 9 4 3 3

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Appendix 12 EPBC Act Protected Matters Report. (Please note that plants, marine and species known not to occur in the Pilbara region have been removed from the following report.)

This report provides general guidance on matters of national environmental significance and other matters protected by the EPBC Act in the area you have selected. Information on the coverage of this report and qualifications on data supporting this report are contained in the caveat at the end of the report. You may wish to print this report for reference before moving to other pages or websites. The Australian Natural Resources Atlas at http://www.environment.gov.au/atlas may provide further environmental information relevant to your selected area. Information about the EPBC Act including significance guidelines, forms and application process details can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/assessmentsapprovals/index.html

This map may contain data which are © Australian Government of Australia (Geoscience Australia) © 2007 MapData Sciences Pty Ltd, PSMA Search Type: Area Buffer: 0 km Coordinates: -21.9212,117.3234, -24.3758,117.3234, -24.3758,120.3630, -21.921,120.3630

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

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

World Heritage Properties: None National Heritage Places: None Wetlands of International Significance: (Ramsar Sites) 1 Australian Government Marine Areas: None Threatened Ecological Communities: None Threatened Species: 13 Migratory Species: 10 Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act This part of the report summarises other matters protected under the Act that may relate to the area you nominated. Approval may be required for a proposed activity that significantly affects the environment on Australian Government land, when the action is outside the Australian Government land, or the environment anywhere when the action is taken on Australian Government land. Approval may also be required for the Australian Government or Australian Government agencies proposing to take an action that is likely to have a significant impact on the environment anywhere.

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

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

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

Australian Government Lands: 2 Australian Government Heritage Places: None Places on the RNE: 5 Listed Marine Species: 7 Whales and Other Cetaceans: None Critical Habitats: None Australian Government Reserves: None

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Extra Information This part of the report provides information that may also be relevant to the area you have Nominated. State and Territory Reserves: 2 Other Australian Government Reserves: None Regional Forest Agreements: None

Details Matters of National Environmental Significance

Threatened Species [ Dataset Information ] Status Type of Presence Birds Pezoporus occidentalis * Endangered Species or species habitat likely to Night Parrot occur within area Mammals Dasyurus hallucatus * Endangered Species or species habitat may occur Northern Quoll within area Macrotis lagotis * Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur Greater Bilby within area Rhinonicteris aurantius (Pilbara form) * Vulnerable Community likely to occur within Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat area Reptiles Liasis olivaceus barroni* Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur Olive Python (Pilbara subspecies) within area Migratory Species [ Dataset Information ] Status Type of Presence Migratory Terrestrial Species Birds Merops ornatus * Migratory Species or species habitat may occur within area Rainbow Bee-eater Pezoporus occidentalis Migratory Species or species habitat likely to occur within area Night Parrot Migratory Wetland Species Birds Ardea alba Migratory Species or species habitat may occur within area Great Egret, White Egret Migratory Marine Birds Apus pacificus Migratory Species or species habitat may occur within area Fork-tailed Swift Ardea alba Migratory Species or species habitat may occur within area Great Egret, White Egret

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Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act

Listed Marine Species [ Dataset Information ] Status Type of Presence Birds Apus pacificus Listed - overfly marine area Species or species habitat may Fork-tailed Swift occur within area Ardea alba Listed - overfly marine area Species or species habitat may Great Egret, White Egret occur within area Merops ornatus * Listed - overfly marine area Species or species habitat may Rainbow Bee-eater occur within area Australian Government Lands [ Dataset Information ] Defence Unknown Places on the RNE [ Dataset Information ] Note that not all Indigenous sites may be listed. Indigenous Ethel Gorge Rockshelter Area WA Wanmanna Art Site WA Natural Hamersley Range National Park (1977 boundary) WA Knossos Geological Site WA Mungaroona Range Nature Reserve WA

Extra Information

State and Territory Reserves [ Dataset Information ] Karijini National Park, WA Mungaroona Range Nature Reserve, WA

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

This report is designed to assist in identifying the locations of places which may be relevant in determining obligations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It holds mapped locations of World Heritage and Register of National Estate properties, Wetlands of International Importance, Australian Government and State/Territory reserves, listed threatened, migratory and marine species and listed threatened ecological communities. Mapping of Australian Government land is not complete at this stage. Maps have been collated from a range of sources at various resolutions.

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

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

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

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

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

• threatened species listed as extinct or considered as vagrants

• some species and ecological communities that have only recently been listed

• some terrestrial species that overfly the Australian Government marine area

• migratory species that are very widespread, vagrant, or only occur in small numbers.

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

• non-threatened seabirds which have only been mapped for recorded breeding sites;

• seals which have only been mapped for breeding sites near the Australian continent.

Such breeding sites may be important for the protection of the Australian Government Marine environment. Acknowledgments This database has been compiled from a range of data sources. The Department acknowledges the following custodians who have contributed valuable data and advice: • New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service • Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria • Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Tasmania • Department of Environment and Heritage, South Australia Planning SA • Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory • Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland • Birds Australia • Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme • Australian National Wildlife Collection • Natural history museums of Australia • Queensland Herbarium • National Herbarium of NSW • Royal Botanic Gardens and National Herbarium of Victoria • Tasmanian Herbarium • State Herbarium of South Australia • Northern Territory Herbarium • Western Australian Herbarium • Australian National Herbarium, Atherton and Canberra • University of New England • Other groups and individuals

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

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Appendix 13 Results of a search of DEC’s rare fauna database for the Newman/Hope Downs 4 area.

Threatened and Priority Fauna Database 20.5 °S 119 °E / 23.5 °S 120 °E Newman Area Schedule 1 - Fauna that is rare or is likely to become extinct Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll 5 records This carnivorous marsupial occurs across much of northern Australia with a disjunct population in the Pilbara. Occurs in a wide range of habitats but most suitable habitat appear to be rocky areas. 1900 1 NULLAGINE 1959 1 MARBLE BAR 1980 1 NULLAGINE 1988 1 MARBLE BAR 1989 1 MARBLE BAR Macrotis lagotis Bilby, Dalgyte, Ninu 3 records This species shelters in burrows and occupies a range of habitats from grassland on clayey and stony soils or sandplains to mulga scrub and woodlands on red earths. It has suffered a large decline and contraction in distribution. 1962 1 1 Marble Bar Dead 1969 1 1 Marble Bar Caught or trapped 1997 1 1 Mulga Downs Station Dead Petrogale lateralis lateralis Black-flanked Rock-wallaby 3 records This species thrives in steep, complex rocky habitats providing tunnels, caves and crevices for shelter and protection from predators. 1975 1 Newman Day sighting 1975 1 Newman Day sighting 1975 1 1 Newman Rhinonicteris aurantius Orange Leaf-nosed Bat 6 records This species of bat occurs in a few scattered locations in the Pilbara, as well as the Kimberley. It roosts in caves and is sensitive to human disturbance. 1981 350 Klondyke Caught or trapped 1994 1 5 Klondyke Day sighting 1994 1 1 Klondyke Caught or trapped 2006 1 32 Panorama Station Caught or trapped 2006 1 12 Marble Bar Caught or trapped 2006 1 2 Nullagine Caught or trapped Pezoporus occidentalis Night Parrot 1 records This nocturnal species is known to inhabit treeless or sparsely wooded spinifex (Triodia spp) near water. 2005 2 3 Mulga Downs Night sighting Liasis olivaceus barroni Pilbara Olive Python 3 records 1975 3 0 Newman Scats 1975 3 0 Newman Scats 2004 1 1 Newman Caught or trapped Priority One: Taxa with few, poorly known populations on threatened lands Ramphotyphlops ganei 3 records Very little is known about this species of blind snake. It grows to about 30 cm in length and has been recorded from four localities in the Pilbara including Pannawonica and Newman. 1985 1 1 Newman Caught or trapped 1985 1 1 Mount Whaleback Caught or trapped 1995 1 1 Cathedral Gorge Caught or trapped Ctenotus nigrilineatus 1 records This skink is known only from one location, Woodstock in the Pilbara, where it occurs in spinifex at the foot of a granite outcrop. 1990 1 2 Marble Bar Caught or trapped

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Priority Three: Taxa with several, poorly known populations, some on conservation lands Lagorchestes conspicillatus leichardti Spectacled Hare-wallaby (mainland) 2 records This species has declined in many parts of its range and is vulnerable to cat and fox . It inhabits tropical grasslands and also suffers from the impacts of frequent fires. 1986 1 10 Pilga Day sighting 2001 1 2 Panorama Priority Four: Taxa in need of monitoring Macroderma gigas Ghost Bat 5 records This species is Australia’s only carnivorous bat and has a patchy distribution across northern Australia. It shelters in caves, mine shafts and deep rock fissures and is sensitive to disturbance. 1959 1 1 Klondyke Caught or trapped 1959 1 287 Klondyke Day sighting 1967 1 Ophthalmia Range Day sighting 2001 1 163 Lalla Rookh Night sighting 2006 1 16 Marble Bar Caught or trapped Pseudomys chapmani Western Pebble-mound Mouse, Ngadji 36 records This species is well-known for the characteristic pebble-mounds which it constructs over underground burrow systems. These mounds are most common on spurs and lower slopes of rocky hills. 1980 1 Marillana Caught or trapped 1989 1 Woodstock Stn Caught or trapped 1990 1 Woodstock Stn Caught or trapped 1994 1 Giles Point 1994 2 0 Marble Bar 1994 1 Mt Newman 1994 1 Mt Webber 1994 1 North Pole 1994 1 North Pole 1994 1 Rhodes Ridge 1994 1 Split Rock 1994 1 Strelly Gorge 1994 1 Tambourah 1994 1 Tambourah 1994 1 Weeli Wolli Creek 1995 1 0 Newman Definite signs 1996 1 0 Mt Whaleback Definite signs 2001 1 1 Hamersley Range Caught or trapped 2004 1 2 Ophthalmia Range Caught or trapped 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2008 1 0 Newman Definite signs 2008 1 0 Newman Definite signs 2008 1 0 Newman Definite signs 2008 1 0 Newman Definite signs 2008 1 0 Newman Definite signs 2008 1 0 Newman Definite signs 2008 1 0 Newman Definite signs

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Falco hypoleucos Grey Falcon 2 records A nomadic species inhabiting lightly timbered riverine plains. 1994 1 1 Hales Well Day sighting 1997 1 2 Nullagine Day sighting Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard 4 records This species is uncommon and may occur in open or lightly wooded grasslands. 2001 1 1 Mulga Downs Day sighting 2005 1 3 Nullagine 2005 1 1 Mulga Downs Night sighting 2008 1 1 Newman Day sighting Burhinus grallarius Bush Stonecurlew 17 records A well camouflaged, ground nesting bird which prefers to ‘freeze’ rather than fly when disturbed. It inhabits lightly timbered open woodlands. 1999 1 MARBLE BAR 1999 1 MARBLE BAR 1999 1 NULLAGINE 1999 1 MARBLE BAR 2000 1 MARBLE BAR 2001 1 MARBLE BAR 2001 1 MARBLE BAR 2001 1 MARBLE BAR 2001 1 4 Sulphur Springs 2001 1 MARBLE BAR 2001 1 NULLAGINE 2001 1 MARBLE BAR 2001 1 MARBLE BAR 2001 1 MARBLE BAR 2002 1 MARBLE BAR 2004 1 MARBLE BAR 2005 1 1 Nullagine Neochima ruficauda subclarescens Star Finch (western) 1 records A nomadic species inhabiting grasslands and eucalypt woodlands near water. 2008 1 1 Newman Day sighting

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

Ninox WildlifeWildlife ConsConsultingulting ––– FebFebFebrFebrrruaryuary 2009uary 2009

A VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY

OF THE

PROPOSED HOPE DOWNS 4 INFRASTRUCTURE CORRIDOR: OPTION 1,

NEAR NEWMAN, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Prepared for: Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd

on behalf of Pilbara Iron Company (Services) Pty Ltd

Prepared by: Ninox Wildlife Consulting

May 2009

Hope Downs 4 Infrastructure Corridor – Fauna Survey 2008 i

Table of Contents Page

1 SUMMARY...... 1

2 INTRODUCTION ...... 4

3 DEFINITION OF TERMS ...... 4 3.1 Protected Species - Commonwealth...... 4 3.2 Protected Species - Western Australia ...... 4 3.3 Priority Species - Western Australia ...... 5 3.4 Significant Fauna Habitats ...... 5 3.5 Other Classification...... 5 4 Nomenclature, Taxonomy and Distribution Patterns ...... 6

5 Study Objectives ...... 6

6 Study Limitations ...... 7

7 METHODS...... 8 7.1 Fauna Habitats...... 8 7.2 Vertebrate Fauna ...... 11 7.3 Short Range Endemic Invertebrates (SREs)...... 13 7.4 Weather Conditions...... 14 8 RESULTS...... 15 8.1 Native Mammals ...... 15 8.2 Amphibians ...... 16 8.3 Reptiles...... 16 8.4 Birds ...... 17 8.5 Short Range Endemic Invertebrates ...... 19 8.5.1 Molluscs ...... 20 8.6 Introduced or Feral Species...... 21 9 PROTECTED SPECIES...... 21

10 DISCUSSION...... 20 10.1 Native Mammals ...... 20 10.1.1 Local and Regional Significance...... 20 10.2 Amphibians and Reptiles...... 22 10.2.1 Local and Regional Significance...... 24 10.3 Birds ...... 25 10.3.1 Local and Regional Significance...... 25 10.4 Fauna Habitats...... 28 11 POTENTIAL IMPACT ...... 28

12 MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR FAUNA ...... 29

13 REFERENCES ...... 30

Ninox Wildlife Consulting – May 2009 Hope Downs 4 Infrastructure Corridor – Fauna Survey 2008 ii

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 List of systematic sampling sites within the proposed Hope Downs 4 Option 1 infrastructure corridor, the corresponding plant community code and a brief description of the vegetation. (The coordinates provided are in GDA94 format.)...... 9 Table 2 SRE search sites and duration...... 14 Table 3 Minima and maxima temperatures experienced during the fauna survey at Hope Downs 4 Option 1 IC in May 2008...... 14 Table 4 List of native mammal species recorded during the May 2008 field survey of the proposed Hope Downs 4 Option 1 IC. (OP - results from opportunistic sampling, including Anabat results - designated with an X; S - signs such as scats, tracks or diggings etc, counted as one individual.) ...... 15 Table 5 List of reptile species recorded during the May 2008 field survey of the proposed Hope Downs 4 Option 1 IC. (OP - results from opportunistic sampling.)...... 16 Table 6 List of bird species recorded during the May 2008 field survey of the proposed Hope Downs 4 Option 1 IC. Numbers are derived from the highest daily count for each species in each site. (OP – opportunistic observations.) ...... 18 Table 7 Summary table of results of the collection of potential SRE invertebrate fauna from Hope Downs 4 Option 1 IC during May 2008...... 20 Table 8 List of species protected under the EPBC Act 1999, the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 or listed on DEC’s Priority Fauna list. Species within animal groups are listed in order of conservation status. (Those species recorded during the survey have been highlighted in bold text.) ...... 22 Table 9 List of mammal species of conservation significance recorded or that could potentially occur within the proposed infrastructure corridor surveyed during May 2008. (Appendix 10 shows the dates and localities for the species resulting from the search of DEC’s rare fauna database.) ...... 21 Table 10 List of reptile species of conservation significance recorded or that could potentially occur within the proposed Option 1 IC surveyed during May 2008. (Appendix 10 shows the dates and localities for the species resulting from the search of DEC’s rare fauna database.)...... 24 Table 11 List of bird species of conservation significance recorded or that could potentially occur within the proposed Option 1 IC surveyed during May 2008...... 26

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix 1 Definition of Terms...... 32 Appendix 2 Report from Specialised Zoological on the presence of bat species within the Hope Downs Project Area 1 and 2...... 35 Appendix 3 List of native mammal species recorded in the Hope Downs 4 Project Area, including the Option 1 IC, and known to occur in the eastern Pilbara...... 41 Appendix 4 List of amphibian and reptile species recorded in the Hope Downs 4 Project Area, including the Option 1 IC, and known to occur in the eastern Pilbara...... 43 , including the Option 1 IC, x 5 List of bird species recorded in the Hope Downs 4 Project Area and known to occur in the eastern Pilbara...... 47

Ninox Wildlife Consulting – May 2009 Hope Downs 4 Infrastructure Corridor – Fauna Survey 2008 iii

Appendix 6 Western Australian Museum report on the invertebrate fauna, specifically short range endemic species, within the Hope Downs 4 Project Area...... 55 Appendix 7 Molluscs from the Hope Downs 4 Project Area, including the Option 1 IC...... 68 Appendix 8 List of introduced species likely to occur in the Hope Downs 4 Project Area, including the Option 1 IC...... 73 Appendix 9 EPBC Act Protected Matters Report. (Please note that plants, marine and species known not to occur in the Pilbara region have been removed from the following report.)...... 74 Appendix 10 Results of a search of DEC’s rare fauna database for the Newman/Hope Downs 4 area...... 80

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Map showing the fauna sampling sites along the proposed Hope Downs 4 project Option 1 infrastructure corridor...... 3 Figure 2 Diagrammatic layout of vertebrate fauna trapline used in the survey of the proposed Hope Downs 4 Option 1 IC during May 2008...... 12 Figure 3 Map showing the location and activity level of pebble mounds constructed by the Pebble Mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) in the proposed Hope Downs 4 Option 1 IC...... 23

LIST OF PLATES

Plate 1 Photograph showing a typical section of fire-affected habitat along the Option 1 IC.... 7 Plate 2 Fauna sampling site HD07...... 9 Plate 3 Fauna sampling site HD08...... 10 Plate 4 Fauna sampling site HD09...... 10 Plate 5 Fauna sampling site HD10...... 11 Plate 6 Pitfall trap with custom-made insert...... 12

Ninox Wildlife Consulting – May 2009 Hope Downs 4 Infrastructure Corridor: Option 1 – Fauna Survey 2008 1

1 SUMMARY

This document reports on the vertebrate and short range endemic (SRE) invertebrate fauna results from a survey within the proposed Hope Downs 4 Option 1 infrastructure corridor (hereafter called Option 1 IC) which is situated 30km north-west of Newman in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The main objectives of the study were to prepare an inventory of the vertebrate and SRE fauna recorded in the area, compare these results with a list of species that could potentially occur there, and to review those considered to be of conservation significance. The report is intended as a supporting document for an Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed Hope Downs 4 Project. Other objectives are described in detail in the relevant section of the report.

Although approximately 80% of the proposed Option 1 IC had been burnt just prior to the survey, four of the major plant communities based on the dominant landforms were systematically sampled for fauna. A range of sampling techniques was used within four systematic sampling locations in Option 1 IC and the survey ran from 7 to 14 May 2008, concurrent with a survey of the proposed Hope Downs 4 mining area.

Of the 41 native mammal species that are known to occur in the eastern Pilbara, 11 were recorded in the May 2008 survey. Only three small mammals were trapped: the Kaluta (Dasykaluta rosamondae); Desert Mouse (Pseudomys desertor) and Sandy Inland Mouse (Pseudomys hermannsburgensis). Active mounds constructed by the Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) were noted in one site. The remaining species included bats recorded by their echolocation calls, and others that were recorded from signs such as scats, tracks and diggings. One frog was hand-foraged and 23 species of reptile were recorded. An additional seven species of frog and 97 reptiles are known to occur in the eastern Pilbara and many of these could occur in Option 1 IC. Of the 160 birds that are known to occur in the eastern Pilbara, only 37 were recorded during the survey due to the extent of the previously mentioned fire. The sampling site located in a major creekline with a patchy burn profile supported the majority of bird species and had a very high index of abundance when compared to the other sites.

The low number of native mammals is typical of a single season survey, and the absence of active frogs was not surprising given the lack of rainfall prior to the survey. However, the number of reptile and bird species was very low in comparison to other surveys and was partly due to the recent, extensive fire.

Scorpions, trapdoor spiders, pseudoscorpions, centipedes and land snails were collected during the May 2008 survey but none was considered by the Western Australian Museum to be an SRE.

Two of the possible nine species of introduced mammal known to occur in the eastern Pilbara were recorded during the survey: a camel was observed in the major creekline site and cattle were also observed here and in a grassland site.

Ten native mammals, three reptiles and 16 birds recorded or potentially occurring within the Project Area are listed under the Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, the Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 or DEC’s Priority Fauna list. All of these are discussed with notes on their presence or likely occurrence in the proposed Hope Downs 4 Option 1 IC. Two mammals that are listed on the IUCN Red List but not on either Commonwealth or State legislation are also discussed. Five of these animals are also considered as Pilbara endemics.

Information is presented in the report on the potential impact of construction and operation of infrastructure on fauna, in particular, those species of conservation significance. While some individual animals may be affected, this project is not expected to have an impact on any species to the extent that its conservation status will be changed.

Ninox Wildlife Consulting – May 2009 Hope Downs 4 Infrastructure Corridor: Option 1 – Fauna Survey 2008 2

Based on the results of this survey, the eucalypt-lined creeks of the area are significant to vertebrate fauna in that they support a range of species not found elsewhere. Given the high concentration of birds here, it is also possible that the Pilbara Olive Python, a species of conservation significance, could occur; birds form a major dietary component of this large snake and the dense understorey of grasses and shrubs provide it with suitable cover. However, the long-term presence of Cattle and the subsequent impact on understorey vegetation and soils will inevitably affect the capacity of this habitat to support a range of terrestrial species, especially those that burrow.

Creeks such as the one sampled during this survey act also as essential corridors for the movement of species between habitats and are vital when fire occurs in the area. The large eucalypts also provide nest sites and shelter for a wide range of animals. For these reasons, infrastructure should be constructed in such as way as to minimise impact on major creeklines. Changed drainage patterns could also affect the quality of the vegetation in these major creeks; careful consideration should therefore be given to construction of roads and other infrastructure in their vicinity.

The effect of infrastructure development on fauna can be divided into two primary areas of impact:  clearing for access roads, laydown areas etc; and  changes to drainage patterns and subsequent effects on adjacent vegetation and fauna habitats.

While most birds, larger mammals and reptiles will be able to avoid the impact of clearing for construction of infrastructure, most small mammals, reptiles and burrowing frogs will be unavoidably killed by the large machinery used for vegetation removal and ground preparation, or by exposure to predators. While the local impact on individual animals is high, the clearing will have very little overall impact on the species known to occur within the proposed Option 1 IC.

As the more mobile species move away from areas being prepared for infrastructure, they inevitably cause disruption to adjacent populations. However, this is likely to have no more impact than the displacement caused by the recent fire that had occurred through much of the survey area prior to the May 2008 sampling period.

Longer term impacts are most likely to be collisions between fauna and vehicles servicing the infrastructure or using new roads for access within the Hope Downs 4 Project Area.

A range of recommendations are given in the report to assist in reducing the impact on fauna of construction and operation of infrastructure.

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Figure 1 Map showing the fauna sampling sites along the proposed Hope Downs 4 project Option 1 infrastructure corridor.

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2 INTRODUCTION

This document reports on the vertebrate and short range endemic (SRE) invertebrate fauna results from a survey within the proposed Hope Downs 4 infrastructure corridor (hereafter called Option 1 IC) which is situated approximately 30km north-west of Newman in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. This report is intended as a supporting document for an Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed Hope Downs 4 Project.

The survey ran from 7 to 14 May 2008, concurrently with a survey of the proposed Hope Downs 4 mining area (Project Area 1, reported in Ninox Wildlife Consulting 2009). Both surveys followed a data and literature review of published information on the fauna of the general area (Ninox Wildlife Consulting 2008). The climate, landforms, vegetation and soils have been described in detail in Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd (2008) and have not been repeated in this current document. However, a summary of the plant communities sampled for fauna has been provided in Table 1.

3 DEFINITION OF TERMS

A full description of terms that define fauna species of conservation significance is given in Appendix 1. A summary of Commonwealth and Western Australian Acts is set out below, as is additional listing by the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).

While some animals are present on all World, Commonwealth and State lists, their classification may differ. This is mainly a result of each animal’s distribution in that, for example, an animal may be endangered in Western Australia but relatively common in other States. In addition, the status of rare, threatened or vulnerable species is a dynamic process, with intensive field surveys and taxonomic reviews providing information that may result in a species being added or removed from these lists. For example, recent taxonomic work has resulted in the small marsupial carnivore known as the Mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda), which was listed under both Commonwealth and State Acts, being divided into two species. The Western Australian species, the Brush-tailed Mulgara (Dasycercus blythi), is not listed under either Act.

3.1 Protected Species - Commonwealth

The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) administers the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC). There are six parts to this Act covering species that are:

1. extinct; 2. extinct in the wild; 3. critically endangered; 4. endangered; 5. vulnerable; 6. conservation dependent.

DEWHA also administers international treaties as discussed below.

A range of birds are listed under the Japan-Australia (JAMBA), China-Australia (CAMBA) and Republic of Korea/Australia (ROKAMBA) Migratory Bird Agreements. The main aim of these international agreements is to protect migratory birds and their breeding and/or feeding habitats.

3.2 Protected Species - Western Australia

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Currently in Western Australia, rare or endangered species are protected by the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC) administered by DEC, The various schedules defined under this Act are:

 Declared Threatened Fauna - fauna that is ranked as presumed extinct, critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable;  Conservation Dependent Fauna; and  Other Specially Protected Fauna.

3.3 Priority Species - Western Australia

The DEC Priority Fauna List does not confer any additional legal protection to the species listed, apart from the normal protection afforded to most native animals. It does, however, indicate the need for vigilance during the construction and commissioning of mining or other development projects to ensure that Priority species, should they occur, do not meet the IUCN Criteria for listing on the Threatened Species List. The Priority Fauna List classifies species as:

 Priority 1 - taxa with few, poorly known populations on threatened lands.  Priority 2 - taxa with few, poorly known populations on conservation lands.  Priority 3 - taxa with several, poorly known populations, some on conservation lands.  Priority 4 - taxa in need of monitoring.  Priority 5 - taxa in need of monitoring.

3.4 Significant Fauna Habitats

Australia-wide, a small number of Threatened Ecological Communities (TEC) has been defined under Commonwealth legislation. These TEC’s are usually described in flora and vegetation reports as they may not be relevant to vertebrate fauna. However, while not defined under any legislation, some fauna habitats within a project area may be defined as locally significant because they:

 support rare or vulnerable species;  support specialised or habitat specific fauna;  are regionally or locally uncommon; or  are restricted in area.

Although not protected under any State or Commonwealth legislation, in the interests of good project management, where possible, conservation of such locations within a project area will provide the basis for the fauna component of an environmental management plan to be put in place for the duration of a project.

3.5 Other Classification

The following paragraph has been extracted from the The World Conservation Union (IUCN) which aims to assess the conservation status of species, subspecies, varieties and even selected subpopulations on a global scale in order to highlight taxa threatened with extinction, and therefore promote their conservation.

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species provides taxonomic, conservation status and distribution information on taxa that have been globally evaluated using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. This system is designed to determine the relative risk of extinction, and the main purpose of

Ninox Wildlife Consulting – May 2009 Hope Downs 4 Infrastructure Corridor: Option 1 – Fauna Survey 2008 6 the IUCN Red List is to catalogue and highlight those taxa that are facing a higher risk of global extinction (i.e. those listed as Critically Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable). The IUCN Red List also includes information on taxa that are categorized as Extinct or Extinct in the Wild; on taxa that cannot be evaluated because of insufficient information (i.e. are Data Deficient); and on taxa that are either close to meeting the threatened thresholds or that would be threatened were it not for an ongoing taxon-specific conservation programme (i.e. are Near Threatened).

There are a number of animals that are shown on the IUCN Red List that are not listed on any Australian Commonwealth or State Act. The IUCN Red List does not confer any additional protection over and above that provided to Australia’s native animals.

4 NOMENCLATURE, TAXONOMY AND DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS

The following literature sources have been used to discuss nomenclature, taxonomy and fauna distribution patterns in this report:

Birds: Barrett et al. (2003); Johnstone & Storr (1998 and 2004); Storr, G.M. (1984). Mammals: Van Dyck & Strahan (2008). Bats: Churchill (1998) Amphibians: Tyler et al. (2000). Reptiles: Cogger (1992); Storr et al. (1983; 1990; 1999; and 2002); Wilson & Swann (2008).

Other, more recent, taxonomic revisions have been used when applicable. These are noted in text and are listed in References. In particular, the recent taxonomic revision of two skink species has resulted in 18 new skinks being added to the State’s list (Smith and Adams 2007, and Horner 2007).

Several authors including Thompson and Thompson (2002) and How (1998) discuss the need for extensive sampling in both temporal and spatial scales in order to more fully document the biodiversity of the fauna of an area. In addition, Cowan and How (2004) conclude that short-term studies infrequently encounter threatened and/or rare ground-dwelling vertebrate fauna species and therefore do not provide adequate information to assist land managers. As only a relatively small percentage of the vertebrate fauna species that could occur within Hope Downs 4 Option 1 IC were recorded during May 2008, the list of animals that could potentially occur has been constructed from a wide range of sources. While some of the survey areas are fairly distant from the Hope Downs 4 Project Area, many of the habitats surveyed are similar. The literature and data search included both Commonwealth and State databases including DEWHA, DEC and the Western Australian Museum (WAM).

5 STUDY OBJECTIVES

The Pilbara is a region with a diverse range of vertebrate and invertebrate fauna including several endemic species. Therefore, the main study objectives of the survey were to:

• prepare an inventory of the vertebrate and potential SRE fauna recorded in Hope Downs 4 Option 1 IC; • compare the results to the list of species that could potentially occur in the Project Area; • review vertebrate and SRE fauna considered to be rare, threatened, vulnerable, geographically restricted, or those that occur as an outlier population; • assess the status of introduced and feral animals, both predators and herbivores, through the Project Area;

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• assess the relationships between vertebrate fauna and the vegetation communities of the project area in order to clearly identify any habitats of significance; • assess the regional and local conservation status (both at the species and ecosystem levels) of the project area; • based on all the above, assess the potential impact of mining on the fauna; and • develop strategies for the environmental management of these species and their habitats.

6 STUDY LIMITATIONS

The results described in this report are based on a single season survey undertaken in May 2008; experience throughout Western Australia has shown that without sampling in several seasons and over several years, compiling a complete inventory of small mammals, amphibians and reptiles is not possible. However, there are a range of procedures used to maximise capture rates in the shorter term and several current techniques were used during this survey and are described in detail in Section 7.

The choice of sampling sites along this proposed infrastructure corridor was restricted by a recent extensive fire that had taken place just prior to the survey which severely limited the choice of locations in which to establish sampling sites. Approximately 80% of the route had been burnt and has had a major impact on fauna (Plate 1). However, as far as possible, the sampling locations chosen represented the major plant communities present along the Option 1 corridor: grasslands; mulga woodlands; hummock (Triodia) grasslands and creeklines.

Plate 1 Photograph showing a typical section of fire-affected habitat along the Option 1 IC.

While the use of bat echolocation call recorders (Anabats) generally enhances the range of bat species recorded, a small number of species cannot be distinguished by this method. In addition, harp traps are limited in where they can be usefully placed and rarely capture high-flying species.

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7 METHODS

The Ninox Wildlife Consulting (Ninox) team members were:

Ninox Principal Jan Henry Survey leader

Team members Greg Harold Assisting zoologist Maureen Francesconi Senior ornithologist Kevin Fairbairn Assisting ornithologist John Francesconi Senior SRE specialist Claire Bailey Assisting SRE specialist

The survey was carried out to a Level 2 Detailed Survey as defined in Environmental Protection Authority (2004) under DEC License Number SF006146.

Survey leader Jan Henry has completed work in the Pilbara between 1985 and 2007 as follows:

• Mount Channar mining area near Paraburdoo (Hamersley Iron). • Yandicoogina rail spur line, Mount Newman (Hamersley Iron). • Mount Samson, Brockman 2 & Section 10, Tom Price (Hamersley Iron). • Brockman Detritals, near Tom Price (Hamersley Iron). • Proposed tailings dam sites, Tom Price (Hamersley Iron). • North Deposit, near Tom Price (Hamersley Iron). • Vertebrate fauna survey: Marandoo Iron Ore project ERMP (Hamersley Iron). • Hedland HBI Project - Boodarie Site (BHP Billiton). • Central Pilbara iron ore mine & alternative rail corridors (Hamersley Iron). • Ruth Well Project Area, Karratha (Fox Resources). • Whundo Project Area, Karratha (Fox Resources). • Golden Eagle Project Area, Nullagine (Wedgetail Exploration). • Golden Gate Project Area, Nullagine (Wedgetail Exploration). • Assessment of the distribution of the P4 skink Ctenotus nigrilineatus: Golden Eagle Project Area (Wedgetail Exploration). • Cape Lambert Iron Ore Project Area, north-east of Karratha (Cape Lambert Iron Ore Pty Ltd).

7.1 Fauna Habitats

Table 1 lists the four major plant communities based on the dominant landforms which were sampled by four fauna sampling sites during this survey within Option 1 IC. The following summary of plant association descriptions have been extracted from Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd (2008). Photographs of each site are provided in Plate 2 to Plate 5.

While there are a number of plant associations that have not been sampled during this survey, at least one of each major landform has been sampled: two in the Flats and Plains; one in Drainage and Creeklines and one in Ranges, Hills and Slopes. It was this latter landform that had been most affected by the recent fire. Other plant associations were not sampled because they were either too small in area or were unlikely to be impacted by construction of infrastructure because of their position in the landscape, for example, the tops of hills and ranges.

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Table 1 List of systematic sampling sites within the proposed Hope Downs 4 Option 1 infrastructure corridor, the corresponding plant community code and a brief description of the vegetation. (The coordinates provided are in GDA94 format.)

Mattiske Plant Fauna Description Easting Northing Community Site Code Code Grassland of Aristida and Eragrostis species with emergent M6 HD07 Acacia aneura var. aneura over occasional low subshrub and 742 000 7 441 855 patches of Triodia pungens on cracking clays on flats. Low Open Woodland of Acacia aneura var. aneura, Acacia pruinocarpa over Acacia tetragonophylla, Eremophila M3 HD08 737 520 7 445 000 forrestii subsp. forrestii over Triodia pungens and a range of annual species on open sandy-loam flats and broad plains. Hummock Grassland of Triodia basedowii with pockets of Triodia pungens with emergent Eucalyptus gamophylla, Eucalyptus leucophloia, Acacia aneura var. aneura, Acacia S1 HD09 pruinocarpa, Psydrax latifolia and Grevillea berryana over 733 480 7 447 180 Eremophila fraseri subsp. galeata (ms), Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii, Acacia adsurgens, Indigofera monophylla and a range of annual species on gravely soil on lower slopes. Open Woodland of Eucalyptus victrix, Eucalyptus camaldulensis var. obtusa over Acacia citrinoviridis and Acacia coriacea subsp. sericophylla over Petalostylis C1 HD10 726 655 7 450 620 labicheoides, Acacia pyrifolia, Melaleuca lasiandra over Tephrosia rosea var. clementi, Themeda triandra and Cleome viscosa on major creeklines with sandy soils.

Plate 2 Fauna sampling site HD07.

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Plate 3 Fauna sampling site HD08.

Plate 4 Fauna sampling site HD09.

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Plate 5 Fauna sampling site HD10

7.2 Vertebrate Fauna

Four individual sampling sites were established within Option 1 IC in the dominant plant communities that had not been affected by the recent fire. One team of two personnel (J. Henry and M. Francesconi) monitored the traplines established in the survey area. One person in each team was responsible for clearing of traplines, identification, marking and safe release of animals. The second team member conducted systematic bird sampling which was carried out concurrently with trapline monitoring. Additional assistance was provided by G. Harold and K. Fairbairn on completion of their monitoring of the proposed HD4 mine sampling locations.

Mammals, Amphibians and Reptiles: four traplines were established (Table 1) which consisted of ten pitfall traps (15 litre plastic drums) bisected across the top by 10 metres of flywire drift fence 300mm high. Custom-made plastic inserts ensured that small vertebrates could not escape from the pitfall traps and gave shade during hot conditions (Plate 6). The lid of each plastic drum was also used to provide additional shade. Surface traps in each site consisted of 10 medium Elliott box traps and two cage traps that were placed in association with the pitfall traps. Two additional 10 metre fence lines in each sampling location included two flywire funnel traps each. Figure 2 shows a diagram of the trapline layout.

Traplines were monitored over six consecutive nights during the survey (6 - 11 May 2008 inclusive) and were checked each morning. An AMG grid reference was recorded at trap 1 in each sampling location (Table 1) to enable their positions to be accurately mapped. At the end of the sampling period all traps were securely closed with the lid, the drift fence flattened over the lid which was then covered with soil. All pitfall traps and drift fences have subsequently been removed.

Captured animals were identified and details of trapping location and method, sex, age and reproductive status were recorded on field data sheets. The animals were released near their point of capture as soon as practicable. Small mammals received a small fur clip on the rump prior to release in order to facilitate recapture data.

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Figure 2 Diagrammatic layout of vertebrate fauna trapline used in the survey of the proposed Hope Downs 4 Option 1 IC during May 2008.

Plate 6 Pitfall trap with custom-made insert.

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Bats: bats were sampled by means of an Anabat ultrasonic call detector placed in the vicinity of Rhodes Ridge camp where buildings and large trees were likely to provide roost sites. The resulting recordings were analysed and compared with known calls to identify the species present within the survey area. Bat echolocation analysis of resulting data was undertaken by Specialised Zoological who provided a report which is consistent with the minimum standards recommended by the Australasian Bat Society in terms of the transparency of the identification process. This included presentation of parameter summaries derived from echolocation pulses, a representative call for each species, and a description of the reference library used. The Specialised Zoological report has been summarised in the main Ninox report and provided in full as Appendix 2.

Birds: the second team member searched the plant community surrounding each trapline in order to record all birds utilising the habitat. The observer moved slowly through each habitat for approximately 45 minutes each day, identifying and counting all bird species seen and heard. Recording commenced during the peak bird activity period immediately following dawn. Sampling times in the various locations were rotated to minimise variations in weather and the peak activity periods of birds. The resulting data allows for statistically valid comparisons to be made between the various habitats.

While systematically monitoring a site over a set number of days, it is inevitable that some birds will be recorded on several occasions. Examples are highly territorial birds such as Fairy-wrens, inquisitive species such as Grey Fantails which sometimes follow the observer, nesting birds or flocking species such as cockatoos and Tree Martins which may remain in a localised area for an extended period. This over-recording unavoidably results in an exaggerated figure of relative abundance for some species. To overcome this difficulty, the daily data from the seven sites were scanned to ascertain the specific day when the highest number of individuals for each species in every site was recorded. The total for this day was selected as being a reliable index of the relative abundance of birds on a site-by-site basis.

Opportunistic sampling: active animals, mainly birds and large mammals and reptiles, were sampled opportunistically while travelling between the systematic sampling sites. The extent of the recent fire along the Option 1 IC limited the amount of opportunistic sampling that could be effectively conducted. Opportunistic recording was also undertaken while the Ninox team conducted additional survey work in the Hope Downs 4 Project Area (Option 6 infrastructure corridor) during April 2009.

7.3 Short Range Endemic Invertebrates (SREs)

Prior to the field survey, discussions were held with Dr Mark Harvey and Ms Shirley Slack-Smith of the Western Australian Museum (WAM) in order to identify the target group of potential short range endemic invertebrate taxa in the Hope Downs 4 Option 1 IC survey area. The following groups were identified for targeted sampling:

 mygalomorph spiders  myriopods (particularly millipedes)  scorpions  pseudoscorpions  terrestrial molluscs (and aquatic if suitable habitat located)

Within each of the four vertebrate fauna trapping sites, one 10m x 10m quadrat was searched systematically for 20 to 30 minutes per day at varying times of day over a period of five days. Table 2 shows the type of sampling and duration within each vertebrate fauna trapping site. These quadrats were chosen as the most likely habitat for the targeted SREs within the vertebrate fauna trapping sites. Search techniques included:

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 intensive ground searches;  digging and collection of mygalomorph spiders;  hand searching of various microhabitats;  searching under various suitable vegetation, rocks, bark etc;  searching through vegetation litter and soils.

When a scorpion burrow was located, a small pitfall trap was placed immediately outside and left in place until the scorpion was captured.

At the end of the survey period litter samples were collected from each of the four vertebrate fauna trapping sites. Approximately 500ml of leaf litter and surface soils was collected and returned to the Perth laboratory for sorting. Litter and soils were sieved and then spread in a thin layer in a petri dish and examined with a stereo microscope for micro specimens of the target taxa.

At the end of each day SRE field staff sorted the day’s capture into groups and prepared the specimens to the requirements of the WAM. Each day during the vertebrate fauna pitfall trap inspections a check was done for the invertebrate SRE ‘bycatch’.

No invertebrate wet pit trapping was undertaken during the survey.

Table 2 SRE search sites and duration.

Opportunistic Site Single Quadrat Soil & leaf areas within vertebrate fauna Number 10m x 10m (5 days) litter sorting trapping sites (7 days) HD07 120 minutes 270 minutes 90 minutes HD08 140 minutes 270 minutes 90 minutes HD09 120 minutes 540 minutes 90 minutes HD10 120 minutes 270 minutes 90 minutes Total Time 500 minutes 1350 minutes 360 minutes 8.3 hrs 22.5 hrs 6 hrs

Other sampling included searches within the habitat surrounding each vertebrate fauna trapline. These searches ranged from approximately 20 to 40 minutes per person per site over a period of seven days and were mainly done during afternoons following preliminary sorting of specimens collected during the morning’s activity.

7.4 Weather Conditions

Table 3 shows that the weather conditions for the duration of the survey were warm to hot during the day and ranged from warm to cold at night; there was no rainfall during the survey.

Table 3 Minima and maxima temperatures experienced during the fauna survey at Hope Downs 4 Option 1 IC in May 2008.

Date 6 May 7 May 8 May 9 May 10 May 11 May 12 May 13 May 14 May Min 17.1 16.3 13 12 11.3 9.5 10.1 8.9 12.8 Max 34 32.9 32.1 30.9 29.7 30.4 30.1 30 28.5 Rainfall 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

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8 RESULTS

8.1 Native Mammals

The literature and data review revealed 44 native mammals, including 18 bats, have been recorded in the eastern portion of the Pilbara region (Appendix 3). Of these, 14 have been recorded within the Option 1 IC (Table 4). Only one species of small carnivore was captured, the marsupial Kaluta (Dasykaluta rosamundae); two individuals were captured in site HD09. This was the only site that had the intricate maze of spinifex habitat required by this marsupial. Two species of native rodent were captured, the Desert Mouse (Pseudomys desertor) and Sandy Inland Mouse (Pseudomys hermannsburgensis) although only one and two individuals respectively were captured. No specimens of the Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) were captured but large, active, pebble- mounds constructed by this rodent were noted in site HD09. No large kangaroos were seen although fresh scats were noted in all sites.

Table 4 List of native mammal species recorded during the May 2008 field survey of the proposed Hope Downs 4 Option 1 IC. (OP - results from opportunistic sampling, including Anabat results - designated with an X; S - signs such as scats, tracks or diggings etc, counted as one individual.) FAUNA SAMPLING SITES OP SITE CODES HD07 HD08 HD09 HD10 NATIVE MAMMALS DASYURIDAE Dasykaluta rosamondae Little Red Kaluta 2 MACROPODIDAE Macropus sp. Unidentified Kangaroo S S S S S MOLOSSIDAE Chaerephon jobensis Northern Freetail-bat X1 EMBALLONURIDAE Taphozous georgainus Common Sheathtail Bat X Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat X1 VESPERTILIONIDAE Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat X Vespadelus finlaysoni Inland Cave Bat X MURIDAE Pseudomys chapmani Western Pebble-mound Mouse S Pseudomys desertor Desert Mouse 1 Pseudomys hermannsburgensis Sandy Inland Mouse 2 CANIDAE Canis lupus dingo Dingo S Number of Species (11) 1 1 4 2 Number of Individuals 1 1 6 2 1 Identification not confirmed.

Three species of bat were identified with confidence from the echolocation calls recorded by the Anabat. Two additional species of bat may also be present based on the calls which were not identified with similar confidence levels as the previous three. Appendix 2 provides a full report from Specialised Zoological on the results from the Anabat.

Scats of a large carnivore, probably Dingo, but possibly a dog/dingo hybrid, were noted.

Two of the three Pilbara endemic mammal species discussed in Ninox (2008) were recorded in this survey. These are discussed below.

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 The Kaluta (Dasykaluta rosamondae) is widespread through the Pilbara region, where it inhabits areas of mature and unburnt clumps of spinifex on various substrates (Woolley 2008) that provide adequate shelter. Two individuals were recorded in site HD09, the only site where the spinifex provided suitable shelter for this marsupial.  The Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) constructs large pebble-mounds wherever suitable habitat is present, generally on hills where pebbles of the right size for them to carry are present. Although none was captured, active mounds constructed by this native mouse were recorded in site HD09. The Western Pebble-mound Mouse is listed as P4 on the Priority list compiled by DEC.

Also of note was the possible recording of the Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris) by the Anabat although the calls can sometimes be confused with the Northern Freetail Bat (Chaerephon jobensis) (Appendix 2). The Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat is shown as ‘Lower Risk’ on the IUCN list. Native mammals of conservation significance are discussed in detail in Section 9.

8.2 Amphibians

Eight species of frog have been recorded in the eastern portion of the Pilbara (Appendix 4) and one, Main’s Frog (Cyclorana maini) was caught under spinifex while personnel were hand foraging in site HD10. This site consisted of a relatively wide, stony, creek bed with deep, sandy-loam and heavily vegetated banks. In general, major creeklines such as this support a greater range of frog species than any other habitat.

There are no frogs of particular conservation significance likely to occur within the Hope Downs 4 Option 1 IC, and there are no species endemic to the Pilbara region.

8.3 Reptiles

Appendix 4 lists 124 species of reptile that have been recorded in the eastern portion of the Pilbara region. Twenty-three species were recorded during this May 2008 survey (Table 5). This total was made up of five dragons, two geckos, four legless lizards, 11 skinks and one elapid (venomous) snake.

Table 5 List of reptile species recorded during the May 2008 field survey of the proposed Hope Downs 4 Option 1 IC. (OP - results from opportunistic sampling.)

FAUNA SAMPLING SITES OP SITE CODES HD07 HD08 HD09 HD10 REPTILES AGAMIDAE Dragons Caimanops amphiboluroides 1 Ctenophorus c. caudicinctus 1 3 Ctenophorus reticulatus 2 Lophognathus longirostris 2 5 5 Pogona m. minor 1 GEKKONIDAE Geckos Gehyra variegata 1 Heteronotia binoei 1 PYGOPODIDAE Legless Lizards Delma nasuta 1 Delma pax 2 Delma tincta 1

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FAUNA SAMPLING SITES OP SITE CODES HD07 HD08 HD09 HD10 Lialis burtonis 1 SCINCIDAE Skinks Carlia munda 1 1 2 Ctenotus duricola 1 2 Ctenotus affin. helenae 2 2 1 Ctenotus pantherinus ocellifer 3 2 3 1 Ctenotus rutilans 1 2 Ctenotus saxatilis 1 2 Ctenotus schomburgkii 2 4 1 Cyclodomorphus m. melanops 3 Lerista muelleri 1 Menetia greyii 1 Tiliqua multifasciata 1 ELAPIDAE Venomous Snakes Demansia psammophis cupreiceps 1 Number of Species (23) 8 9 8 12 Number of Individuals 12 20 18 17

The number of species per site ranged from a low of eight species in sites HD07 and HD09, to a high of 12 in site HD10. This latter site had the highest number of legless lizard species (3) but a very low number of dragons (1). All sites had between five and six species of skink although none was particularly abundant. Very few geckos were recorded with both individuals being caught during hand foraging. None of the reptiles was captured in all sites. Although the damper habitat that is normally associated with the dragon Lophognathus longirostris was present at HD10, this species was not captured.

There was little difference in the abundance of individuals in each of the sites with a low of 12 and a high of 20 reptiles.

Two of the 25 species of Pilbara endemic reptiles listed in Appendix 4 were recorded during this survey: the skinks (Ctenotus duricola and Ctenotus rutilans). Three reptiles of conservation significance are known to occur in the Pilbara region and are discussed in Section 9.

8.4 Birds

A total of 161 birds (87 Non-passerines and 74 Passerines) are listed in Appendix 5 List of bird species recorded in the Hope Downs 4 Project Area, including the Option 1 IC, as being known to occur in the eastern Pilbara. Of these, only 37 species were recorded during systematic sampling (Table 6). Two additional species were observed opportunistically during the April 2009 (Square-tailed Kite and Spotted Nightjar).

Twenty-nine of the 37 bird species were observed in the creekline site HD10 with nine of these not being recorded elsewhere in this survey. Other sites had between 13 and 17 species, more typical of the shrublands and grasslands of the area. For example, an average of 12 species was recorded in the six sites sampled within the proposed Hope Downs 4 mining area (Ninox 2009). Only five species were observed in all four sites.

The index of abundance shown in Table 6, calculated on the highest daily count for each species in each site, illustrates that site HD10 had the greatest number of birds with 121. Large numbers of Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) accounted for over 30% of the birds observed and Weebills

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(Smicrornis brevirostris) were also very common at this site. The more complex structure of the vegetation here, including a tall eucalypt overstorey, accounts for these large numbers of birds.

Table 6 List of bird species recorded during the May 2008 field survey of the proposed Hope Downs 4 Option 1 IC. Numbers are derived from the highest daily count for each species in each site. (OP – opportunistic observations.)

FAUNA SAMPLING SITES BIRDS HD07 HD08 HD09 HD10 OP ACCIPITRIDAE Hamirostra isura Square-tailed Kite X FALCONIDAE Falco berigora Brown Falcon 1 2 X OTIDIDAE Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard X COLUMBIDAE Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove 1 PSITTACIDAE Cacatua roseicapilla Galah 3 4 X Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella 2 Platycercus zonarius Australian Ringneck 2 6 Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar 2 3 40 CUCULIDAE Cuculus pallidus Pallid Cuckoo 3 Chrysococcyx basalis Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo 1 CAPRIMULGIDAE Eurostopodus argus Spotted Nightjar X HALCYONIDAE Todiramphus pyrrhopygia Red-backed Kingfisher 2 X MALURIDAE Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren 6 ACATHIZIDAE Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill 2 4 10 Gerygone fusca Western Gerygone 1 1 Acanthiza apicalis Broad-tailed Thornbill 1 1 2 Acanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill 3 2 MELIPHAGIDAE Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater 2 1 1 2 Lichenostomus plumulus Grey-fronted Honeyeater 1 Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner 2 15 3 Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater 1 PETROICIDAE Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin 1 POMATOSTOMIDAE Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler 4 PACHYCEPHALIDAE Oreoica gutturalis Crested Bellbird 2 2 1 1 Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler 2 2 1 Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush 3 DICRURIDAE Rhipidura fuliginosa Grey Fantail 1 2 Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail 1 1 1 Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark 3

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FAUNA SAMPLING SITES BIRDS HD07 HD08 HD09 HD10 OP CAMPEPHAGIDAE Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 2 4 X Coracina maxima Ground Cuckoo-shrike 1 ARTAMIDAE Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow 5 8 X CRACTICIDAE Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird 1 1 1 2 X Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird 1 2 1 X Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie 1 X CORVIDAE Corvus orru Torresian Crow 1 2 1 2 HIRUNDINIDAE Hirundo nigricans Tree Martin 2 PASSERIDAE Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch 6 2 2 6 Emblema pictum Painted Firetail 2 MOTACILLIDAE Anthus australis Australian Pipit 1 X No. of Species (39) 14 15 17 30 Index of Abundance 30 23 47 121

The low number of birds of prey (one species and three individuals) was similar to the observations within the proposed mining area which had only four species and six individuals (Ninox 2009). Although this group of birds was no more common within the Hope Downs 4 Project Area during April 2009, one species was added to the area inventory (Square-tailed Kite). Sixteen species of bird of prey are known to occur in the eastern Pilbara region.

The Australian Bustard shown in Table 6 is of conservation significance and, based on distribution and habitat, several additional species could be present and are discussed in Section 9.

8.5 Short Range Endemic Invertebrates

A report on the SRE invertebrate fauna from the Hope Downs 4 Project Area has been prepared by M. Harvey and V. Framenau of the Western Australian Museum. This report has been summarised here and is presented in full in Appendix 6.

In a recent publication, the issue of Short-Range Endemism in the Australian invertebrate fauna was examined (Harvey 2002), and series of major groups were nominated as having a very high proportion of individual species that satisfied a defined set of criteria. The main criterion nominated for inclusion as an SRE was that the species had a naturally small range of less than 10,000 km2. Harvey (2002) found that those species possessed a series of ecological and life-history traits, including:

• poor powers of dispersal; • confinement to discontinuous habitats; • usually highly seasonal, only active during cooler, wetter periods; and • low levels of fecundity.

The Western Australian fauna contains a number of SRE taxa, including millipedes, land snails, trap- door spiders, some pseudoscorpions, slaters, and onychophorans.

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Scorpions, trapdoor spiders, pseudoscorpions and centipedes were collected during the May 2008 survey and Table 7 summarises the data shown in Appendix 6, listing potential SREs that were collected in Hope Downs 4 Option 1 IC.

Table 7 Summary table of results of the collection of potential SRE invertebrate fauna from Hope Downs 4 Option 1 IC during May 2008.

SEX SRE SITE GENUS GENUS ORDER ORDER FAMILY FAMILY SPECIES SPECNUM AUTHORITY AUTHORITY Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas bituberculatus Pocock, 18T91 HD10 M 1 N Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas bituberculatus Pocock, 18T91 HD10 J 1 N Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas bituberculatus Pocock, 18T91 HD10 M 1 N Scorpiones Urodacidae Urodacus `sp.` HD08 J 1 U Araneae Idiopidae Gaius HD08 F 1 U Araneae Idiopidae Gaius HD08 F 1 U Araneae Nemesiidae Aname HD07 F 1 N Araneae Trochanteriidae Fissarena castanea Simon, 1908 HD08 M 1 N Pseudoscorpiones Olpiidae Beierolpium HD08 M 1 N Scutigerida HD09 1 N

Table 7 shows that three specimens of the scorpion Lychas bituberculatus were collected from site HD10 and one unknown species of the genus Urodacus from site HD08; neither of these is considered an SRE.

Four trapdoor spider specimens representing three genera were collected: Gaius; Aname and Fissarena, although only the latter could be identified to species level. While not completely certain, Harvey and Framenau do not consider that any of these represent SREs (Appendix 6).

One pseudoscorpion and one centipede were also collected, neither of which are considered to be an SRE.

8.5.1 Molluscs

A report by C. Whisson and S. Slack-Smith of the Western Australian Museum on the land snails collected along the Option 1 IC is presented in Appendix 7. Both dead and live snails were collected from sites HD08 and HD10, representing three genera: Eremopeas; Gastrocopta and Bothriembryon.

While none appeared to represent short range endemic species, the unidentified Bothriembryon collected from the Option 1 IC appears to be at the northern limit of the genus in Western Australia. The specimens taken during this survey belong to a recognised, yet un-described new species, from the area of the Hamersley Range. Museum records indicate the species has a distribution across most of the Hamersley Range, from Gregory Gorge at the north-west end, intermittently through to Roy Hill at the south-eastern end of the Hamersley Range. However, there appears to be a significant variation in the size and shape of shells across this range, both within and between populations. It is not known whether this morphological variation represents “normal” population variance or represents genetic differentiation at the population level. All of the specimens collected during this survey were found in the creekline site HD10.

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8.6 Introduced or Feral Species

Nine introduced or feral species of mammal are listed in Appendix 8 as having been recorded in the eastern section of the Pilbara region. These include one rodent, three carnivores and five herbivores. Two of these were recorded during the survey: Cattle (Bos taurus) were noted in sites HD07 and HD10 and a mature male One-humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius) was seen in site HD10.

Plant communities such as the grassland within site HD07 and the dense grass and shade available within the creekline sampled by site HD10 provide suitable habitat for cattle wherever they occur within the Option 1 corridor.

It is also possible that the Dingo scats listed in Table 4 were from a dog/dingo hybrid.

9 PROTECTED SPECIES

While protected species were discussed in detail in Ninox (2008 and 2009), this section has been repeated here with updates from the results of this survey.

As part of the background data and literature review (Ninox 2008), a search of Australian Government and State fauna databases was conducted for fauna species that could be present in the Hope Downs Project Area and that are listed under the Australian Government EPBC Act 1999, the Western Australian WC Act 1950 or DEC’s Priority Fauna list (Appendices 9 and 10).

Ten native mammals, three reptiles and 16 birds are listed under the Commonwealth EPBC Act 1999, the Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 or DEC’s Priority Fauna list. All of these are discussed in Table 8 with notes on their presence or likely occurrence in the proposed Hope Downs 4 Option 1 IC. Two mammals that are listed on the IUCN Red List but not on either Commonwealth or State legislation are also discussed.

Five of these animals are also considered as Pilbara endemic species and are noted in the following table.

In order to clarify the potential occurrence of species of conservation significance within Project Area 1, the following definitions of the categories used in Table 8 include:

Unlikely – has not been recorded in the general area or preferred habitat is not present; Low – has not been recorded in the general area in the recent past; Moderate – has been recorded in the general area and/or preferred habitat is present; Seasonally High – a seasonal migrant or nomadic species that has a widespread distribution and/or has been recorded in close proximity to Project Area 1; High – has been recorded in close proximity to the Project Area 1 and/or preferred habitat is present; Recorded – has been recorded within the Hope Downs 4 Project Area by Ninox (2009) or ecologia (2005).

The definitions are relatively broad and have been supported by the judgement of Ninox personnel as to whether the habitats present within the Option 1 IC will support the species listed in Table 8. The references given in Section 4 have also assisted with ecological notes.

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Table 8 List of species protected under the EPBC Act 1999, the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 or listed on DEC’s Priority Fauna list that have been recorded or could potentially occur within the Option 1 IC. Species within animal groups are listed in order of conservation status. (Those species recorded during the survey have been highlighted in bold text.)

IUCN EPBC WC DEC Pilbara Potential SPECIES COMMENTS Red List 1999 1950 Priority # Endemic to Occur Native Mammals Currently, colonies of this species are uncommon and scattered in Macrotis lagotis Schedule 1 Acacia shrublands and hummock grasslands, mainly in the central Low to Vulnerable Vulnerable Bilby Threatened desert areas. However, several occurrences of this species were Moderate reported in Davis et al. (2005) within the Cloud Break tenement. This small, beautiful bat has very stringent roost requirements including very hot and humid conditions. Churchill (1998) states that they require between 28 to 32oC and 96 to 100% relative Rhinonicteris aurantia Schedule 1 humidity. Deep caves and mines which have these conditions may Low to (unnamed Pilbara form) Vulnerable Vulnerable Yes Threatened support colonies of this bat. The distribution of Pilbara Leaf-nosed Moderate Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat Bats is dependent upon the availability of roosting sites rather than any particular habitat type. There appears to be two strongholds for this species: the eastern and western Pilbara (Armstrong 2008) ecologia (2005) report that this species of marsupial has been Dasyurus hallucatus Lower Schedule 1 recorded at Yarrie/Goldsworthy and within the Whaleback Mine Low to Vulnerable Northern Quoll Risk Endangered area. The preferred habitat of this species includes rocky outcrops Moderate and eucalypt woodlands. This rock-wallaby never ventures far from the rocky hills it inhabits where it shelters in rocky crevices during the day, although it may Petrogale lateralis Schedule 1 be seen basking on rocks in the sun during cool weather. Vulnerable Moderate Black-footed Rock-wallaby Vulnerable Identification of this species is difficult due to the highly variable fur colour and markings. A similar species (Petrogale rothschildi) and an unidentified species were noted in ecologia (2005). This small macropod occurs patchily within the Pilbara region, Lagorchestes conspicillatus Lower P3 occupying areas where large clumps of spinifex provide shelter. Low Spectacled Hare-wallaby Risk Not recorded in any recent surveys in the eastern Pilbara region. Commonly associated with breakaways and scree slopes, this marsupial was not recorded in the Pilbara region between 1940 and Sminthopsis longicaudata 1984 when one specimen was located in typical rocky scree slope Low to P3 Long-tailed Dunnart habitat during a biological survey of the Mt Channar area (Ninox Moderate 1985). Subsequently this species has been located in various locations through the Pilbara region, the Gascoyne and mid-west.

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IUCN EPBC WC DEC Pilbara Potential SPECIES COMMENTS Red List 1999 1950 Priority # Endemic to Occur This large, carnivorous, white bat roosts in both shallow and deep caves and has been found in abandoned mine shafts. Although widely distributed, colonies of this bat are scattered in a variety of habitats as diverse as the arid Pilbara and the tropical rainforests of Queensland Macroderma gigas Low to Vulnerable P4 (Richards et al. 2008). ecologia (2005) state that their preferred Ghost Bat Moderate habitat in the Pilbara region are caves beneath bluffs of low rounded hills composed of Marra Mamba geology and granite rockpiles. As for the Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat, their presence is determined by the availability of suitable roosting sites. This small, native mouse is known from the Kimberley and Pilbara regions in Western Australia, although there may be some doubt as to the actual identification of this animal in this State. It is thought that Leggadina lakedownensis Lower Low to P4 populations fluctuate widely in response to seasonal climatic Lakeland Downs Mouse Risk Moderate conditions and the availability of seed. Very few records exist in the vicinity of Newman and Hope Downs but it was recorded during the Biota (2005) survey of the FMG Stage B rail corridor and mine areas. More common in the spinifex/sandplain areas of the desert east of Pseudomys desertor Lower Recorded the Pilbara, this native rodent was recorded by ecologia (2005) in Desert Mouse Risk by Ninox the East Angelas survey. Recorded during the survey. This small rodent is common in suitable habitat in the Pilbara region. Although difficult to trap, the identification of active pebble-mounds is readily achieved. Active and inactive mounds Pseudomys chapmani Recorded P4 Yes were recorded by Ninox although no animals were trapped. The Pebble-mound Mouse by Ninox Mattiske botanical team has also recorded active and inactive mounds during their flora and vegetation survey within the Hope Downs 4 Project Area. Dasucercus blythi This species prefers spinifex on sandplain habitat which does not P4 Unlikely Brush-tailed Mulgara appear to be present within the Hope Downs 4 Project Area. This relatively large bat is widespread in the northern half of the State, foraging for food over most habitats. It roosts in tree Possibly Saccolaimus flaviventris Lower hollows but may also use burrows of other species if no trees are recorded Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat Risk available (Menkhorst and Knight 2001). Possibly recorded during by Ninox the survey although the echolocation call could not be positively identified (Appendix 2).

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IUCN EPBC WC DEC Pilbara Potential SPECIES COMMENTS Red List 1999 1950 Priority # Endemic to Occur REPTILES The Pilbara Olive Python prefers to inhabit areas where prey species congregate; pools in creeks or rocky ranges are particularly favoured. They have discrete home ranges although during June and July, males Liasis olivaceus barroni Schedule 1 may travel long distances to locate females for breeding (Burbidge Vulnerable Yes High Pilbara Olive Python Vulnerable 2004). The Pilbara Olive Python was observed at the Rhodes Ridge camp by the botanical team during their preliminary survey of the Hancock – East Angelas Project Area. A photograph was sent to J. Henry of Ninox for confirmation of the identification. Once known only from Meenthena and Woodstock Stations, this Ctenotus nigrilineatus small striped skink has recently been located near Nullagine (Ninox P1 Yes Moderate Skink (no common name) 2007a) and there is an unconfirmed record from Hope Downs (Rapallo 2006). This blind snake is known from widely separated localities between Ramphotyphlops ganei P1 Yes Newman and Pannawonica (Wilson & Swann 2008). Thought to Moderate Blind Snake (no common name) prefer moist gorges and gullies. BIRDS Formerly patchily distributed in northern and inland Australia, this parrot is presumed extinct throughout most of its range. Recorded during the Cloud Break survey (Davis et al. 2005) with three Pezoporus occidentalis Critically Endangered Critically individuals being observed on 12/4/05. This is a highly significant Low Night Parrot Endangered Migratory Endangered sighting as there have been no confirmed reports of this bird in W.A since the 1930s. Spinifex grasslands and chenopod shrublands around salt lakes appear to be the preferred habitat of this parrot. While spending the summer and most of the autumn in Australia, Apus pacificus Seasonally Fork-tailed Swifts are almost entirely aerial. They feed and sleep on Fork-tailed Swift High the wing, sometimes occurring in extremely large flocks. Caladrius acuminata

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper JAMBA Caladrius subminuta CAMBA Although little suitable habitat, either natural or artificial, is present

Long-toed Stint ROKAMBA within the proposed Option 1 IC, these trans-equatorial shorebirds Low to

Tringa nebularia may occur seasonally if flooding occurs in low-lying areas such as Moderate

Common Greenshank sampling site HD07. Tringa hypoleucos

Common Sandpiper

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IUCN EPBC WC DEC Pilbara Potential to SPECIES COMMENTS Red List 1999 1950 Priority # Endemic Occur This large white egret occurs in a range of wetland habitats including Ardea alba JAMBA Low to floodwaters, rivers, estuaries and inter-tidal mudflats. Seasonal Great Egret CAMBA Moderate flooding in low-lying areas may attract this bird. Caladrius ruficollis Although little suitable habitat, either natural or artificial, is present JAMBA Low to Red-necked Stint within the proposed Option 1 IC, this trans-equatorial shorebird may ROKAMBA Moderate occur seasonally if flooding occurs in low-lying areas. Caladrius melanotos Although little suitable habitat, either natural or artificial, is present Low to Pectoral Sandpiper JAMBA within the proposed Option 1 IC, this trans-equatorial shorebird may Moderate occur seasonally if flooding occurs in low-lying areas. These birds are summer migrants to southern Australia but may be Merops ornatus JAMBA resident in the north. They prefer lightly wooded country, near water High Rainbow Bee-eater and preferably with sandy soils suitable for their breeding burrows. This bird of prey occurs Australia-wide and has no particular habitat Falco peregrinus Schedule 4 preference although it has adapted to nesting and roosting on the High Peregrine Falcon artificial ‘cliffs’ in abandoned mine pits and on city buildings. Known from the northern half of Australia, this scarce bird of prey Falco hypoleucos Near P4 appears to be nomadic and may be more frequently observed in Moderate Grey Falcon Threatened lightly wooded country and riverine plains. This large bird is widespread throughout Australia with the exception of densely forested areas. It inhabits a range of habitats and is highly nomadic. An adult with two chicks was Ardeotis australis Near Recorded P4 observed during April 2009 in the vicinity of HD07. Abundant Australian Bustard Threatened by Ninox scats were also noted within this site, presumably as a result of an influx of invertebrate prey following the significant rainfall during summer 2008/09. This unusual bird occurs in the Kimberley, Pilbara and the western Burhinus grallarius Near Moderate to P4 half of the rest of the State. It appears to prefer lightly wooded Bush Stone-curlew Threatened High country, often with a ground surface of stones or pebbles. Neochmia ruficauda Near This finch occurs mainly in association with waterside vegetation Low to P4 Star Finch Threatened along creeks and rivers but may be observed in irrigated crops. Moderate Known mainly from the Pilbara, Gascoyne and Murchison regions, Lacustroica whitei there are scattered records in the Western Australian Goldfields and Moderate to P4 Grey Honeyeater northern portions of the Wheatbelt. This bird prefers Acacia scrub, High particularly mulga communities.

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10 DISCUSSION

The following section discusses the local and regional significance of the vertebrate fauna and the habitats that occur within the Option 6 IC. The local significance has been determined with reference to a number of studies undertaken in the vicinity of the Option 1 IC. These studies include:

• the Public Environmental Report/Review (PER) presented for the Hope Downs Iron Ore project (Hope Downs Management Services Pty Ltd 2000). This PER used the results from several studies including Weeli Wolli Spring and sampling locations to the immediate west of site HD10 in this current study; • ecologia (2005) which reported on a survey of the vertebrate fauna of East Angelas which overlaps with the Hope Downs 4 proposed mining area; • a survey of the Hope Downs 4 proposed mining area to the east of the Option 1 IC (Ninox 2009).

Regional significance has been determined by comparisons with the results shown in Appendix 10 and from other, relatively recent, studies that have been undertaken in the eastern portion of the Pilbara region. These include:

• Davis et al. (2005), a survey of the proposed Cloud Break iron ore mine approximately 100km to the north of the Option 1 IC; • Rapallo (2006), a survey of the habitats of a proposed gold mine near Nullagine approximately 200km to the north-east of Newman; • Ninox (2007a and 2007b), a survey of the habitats of a proposed gold mine near Nullagine approximately 200km to the north-east of Newman.

10.1 Native Mammals

The low trapping results for small native mammals were typical of a single season survey. Additional surveys, and those that cover a greater range of habitats, increase the likelihood of capturing a greater diversity of small native mammals (Appendix 3). Therefore, it can be expected that further sampling would increase the number of species known to occur in the area, especially if this follows sufficient rainfall in the area and some recovery of the vegetation from the recent fire.

10.1.1 Local and Regional Significance

Of the native mammal species recorded during the survey, only the Pilbara endemic Kaluta (Dasykaluta rosamondae) appears to have specific habitat requirements i.e. mature and unburnt clumps of spinifex. Up to 80% of the country along this proposed infrastructure corridor route had recently been burnt, and is likely to have had a major impact on this species. However, as females can carry up to eight young (Woolley 2008), populations may build rapidly once habitat conditions become more suitable. Based on the results from several surveys in the eastern Pilbara (Appendix 3) this small marsupial is widespread within the Pilbara.

Of the 12 mammals of conservation significance discussed in Section 9, two (possibly three) have been recorded in Option 1 IC to date: the Desert Mouse (Pseudomys desertor); Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) and possibly the Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris). One species, the Long-tailed Dunnart (Sminthopsis longicaudata) is highly likely to occur in rocky breakaways and scree slopes that are present within the Option 1 corridor. There is a moderate probability of the Black-footed Rock-wallaby (Petrogale lateralis) occurring in extremely

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Hope Downs 4 Infrastructure Corridor: Option 1 – Fauna Survey 2008 21 rocky areas where suitable crevices that provide daytime shelter occur. As this rock-wallaby rarely ventures far from shelter, its presence within the lower portions of the landscape, where infrastructure is most likely to be placed, is less likely. Six species have only a low to moderate probability of being present in the habitats that occur within Option 1 IC, either because suitable habitat requirements are not present and/or the species has not been recorded in the eastern Pilbara for many years. The remaining species, the Brush-tailed Mulgara (Dasycercus blythi) is unlikely to occur as its preferred habitat of spinifex on sandplain is not present within the area surveyed during May 2008.

Table 9 provides a summary of those species of conservation significance that are known or that could potentially occur along the proposed infrastructure corridor surveyed during May 2008. Also shown are the latest date and locality that each species has been recorded as shown on Appendix 10 and the potential impact on each species. Species shown as having IUCN listing do not necessarily appear on either Commonwealth or State listings.

Table 9 List of mammal species of conservation significance recorded or that could potentially occur within the proposed infrastructure corridor surveyed during May 2008. (Appendix 10 shows the dates and localities for the species resulting from the search of DEC’s rare fauna database.) Status 1 = Species listed under the EPBC Act 1999, the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 or listed in Appendix 9 under the Protected Matters Report. 2 = Species listed under DEC’s Priority Fauna list. 3 = Pilbara endemic species. 4 = IUCN listing.

Latest date & Potential SPECIES Status locality Potential Impact to Occur (Appendix 10) 1997 Given the low to moderate probability of Macrotis lagotis Low to 1, 4 Mulga Downs occurrence of these species, it is unlikely Bilby Moderate Station that the construction of infrastructure will Rhinonicteris aurantia have an impact on these species. Low to 2006 (unnamed Pilbara form) 1,3,4 Moderate Nullagine Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat Should additional survey work show any of these species to be present, appropriate Dasyurus hallucatus Low to 1989 1, 4 management measures will be discussed Northern Quoll Moderate Marble Bar with DEC. It is unlikely that the infrastructure will be constructed in the extremely rocky ranges Petrogale lateralis 1975 1 Moderate and hills that this animal prefers. Black-footed Rock-wallaby Newman Therefore there is unlikely to be any impact on this species. Given the low to moderate probability of occurrence, it is unlikely that the construction of infrastructure will have an Lagorchestes conspicillatus 2001 2, 4 Low impact on these species. Should additional Spectacled Hare-wallaby Panorama survey work show these species to be present, appropriate management measures will be discussed with DEC. As yet, there have been no records of this Sminthopsis longicaudata Low to species in the Newman area therefore it is 2 Not shown Long-tailed Dunnart moderate unlikely that there will be any impact on this species. Given the low to moderate probability of Macroderma gigas Low to 2006 occurrence, it is unlikely that the 2, 4 Ghost Bat Moderate Marble Bar construction of infrastructure will have an impact on these species.

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Latest date & Potential SPECIES Status locality Potential Impact to Occur (Appendix 10)

Should additional survey work show these Leggadina lakedownensis Low to 2, 4 Not shown species to be present, appropriate Lakeland Downs Mouse Moderate management measures need to be discussed with DEC. Given that this native rodent is not shown on either Commonwealth or State listings, Pseudomys desertor Recorded 4 Not shown it is unlikely that this construction will Desert Mouse by Ninox have an impact that will raise its conservation status. Figure 3 shows the location of active and inactive pebble-mounds constructed by this rodent recorded by Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd and Ninox personnel. This map will be updated following additional survey work Pseudomys chapmani Recorded 2008 in the infrastructure corridor options. 2, 3 Pebble-mound Mouse by Ninox Newman This species is widespread in suitable habitat throughout the Pilbara region; therefore, the impact of construction of infrastructure is unlikely to cause its conservation status to be raised. Given the unlikely probability of occurrence, it is unlikely that the construction of infrastructure will have an Dasycercus blythi 2 Unlikely Not shown impact on these species. Should additional Brush-tailed Mulgara survey work show these species to be present, appropriate management measures will be discussed with DEC. It is difficult to ascertain with any confidence whether this bat is present. Its call cannot be distinguished and it is rarely captured due to its high-flying and high Possibly speed disposition (Richards 2008). Given Saccolaimus flaviventris 4 recorded by Not shown this, and the lack of listing of this species Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat Ninox under either Commonwealth or State legislation, it is unlikely that construction of infrastructure will have an impact on the species that will raise its conservation status.

10.2 Amphibians and Reptiles

The recording of a single Main’s Frog (Cyclorana maini) hand-foraged in site HD10, but encountering no active frogs was not surprising given that there had been no rain prior to sampling, and no permanent wetlands or other water sources were located within the survey area. However, site HD10 is likely to be the focus for several species, given the possibility of pools being present in the creek following sufficient rainfall.

The recording of 23 species of reptile from only four sampling sites is a relatively good result from a single season survey. As noted in Ninox (2009) there was a relative lack of monitors and snakes in both the proposed HD4 mining area and the infrastructure corridor (Option 1 IC) when compared to the results from Davis et al. (2005). Both of these groups are difficult to trap and are generally recorded opportunistically.

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Figure 3 Map showing the location and activity level of pebble mounds constructed by the Pebble Mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) in the proposed Hope Downs 4 Option 1 IC.

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10.2.1 Local and Regional Significance

Three species of reptile that could occur are of conservation significance; one, the Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceous barroni) is most likely to occur in the vicinity of site HD10 or similar riverine habitat where birds congregate. One skink and one blind snake have a moderate probability of occurrence (Ctenotus nigrilineatus and Ramphotyphlops ganei); both are known from widely separated localities in the Pilbara region.

Table 10 provides a summary of those species of conservation significance that are known or could potentially occur along the proposed infrastructure corridor surveyed during May 2008. Also shown are the latest date and locality which each species has been recorded. This is given in Appendix 10, as is the potential impact on each species. Species shown as having IUCN listing do not necessarily appear on either Commonwealth or State listings.

Table 10 List of reptile species of conservation significance recorded or that could potentially occur within the proposed Option 1 IC surveyed during May 2008. (Appendix 10 shows the dates and localities for the species resulting from the search of DEC’s rare fauna database.) Status 1 = Species listed under the EPBC Act 1999, the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 or listed in Appendix 9 under the Protected Matters Report. 2 = Species listed under DEC’s Priority Fauna list. 3 = Pilbara endemic species. 4 = IUCN listing.

Latest date & Potential SPECIES Status locality Potential Impact to Occur (Appendix 10) The potential for this large, harmless snake to occur is high, especially in habitats such as creeklines and gorges. Some direct mortality may occur due to increased vehicle movements in the Liasis olivaceus barroni 2004 1,3 High area. Changes to drainage patterns due Pilbara Olive Python Newman to construction of infrastructure,and any subsequent impact on vegetation could also have some impact on this snake. However, the impact on the species is unlikely to be significant. Latest survey results show that this species is more widespread than shown in Appendix 10; they have been located at Nullagine in 2007 (Ninox 2007a and 2007b). An unconfirmed record for Ctenotus nigrilineatus 1990 2, 3 Moderate Hope Downs is shown in Rapallo Skink (no common name) Marble Bar (2006). Given the widespread and fragmented distribution of this species (to date) it is unlikely that the construction of infrastructure will have any impact on the species.

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Latest date & Potential SPECIES Status locality Impact to Occur (Appendix 10) Appendix 10 states that very little is known about this blind snake. It has also been recorded in Newman and Mount Whaleback in 1985. Should this 1995 Ramphotyphlops ganei species be recorded in future surveys, 2, 3 Moderate Cathedral Blind Snake (no common name) appropriate measures should be Gorge discussed with DEC to ensure that infrastructure construction does not result in raising its conservation status to a higher level.

10.3 Birds

The low number of species recorded during this survey of the infrastructure corridor is due to the extensive fire through much of the country and the sustained dry conditions preceding the survey. However, the number of species observed in site HD10 shows the importance of vegetated creeklines, particularly those with a eucalypt overstorey, to the birds of the area. Almost 80% of the species recorded during the survey were found in this site. Apart from supporting a wide range of species, these creeklines act as corridors for the movement of small birds through the more arid habitats, and the trees provide the hollows required by many species for breeding and shelter. Some birds of conservation significance will occur within this habitat, for example, the Star Finch (Neochmia ruficauda) and Grey Falcon (Falco hypoleucos). When flooding occurs following adequate rainfall, this major creekline will also support a range of wetland birds such as ducks, egrets and herons.

10.3.1 Local and Regional Significance

None of the birds of conservation significance discussed in Section 9 were recorded during the May 2008 survey. Several are only likely to occur following substantial rainfall, usually post-cyclonic conditions. This includes those shorebirds such as the sandpipers and stints listed under international treaties (JAMBA, CAMBA and ROKAMBA). The Fork-tailed Swift (Apus pacificus) can be observed, mainly during summer, sometimes in flocks of many thousands. However, because they rarely land and generally fly at great heights, they may not be detected by the casual observer. One seasonal visitor, the Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus), will be present since this species was observed during sampling within the proposed Hope Downs 4 mining area (Ninox 2009).

Of those birds that are more likely to be resident or nomadic rather than seasonal or migratory, the most significant species is the Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis) that was recorded during the Cloud Break survey (Davies et al. 2005). However, none of the preferred habitat for this bird was present within the survey area sampled during May 2008; therefore it is most unlikely that this bird will occur.

Of the six remaining species, five could be present throughout Option 1 IC. The Australian Bustard (Ardeotis australis) and Bush Stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius) are wide-ranging birds that may be present in any of the habitats sampled to date. Both the Grey Falcon (Falco hypoleucos) and Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) could hunt over much of the area but are likely to roost on cliffs and rock ledges in the hills and ranges. The Grey Honeyeater (Lacustroica whitei) prefers Acacia scrub, particularly mulga woodlands, and the Star Finch (Neochmia ruficauda) is most likely to be found in creeklines such as that represented by site HD10. Only this latter species is likely to be resident within its preferred habitat in Option 1 IC and could be affected should the quality of the habitat be reduced due to altered drainage patterns from infrastructure construction.

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Table 11 shows the bird species of conservation significance, their potential to occur within the proposed infrastructure corridor surveyed during May 2008 and the impact that development may have on the species. Appendix 10 shows the results of a search of DEC’s rare fauna database and the latest date and locality for each species shown on this list are given in the following table.

Table 11 List of bird species of conservation significance recorded or that could potentially occur within the proposed Option 1 IC surveyed during May 2008. Status 1 = Species listed under the EPBC Act 1999, the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 or listed in Appendix 9 under the Protected Matters Report. 2 = Species listed under DEC’s Priority Fauna list. 3 = Pilbara endemic species. 4 = IUCN listing.

Latest date & Potential SPECIES Status locality Potential Impact to Occur (Appendix 10) Given the low probability of this species Pezoporus occidentalis 2005 occurring within the infrastructure corridor 1, 4 Low Night Parrot Mulga Downs habitats surveyed during May 2008, there is unlikely to be any impact on this species. As this bird rarely lands and its occurrence Apus pacificus Seasonally 1 Not shown will be spasmodic, there will be no impact High Fork-tailed Swift on the species. Caladrius acuminata 1 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Caladrius subminuta Seasonal flooding in low-lying areas within 1 Long-toed Stint the corridor may result in suitable shallows Tringa nebularia and mudflats for feeding by these birds. 1 Common Greenshank However, this event would be ephemeral and, given that areas such as this would be Tringa hypoleucos Low to 1 Not shown common throughout the region following Moderate Common Sandpiper cyclonic events, there will be no impact of Ardea alba 1 infrastructure construction on any of these Great Egret species, especially as flooding would also Caladrius ruficollis temporarily prevent any construction 1 Red-necked Stint activity. Caladrius melanotos 1 Pectoral Sandpiper This bird burrows to create nesting chambers and they can be found in sand banks of Merops ornatus creeks and drainage lines. Disturbance to 1 High Not shown these areas between September and February Rainbow Bee-eater may have some impact on the breeding success of this species and should be avoided.

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Latest date & Potential SPECIES Status locality Impact to Occur (Appendix 10) This bird of prey is likely to hunt over most habitats especially where birds such as pigeons and ducks congregate. They roost and nest on cliffs and ledges in the hills and ranges throughout their distribution. They use the artificial perches provided by structures such as powerlines and poles. Any Falco peregrinus impact on individuals would occur when 1 High Not shown Peregrine Falcon construction activity in the vicinity of nesting areas coincides with breeding.

Should further survey work show this bird to occur and, specifically, if nesting ledges are located, discussions with DEC for appropriate buffers to these areas should be undertaken. Considered to be nomadic, this bird of prey uses the nests of crows and other large birds to breed. It is most likely to find these in larger eucalypts which occur. Within the Falco hypoleucos 1997 2, 4 Moderate corridor, the riverine habitat represented by Nullagine Grey Falcon site HD10 will be the most likely habitat. Disturbance to riverine habitat should be kept to an absolute minimum to avoid impact on this, and other, significant species. A highly nomadic bird, the Australian Bustard can be seen in any relatively open country, including areas recently burnt (personal observations). Individuals could be Ardeotis australis 2008 2, 4 High killed or injured by collision with vehicles. Newman Australian Bustard However, given the broad distribution and wide-ranging nature of this bird, it is unlikely that there will be any impact on the species. A nocturnal bird, this species is rarely observed unless disturbed. It nests on bare ground, and the chicks are highly Burhinus grallarius Moderate to 2005 2, 4 camouflaged against the pebbles. While High Nullagine Bush Stone-curlew there is unlikely to be any impact on the species, individuals are frequently killed by collisions with vehicles at night. The riverine habitat represented by site HD10 is the most likely habitat for this Neochmia ruficauda Low to 2008 small, brightly coloured finch. Disturbance 2, 4 Star Finch Moderate Newman to riverine habitat should be kept to an absolute minimum to avoid impact on this, and other, significant species. This species of honeyeater has a very broad distribution, preferring the Acacia scrubs and woodlands of the arid zone. Given the Lacustroica whitei Moderate to 4 Not shown amount of suitable habitat in the Pilbara High Grey Honeyeater region, the infrastructure construction and operation is unlikely to have any impact on the species.

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10.4 Fauna Habitats

Based on the results of this survey, the eucalypt-lined creeks of the area are significant to vertebrate fauna in that they support a range of species not found elsewhere, especially birds. It is likely that this habitat also supports a wider range of frogs than the surrounding drier habitats. Given the high concentration of birds here, it is also possible that the Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceous barroni) could occur, as birds form a major dietary component of this large snake and the dense understorey of grasses and shrubs provide it with suitable cover. However, the long-term presence of Cattle and subsequent impact on understorey vegetation and soils will inevitably affect the capacity of this habitat to support a range of terrestrial species, especially burrowing species.

As stated earlier, creeks such as the one sampled during this survey act as corridors for the movement of species between habitats, which may be vital when fire occurs in the area. The large eucalypts also provide nesting and shelter habitat for a wide range of animals. For these reasons, infrastructure should be constructed in such as way as to minimise impact on major creeklines. Changed drainage patterns will also affect the quality of the vegetation in these major creeks; therefore, careful consideration should be given to construction of roads and other infrastructure in their vicinity.

As discussed in Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd (2008), several of the mulga thickets support denser patches of mulga and these are locally significant as many stands in these northern areas occur as scattered and sparse communities. The lack of fire in some of these stands is ecologically significant as the litter layer is extensive and is therefore a potential fauna habitat for some species of interest, particularly potential SREs. The more loamy soils in these woodlands are also likely to support a greater range of both vertebrates and invertebrates that use burrows for shelter. However, the results of this survey do not show that the mulga woodlands as represented by site HD08 supported a greater range of terrestrial species compared to other sites.

11 POTENTIAL IMPACT

The effect of infrastructure development on fauna can be divided into two primary areas of impact:  clearing for access roads, laydown areas, camps etc; and  changes to drainage patterns and subsequent effects on adjacent vegetation and fauna habitats. While most birds, larger mammals and reptiles will be able to avoid the impact of clearing for construction of infrastructure, most small mammals, reptiles and burrowing frogs will be unavoidably killed by the large machinery used for vegetation removal and ground preparation, or by exposure to predators. While the local impact on individual animals is high, the clearing will have very little impact on the regional conservation significance of the species known to occur within the proposed Hope Downs 4 infrastructure corridor overall.

As the more mobile species move away from areas being prepared for infrastructure, they inevitably cause disruption to adjacent populations. However, this is likely to have no more impact than the displacement caused by natural events such as fire and flooding.

As many bird and bat species are dependent on the availability of permanent and or seasonal surface water supplies, there is a need to minimise the impacts of the proposed construction on drainage areas such as major and/or minor creeklines. These impacts can include modification and/or interruption of existing natural drainage habitats, placement of spoil and/or laydown areas and construction of access roads. There may be contamination of surface and/or ground water from chemical or hydrocarbon spills. Apart from the direct impacts listed above there may also be secondary impacts if there is subsequent impact on adjacent vegetation.

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However, it is unlikely that, given appropriate management of fauna habitats, the development of Hope Downs 4 infrastructure within a relatively narrow area of disturbance will have a significant impact on vertebrate or invertebrate SRE fauna either on a local or regional level.

Longer term impacts are most likely to be collisions between fauna and vehicles servicing the infrastructure or using new roads for access within the Hope Downs 4 Project Area.

12 MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR FAUNA

In order to reduce the impact of infrastructure development on fauna, the minimising of disturbance to their habitat is of most importance. Therefore, a series of general recommendations are given below. While many of these are already in place as part of the current work practices of Pilbara Iron, they have been listed in this document to reinforce their importance to the maintenance of healthy fauna habitats.  Avoidance of unnecessary clearing of vegetation beyond that strictly required.  Windrows of topsoil, log debris and leaf litter formed during clearing should be retained, as they create extremely good microhabitat for a large range of fauna, particularly reptiles.  Rapid rehabilitation of cleared areas such as laydown sites and access tracks where these are no longer required. Vegetation debris resulting from clearing in other areas should be used to assist with reducing erosion, to act as seed traps and prevent unauthorised access.  Should any terrestrial fauna species of conservation significance be discovered during future work within Option 1 IC, discussions need to be held with DEC to assess any requirement for relocation of that species to areas that will remain undisturbed.  Strict speed limits should be implemented to reduce collisions between fauna and vehicles.  Any fauna deaths or injuries resulting from collisions should be reported and appropriate measures taken to ensure no injured animals are left untreated or they are humanely destroyed should their injuries warrant such action.  Fire prevention and control strategies will be developed and implemented.  All subcontracting teams are adequately briefed and made aware of the environmental constraints imposed on the project and themselves.  Firearms, trail bikes and pets should be excluded from the infrastructure corridor.  During construction, adequate rubbish disposal procedures should be applied, especially for food refuse, in order to discourage scavenging by crows, foxes and feral cats. Large numbers of these animals can have an adverse impact on other fauna.  Regular spot-checks for breaches of sound environmental practises are carried out by delegated individuals so that problems can be anticipated or rectified at an early stage.  Consideration to preparing a brief handout on sound environmental practices which will be given to all members of subcontracting teams and permanent employees during site induction. The pamphlet should cover relevant aspects defined above.

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13 REFERENCES

Armstrong, K.N. (2008). Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat Rhinonicteris aurantia (unnamed Pilbara form) (Gray, 1845). In : Van Dyck, S & Strahan, R. (eds) (2008). The Mammals of Australia. Third Edition. Queensland Government & Queensland Museum. Barrett, G., Silcocks, A., Barry, S., Cunningham, R. & Poulter, R. (2003). The new atlas of Australian birds. Birds Australia, Victoria. Biota Environmental Sciences (2005). Fauna habitats and fauna assemblage of the proposed FMG Stage B rail corridor and mine areas. Unpublished report to Fortescue Metals Group.

Burbidge, A.A. (2004). Threatened animals of Western Australia. Dept. of Conservation and Land Management. Churchill, S. (1998). Australia Bats. New Holland Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd. Cogger, H.G. (1992). Reptiles and amphibians of Australia. Reed Books, Chatswood, NSW, Australia. Davis, R.A., Wilcox, J.A., Metcalf, B.M. & Bamford, M.J. (2005). Fauna survey of a proposed iron ore mine, Cloud Break. Unpublished report prepared for Fortescue Metals Group. ecologia Environmental (2005). East Angelas Project fauna survey October 2005. Unpublished report prepared for Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd. Environmental Protection Authority 2004 Guidance for the Assessment of Environmental Factors in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1986 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia No. 56. Environmental Protection Authority.

Harvey, M.S. (2002). Short-range endemism in the Australian fauna: some examples from non-marine environments. Invertebrate Systematics 16. Hope Downs Management Services (2000). Hope Downs Iron Ore Project. Public Environmental Report / Public Environmental Review. Horner, P. (2007). Systematics of the snake-eyed skinks, Cryptoblepharus Wiegmann (Reptilia:Squamata:Scincidae) – an Australian-based review. ‘The Beagle’ Records of the Museum and Art Galleries of NT. Suppl. 3. Johnstone, R.E. and Storr, G.M. (1998). Handbook of Western Australian Birds Volume 1 - Non- passerines (Emu to Dollarbird). Western Australian Museum. Johnstone, R.E. and Storr, G.M. (2004). Handbook of Western Australian Birds Volume I1 - Passerines (Blue-winged Pitta to Goldfinch). Western Australian Museum. Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd (2008). Flora and vegetation on the Hope Downs 4 lease area. Unpublished report prepared for Pilbara Iron. Menkhorst, P. & Knight, F. (2001). A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. Oxford University Press South Melbourne, Australia. Ninox Wildlife Consulting (1985). A vertebrate fauna survey of the Mount Channar area near Paraburdoo, Western Australia. Unpublished report prepared for Hamersley Iron Pty Ltd. Ninox Wildlife Consulting (2007a). An assessment of the habitat preferences of the Priority 1 skink Ctenotus nigrilineatus within the Golden Eagle project area, near Nullagine, Western Australia. Unpublished report for Wedgetail Exploration. Ninox Wildlife Consulting (2007b). A vertebrate fauna survey of the Golden Gate Project area, near Nullagine, Western Australia. Unpublished report for Wedgetail Exploration. Ninox Wildlife Consulting (2008). Vertebrate fauna habitat assessment, Hope Downs 4 Project Area,

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near Newman, Western Australia. Unpublished report prepared for: Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd on behalf of Pilbara Iron Company (Services) Pty Ltd. Ninox Wildlife Consulting (2009). A Vertebrate Fauna Survey of the proposed Hope Downs 4 Mining Area, near Newman, Western Australia. Unpublished report prepared for: Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd on behalf of Pilbara Iron Company (Services) Pty Ltd. Ninox Wildlife Consulting (in prep.). A Vertebrate Fauna Survey of the proposed Hope Downs 4 Option 6 Infrastructure Corridor, near Newman, Western Australia. Unpublished report in preparation for: Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd on behalf of Pilbara Iron Company (Services) Pty Ltd. Rapallo (2006). A Vertebrate Fauna Survey of the Golden Eagle Deposit, Nullagine Region, Western Australia. Unpublished report prepared for Wedgetail Mining Limited. Richards, G.C., Hand, S, Armstrong, K.N. & Hall, L.S. (2008). Ghost Bat Macroderma gigas (Dobson, 1880). In: Van Dyck, S & Strahan, R. (eds) (2008). The Mammals of Australia. Third Edition. Queensland Government & Queensland Museum. Smith, L.A. & Adams, M. (2007). Revision of the Lerista muelleri species-group (Lacertilia: Scincidae) in Western Australia, with a redescription of L. muelleri (Fischer, 1881) and the description of nine new species. Rec. West. Aust. Mus. 23:4. Storr, G.M. (1984). Birds of the Pilbara Region, Western Australia. Rec. West. Mus. Suppl. No. 16. Storr, G.M., Smith, L.A. & Johnstone, R. E. (1983). Lizards of Western Australia. Vol. II. Dragons and Monitors. West. Aust. Mus. Perth. Storr, G.M., Smith, L.A. & Johnstone, R.E. (1990). Lizards of Western Australia. Vol. III. Geckos and Pygopods. West. Aust. Mus. Perth. Storr, G.M., Smith, L.A. & Johnstone, R.E. (1999). Lizards of Western Australia. Vol I. Skinks. West. Aust. Mus. Perth. Storr, G.M., Smith, L.A. & Johnstone, R.E. (2002). Snakes of Western Australia. West. Aust. Mus. Perth. Van Dyck, S & Strahan, R. (eds) (2008). The Mammals of Australia. Third Edition. Queensland Government & Queensland Museum. Tyler, M.J., Smith, L.A. & Johnstone, R.E. (2000). Frogs of Western Australia. West. Aust. Mus. Perth. Wilson, S.K. & Swann, G. (2008). A complete guide to reptiles of Australia. Reed New Holland, Australia. Woolley, P.A. (2008). Kaluta Dasykaluta rosamondae (Ride, 1964). In: Van Dyck, S & Strahan, R. (eds) (2008). The Mammals of Australia. Third Edition. Queensland Government & Queensland Museum.

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Appendix 1 Definition of Terms

Prior to any discussion of the significance of vertebrate fauna or their habitats a definition of terms is required. This section of the document describes the various Commonwealth and State Acts that cover rare, threatened and vulnerable vertebrate fauna species and was correct at the time of the preparation of this document. However, as changes are made to both State and Commonwealth legislation and new treaties are entered into, all current documentation regarding rare, threatened and vulnerable fauna should be periodically reviewed for any changes to the status of these animals in a given area.

Additionally, in any discussion of rare, threatened or vulnerable species, several aspects require clarification before the significance of these species can be considered in context of the development and operation of any mining or development project.

 Resident, habitat-specific rare fauna are much more susceptible to the influences of disturbance than nomadic or migratory species.  Not all rare species are equally susceptible to disturbance. Some rare species such as the Peregrine Falcon can accommodate the high levels of disturbance present in urban and rural environments.  The concept of species rarity is a dynamic process considerably influenced by the level of survey work carried out in a particular location and the climatic conditions prevailing at the time.

Protected Species - Commonwealth

The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) oversees the Acts described in this section and also the International Agreements described in the following section. All of these Acts can be viewed on DEWHA’s website: www.environment.gov.au.

In 1974, Australia signed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). As a result, an official list of endangered, vulnerable or presumed extinct species was constructed (Schedule 1) and is regularly updated (Endangered Species Protection Act 1992).

In July 2000 this Act was replaced by The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC 1999), which retained the schedule of threatened species of the Act it replaced.

The vertebrate fauna listed on the current schedule differs from the two State lists, although there are several species that appear on both, for example, the Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata), and the Giant Desert Skink (Egernia kintorei). There are six parts to the EPBC Act covering species that are:

1. extinct; 2. extinct in the wild; 3. critically endangered; 4. endangered; 5. vulnerable; 6. conservation dependent.

Set out below are the criteria for referral of a project under the EPBC Act (1999) for endangered and vulnerable fauna species.

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ENDANGERED An action has, will have, or is likely to have a significant impact on a critically endangered or endangered species if it does, will, or is likely to: * lead to a long-term decrease in the size of a population; * reduce the area of occupancy of the species; * fragment an existing population into two or more populations; * adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species; * disrupt the breeding cycle of a population; * modify, destroy, remove, isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline; * result in invasive species that are harmful to a critically endangered or endangered species becoming established in the endangered or critically endangered species´ habitat; * interfere with the recovery of the species.

VULNERABLE An action has, will have, or is likely to have a significant impact on a vulnerable species if it does, will, or is likely to: * lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population of a species; * reduce the area of occupancy of an important population; * fragment an existing important population into two or more populations; * adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species; * disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population; * modify, destroy, remove or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline; * result in invasive species that are harmful to a vulnerable species becoming established in the vulnerable species´ habitat; * interferes substantially with the recovery of the species.

International Agreements

A range of birds are listed under the Japan-Australia (JAMBA), China-Australia (CAMBA) and Republic of Korea/Australia (ROKAMBA) Migratory Bird Agreements. Most of the species listed on these three agreements are shorebirds associated with coastal zones or inland saline wetlands.

Protected Species - Western Australia

Currently in Western Australia, rare or endangered species are protected by the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act 1950). There are two Schedules that are relevant to the current study and these are:

 Schedule 1: fauna which are Rare or likely to become extinct, are declared to be fauna that is in need of special protection;  Schedule 4: declared to be fauna that is in need of special protection.

This Act is periodically reviewed and the current list of protected fauna can be viewed on DEC’s Faunabase website. Burbidge (2004) acknowledges however, that the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 is now outdated and a Biodiversity Conservation Bill is currently being prepared for introduction to Western Australia’s Parliament.

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Priority Species - Western Australia

The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) Priority Fauna List classifies species as:

 Priority 1 - taxa with few, poorly known populations on threatened lands. Taxa which are known from few specimens or sight records from one or a few localities on lands not managed for conservation, e.g. agricultural or pastoral lands, urban areas, active mineral leases. The taxon needs urgent survey and evaluation of conservation status before consideration can be given to declaration as threatened fauna.

 Priority 2 - taxa with few, poorly known populations on conservation lands. Taxa which are known from few specimens or sight records from one or a few localities on lands not under immediate threat of habitat destruction or degradation, e.g. national parks, conservation parks, nature reserves, State forest, vacant Crown land, water reserves, etc. The taxon needs urgent survey and evaluation of conservation status before consideration can be given to declaration as threatened fauna.

 Priority 3 - taxa with several, poorly known populations, some on conservation lands. Taxa which are known from few specimens or sight records from several localities, some of which are on lands not under immediate threat of habitat destruction or degradation. The taxon needs urgent survey and evaluation of conservation status before consideration can be given to declaration as threatened fauna.

 Priority 4 - taxa in need of monitoring. Taxa which are considered to have been adequately surveyed, or for which sufficient knowledge is available, and which are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection, but could be if present circumstances change. These taxa are usually represented on conservation lands.

 Priority 5 - taxa in need of monitoring. Taxa which are not considered threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program, the cessation of which would result in the species becoming threatened within five years.

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Appendix 2 Report from Specialised Zoological on the presence of bat species within the Hope Downs Project Area 1 and 2.

Bat call identification from

Hope Downs 4, Pilbara

Type: Bat Call Analysis

Prepared for: Ninox Wildlife Consulting

Date: 30 June 2008

Job No. SZ045

Prepared by: Specialised Zoological Kyle Armstrong PhD and Yuki Konishi ABN 92 265 437 422 0404 423 264 [email protected] [email protected]

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SUMMARY

Bat identifications from Anabat echolocation call recordings are provided from the Hope Downs 4 project area, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. A total of six species / complexes was identified with a medium to high level of confidence (Tables 1 and 2). The calls of the yellow-bellied sheath-tailed bat Saccolaimus flaviventris can sometimes be confused with those of the northern free-tailed bat Chaerephon jobensis, and are not separated here. Details supporting the identifications are provided, as recommended by the Australasian Bat Society (ABS 2006). A summary of pulse parameters is provided in Table 3, and representative call sequences are illustrated in Figure 1. Further data are available if verification is required.

METHODS

Signals recorded with Anabat SD1 bat detectors were downloaded as Anabat sequence files. Sequences were examined and measured in AnalookW 3.5f software. Three call variables were measured on good quality search phase pulses in representative call sequences: pulse duration (milliseconds), maximum frequency (kHz) and characteristic frequency (equivalent to minimum frequency; kHz). Species were identified based on information in McKenzie and Muir (2000). Nomenclature follows Armstrong and Reardon (2006).

REFERENCES ABS (2006). Recommendations of the Australasian Bat Society Inc for reporting standards for insectivorous bat surveys using bat detectors. The Australasian Bat Society Newsletter 27: 6–9. [ISSN 1448-5877]

Armstrong, K. and Reardon, T. (2006). Standardising common names of bats in Australia. The Australasian Bat Society Newsletter 26: 37–42.

McKenzie, N.L. and Muir, W.P. (2000). Bats of the southern Carnarvon Basin, Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum Supplement 61: 465–477.

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TABLE 1. Follows Table 3.

TABLE 2. Key to the confidence level of identifications in Table 1. The identification of each species is made based on one or more sequences at each site.

Code Confidence level Highest. Capture of the species was made at the site, and the identification is supported R by measurements, a Reference call recording, and/or submission of a specimen/tissue to a museum. High. Unambiguous identification of the species at the site based on measured call H characteristics and comparison with available reference material. Medium. Either call quality was poor, or the species cannot be distinguished reliably from another that makes similar calls. Alternative identifications are indicated elsewhere in this M report. If this is a species of conservation significance, further survey work might be required to confirm the record.

TABLE 3. Summary of variables from representative call sequences. (Mean ± SD; range; s,p: number of sequences measured, combined total number of pulses measured).

Duration Max Frequency Char frequency Species s,p (ms) (kHz) (kHz) Gould’s wattled bat 7.0 ± 1.4 43.0 ± 8.9 31.1 ± 1.5 4,38 Chalinolobus gouldii 4.1 – 9.7 33.3 – 58.0 28.6 – 34.9 Northern free-tailed bat Chaerephon jobensis / 10.9 ± 1.7 26.4 ± 4.4 18.2 ± 1.1 4,51 Yellow-bellied sheath-tailed bat 8.3 – 13.9 20.0 – 38.1 16.4 – 20.5 Saccolaimus flaviventris Little broad-nosed bat 8.0 ± 1.3 43.5 ± 5.4 35.8 ± 0.8 4,38 Scotorepens greyii 3.3 – 10.1 37.6 – 54.4 34.4 – 38.8 White-striped free-tailed bat 12.7 ± 3.4 16.3 ± 1.9 11.8 ± 1.0 3,23 Tadarida australis 7.0 – 19.7 11.7 – 18.2 10.5 – 14.8 Common sheath-tailed bat 10.8 ± 2.3 29.0 ± 2.0 26.1 ± 0.6 3,22 Taphozous georgianus 5.2 – 14.1 26.4 – 32.7 25.0 – 27.1 Finlayson’s cave bat 5.0 ± 0.7 66.8 ± 5.3 55.7 ± 0.9 4,50 Vespadelus finlaysoni 3.7 – 7.1 59.3 – 92.0 53.9 – 57.3

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TABLE 1. Site by species matrix of identifications, with the degree of confidence indicated by a code. Date and Anabat serial number correlates with site. See Table 2 for confidence level codes; and Table 3 for full species names.

Serial and date Site C. gouldii C. jobensis / S. flaviventris S. greyii T. australis T. georgianus V. finlaysoni 3006 7/05/2008 Rhodes Ridge H M — — H H 8/05/2008 HD05 H M — — — H 9/05/2008 Eagle Rock Falls H M — — M H 10/05/2008 HD06 — — — — — H 11/05/2008 HD04 M — — — M H

3725 10/05/2008 Campsite H M H — — H 11/05/2008 HD03 H — — — H H 14/05/2008 Campsite H — H H — H

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FIGURE 1A. Representative call sequences of the six species / complexes identified (time is compressed between pulses).

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FIGURE 1B. Representative call sequences of the six species /complexes identified (time is compressed between pulses).

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Appendix 3 List of native mammal species recorded in the Hope Downs 4 Project Area, including the Option 1 IC, and known to occur in the eastern Pilbara.

Data Sources WAM - WA Museum Ninox - 1985; 1986; 1992; 1995. ecologia - 1995; 1998a and b; 2004a, b, c, d, e; 2005. Davies et al. - Davis, R.A., Wilcox, J.A., Metcalf, B.M. & Bamford, M.J. 2005. HD1PER - Hope Downs 1 Public Environmental Review/Report Ninox08/09 - Hope Downs 4 Project Area (results from Option 1 IC are shown in red) Conservation Status 1 = Species listed under the EPBC Act 1999, the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 or listed in Appendix 9 under the Protected Matters Report. 2 = Species listed under DEC’s Priority Fauna list 3 = Pilbara endemic species 4 = IUCN Listing

Davies HD1 Ninox DATA SOURCES Status WAM Ninox ecologia et al. PER 08/09 NATIVE MAMMALS TACHYGLOSSIDAE Tachyglossus aculeatus Echidna X X X DASYURIDAE Dasykaluta rosamondae Kaluta 3 X X X X X X Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll 1 X Ningaui timealeyi Pilbara Ningaui 3 X X X X X X Planigale maculata 1 Common Planigale X X X? X? X Planigale sp.1 Un-named Planigale X Pseudantechinus roryi Rory’s Antechinus X X? Pseudantechinus woolleyae Woolley's Pseudantechinus X X X Sminthopsis longicaudata Long-tailed Dunnart 2 X X Sminthopsis macroura Striped-faced Dunnart X X X X X Sminthopsis ooldea Ooldea Dunnart X X X Sminthopsis youngsoni Lesser Hairy-footed Dunnart X THYLACOMYIDAE Macrotis lagotis Bilby 1 X X X MACROPODIDAE Macropus robustus Euro X X X X X X Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo X X X X X X Petrogale lateralis Black-footed Rock-wallaby 1 X Petrogale rothschildi Rothschild's Rock-wallaby X X? X X Lagorchestes conspicillatus Spectacled Hare-wallaby 2 PTEROPODIDAE Pteropus alecto Black Flying-fox X MEGADERMATIDAE Macroderma gigas Ghost Bat 2 X X X X HIPPOSIDERIDAE Rhinonycteris aurantius Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat 1 & 3 EMBALLONURIDAE Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat X X X X X Taphozous georgianus Common Sheathtail-bat X X X X X X Taphozous hilli Hill's Sheathtail-bat X X X MOLOSSIDAE

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Davies HD1 Ninox DATA SOURCES Status WAM Ninox ecologia et al. PER 08/09 Chaerephon jobensis Northern Freetail-bat X X X X X X Mormopterus beccarii Beccari's Freetail-bat X X X X Mormopterus planiceps Little Mastiff-bat X Nyctinomus australis White-striped Freetail-bat X X X X X X VESPERTILIONIDAE Nyctophilus bifax Eastern Long-eared Bat X X Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat X X X X X X? Nyctophilus bifax Northern Long-eared Bat X? Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat X X X X X X Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat X X Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat X X Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat X X X X Vespadelus finlaysoni Finlayson's Cave Bat X X X X X X MURIDAE Leggadina lakedownensis Lakeland Downs Mouse 2 X Notomys alexis Spinifex Hopping-mouse X X X X Pseudomys chapmani Western Pebble-mound Mouse 3 X X X X X X Psuedomys delicatulus Delicate Mouse X Pseudomys desertor Desert Mouse X X X X X Pseudomys hermannsburgensis Sandy Inland Mouse X X X X X Zyzomys argurus Common Rock-rat X X X X X X CANIDAE Canis lupus dingo Dingo X X X X TOTAL NUMBER OF SPECIES (44) 33 28 29 17 26 23

1 Planigale species are currently under taxonomic review.

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Appendix 4 List of amphibian and reptile species recorded in the Hope Downs 4 Project Area, including the Option 1 IC, and known to occur in the eastern Pilbara. Data Sources WAM - WA Museum Ninox - 1986; 1992; 1995. ecologia - 1995; 1998a and b; 2004a, b, c, d and e; 2005. Davies et al. - Davis, R.A., Wilcox, J.A., Metcalf, B.M. & Bamford, M.J. 2005. HD1PER - Hope Downs 1 Public Environmental Review/Report Ninox08/09 - Hope Downs 4 Project Area (results from Option 1 IC are shown in red) Conservation Status 1 = Species listed under the EPBC Act 1999, the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 or listed in Appendix 9 under the Protected Matters Report. 2 = Species listed under DEC’s Priority Fauna list 3 = Pilbara endemic species

Davies HD1 Ninox DATA SOURCES Status WAM Ninox ecologia et al. PER 08/09 AMPHIBIANS HYLIDAE Frogs Cyclorana maini X X X X X Cyclorana platycephala X X Litoria rubella X X X X X MYOBATRACHIDAE Frogs Opisthodon spenceri X X X Neobatrachus centralis X Neobatrachus sutor X Notaden nichollsi X X Uperoleia russelli X X X X TOTAL NUMBER OF SPECIES (8) 7 5 6 1 3 1 REPTILES CHELUIDAE Freshwater Turtles Chelodina steindachneri X X X AGAMIDAE Dragons Amphibolurus longirostris X X X X X X Caimanops amphiboluroides X X X X X Ctenophorus caudicinctus X X X X X X Ctenophorus isolepis X X X X Ctenophorus nuchalis X X X Ctenophorus reticulatus X X X X X Diporiphora valens 3 X X X X Pogona minor X X X X X Tympanocryptis cephalus X GEKKONIDAE Geckos Crenadactylus ocellatus X X X Diplodactylus conspicillatus X X X X X Diplodactylus mitchelli 3 X Diplodactylus pulcher X X X X Diplodactylus savagei 3 X X X X X Diplodactylus squarrosus X Gehyra pilbara X X X Gehyra punctata X X X X Gehyra purpurascens X X

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Davies HD1 Ninox DATA SOURCES Status WAM Ninox ecologia et al. PER 08/09 Gehyra variegata X X X X X X Heteronotia binoei X X X X X X Heteronotia spelea 3 X X X X X Lucasium stenodactylum X X X X X Lucasium wombeyi 3 X X X Nephrurus levis pilbarensis X X Nephrurus milii X X Nephrurus wheeleri cinctus 3 X X X X X Oedura marmorata X X X X Rhynchoedura ornata X X X Strophrurus ciliaris X X Strophurus elderi X X X X Strophurus jeanae X X Strophurus wellingtonae X X X X X Strophurus wilsoni X PYGOPODIDAE Legless Lizards Delma borea X Delma butleri X X X Delma elegans 3 X X X X Delma haroldi X X X X X Delma nasuta X X X X X Delma pax X X X X X Delma tincta X X X X X Lialis burtonis X X X X X X Pygopus nigriceps X X X X SCINCIDAE Skinks Carlia munda X X X X X X Carlia triacantha X? X? X Cryptoblepharus carnabyi1 X? X? X? Cryptoblepharus plagiocephalus 1 These species have Cryptoblepharus buchananii X recently been X? X? X? X? X? separated from within Cryptoblepharus ustulatus the Cryptoblepharus X complex Ctenotus ariadnae X Ctenotus duricola 3 X X X X X Ctenotus grandis titan 3 X X Ctenotus hanloni X X Ctenotus affin. helenae X X X X X Ctenotus leonhardii X X X Ctenotus nasutus X Ctenotus nigrilineatus 2 & 3 Ctenotus pantherinus ocellifer X X X X X X Ctenotus piankai X X Ctenotus affin. quatuordecimlineatus X Ctenotus rubicundus 3 X X X X Ctenotus rutilans 3 X X X X X Ctenotus saxatilis X X X X X X Ctenotus schomburgkii X X X X X Ctenotus serventyi X X X

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Davies HD1 Ninox DATA SOURCES Status WAM Ninox ecologia et al. PER 08/09 Ctenotus uber X X X Cyclodomorphus melanops X X X X X X Egernia depressa X X X Egernia formosa X X X X Egernia pilbarensis 3 Egernia striata X Eremiascincus richardsonii X X X X Lerista bipes X Lerista flammicauda 3 X Lerista labialis X X Lerista muelleri 1 X Lerista amicorum These species have Lerista clara recently been X? X? X? X? X? Lerista jacksoni separated from within Lerista rhodonoides the L. muelleri Lerista vehmens complex Lerista neander 3 X X X X X Lerista zietzi 3 X X X X Menetia greyii X X X X Menetia s. surda 3 X X X X X Morethia ruficauda exquisita X X X X X X X X Proablepharus reginae X X Tiliqua multifasciata X X X X X X VARANIDAE Monitors Varanus acanthurus X X X X X X Varanus brevicauda X X X X X X Varanus bushi X X Varanus caudolineatus X X X X X Varanus eremius X Varanus giganteus X X X X Varanus gilleni X X X Varanus gouldii X X Varanus panoptes rubidus X X X X X X Varanus pilbarensis 3 X X X Varanus tristis X X X X X X TYPHLOPIDAE Blind Snakes Ramphotyphlops ammodytes 3 X X X Ramphotyphlops diversus X Ramphotyphlops ganei 2 & 3 X Ramphotyphlops grypus X X X X X X Ramphotyphlops hamatus X X X Ramphotyphlops pilbarensis 3 Ramphotyphlops waitii X X X BOIDAE Pythons Antaresia perthensis X X X X Antaresia stimsoni X X Aspidites melanocephalus X X X X X Liasis olivaceus barroni 1 & 3 X X ELAPIDAE Venomous Snakes

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Davies HD1 Ninox DATA SOURCES Status WAM Ninox ecologia et al. PER 08/09 Acanthophis wellsi 3 X X X X X Brachyurophis approximans X X X X Demansia psammophis cupreiceps X X X X Demansia rufescens 3 X X X Furina ornata X X Parasuta monachus X X X X X Pseudechis australis X X X X X Pseudonaja modesta X X Pseudonaja nuchalis X X X X Simoselaps bertholdi X X Suta fasciata X X X X Suta punctata X Vermicella snelli 3 X X X TOTAL NUMBER OF SPECIES (124) 104 93 80 25 65 49

1 Cryptoblepharus species and the Lerista muelleri group have undergone recent taxonomic review and these X? records may represent several species.

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Appendix 5 List of bird species recorded in the Hope Downs 4 Project Area, including the Option 1 IC, and known to occur in the eastern Pilbara.

Data Sources BA - Birds Australia WAM - WA Museum Ninox - 1986; 1992; 1995. ecologia - 1995; 1998a and b; 2004a, b, c, d, e; 2005. Davies et al. - Davis, R.A., Wilcox, J.A., Metcalf, B.M. & Bamford, M.J. 2005 Ninox08/09 - Hope Downs 4 Project Area (results from Option 1 IC are shown in red) Conservation Status 1 = Species listed under the EPBC Act 1999, the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 or listed in Appendix 9 under the Protected Matters Report. 2 = JAMBA; CAMBA; ROKAMBA. 3 = Species listed under DEC’s Priority Fauna list 4 = Pilbara endemic species

Davies HD1 Ninox DATA SOURCES Status BA WAM Ninox ecologia et al. PER 08/09 NON-PASSERINE BIRDS CASUARIIDAE Dromaius novaehollandiae Emu X X X X X PHASIANIDAE Coturnix pectoralis Stubble Quail X Coturnix ypsilophora Brown Quail X X ANATIDAE Cygnus atratus Black Swan X X X X Tadorna tadornoides Australian Shelduck X X Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck X X Anas gracilis Grey Teal X X X X Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck X X Malacorhynchus membranaceus Pink-eared Duck X X X Aythya australis Hardhead X PODICIPEDIDAE Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Australasian Grebe X X

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Davies HD1 Ninox DATA SOURCES Status BA WAM Ninox ecologia et al. PER 08/09 Poliocephalus poliocephalus Hoary-headed Grebe X X ANHINGIDAE Anhinga melanogaster Darter X X PHALACROCORACIDAE Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Little Pied Cormorant X X Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Little Black Cormorant X X X ARDEIDAE Ardea pacifica White-necked Heron X X X X Ardea novaehollandiae White-faced Heron X X X X X Ardea alba Great Egret 1 & 2 X X Nycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night Heron X X THRESKIORNITHIDAE Threskiornis aethiopica Sacred Ibis X X Threskiornis spinicollis Straw-necked Ibis X X X X Platalea flavipes Yellow-billed Spoonbill X ACCIPITRIDAE Elanus notatus Black-shouldered Kite X X X Hamirostra melanosternon Black-breasted Buzzard X X X X X Milvus migrans Black Kite X X X X X Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite X X X X X X Hamirostra isura Square-tailed Kite X X Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk X X X X Accipiter cirrhocephalus Collared Sparrowhawk X X X X X X Aquila morphnoides Little Eagle X X X X X Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle X X X X X X X Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier X X X X X X Circus approximans Swamp Harrier X FALCONIDAE Falco berigora Brown Falcon X X X X X X X Falco cenchroides Australian Kestrel X X X X X X X Falco longipennis Australian Hobby X X X X X X X Falco hypoleucos Grey Falcon 1 X X X

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Davies HD1 Ninox DATA SOURCES Status BA WAM Ninox ecologia et al. PER 08/09 Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon 1 X X X X X X RALLIDAE Gallinula ventralis Black-tailed Native-hen X X X X Porzana tabuensis Spotless Crake X X OTIDIDAE Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard 3 X X X X X X X TURNICIDAE Turnix velox Little Button-quail X X X X X X X SCOLOPACIDAE Caladrius acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper 2 X X Caladrius melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper 2 X Caladrius ruficollis Red-necked Stint 2 X X Caladrius subminuta Long-toed Stint 2 X X Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank 2 Tringa hypoleucos Common Sandpiper 2 X X BURHINIDAE Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew 3 X X X RECURVIROSTRIDAE Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt X Recurvirostra novaehollandiae Red-necked Avocet X CHARADRIIDAE Vanellus tricolor Banded Lapwing X Charadrius ruficapillus Red-capped Plover X X Charadrius melanops Black-fronted Plover X X X X X Erythrogonyus cinctus Red-kneed Dotterel X X Peltohyas australis Inland Dotterel X LARIDAE Chlidonias hybrida Whiskered Tern X Larus novaehollandiae Silver Gull X X COLUMBIDAE Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing X X X X X X X Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon X X X X X X

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Davies HD1 Ninox DATA SOURCES Status BA WAM Ninox ecologia et al. PER 08/09 Geophaps plumifera Spinifex Pigeon X X X X X Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove X X X X X X Geopelia striata Peaceful Dove X X X X X PSITTACIDAE Cacatua roseicapilla Galah X X X X X X X Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella X X X X X Nymphicus hollandicus Cockatiel X X X X X Pezoporus occidentalis Night Parrot 1 X Platycercus zonarius Australian Ringneck X X X X X X X Platycercus varius Mulga Parrot X X X X Neophema elegans Elegant Parrot X Neophema bourkii Bourke's Parrot X X X X X X Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar X X X X X X X CUCULIDAE Cuculus pallidus Pallid Cuckoo X X X X X Chryoscoccyx osculans Black-eared Cuckoo X X Chrysococcyx basalis Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo X X X X X X Centropus phasianus Pheasant Coucal X STRIGIDAE Ninox connivens Barking Owl X X X X X Ninox novaeseelandiae Boobook Owl X X X X X X X TYTONIDAE Tyto alba Barn Owl X X X X X PODARGIDAE Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth X X X X X CAPRIMULGIDAE Eurostopodus argus Spotted Nightjar X X X X X X X AEGOTHELIDAE Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar X X X X X X X APODIDAE Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift 2 X HALCYONIDAE

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Davies HD1 Ninox DATA SOURCES Status BA WAM Ninox ecologia et al. PER 08/09 Dacelo leachii Blue-winged Kookaburra X X X X X X Todiramphus pyrrhopygia Red-backed Kingfisher X X X X X X Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher X X X X MEROPIDAE Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater 2 X X X X X X PASSERINE BIRDS CLIMACTERIDAE Climacteris melanura Black-tailed Treecreeper X X X X X MALURIDAE Malurus splendens Splendid Fairy-wren X X X X Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren X X X X X X X Malurus leucopterus White-winged Fairy-wren X X X X X X X Stipiturus ruficeps Rufous-crowned Emu-wren X X X X X X Amytornis striatus Striated Grasswren X X X X X X PARDALOTIDAE Pardalotus rubricatus Red-browed Pardalote X X X X X Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote X X X X X X X ACATHIZIDAE Calamanthus campestris Rufous Fieldwren X Pyrrholaemus brunneus Redthroat X X X X X X Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill X X X X X X Gerygone fusca Western Gerygone X X X X X X X Acanthiza apicalis Broad-tailed Thornbill X X X X X Acanthiza robustirostris Slaty-backed Thornbill X X X X X Acanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill X X X X X Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Yellow-rumped Thornbill X X X X X Aphelocephala nigricincta Banded Whiteface X Aphelocephala leucopsis Southern Whiteface X X MELIPHAGIDAE Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater X X X X X X Certhionyx niger Black Honeyeater X X X X Certhionyx variegatus Pied Honeyeater X X X

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Davies HD1 Ninox DATA SOURCES Status BA WAM Ninox ecologia et al. PER 08/09 Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater X X X X X X X Lichenostomus keartlandi Grey-headed Honeyeater X X X X X X X Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater X X X X X X X Lichenostomus plumulus Grey-fronted Honeyeater X X Melithreptus gularis Black-chinned Honeyeater X X X X X X X Phylidonyris albifrons White-fronted Honeyeater X X X X Lacustroica whitei Grey Honeyeater 3 X X X X Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner X X X X X X Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater X X X X X X Ephthianura aurifrons Orange Chat X X X Epthianura tricolor Crimson Chat X X X X X PETROICIDAE Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin X X X X X X Petroica cucullata Hooded Robin X X X X X X X POMATOSTOMIDAE Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler X X X X X X X Pomatostomus superciliosus White-browed Babbler X X X X X X CINCLOSOMATIDAE Psophodes occidentalis Western Wedgebill X X Cinclosoma castaneothorax Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush X X X X NEOSITTIDAE Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sittella X X X X X X PACHYCEPHALIDAE Oreoica gutturalis Crested Bellbird X X X X X X X Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler X X X X X X X Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush X X X X X X DICRURIDAE Rhipidura albifrons White-tailed Fantail X X Rhipidura fuliginosa Grey Fantail X X X X X X Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail X X X X X X Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark X X X X X X CAMPEPHAGIDAE

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Davies HD1 Ninox DATA SOURCES Status BA WAM Ninox ecologia et al. PER 08/09 Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike X X X X X X X Coracina maxima Ground Cuckoo-shrike X X X X X Lalage tricolor White-winged Triller X X X X X X ARTAMIDAE Artamus leucorhynchus White-breasted Woodswallow X Artamus personatus Masked Woodswallow X X X X X X Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow X X X X X X X Artamus cyanopterus Dusky Woodswallow X X Artamus minor Little Woodswallow X X X X X CRACTICIDAE Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird X X X X X X Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird X X X X X X Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie X X X X CORVIDAE Corvus orru Torresian Crow X X X X X X X Corvus bennetti Little Crow X X X X PTILONORHYNCHIDAE Ptilonorhynchus guttata Western Bowerbird X X X X X HIRUNDINIDAE Cheramoeca leucosternum White-backed Swallow X X X X Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow X X Hirundo nigricans Tree Martin X X X X X Hirundo ariel Fairy Martin X X X SYLVIIDAE Megalurus gramineus Little Grassbird X X Eremiornis carteri Spinifexbird X X X X X X Cinclorhamphus mathewsi Rufous Songlark X X X X Cinclorhamphus cruralis Brown Songlark X X X X ALAUDIDAE Mirafra javanica Singing Bushlark X X X X X DICAEIDAE Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird X X X X X X

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Davies HD1 Ninox DATA SOURCES Status BA WAM Ninox ecologia et al. PER 08/09 PASSERIDAE Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch X X X X X X Neochmia ruficauda Star Finch 2 X X X X Emblema pictum Painted Firetail X X X X X MOTACILLIDAE Anthus australis Australian Pipit X X X X X TOTAL NUMBER OF SPECIES (161) 144 60 129 105 92 103 68

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Appendix 6 Western Australian Museum report on the invertebrate fauna, specifically short range endemic species, within the Hope Downs 4 Project Area.

The Short-Range Endemic

Invertebrate Fauna

from Hope Downs 4,

Western Australia

Report to Ninox Wildlife Consulting

August 2008

Mark S. Harvey and Volker Framenau

Department of Terrestrial Invertebrates, Western Australian Museum, Locked Bag 49, Welshpool DC, Western Australia 6986, Australia

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Short-Range Endemism

The terrestrial invertebrate fauna of inland Australia contains a plethora of species, and just the arthropods were recently estimated to consist of more than 250,000 species (Yeates et al. 2004). The vast majority of these are found within the Insecta and Arachnida, although significant numbers of millipedes are to be expected. For many years, the prospect of including invertebrates in assessments of biological systems subject to alteration proved daunting, and were largely ignored as being too diverse and too difficult to comprehend to satisfy the rapid turn-around needed for environmental surveys.

In a recent publication, the issue of Short-Range Endemism in the Australian invertebrate fauna was examined (Harvey 2002), and series of major groups were nominated as having a very high proportion of individual species that satisfied a certain set of criteria. The main criterion nominated for inclusion as a Short-Range Endemic (SRE) was that the species had a naturally small range of less than 10,000 km2. Harvey (2002) found that those species possessed a series of ecological and life-history traits, including:

• poor powers of dispersal; • confinement to discontinuous habitats; • usually highly seasonal, only active during cooler, wetter periods; and • low levels of fecundity.

The Western Australian fauna contains a number of SRE taxa, including millipedes, land snails, trap-door spiders, some pseudoscorpions, slaters, and onychophorans. The south coast region is relatively well known compared with other regions of the state but there are many poorly known species and gaps in our understanding of the distributions of many species.

The Hope Downs 4 region

The short-range endemic fauna of the region was assessed by examination of pseudoscorpions and scorpions collected by staff from Ninox Wildlife Consulting, preserved in ethanol and submitted to the Western Australian Museum for identification. The specimens

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SCORPIONS

Lychas bituberculatus Pocock (family Buthidae)

Lychas bituberculatus was found at Hope Downs, and is fairly widespread throughout the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of Western Australia, as well as in the Northern Territory (Figure 1). It is not a short-range endemic species.

Fig. 1. Distribution of Lychas bituberculatus.

Lychas ‘multipunctatus’ Volschenk, in press (family Buthidae)

A single female of Lychas ‘multipunctatus’ was found at Hope Downs. This is widespread throughout the Pilbara and Kimberley region of Western Australia (Figure 2). Within the Pilbara, it also occurs in the Hamersley Ranges and Barrow Island. It is not a short-range endemic species.

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Fig. 2. Distribution of Lychas ‘multipunctatus’.

Urodacus sp. (family Urodacidae)

A single juvenile specimen of the scorpion genus Urodacus was collected. Only adult scorpions can be identified with any certainty, and it is not possible to provide a specific name for this specimen.

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SPIDERS

The spider fauna of Western Australia is very diverse, with numerous families represented, including many new species.

Gaius sp. (family Idiopidae)

The trapdoor spider genus Gaius is widely distributed within Western Australia ranging from the south coast to the Pilbara (Figure 3). They construct deep burrows with conspicuous, twig- lined lids. The only named species, G. villosus Rainbow, has been identified from the Wheatbelt, Murchison and Pilbara regions. Other unnamed species are recognised but difficult to identify without adult male specimens which possess the best taxonomic features (Main 1985). The sole specimen collected from Hope Downs is a female, and adult males are necessary to obtain an accurate identification.

Fig. 3. Records of Gaius from Western Australia, based upon collections from the WA Museum.

Cethegus sp. (family Dipluridae)

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Members of the mygalomorph spider family Dipluridae are represented in Western Australia by the genus Cethegus. They are known as curtain-web spiders due to the shape of their webs, which consist of numerous strands of silk hanging across the entrance of their burrows. They are usually constructed at the base of trees or against logs.

The genus Cethegus is represented in Western Australia by one named species, C. fugax Simon (Main 1960; Raven 1981), and several unnamed species. The Western Australian Museum has records from many different regions of the state (Figure 4).

The status and distribution of these species are not well understood and detailed taxonomic work is needed to understand the Western Australian fauna. Male specimens are required for accurate species identification, but the Hope Downs collection consists of a female and a juvenile. It is very unlikely that the Hope Downs specimens represent a short-range endemic species.

Fig. 4. Records of Cethegus from Western Australia, based upon collections from the WA Museum.

Aname sp. (family Nemesiidae)

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Members of the mygalomorph spider family Nemesiidae are represented in Western Australia by several genera, including Aname, Chenistonia, Yilgarnia, Stanwellia, Teyl and Kwonkan. They usually dig burrows in the soil, and do not cover their burrow entrances with lids.

The genus Aname is very well represented in the Western Australian fauna by several named and numerous unnamed species. The Western Australian Museum has records from many different regions of the state (Figure 5). The status and distribution of many of these species are not well understood and detailed taxonomic work is needed to understand the Western Australian fauna. Male specimens are required for accurate species identification, but the Hope Downs collection consists of a female. It is very unlikely that the Hope Downs specimen represents a short-range endemic species.

Fig. 5. Records of Aname from Western Australia, based upon collections from the WA Museum.

Fissarena castanea (Simon) (family Trochanteriidae)

The spider family is well represented in the Australian fauna, and has been recently revised by Platnick (2002). Fissarena castanea (Simon) occurs over large areas of northern Western

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Australia (Figure 6), and also occurs in south-western Queensland (Platnick 2002). It is not a short-range endemic species.

Fig. 6. Records of Fissarena castanea from Western Australia.

Genus? (family Gnaphosidae)

The spider family Gnaphosidae is very commonly collected in Western Australia, where numerous species are known to occur. The Australasian representatives are currently under study by Dr V. Ovtsharenko in New York, but there are no results from that study as yet. We are therefore unable to identify the Hope Downs specimen any further. However, it is extremely unlikely to represent a short-range endemic species.

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PSEUDOSCORPIONS

The Western Australian pseudoscorpion fauna is fairly diverse with representatives of 17 different families. They are found in a variety of biotopes, but can be most commonly collected from the bark of trees, from the underside of rocks, or from leaf litter habitats. The pseudoscorpion fauna of Hope Downs was found to consist of species of Olpiidae, Garypidae, Sternophoridae and Chernetidae (Appendix 1).

Beierolpium sp. (family Olpiidae) A single specimen of this species, an adult male, was collected at Hope Downs (Appendix 1). The systematic status of members of this genus in the Pilbara has not been fully assessed, but it is very unlikely that this species represents a short-range endemic species.

Synsphyronus ‘sp. nov. paradoxus group (family Garypidae) Several specimens of this undescribed species were collected from under the bark of trees (Appendix 1). The species has been previously found near Mt Brockman and other regions of the Pilbara. Morphologically, it is very distinct from all other species of the genus.

Many species of Synsphyronus may represent short-range endemic species (Harvey 1987), but these species are generally found in ground habitats such as under rocks. The tree-dwelling species tend to be much more widely distributed, and are not short-range endemics.

Afrosternophorus sp. (family Sternophoridae)

Species of Afrosternophorus are commonly found under bark throughout northern Australia (Harvey 1985). They can be locally abundant, and have been collected in considerable numbers in some locations. Based on our current levels of knowledge, it appears that this species is not a short-range endemic species.

Haplochernes sp. (family Chernetidae)

Chernetid pseudoscorpions are generally found under bark of trees, and the genus Haplochernes is found throughout many different regions of Australasia (Harvey 2008). This

Ninox Wildlife Consulting – May 2009 Hope Downs 4 Infrastructure Corridor: Option 1 – Fauna Survey 2008 64 large species of Haplochernes was found at Hope Downs, and is widespread throughout the Pilbara. It is not a short-range endemic species.

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SCUTIGERIDA

Genus? (family Scutigeridae)

Centipedes of the order Scutigerida are found over all of Western Australia but their taxonomic status is not well known. No species is thought to represent a short-range endemic species.

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REFERENCES

Harvey, M.S. (1985). The systematics of the family Sternophoridae (Pseudoscorpionida). Journal of Arachnology 13: 141-209. Harvey, M.S. (1987). A revision of the genus Synsphyronus Chamberlin (Garypidae: Pseudoscorpionida: Arachnida). Australian Journal of Zoology, Supplementary Series 126: 1-99. Harvey, M.S. (2002). Short-range endemism in the Australian fauna: some examples from non-marine environments. Invertebrate Systematics 16: 555-570. Harvey, M.S. (2008). Pseudoscorpions of the World, version 1.1. Western Australian Museum, Perth. http://www.museum.wa.gov.au/arachnids/pseudoscorpions/. Main, B.Y. (1960). The genus Cethegus Thorell (Mygalomorphae: Macrothelinae). Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia 43: 30-34. Main, B.Y. (1985). Further studies on the systematics of ctenizid trapdoor spiders: a review of the Australian genera (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Ctenizidae). Australian Journal of Zoology, Supplementary Series 108: 1-84. Platnick, N.I. (2002). A revision of the Australasian ground spiders of the families Ammoxenidae, Cithaeronidae, Gallieniellidae and Trochanteriidae (Araneae: Gnaphosoidea). Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 271: 1-243. Raven, R.J. (1981). A review of the Australian genera of the mygalomorph spider subfamily Diplurinae (Dipluridae: Chelicerata). Australian Journal of Zoology 29: 321-363. Yeates, D.K., Harvey, M.S. and Austin, A.D. (2004). New estimates for terrestrial arthropod species-richness in Australia. Records of the South Australian Museum, Monograph Series 7: 231-241.

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Appendix 1. Location data for samples from Hope Downs 4

SEX SITE STATE GENUS GENUS ORDER ORDER PREFIX FAMILY REGNO REGNO SPECIES SPECIES SPECNUM SPECNUM AUTHORITY AUTHORITY

Option 1 IC T T91703 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas bituberculatus Pocock, 18T91 W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 100 km NW Newman, HD4-10 M 1 T T91705 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas bituberculatus Pocock, 18T91 W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 100 km NW Newman, HD4-10 J 1 T T91706 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas bituberculatus Pocock, 18T91 W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 100 km NW Newman, HD4-10 M 1 T T91707 Scorpiones Urodacidae Urodacus `sp.` W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 100 km NW Newman, HD4-8 J 1 T T91708 Araneae Idiopidae Gaius W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 100km NW Newman, HD4-8 F 1 T T91709 Araneae Idiopidae Gaius W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 100km NW Newman, HD4-8 F 1 T T91712 Araneae Nemesiidae Aname W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 100km NW Newman, HD4-7 F 1 T T91713 Araneae Trochanteriidae Fissarena castanea (Simon, 1908) W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 100km NW Newman, HD4-8 M 1 T T91715 Pseudoscorpiones Olpiidae Beierolpium W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 100km NW Newman, HD4-8 M 1 T T91717 Scutigerida W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 100km NW Newman, HD4-9 1 Hope downs 4 Mining Area Volschenk, in T T91704 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `multipunctatus` press W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 100 km NW Newman, HD4-Camp F 1 T T91710 Araneae Dipluridae Cethegus W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 100km NW Newman, HD4-6 J 1 T T91711 Araneae Dipluridae Cethegus W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 100km NW Newman, HD4-4 F 1 T T91714 Araneae Gnaphosidae W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 100km NW Newman, HD4-2 M 1 T T91716 Pseudoscorpiones Sternophoridae Afrosternophorus W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 100km NW Newman, HD4-1 1 `sp. nov. paradoxus gp, T T91718 Pseudoscorpiones Garypidae Synsphyronus 8/1` W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 100km NW Newman, HD4-6 MF 2 T T91719 Pseudoscorpiones Chernetidae Haplochernes W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 100km NW Newman, HD4-1 F 1 `sp. nov. paradoxus gp, T T91720 Pseudoscorpiones Garypidae Synsphyronus 8/1` W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 100km NW Newman, HD4-3 MF 3 `sp. nov. paradoxus gp, T T91721 Pseudoscorpiones Garypidae Synsphyronus 8/1` W.A. Hope Downs 4, ca. 100km NW Newman, HD4-6 MF 13

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Appendix 7 Molluscs from the Hope Downs 4 Project Area, including the Option 1 IC.

Final Report to Ninox Wildlife Consulting

Molluscs from the area of Hope Downs, Western Australia,

collected by Ninox Wildlife Consulting during May, 2008

C. Whisson & S. Slack-Smith Western Australian Museum September 2008

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Background

Five samples of snail specimens, collected by staff of the environmental consultancy company, Ninox Wildlife Consulting, were presented for identification and comment to the Department of Aquatic Zoology (Mollusc Section), Western Australian Museum on the 29th May 2008 (WAM Accession No. A6014).

The samples had been collected at three sites during a short-range endemic survey of the Hope Downs “Four” area, approximately 30 kilometres north-west of Newman in the Pilbara area of WA. Specimen and habitat data, including the collecting dates and methods, and the site co-ordinates were provided with the specimens (see Table 1).

Procedures

Snail specimens in the five samples of molluscs were examined and sorted under a dissecting microscope, and compared with descriptions and figures in relevant publications and with dry and preserved specimens in the Mollusc Collections of the Western Australian Museum.

As non-marine mollusc specimens from the Hope Downs area are not well represented in the Western Australian Museum, all material from this survey was registered and lodged into the Western Australian Museum Mollusc Collection.

Table 1 – Hope Downs Four Survey Sites Coordinates Site (Zone 50) Date Site description Latitude Longitude HD4 Mining Area Open Mulga woodland (≤5m) over mixed HD4-04 23°08.846`S 119°31.148`E 14/05/2008 shrubs (≤1.5m); red washed clays with pesolitic gravel and clay loams. Option1 IC Dense Mulga shrublands (≤5m) over mixed HD4-08 23°05.193`S 119°19.102`E 13/05/2008 shrubs (≤1m); loamy clays and open wash bands of red clays hardpan with pesolite. Tall (≤6m) open woodland Eucalyptus and Acacia spp. over mixed shrubs (≤2m); HD4-10 23°02.275`S 119°12.743`E 13/05/2008 Triodia and grasses on alluvial soils and silts; some deep stone layers.

Results

The specimens in the samples belong to the terrestrial snail families Bulimulidae; Pupillidae and Subulinidae (see Table 2). Species identifications are necessarily based, both in this instance and in previous examinations of survey material, exclusively on shell characters that, in these three families, may vary only slightly within a genus.

All of the species identified from this survey are considered to form part of the indigenous Western Australian fauna.

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Family Subulinidae

Eremopeas interioris (Tate, 1894)

This very slender, small (max. height 11.0mm), high-spired snail is endemic to a wide area of northern Australia, ranging from the North West Cape area, the Pilbara and the Kimberley regions of Western Australia into the Northern Territory and central Australia eastwards – perhaps to western Queensland (Solem 1988).

The only other subulinid species known to be native to Australia is Eremopeas tuckeri (Pfeiffer, 1846), which has a known distribution from the Northern Territory; east to northern Queensland and then south to the Narrabri area of New South Wales. Four introduced subulinid species have been recorded from Australia, but can be readily differentiated from the two native species on their shell characters (Solem 1988, Smith 1992, Shea 2007).

Table 2. Mollusc species recorded during the SRE survey of Hope Downs “Four”.

Site Identification Specimen Numbers HD4 Mining Area 5 adult dead-taken shells HD4-04 Gastrocopta cf. mussoni Pilsbry, 1917 3 juvenile dead-taken shells

Option 1 IC

HD4-08 Eremopeas interioris (Tate, 1894) 1 live-taken adult 2 adult dead-taken shells HD4-08 Gastrocopta cf. mussoni Pilsbry, 1917 1 juvenile dead-taken shell HD4-10 Gastrocopta cf. mussoni Pilsbry, 1917 1 adult dead-taken shell 17 dead-taken shells HD4-10 Bothriembryon sp. 19 live-taken snails

Family Pupillidae

Gastrocopta cf. mussoni Pilsbry, 1917

These microsocopic, elongate snails are tentatively identified as a species of the genus Gastrocopta. On shell characters, they most closely resemble the species G. mussoni Pilsbry, discussed by Pokryszko in his 1996 publication on the pupillid subfamily Gastrocoptinae. In that publication, he states that there are two forms of this species, a cylindrical form and an ovate form. It is the former form recorded during this survey.

G. mussoni has a geographical distribution from Central Australia (the southern part of Northern Territory), with specimens recorded from a few localities in the northern parts of Western Australia,; the northern parts of the Northern Territory; the northern and north-eastern parts of Queensland and also from the mid-west coast of Western Australia (Pokryszko 1996).There are also a few records from South Australia (Pokryszko, 1996). This geographical distribution has included Gastrocopta deserti Pilsbry, 1917 as a synonym (Pokryszko 1996).

Prior to Pokryszko’s 1996 publication, a species of Gastrocopta, G. pilbarana Solem, 1986, had been described from the Chichester Range (north of Roy Hill) and Shark Bay area. This species was later synonymised with G. margaretae (Cox, 1868) by Pokryszko in 1996, but the Chichester Range specimens were not examined. Examination of the Chichester Range Gastrocopta material suggests it

Ninox Wildlife Consulting – May 2009 Hope Downs 4 Infrastructure Corridor: Option 1 – Fauna Survey 2008 71 is not the same as G. margaretae from the south and mid-west coasts, but is rather the ovate form of Gastrocopta mussoni.

Another similar species, G. larapinta (Tate, 1896) is found in central Australia (southern part of the Northern Territory) with fewer known localities in north-western and eastern Queensland, and a single record from the Fitzroy Crossing area, Western Australia (Pokryszko 1996).

Family Bulimulidae

Bothriembryon sp.

The molluscan family Bulimulidae is represented in Western Australia by the single genus Bothriembryon. This genus is represented in this State by a considerable number of species, most of which are confined to its south-western corner. However, beside the Pilbara populations, representatives of this genus are also found on the coastal areas around and south of the Shark Bay coastal area; along the southern coast of WA, into coastal South Australia and inland from those coasts. Away from the higher-rainfall areas near to those coasts, the number of species appears to decrease, and the size of the populations also appears to diminish. However, this apparent paucity might be due to collecting bias, both because the areas are less frequented by collectors and because the periods of activity of these inland species would probably be shorter and more closely dependent on infrequent and unpredictable periods of rainfall.

The Hope Downs area is situated within what currently appears to be the northern limit of the genus Bothriembryon in Western Australia. The specimens taken during this survey belong to a recognised, yet un-described new species, from the area of the Hammersley Range.

The Museum's collections contain almost 80 specimen lots of what appears to be the same un- described species collected during this survey. These records indicate the species has a distribution across most of the Hamersley Range, from Gregory Gorge at the north-west end, intermittently through to Roy Hill at the south-eastern end of the Hamersley Range.

However, there appears to be a significant variation in the size and shape of shells across this range, both within and between populations. It is not known whether this morphological variation represents “normal” population variance or represents genetic differentiation at the population level.

Remarks

We have no reason to believe that, at the species level, any of the subulinid or pupillid taxa exhibit any degree of short range endemicity, as all are believed to belong to species that occupy wide geographic ranges.

The un-described Bothriembryon species appears to be distributed over a wide area that extends across most of the Hamersley Range. It does, however, show considerable variation in the size and shape of shells within and between populations. Until genetic work is undertaken, the level of endemicity between populations cannot be determined.

As we did not carry out the field survey, we have no way of evaluating the relationship of the molluscan taxa to the available habitats. Nor are we able, in the absence of data on the spatial relationship between the collecting sites and the boundaries of the leased area(s) within which disturbance is proposed, to comment upon the possible effect of such interference on the population/populations of molluscan species in the Hope Downs 4 area.

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References

Pokryszko, B.M. 1996. The Gastrocoptinae of Australia (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Pupilloidea): systematics, distribution and origin. Invertebrate Taxonomy 10: 1085-1150

Smith, B.J., 1992, Non-marine Mollusca. In Houston, W.W.K. (ed.) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Canberra: AGPS Vol. 8, xii+405 pp.

Shea, M, 2007. Exotic snails and slugs found in Australia. Newsletter of the malacological Society of Australasia No. 130: 3-12.

Solem, A., 1986. Pupilloid land snails from the south and mid-west coasts of Australia. J. Malac. Soc. Aust. 7(3-4): 95-124

Solem, A., 1988, Non-camaenid snails of the Kimberley and Northern Territory, Australia. 1. Systematics, affinities and ranges. Invertebrate Taxonomy 2(4): 455- 604

Solem, 1991, Distribution and diversity patterns of Australian pupilloid land snails (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Pupillidae, s.l.) The Veliger. 34(3):233-252.

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Appendix 8 List of introduced species likely to occur in the Hope Downs 4 Project Area, including the Option 1 IC.

Data Sources Ninox - 1986; 1992; 1995. ecologia - 1995; 1998a and b; 2004a, b, c, d, e; 2005. Davies et al. - Davis, R.A., Wilcox, J.A., Metcalf, B.M. & Bamford, M.J. 2005. HD1PER - Hope Downs 1 Public Environmental Review/Report Ninox08/09 - Hope Downs 4 Project Area (results from Option 1 IC are shown in red)

Davies HD1 Ninox DATA SOURCES WAM Ninox ecologia et al. PER 08/09 INTRODUCED MAMMALS MURIDAE Mus musculus House Mouse X X X X CANIDAE Vulpes vulpes Red Fox X Canis familiaris Feral Dog X X FELIDAE Felis catus Feral Cat X X X X X LEPORIDAE Oryctolagus cuniculus European Rabbit X X X X EQUIDAE Equus asinus Donkey X X Equus caballus Horse X CAMELIDAE Camelus dromedarius One-humped Camel X X BOVIDAE Bos taurus Cattle X X X X Capra hircus Goat X TOTAL NUMBER OF SPECIES (10) 2 9 4 3 5 3

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Appendix 9 EPBC Act Protected Matters Report. (Please note that plants, marine and species known not to occur in the Pilbara region have been removed from the following report.)

This report provides general guidance on matters of national environmental significance and other matters protected by the EPBC Act in the area you have selected. Information on the coverage of this report and qualifications on data supporting this report are contained in the caveat at the end of the report. You may wish to print this report for reference before moving to other pages or websites. The Australian Natural Resources Atlas at http://www.environment.gov.au/atlas may provide further environmental information relevant to your selected area. Information about the EPBC Act including significance guidelines, forms and application process details can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/assessmentsapprovals/index.html

This map may contain data which are © Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia) © 2007 MapData Sciences Pty Ltd, PSMA Search Type: Area Buffer: 0 km Coordinates: -21.9212,117.3234, -24.3758,117.3234, -24.3758,120.3630, -21.921,120.3630

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

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

World Heritage Properties: None National Heritage Places: None Wetlands of International Significance: (Ramsar Sites) 1 Commonwealth Marine Areas: None Threatened Ecological Communities: None Threatened Species: 13 Migratory Species: 10 Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act This part of the report summarises other matters protected under the Act that may relate to the area you nominated. Approval may be required for a proposed activity that significantly affects the environment on Commonwealth land, when the action is outside the Commonwealth land, or the environment anywhere when the action is taken on Commonwealth land. Approval may also be required for the Commonwealth or Commonwealth agencies proposing to take an action that is likely to have a significant impact on the environment anywhere.

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

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

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

Commonwealth Lands: 2 Commonwealth Heritage Places: None Places on the RNE: 5 Listed Marine Species: 7 Whales and Other Cetaceans: None Critical Habitats: None Commonwealth Reserves: None

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Extra Information This part of the report provides information that may also be relevant to the area you have Nominated. State and Territory Reserves: 2 Other Commonwealth Reserves: None Regional Forest Agreements: None

Details Matters of National Environmental Significance

Threatened Species [ Dataset Information ] Status Type of Presence Birds Pezoporus occidentalis * Endangered Species or species habitat likely to Night Parrot occur within area Mammals Dasycercus cristicauda * Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to Mulgara occur within area Dasyurus hallucatus * Endangered Species or species habitat may occur Northern Quoll within area Macrotis lagotis * Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur Greater Bilby within area Rhinonicteris aurantius (Pilbara form) * Vulnerable Community likely to occur within Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat area Reptiles Liasis olivaceus barroni* Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur Olive Python (Pilbara subspecies) within area Migratory Species [ Dataset Information ] Status Type of Presence Migratory Terrestrial Species Birds Merops ornatus * Migratory Species or species habitat may occur within area Rainbow Bee-eater Pezoporus occidentalis Migratory Species or species habitat likely to occur within area Night Parrot Migratory Wetland Species Birds Ardea alba Migratory Species or species habitat may occur within area Great Egret, White Egret Migratory Marine Birds Apus pacificus Migratory Species or species habitat may occur within area Fork-tailed Swift Ardea alba Migratory Species or species habitat may occur within area Great Egret, White Egret

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Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act

Listed Marine Species [ Dataset Information ] Status Type of Presence Birds Apus pacificus Listed - overfly marine area Species or species habitat may Fork-tailed Swift occur within area Ardea alba Listed - overfly marine area Species or species habitat may Great Egret, White Egret occur within area Merops ornatus * Listed - overfly marine area Species or species habitat may Rainbow Bee-eater occur within area Commonwealth Lands [ Dataset Information ] Defence Unknown Places on the RNE [ Dataset Information ] Note that not all Indigenous sites may be listed. Indigenous Ethel Gorge Rockshelter Area WA Wanmanna Art Site WA Natural Hamersley Range National Park (1977 boundary) WA Knossos Geological Site WA Mungaroona Range Nature Reserve WA

Extra Information

State and Territory Reserves [ Dataset Information ] Karijini National Park, WA Mungaroona Range Nature Reserve, WA

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

This report is designed to assist in identifying the locations of places which may be relevant in determining obligations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It holds mapped locations of World Heritage and Register of National Estate properties, Wetlands of International Importance, Commonwealth and State/Territory reserves, listed threatened, migratory and marine species and listed threatened ecological communities. Mapping of Commonwealth land is not complete at this stage. Maps have been collated from a range of sources at various resolutions.

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

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

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

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

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

• threatened species listed as extinct or considered as vagrants

• some species and ecological communities that have only recently been listed

• some terrestrial species that overfly the Commonwealth marine area

• migratory species that are very widespread, vagrant, or only occur in small numbers.

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

• non-threatened seabirds which have only been mapped for recorded breeding sites;

• seals which have only been mapped for breeding sites near the Australian continent.

Such breeding sites may be important for the protection of the Commonwealth Marine environment. Acknowledgments This database has been compiled from a range of data sources. The Department acknowledges the following custodians who have contributed valuable data and advice: • New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service • Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria • Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Tasmania • Department of Environment and Heritage, South Australia Planning SA • Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory • Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland • Birds Australia • Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme • Australian National Wildlife Collection • Natural history museums of Australia • Queensland Herbarium • National Herbarium of NSW • Royal Botanic Gardens and National Herbarium of Victoria • Tasmanian Herbarium • State Herbarium of South Australia • Northern Territory Herbarium • Western Australian Herbarium • Australian National Herbarium, Atherton and Canberra • University of New England • Other groups and individuals

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

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Last updated: Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts GPO Box 787 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Telephone: +61 (0)2 6274 1111

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Appendix 10 Results of a search of DEC’s rare fauna database for the Newman/Hope Downs 4 area.

Threatened and Priority Fauna Database 20.5 °S 119 °E / 23.5 °S 120 °E Newman Area Schedule 1 - Fauna that is rare or is likely to become extinct Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll 5 records This carnivorous marsupial occurs across much of northern Australia with a disjunct population in the Pilbara. Occurs in a wide range of habitats but most suitable habitat appear to be rocky areas. 1900 1 NULLAGINE 1959 1 MARBLE BAR 1980 1 NULLAGINE 1988 1 MARBLE BAR 1989 1 MARBLE BAR Macrotis lagotis Bilby, Dalgyte, Ninu 3 records This species shelters in burrows and occupies a range of habitats from grassland on clayey and stony soils or sandplains to mulga scrub and woodlands on red earths. It has suffered a large decline and contraction in distribution. 1962 1 1 Marble Bar Dead 1969 1 1 Marble Bar Caught or trapped 1997 1 1 Mulga Downs Station Dead Petrogale lateralis lateralis Black-flanked Rock-wallaby 3 records This species thrives in steep, complex rocky habitats providing tunnels, caves and crevices for shelter and protection from predators. 1975 1 Newman Day sighting 1975 1 Newman Day sighting 1975 1 1 Newman Rhinonicteris aurantius Orange Leaf-nosed Bat 6 records This species of bat occurs in a few scattered locations in the Pilbara, as well as the Kimberley. It roosts in caves and is sensitive to human disturbance. 1981 350 Klondyke Caught or trapped 1994 1 5 Klondyke Day sighting 1994 1 1 Klondyke Caught or trapped 2006 1 32 Panorama Station Caught or trapped 2006 1 12 Marble Bar Caught or trapped 2006 1 2 Nullagine Caught or trapped Pezoporus occidentalis Night Parrot 1 records This nocturnal species is known to inhabit treeless or sparsely wooded spinifex (Triodia spp) near water. 2005 2 3 Mulga Downs Night sighting Liasis olivaceus barroni Pilbara Olive Python 3 records 1975 3 0 Newman Scats 1975 3 0 Newman Scats 2004 1 1 Newman Caught or trapped Priority One: Taxa with few, poorly known populations on threatened lands Ramphotyphlops ganei 3 records Very little is known about this species of blind snake. It grows to about 30 cm in length and has been recorded from four localities in the Pilbara including Pannawonica and Newman. 1985 1 1 Newman Caught or trapped 1985 1 1 Mount Whaleback Caught or trapped 1995 1 1 Cathedral Gorge Caught or trapped Ctenotus nigrilineatus 1 records This skink is known only from one location, Woodstock in the Pilbara, where it occurs in spinifex at the foot of a granite outcrop. 1990 1 2 Marble Bar Caught or trapped

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Priority Three: Taxa with several, poorly known populations, some on conservation lands Lagorchestes conspicillatus leichardti Spectacled Hare-wallaby (mainland) 2 records This species has declined in many parts of its range and is vulnerable to cat and fox predation. It inhabits tropical grasslands and also suffers from the impacts of frequent fires. 1986 1 10 Pilga Day sighting 2001 1 2 Panorama Priority Four: Taxa in need of monitoring Macroderma gigas Ghost Bat 5 records This species is Australia’s only carnivorous bat and has a patchy distribution across northern Australia. It shelters in caves, mine shafts and deep rock fissures and is sensitive to disturbance. 1959 1 1 Klondyke Caught or trapped 1959 1 287 Klondyke Day sighting 1967 1 Ophthalmia Range Day sighting 2001 1 163 Lalla Rookh Night sighting 2006 1 16 Marble Bar Caught or trapped Pseudomys chapmani Western Pebble-mound Mouse, Ngadji 36 records This species is well-known for the characteristic pebble-mounds which it constructs over underground burrow systems. These mounds are most common on spurs and lower slopes of rocky hills. 1980 1 Marillana Caught or trapped 1989 1 Woodstock Stn Caught or trapped 1990 1 Woodstock Stn Caught or trapped 1994 1 Giles Point 1994 2 0 Marble Bar 1994 1 Mt Newman 1994 1 Mt Webber 1994 1 North Pole 1994 1 North Pole 1994 1 Rhodes Ridge 1994 1 Split Rock 1994 1 Strelly Gorge 1994 1 Tambourah 1994 1 Tambourah 1994 1 Weeli Wolli Creek 1995 1 0 Newman Definite signs 1996 1 0 Mt Whaleback Definite signs 2001 1 1 Hamersley Range Caught or trapped 2004 1 2 Ophthalmia Range Caught or trapped 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2008 1 0 Newman Definite signs 2008 1 0 Newman Definite signs 2008 1 0 Newman Definite signs 2008 1 0 Newman Definite signs 2008 1 0 Newman Definite signs 2008 1 0 Newman Definite signs 2008 1 0 Newman Definite signs

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Falco hypoleucos Grey Falcon 2 records A nomadic species inhabiting lightly timbered riverine plains. 1994 1 1 Hales Well Day sighting 1997 1 2 Nullagine Day sighting Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard 4 records This species is uncommon and may occur in open or lightly wooded grasslands. 2001 1 1 Mulga Downs Day sighting 2005 1 3 Nullagine 2005 1 1 Mulga Downs Night sighting 2008 1 1 Newman Day sighting Burhinus grallarius Bush Stonecurlew 17 records A well camouflaged, ground nesting bird which prefers to ‘freeze’ rather than fly when disturbed. It inhabits lightly timbered open woodlands. 1999 1 MARBLE BAR 1999 1 MARBLE BAR 1999 1 NULLAGINE 1999 1 MARBLE BAR 2000 1 MARBLE BAR 2001 1 MARBLE BAR 2001 1 MARBLE BAR 2001 1 MARBLE BAR 2001 1 4 Sulphur Springs 2001 1 MARBLE BAR 2001 1 NULLAGINE 2001 1 MARBLE BAR 2001 1 MARBLE BAR 2001 1 MARBLE BAR 2002 1 MARBLE BAR 2004 1 MARBLE BAR 2005 1 1 Nullagine Neochima ruficauda subclarescens Star Finch (western) 1 records A nomadic species inhabiting grasslands and eucalypt woodlands near water. 2008 1 1 Newman Day sighting

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

Ninox Wildlife Consulting – May 2009

A VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY

OF THE

PROPOSED HOPE DOWNS 4 OPTION 6 INFRASTRUCTURE CORRIDOR,

NEAR NEWMAN, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Prepared for: Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd

on behalf of Pilbara Iron Company (Services) Pty Ltd

Prepared by: Ninox Wildlife Consulting

August 2009

Hope Downs 4 Option 6 Infrastructure Corridor: Fauna Survey 2008-09 i

Table of Contents Page 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 1 2 INTRODUCTION ...... 5 3 DEFINITION OF TERMS ...... 5 3.1 Protected Species - Commonwealth...... 5 3.2 Protected Species - Western Australia ...... 6 3.3 Priority Species - Western Australia ...... 6 3.4 Significant Fauna Habitats ...... 6 3.5 Other Classification...... 6 4 NOMENCLATURE, TAXONOMY AND DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS...... 7 5 STUDY OBJECTIVES ...... 7 6 STUDY LIMITATIONS ...... 8 7 METHODS...... 8 7.1 Fauna Habitats...... 9 7.2 Vertebrate Fauna ...... 14 7.3 Short Range Endemic Invertebrates (SREs)...... 16 7.4 Weather Conditions...... 17 8 RESULTS...... 18 8.1 Native Mammals ...... 18 8.1.1 Non-volant Mammals...... 18 8.1.2 Bats...... 19 8.1.3 Mammal Species of Significance ...... 20 8.2 Amphibians ...... 20 8.3 Reptiles...... 20 8.4 Birds ...... 22 8.5 Short Range Endemic Invertebrates ...... 26 8.5.1 Molluscs ...... 27 8.6 Introduced or Feral Species...... 27 9 PROTECTED SPECIES...... 28 10 DISCUSSION...... 33 10.1 Native Mammals ...... 33 10.1.1 Conservation Significance...... 33 10.2 Amphibians ...... 34 10.3 Reptiles...... 34 10.3.1 Conservation Significance...... 34 10.4 Birds ...... 34 10.4.1 Conservation Significance...... 35 10.5 Short Range Endemic Invertebrates ...... 35 10.6 Fauna Habitats...... 36 10.6.1 Riverine Woodlands...... 36 10.6.2 Spinifex Grasslands...... 37 10.6.3 Mulga Woodlands ...... 38 11 POTENTIAL IMPACT ...... 38

12 MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR FAUNA ...... 45 13 REFERENCES ...... 46

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 List of systematic sampling sites within the Option 6 IC, the corresponding plant community code and a brief description of the vegetation. (The coordinates provided are in GDA94 format.) ...... 9 Table 2 SRE search sites and duration...... 17 Table 3 Minima and maxima temperatures experienced during the fauna survey at Hope Downs 4 Project Area 2 in May 2008...... 17 Table 4 List of native mammal species recorded during the September 2008 field survey of the Option 6 IC. (OP - results from opportunistic sampling, including Anabat results - designated with an X; S – pebble-mounds only, counted as one individual.) ...... 18 Table 5 Summary of the results of Anabat echolocation call recordings during the September 2008 field survey of the Option 6 IC...... 19 Table 6 List of reptile species recorded during the September 2008 field survey of the Option 6 IC...... 21 Table 7 List of bird species recorded during the September 2008 field survey of the Option 6 IC. (Numbers are derived from the highest daily count for each species in each site.)...... 23 Table 8 Summary table of results of the collection of potential SRE invertebrate fauna from the Option 6 IC during eptember 2008...... 26 Table 9 List of species protected under the EPBC Act 1999, the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 or listed on DEC’s Priority Fauna list. Species within animal groups are listed in order of conservation status. (Appendix 9 has been used in the assessment of the potential to occur. Those species recorded during the survey have been highlighted in bold text.) ...... 29 Table 10 List of vertebrate fauna species of conservation significance recorded or that could potentially occur within the Option 6 IC. (Appendix 9 shows the dates and localities for the species resulting from the search of DEC’s rare fauna database.)...... 40

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix 1 Definition of Terms 49 Appendix 2 Report from Specialised Zoological on the presence of bat species within the Hope Downs Project Area (HD4 mining area and Option 6 infrastructure corridor). 54 Appendix 3 List of native mammal species recorded in the Option 6 IC and known to occur in the eastern Pilbara. 62 Appendix 4 List of amphibian and reptile species recorded in the Hope Downs 4 Project Area and known to occur in the eastern Pilbara. 67 Appendix 5 List of bird species recorded in the Hope Downs 4 Project Area and known to occur in the eastern Pilbara. 71 Appendix 6 Western Australian Museum report on the invertebrate fauna, specifically short range endemic species, within the Option 6 IC. (Not yet received.) 76 Appendix 7 List of introduced species recorded in the Hope Downs 4 Project Area and known to occur in the eastern Pilbara. 94

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Appendix 8 EPBC Act Protected Matters Report. (Please note that plants, marine and species known not to occur in the Pilbara region have been removed from the following report.) 95 Appendix 9 Results of a search of DEC’s rare fauna database for the Newman/Hope Downs 4 area. 101

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Map showing the fauna sampling sites along the proposed Hope Downs 4 Option 6 infrastructure corridor: sites HD11 to HD16. (Option 1 sites are also shown: HD07 to HD10)...... 4 Figure 2 Diagrammatic layout of vertebrate fauna trapline used in the survey of the proposed Option 6 IC during September 2008...... 14

LIST OF PLATES

Plate 1 Fauna sampling site HD011...... 10 Plate 2 Fauna sampling site HD12...... 11 Plate 3 Fauna sampling site HD13...... 11 Plate 4 Fauna sampling site HD14...... 12 Plate 5 Fauna sampling site HD15...... 12 Plate 6 Fauna sampling site HD16...... 13 Plate 7 Opportunistic sampling site OP6...... 13 Plate 8 Pitfall trap with custom-made insert...... 15 Plate 9 Anabat in situ...... 15 Plate 10 Wedge-tailed Eagle nest in the vicinity of site HD13...... 25 Plate 11 Opportunistic sampling site OP6...... 37 Plate 12 Long-unburnt spinifex along the Option 6 IC...... 37 Plate 13 Recently burnt country in the vicinity of Option 6 IC. (Photo by M. Francesconi.)...... 38

Ninox Wildlife Consulting – August 2009 Hope Downs 4 Option 6 Infrastructure Corridor: Fauna Survey 2008-09 1

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This document reports on the vertebrate and short range endemic (SRE) invertebrate fauna results from a survey within the proposed Hope Downs 4 Option 6 infrastructure corridor (Option 6 IC) which is situated approximately 50km north-west of Newman in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The main objectives of the study were to prepare an inventory of the vertebrate and SRE fauna recorded in the area, compare these results with a list of species that could potentially occur there, and to review those species considered to be of conservation significance. This report is intended as a supporting document for Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed Hope Downs 4 Project. Other objectives are described in detail in the relevant section of this report.

Six major plant communities based on the dominant landforms were systematically sampled for fauna. A range of sampling techniques was used within these locations and the survey ran from 19 to 25 September 2008 and 21 to 27 April 2009.

Of the 41 native mammal species that are known to occur in the eastern Pilbara, 19 were recorded during the survey. Nine small mammals were trapped, one large kangaroo species was observed and the remaining species included bats electronically recorded by their echolocation calls, although three of these require confirmation of their identification. One frog was hand-foraged and 42 species of reptile were recorded. An additional seven species of frog and 78 reptiles are known to occur in the eastern Pilbara and many of these could occur in the Option 6 IC habitats. Of the 160 birds that are known to occur in the eastern Pilbara, 62 were recorded during the survey.

The results from the September 2008 survey showed that millipedes from three Families were collected from four of the six sites, including one potential SRE (Antichiropus ‘sp. [juv.])’ from site HD13 situated on the upper slopes of the ranges. Scorpions from one Family were also collected from four sites but none was considered an SRE. Spiders from two Families were collected from three sites and none of these was considered an SRE. The results from the April 2009 survey have yet to be received from the Western Australian Museum; these results will be presented in an addendum to this report. Only one species of mollusc was fully identified, Eremopeas interioris, a snail which is widely distributed throughout the warmer areas of Australia.

Two of the possible nine species of introduced mammal known to occur in the eastern Pilbara were recorded during the survey: cattle were observed in the major creekline where a permanent pool was located north of the IC alignment in September 2008; Cattle and the feral Donkey were recorded by their fresh scats in sites HD14 and HD15 respectively in April 2009.

More than 15% of the original Pilbara mammal fauna is considered to be extinct; therefore, many species that could potentially occur within the habitats of the Option 6 IC are of conservation significance. Of the 12 mammals of conservation significance discussed in the report, two have been recorded in the Option 6 IC to date: the Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) and Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris). One species, the Long-tailed Dunnart (Sminthopsis longicaudata) could possibly occur in rocky breakaways and scree slopes that are present within, or in the vicinity of, the Option 6 IC. Suitable habitat is represented in site HD16. The Desert Mouse (Pseudomys desertor) was recorded within the Option 1 IC in May 2008 and there is a high possibility that it would be recorded within the Option 6 IC sites, particularly HD15. There is a moderate to high probability of the Black-footed Rock-wallaby (Petrogale lateralis) occurring in extremely rocky areas where suitable crevices that provide daytime shelter occur. Where the infrastructure route turns north just beyond site HD16, there are several locations where there are narrow gaps between the hills; it is possible that the proposed infrastructure construction could have some impact on feeding areas and pathways of this species in these locations. Six species have only a low to moderate probability of being present, either because suitable habitats are not present and/or the species has not been recorded in the eastern Pilbara for many years and could be locally extinct. The remaining species, the Brush-tailed Mulgara (Dasycercus blythi) is unlikely to occur as its preferred habitat of spinifex on sandplain is not present within the area surveyed during 2008-09.

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There are no frogs of particular conservation significance likely to occur within the Option 6 IC, and there are no species endemic to the Pilbara region. Although no reptiles of conservation significance were recorded during the survey, three could occur; one, the Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceous barroni) is most likely to occur in the vicinity of site HD15 and OP6, or similar riverine habitat where birds congregate. One skink and one blind snake have a moderate probability of occurrence (Ctenotus nigrilineatus and Ramphotyphlops ganei), both are known from widely separated localities in the Pilbara region. All three of these reptile species are Pilbara endemic animals.

One of the birds of conservation significance was recorded during the April 2009 survey of Option 6 IC: the Australian Bustard (Ardeotis australis). Some of the migratory species are highly likely to be seasonally present. Others may only occur following cyclonic rainfall when low-lying areas are flooded. Of the birds that are more likely to be resident or nomadic rather than seasonal or migratory, the most significant is the Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis) that was recorded during the Cloud Break survey, approximately 110km north-east of Hope Downs 4. The extensive areas of unburnt spinifex within the Option 6IC may provide suitable habitat for them, although the inherent rarity of this bird makes it difficult to assess in a short-term survey. Of the five remaining species, four could be present throughout the Option 6 IC. The Bush Stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius) is a wide-ranging bird that may be present in any of the habitats sampled to date. Both the Grey Falcon (Falco hypoleucos) and Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) could hunt over much of the area and the latter is likely to roost on cliffs and rock ledges in the hills and ranges; site HD16 is the most likely area that this could occur within the area surveyed during September 2008 and April 2009. The Grey Honeyeater (Lacustroica whitei) prefers Acacia scrub, particularly mulga woodlands, and the Star Finch (Neochmia ruficauda) is most likely to be found in creeklines such as that represented by site HD15 and particularly OP6 where sedges are present. Only this latter species is likely to be resident within its preferred habitat in the survey area and could be affected if the quality of habitat is reduced due to altered drainage patterns from infrastructure construction.

The survey area occurs within the Pilbara Bioregion as defined in the Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA). More specifically, it occurs within the Hamersley subregion in the southern section of the Pilbara Region. Fauna and/or their habitats may be regionally significant when discussed in the context of either the Pilbara Bioregion or the Hamersley subregion. Within this context, no habitat surveyed along the Option 6 IC was considered by Ninox to be of regional significance. However, 35 Pilbara community types which may be considered ‘at risk’ have been described; these include freshwater wetlands and mulga communities, both of which occur within the Option 6 IC survey area.

Locally, the eucalypt-lined creeks of the area are significant to vertebrate fauna in that they support a range of species, especially birds, not found in other habitats. It is likely that creeklines also support a wider range of frogs than the surrounding drier habitats. Minor creeks provide corridors for the movement of animals, particularly birds, to move through the drier habitats in adjacent country. However, minor creeklines such as that characterised by site HD15 are well represented outside of the current survey area.

Given the potentially high concentration of birds within OP6, it is also possible that the Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceous barroni) occurs, as birds form a major dietary component of this large snake and the dense understorey of grasses, reeds and shrubs provide it with suitable cover. This large, permanent pool may be particularly locally significant as it supports species such as the Barking Owl and Western Bowerbird that were not recorded elsewhere during this survey. Given the significance of riparian vegetation such as this, it is likely that this location would support a greater range of bird species than that recorded in the current study. Wetland habitats such as this are listed as ‘at risk’ in the Hamersley sub-region. The pool at OP6 could be threatened by the presence of cattle that were noted during both the September survey, or by altered drainage patterns.

Areas of long-unburnt spinifex occur along the Option 6 IC where the clumps are extremely large and cover much of the ground, for example, site HD14. These areas are likely to support a wide range of

Ninox Wildlife Consulting – August 2009 Hope Downs 4 Option 6 Infrastructure Corridor: Fauna Survey 2008-09 3 mammal and reptile species and, given that much of the surrounding country has been affected by relatively severe fires, this habitat will provide shelter from where they are able to colonise adjacent country as it recovers, although this may take many years. Extremely large clumps of unburnt spinifex such as that in site HD14 were not noted in other areas surveyed during the Hope Downs 4 Project, including the proposed mining area and alternative Option 1 IC.

Mulga thickets in the Pilbara Bioregion may be considered ‘at risk’. Extensive areas of mulga within the Option 6 IC had been recently burnt; therefore, the unburnt stands are ecologically significant as the litter layer is extensive and are a potential fauna habitat for some species of interest, particularly SREs. The more loamy soils in these woodlands are also likely to support a greater range of both vertebrates and invertebrates that shelter in burrows. While no native ground mammals were captured in the the mulga community in site HD11, it supported five species of bat, the highest species diversity of reptiles and one of the highest diversity and index of abundance of birds. Therefore, given the extent of the fire and the high biodiversity of animals in site HD11, this location is judged to be locally significant. However, other, more extensive areas of Mulga woodland are present in both the proposed Hope Downs 4 mining area and the alternative Option 1 IC.

The effect of infrastructure development on fauna can therefore be divided into three primary areas of potential impact:  clearing of vegetation for rail and power infrastructure, access roads, laydown areas etc;  changes to drainage patterns and subsequent effects on adjacent vegetation and fauna habitats; and  blasting for cut and fill through the narrow gaps in the ranges both within the Option 6IC and to the north-west. While most birds, larger mammals and reptiles will be able to avoid the impact of clearing for construction of infrastructure, most small mammals, reptiles and burrowing frogs will be unavoidably killed by the large machinery used for vegetation removal and ground preparation, or by exposure to predators. While the local impact on individual animals is high, the clearing will have very little overall impact on the species known to occur in the Pilbara Bioregion as a whole. As the more mobile species move away from areas being prepared for infrastructure, they inevitably cause disruption to adjacent populations. However, this is likely to have no more impact than the displacement caused by the recent fires that had occurred through much of the adjacent country.

Changes to drainage patterns and subsequent effects on adjacent vegetation can have a wider impact than clearing thus affecting a greater number of individuals and possibly reducing the habitat for a range of species that rely on creeklines for their continued existence. This impact is also likely to occur on a local rather then regional basis.

Blasting for cut and fill may affect a range of animals that have specific requirements for caves and crevices in the larger hills and ranges through which the infrastructure corridor will pass. These species include four mammals of particular conservation significance.

Longer term impacts are most likely to be collisions between fauna and vehicles servicing the infrastructure or using new roads for access within the infrastructure corridor. Reduced speed limits and restrictions on driving between dawn and dusk will reduce the potential for these collisions with the majority of species including nocturnal fauna.

A range of more specific recommendations are given in the report to assist in reducing the impact on fauna of construction and operation of infrastructure.

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Figure 1 Map showing the fauna sampling sites along the proposed Hope Downs 4 Option 6 infrastructure corridor: sites HD11 to HD16. (Option 1 sites HD07 to HD10 are also shown).

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2 INTRODUCTION

This document reports on the vertebrate and short range endemic (SRE) invertebrate fauna results from a survey within the proposed Hope Downs 4 Option 6 infrastructure corridor (hereafter called Option 6 IC) which is situated approximately 50km north-west of Newman in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. This report is intended as a supporting document for Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed Hope Downs 4 Project.

The survey consisted of two field sampling sessions: 19 to 25 September 2008 and 21 to 27 April 2009 and followed a data and literature review of published information on the fauna of the general area (Ninox Wildlife Consulting 2008) and reports prepared for the proposed Hope Downs 4 mining area (Ninox 2009a) and Option 1 infrastructure corridor (Ninox 2009b). The climate, landforms, vegetation and soils of the general area have been described in detail in Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd (2008) and have not been repeated in this current document. However, a summary of the plant communities sampled for fauna is provided in Table 1.

3 DEFINITION OF TERMS

A full description of terms that define fauna species of conservation significance is given in Appendix 1Appendix 1. A summary of Commonwealth and Western Australian Acts is set out below, as is additional listing by the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).

While some animals are present on all World, Australia Government and State/Territory lists, their classification may differ. This is mainly a result of each animal’s distribution so that, for example, an animal may be endangered in Western Australia but relatively common in other States. In addition, the status of rare, threatened or vulnerable species is a dynamic process, with intensive field surveys and taxonomic reviews providing information that may result in a species being added or removed from these lists. For example, recent taxonomic work has resulted in the small marsupial carnivore known as the Mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda), which was listed under both Australian and State Acts, being divided into two species. The Western Australian species, the Brush-tailed Mulgara (Dasycercus blythi), is not listed under either Act but is shown as P4 under DEC’s Priority Fauna listing.

3.1 Protected Species - Commonwealth

The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) administers the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC). There are six parts to this Act covering species that are:

1. extinct; 2. extinct in the wild; 3. critically endangered; 4. endangered; 5. vulnerable; 6. conservation dependent.

DEWHA also administers international treaties as discussed below.

A range of birds are listed under the Japan-Australia (JAMBA), China-Australia (CAMBA) and Republic of Korea/Australia (ROKAMBA) Migratory Bird Agreements. The main aim of these international agreements is to protect migratory birds and their breeding and/or feeding habitats.

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3.2 Protected Species - Western Australia

Currently in Western Australia, rare or endangered species are protected by the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC) administered by DEC, The various schedules defined under this Act are:

 Declared Threatened Fauna - fauna that is ranked as presumed extinct, critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable;  Conservation Dependent Fauna; and  Other Specially Protected Fauna.

3.3 Priority Species - Western Australia

The DEC Priority Fauna List does not confer any additional legal protection to the species listed, apart from the normal protection afforded to most native animals. It does, however, indicate the need for vigilance during the construction and commissioning of mining or other development projects to ensure that Priority species, should they occur, do not meet the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Criteria for listing on the Threatened Species List. The Priority Fauna List classifies species as:

 Priority 1 - taxa with few, poorly known populations on threatened lands.  Priority 2 - taxa with few, poorly known populations on conservation lands.  Priority 3 - taxa with several, poorly known populations, some on conservation lands.  Priority 4 - taxa in need of monitoring.  Priority 5 - taxa in need of monitoring.

3.4 Significant Fauna Habitats

Australia-wide, a small number of Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) has been defined under Australian Government legislation. These TEC’s are usually described in flora and vegetation reports as they may not be relevant to vertebrate fauna. However, while not defined under any legislation, some fauna habitats within a project area may be defined as locally significant because they:  support rare or vulnerable species;  support specialised or habitat specific fauna;  are uncommon; or  are restricted in area.

Although not protected under any Australian or State legislation, in the interests of good project management, where possible, conservation of such locations within a project area will provide the basis for the fauna component of an environmental management plan to be put in place for the duration of a project.

3.5 Other Classification

The following paragraph has been extracted from the IUCN which aims to assess the conservation status of species, subspecies, varieties and even selected subpopulations on a global scale in order to highlight taxa threatened with extinction, and therefore promote their conservation.

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The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species provides taxonomic, conservation status and distribution information on taxa that have been globally evaluated using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. This system is designed to determine the relative risk of extinction, and the main purpose of the IUCN Red List is to catalogue and highlight those taxa that are facing a higher risk of global extinction (i.e. those listed as Critically Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable). The IUCN Red List also includes information on taxa that are categorized as Extinct or Extinct in the Wild; on taxa that cannot be evaluated because of insufficient information (i.e. are Data Deficient); and on taxa that are either close to meeting the threatened thresholds or that would be threatened were it not for an ongoing taxon-specific conservation programme (i.e. are Near Threatened).

There are a number of animals that are shown on the IUCN Red List that are not listed on any Australian Government or Western Australian Acts. The IUCN Red List does not confer any additional protection over and above that provided to Australia’s native animals.

4 NOMENCLATURE, TAXONOMY AND DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS

The following literature sources have been used to discuss nomenclature, taxonomy and fauna distribution patterns in this report:

Birds: Barrett et al. (2003); Johnstone & Storr (1998 and 2004); Storr, G.M. (1984). Mammals: Van Dyck & Strahan (2008). Bats: Churchill (2008) Amphibians: Tyler et al. (2000). Reptiles: Cogger (1992); Storr et al. (1983; 1990; 1999; and 2002); Wilson & Swann (2008).

Other, more recent, taxonomic revisions have been used when applicable. These are noted in text and are listed in References. In particular, the recent taxonomic revision of two skink species has resulted in 18 new skinks being added to the State’s list (Smith and Adams 2007, and Horner 2007), including eight for the eastern Pilbara region (Appendix 5).

Several authors including Thompson and Thompson (2002) and How (1998) discuss the need for extensive sampling in both temporal and spatial scales in order to more fully document the biodiversity of the fauna of an area. In addition, Cowan and How (2004) conclude that short-term studies infrequently encounter threatened and/or rare ground-dwelling vertebrate fauna species and therefore do not provide adequate information to assist land managers. As only a relatively small percentage of the vertebrate fauna species that could occur within the Option 6 IC are likely to have been recorded during September 2008 and April 2009, the list of animals that could potentially occur has been constructed from a wide range of sources (Appendix 5 and Appendix 6). While some of the survey areas are fairly distant from the current survey area, many of the habitats sampled are similar. The literature and data search included both Commonwealth and State databases including DEWHA (Appendix 10) DEC (Appendix 11) and the Western Australian Museum (WAM).

5 STUDY OBJECTIVES

The Pilbara is a region with a diverse range of vertebrate and invertebrate fauna including several endemic species. Therefore, the main study objectives of the survey were to:

• prepare an inventory of the vertebrate and SRE invertebrate fauna recorded in the Option 6 IC; • compare the results to the list of species that could potentially occur in the Option 6 IC;

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• review vertebrate and SRE invertebrate fauna considered to be rare, threatened, vulnerable, geographically restricted, or those that occur as an outlier population; • assess the status of introduced and feral animals, both predators and herbivores, through the Option 6 IC; • assess the relationships between vertebrate fauna and the vegetation communities of the Option 6 IC in order to clearly identify any habitats of significance; • assess the regional and local conservation status (both at the species and ecosystem levels) of the Option 6 IC; • based on all the above, assess the potential impact of construction of infrastructure in Option 6 IC on fauna; and • develop strategies for the environmental management of these species and their habitats.

6 STUDY LIMITATIONS

The results described in this report are based on two seasonal surveys undertaken in September 2008 and April 2009 which complies with Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Guidance Statement No. 56 (EPA 2004). Experience throughout Western Australia has shown that without sampling in several seasons and over several years, compiling a complete inventory of small mammals, amphibians and reptiles is not possible. However, there are a range of procedures used to maximise capture rates in the shorter term and several current techniques were used during this survey and are described in detail in Section 7.

7 METHODS

The Ninox team members were:

Ninox Principal Jan Henry Survey leader

Team members Greg Harold Assisting zoologist Maureen Francesconi Senior ornithologist Kevin Fairbairn Assisting ornithologist John Francesconi Senior SRE specialist Claire Bailey Assisting SRE specialist

The survey was carried out to a Level 2 Detailed Survey as defined in Environmental Protection Authority (2004) under DEC License Number SF006146.

Survey leader Jan Henry has completed work in the Pilbara between 1985 and 2007 as follows:

 Mount Channar mining area near Paraburdoo (Hamersley Iron).  Yandicoogina rail spur line, Mount Newman (Hamersley Iron).  Mount Samson, Brockman 2 & Section 10, Tom Price (Hamersley Iron).  Brockman Detritals, near Tom Price (Hamersley Iron).  Proposed tailings dam sites, Tom Price (Hamersley Iron).  North Deposit, near Tom Price (Hamersley Iron).  Vertebrate fauna survey: Marandoo Iron Ore project ERMP (Hamersley Iron).  Extensions to Leslie Salt evaporation ponds.  Hedland HBI Project - Boodarie Site (BHP Billiton).

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 Central Pilbara iron ore mine & alternative rail corridors (Hamersley Iron).  Ruth Well Project Area, Karratha (Fox Resources).  Whundo Project Area, Karratha (Fox Resources).  Golden Eagle Project Area, Nullagine (Wedgetail Exploration).  Golden Gate Project Area, Nullagine (Wedgetail Exploration).  Assessment of the distribution of the P4 skink Ctenotus nigrilineatus: Golden Eagle Project Area (Wedgetail Exploration).  Cape Lambert Iron Ore Project Area, north-east of Karratha (Cape Lambert Iron Ore Pty Ltd).

7.1 Fauna Habitats

Six fauna sampling sites were established within the major plant communities along the Option 6 IC route (Table 1). The following descriptions have been provided by Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd (2008). Photographs of each site are provided in Plate 1 to Plate 6. The opportunistic site OP6, a large, permanent pool just north-west of the survey area is also described and is shown in Plate 7.

Table 1 List of systematic sampling sites within the Option 6 IC, the corresponding plant community code and a brief description of the vegetation. (The coordinates provided are in GDA94 format.)

Mattiske Plant Fauna Description Easting Northing Community Site Code Code Low Woodland to Low Open Forest of Acacia aneura var. aneura, Acacia pruinocarpa, Acacia catenulata subsp. occidentalis, Acacia rhodophloia, Grevillea berryana with an MG (Mulga occasional emergent Eucalyptus leucophloia and Eucalyptus Groves) HD11 gamophylla over Psydrax latifolia, Keraudrenia nephrosperma, 734730 7443370 / Acacia distans, Eremophila fraseri, Acacia tetragonophylla, M1 Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii, Solanum lasiophyllum over Chrysopogon fallax, Triodia pungens and Triodia epactia and a range of annual species on sandy-loam flats and broad plains. Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia with pockets of Triodia basedowii and Triodia pungens with emergent Corymbia hamersleyana, Eucalyptus gamophylla Eucalyptus leucophloia RR over Acacia aneura var. aneura, Acacia pruinocarpa, Acacia (Ridges & rhodophloia, Codonocarpus cotinifolius, Psydrax latifolia and Ranges) HD12 734720 7442960 Grevillea berryana over Acacia adoxa var. adoxa, Acacia arida, / Acacia tenuissima, Acacia tetragonophylla, Acacia bivenosa, S1 Acacia distans, Acacia hilliana, Eremophila latrobei and Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii over range of annual species on gravelly soils on lower slopes ranges. Hummock Grassland of Triodia basedowii, Triodia aff. wiseana and Triodia epactia with emergent Acacia pruinocarpa, Acacia inaequilatera, Corymbia deserticola subsp. deserticola, RR Corymbia hamersleyana, Eucalyptus leucophloia and (Ridges & Eucalyptus gamophylla over Eremophila latrobei, Acacia adoxa Ranges) HD13 733545 7443150 var. adoxa, Acacia arida, Acacia bivenosa, Eremophila / exilifolia, Acacia spondylophylla, Acacia ancistrocarpa, Acacia S2 bivenosa, Acacia inaequilatera, Acacia hilliana, Indigofera monophylla and a range of annual species on gravelly soils on mid and upper slopes of small ranges.

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Mattiske Plant Fauna Description Easting Northing Community Site Code Code Hummock Grassland of Triodia basedowii, Triodia wiseana and Triodia pungens with emergent Eucalyptus leucophloia and SE Corymbia hamersleyana over Acacia adoxa var. adoxa, Acacia (Spinifex tetragonophylla, Acacia bivenosa, Eremophila exilifolia, Acacia with spondylophylla, Mirbelia viminalis, Acacia victoriae, 726260 7444643 HD14 Eucalypts) Eremophila cuneifolia, Acacia hamerlseyensis, Petalostylis 725915 7444510 / labicheoides, Senna glutinosa subsp. glutinosa and Acacia X4 bivenosa and a range of annual species on calcrete soils on lower slopes of ranges. (A variation with surface quartz pebbles made up a section of this sampling site.) Open Woodland of Eucalyptus victrix, Eucalyptus STC camaldulensis var. obtusa over Acacia citrinoviridis and Acacia (Creeklines coriacea subsp. pendens over Petalostylis labicheoides, & Drainage HD15 Gossypium robinsonii, Acacia pyrifolia, Melaleuca lasiandra, 724095 7444635 Areas) Rulingia luteiflora over Tephrosia rosea var. clemanti, Themeda / traindra, Cyperus vaginatus and Cleome viscosa on major C1 creeklines with sandy soils. RR Hummock Grassland of Triodia wiseana with emergent Acacia (Ridges & inaequilatera, Eucalyptus leucophloia, Acacia bivenosa and Ranges) HD16 mixed Senna glutinosa subsp. glutinosa and Senna glutinosa 722416 7444710 / subsp. pruinosa and Ptilotus species on gravelly soils on mid S5 and upper slopes of basalt ranges. MR Opportunistic sampling site only: OP6 is situated on a (Creeklines permanent pool on Weeli Wolli Creek. & Drainage OP6 720325 7448588 Areas) Open Woodland of Eucalyptus victrix, Eucalyptus / camaldulensis var. obtusa, Melaleuca argentea over Cyperus C4 vaginatus on major creeklines with pools with sandy soils.

Plate 1 Fauna sampling site HD011.

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Plate 2 Fauna sampling site HD12.

Plate 3 Fauna sampling site HD13.

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Plate 4 Fauna sampling site HD14.

Plate 5 Fauna sampling site HD15.

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Plate 6 Fauna sampling site HD16.

Plate 7 Opportunistic sampling site OP6.

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7.2 Vertebrate Fauna

Six individual sampling sites were established in the dominant plant communities within the Option 6 IC. A team of two personnel was required to monitor the traplines established in the survey area. One person in the team was responsible for clearing of traplines, identification, marking and safe release of animals. The second conducted systematic bird sampling which was carried out concurrently with trapline monitoring.

Mammals, Amphibians and Reptiles: six traplines were established (Table 1) which consisted of ten pitfall traps (15 litre plastic drums) bisected across the top by 10 metres of flywire drift fence 300mm high. Custom-made plastic inserts ensured that small vertebrates could not escape from the pitfall traps and gave shade during hot conditions (Plate 8). The lid of each plastic drum was also used to provide additional shade. Surface traps in each site consisted of 10 medium Elliott box traps and two cage traps that were placed in association with the pitfall traps. Two additional 10 metre fence lines in each sampling location included two flywire funnel traps each. Figure 2 shows a diagram of the trapline layout.

Figure 2 Diagrammatic layout of vertebrate fauna trapline used in the survey of the proposed Option 6 IC during September 2008.

Traplines were monitored over six consecutive nights during each survey (19 - 25 September 2008 and 21 to 28 April 2009) and were checked each morning. A grid reference was recorded at trap 1 in each sampling location (Table 1) to enable trapline positions to be accurately mapped. At the end of the sampling period all traps were securely closed with the lid, the drift fence flattened over the lid which was then covered with soil. At the conclusion of the survey programme, all pitfall traps and drift fences were removed.

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Plate 8 Pitfall trap with custom-made insert.

Plate 9 Anabat in situ.

Captured animals were identified and details of trapping location and method, sex, age and reproductive status were recorded on field data sheets. The animals were released near their point of capture as soon as practicable. Small mammals received a fur clip on the rump prior to release in order to establish recapture data.

Bats: bats were sampled by means of an Anabat ultrasonic call detector (Plate 9) placed within each sampling site for at least one night in each season, including the opportunistic site OP6. As this latter site had the greatest range of potential roosting sites, an Anabat was placed there for three nights. Bat echolocation analysis of resulting data was undertaken by Specialised Zoological who provided two reports which are consistent with the minimum standards recommended by the Australasian Bat Society in terms of the transparency of the identification process. This included presentation of parameter summaries derived from echolocation pulses, a representative call for each species, and a description of the reference library used. The Specialised Zoological report has been summarised in

Ninox Wildlife Consulting – August 2009 Hope Downs 4 Option 6 Infrastructure Corridor: Fauna Survey 2008-09 16 the main Ninox report and provided in full as Appendix 3 and Appendix 4Error! Reference source not found.. Birds: the second team member searched the plant community surrounding each trapline in order to record all birds utilising the habitat. The observer moved slowly through each habitat for approximately 45 minutes each day, identifying and counting all bird species seen and heard. Recording commenced during the peak bird activity period immediately following dawn. Sampling times in the various locations were rotated to minimise variations in weather and the peak activity periods of birds. The resulting data allows for statistically valid comparisons to be made between the various habitats.

While systematically monitoring a site over a set number of days, it is inevitable that some birds will be recorded on several occasions. Examples are highly territorial birds such as Fairy-wrens, inquisitive species such as Grey Fantails which sometimes follow the observer, nesting birds or flocking species such as cockatoos and Tree Martins which may remain in a localised area for an extended period. This over-recording unavoidably results in an exaggerated figure of relative abundance for some species. To overcome this difficulty, the daily data from the six sites were scanned to ascertain the specific day in each season when the highest number of individuals for each species in every site was recorded. The total for this day was selected as being a reliable index of the relative abundance of birds on a site-by-site basis.

7.3 Short Range Endemic Invertebrates (SREs)

Prior to the field survey, discussions were held with Dr Mark Harvey and Ms Shirley Slack-Smith of the Western Australian Museum (WAM) in order to identify the target group of potential short range endemic invertebrate taxa in the total Hope Downs 4 project area (Hope Downs 4 mine and village area, Option 1 and Option 6 infrastructure corridors). The following groups were identified for targeted sampling:

 mygalomorph spiders  myriopods (particularly millipedes)  scorpions  pseudoscorpions  terrestrial molluscs (and aquatic if suitable habitat located)

Each of the six vertebrate fauna trapping sites was searched systematically by two personnel over a period of five days during both September 2008 and April 2009. A range of other, opportunistic sites were also sampled, mainly within mulga thickets (OP1 to OP3) and in the vicinity of permanent water (OP6). Table 2 shows the type of sampling and duration within each vertebrate fauna trapping site. Search techniques included:

 intensive ground searches;  digging and collection of mygalomorph spiders;  hand searching of various microhabitats;  searching under various suitable vegetation, rocks, bark etc;  searching through vegetation litter and soils.

At the end of each survey period litter samples were collected from each of the vertebrate fauna trapping sites. Approximately 500ml of leaf litter and surface soils was collected and returned to the Perth laboratory for sorting. Litter and soils were sieved and then spread in a thin layer in a petridish and examined with a stereo microscope for micro specimens of the target taxa.

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Each day during the vertebrate fauna pitfall trap inspections a check was done for the invertebrate SRE ‘bycatch’.

Table 2 SRE search sites and duration.

GPS Soil & Litter Site Number GDA94 (50K) Time - hours Sorting (minutes) mE mN Systematic Sites HD11 734 735 7 443 405 27 180 HD12 734 735 7 442 870 27 180 HD13 733 520 7 443 170 27 180 HD14 725 950 7 444 530 30.5 270 HD15 724 120 7 444 635 22 180 HD16 722 405 7 444 710 21 180 Opportunistic Sites OP1 725 590 7 444 225 6 90 OP2 725 325 7 444 725 7 90 OP3 721 360 7 445 100 10 90 OP6 720 915 7 448 225 10 90

At the end of each day SRE field staff sorted the day’s capture into groups and prepared the specimens to the requirements of the WAM.

7.4 Weather Conditions

Table 3 shows the weather conditions for the September 2008 and April 2009 surveys. No rain was experienced during the September 2008 survey but there was 0.6 ml of rain during one day in the April 2009 survey.

Table 3 Minima and maxima temperatures experienced during the fauna survey at Hope Downs 4 Project Area 2 in May 2008.

Date 19 Sept 20 Sept 21 Sept 22 Sept 23 Sept 24 Sept 25 Sept Min 13.2 14.2 13.3 14.8 11.9 10.3 12.7 Max 30.4 21.8 35.4 26.6 29.3 32.4 35.0 Rainfall 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Date 21 April 22 April 23 April 24 April 25 April 26 April 27 April Min 20.9 25.5 18.5 11.6 9.2 10.5 15.3 Max 33.5 31.7 28.0 26.3 27.9 29.4 29.7 Rainfall 0 0 0.6 0 0 0 0

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8 RESULTS

8.1 Native Mammals

8.1.1 Non-volant Mammals

The literature and data review revealed that 41 native mammals, including 17 bats, have been recorded in the eastern portion of the Pilbara region (Appendix 2). Of these, six were captured during the September field survey, including three small carnivores: Kaluta (Daykaluta rosamondae); Pilbara Ningaui (Ningaui timealeyi) and Planigale (species 11) and three rodents: Delicate Mouse (Pseudomys delicatulus2); Sandy Inland Mouse (Pseudomys hermannsburgensis) and Common Rock Rat (Zyzomys argurus).

A second Planigale (species 21) was added to the inventory during April 2009, as was Woolley’s Antechinus (Pseudantechinus woolleyae). No kangaroos were seen in September, and only a single Red Kangaroo was seen during April 2009. No fresh evidence such as tracks or scats was noted in any of the sites. One additional rodent, the Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) was recorded by the presence of several active pebble-mounds in site HD13 although no specimens were captured. However, one female was captured downslope in site HD12 during April 2009.

Table 4 List of native mammal species recorded during the September 2008 and April 2009 field surveys of the Option 6 IC. (OP - results from opportunistic sampling, including Anabat results - designated with an X; S – pebble-mounds only, counted as one individual.)

Site Code HD11 HD12 HD13 HD14 HD15 HD16 SPECIES Season Sp Aut Sp Aut Sp Aut Sp Aut Sp Aut Sp Aut DASYURIDAE Dasykaluta rosamondae Little Red Kaluta 6 2 2 1 Ningaui timealeyi Pilbara Ningaui 4 5 6 2 1 Planigale sp. 11 Unidentified Planigale Species 1 2 2 Planigale sp. 21 Unidentified Planigale Species 5 Pseudantechinus woolleyae Woolley's Pseudantechinus 2 MACROPODIDAE Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo 1 MURIDAE Pseudomys chapmani Western Pebble-mound Mouse 1 S S Pseudomys delicatulus2 Delicate Mouse 1 Pseudomys hermannsburgensis Sandy Inland Mouse 2 Zyzomys argurus Common Rock-rat 1 Number of Species (10) 0 0 1 1 1 1 3 2 2 1 3 3 Abundance of Individuals 0 0 6 1 3 10 8 7 3 1 5 5 Number of Species 0 2 4 3 3 4 Abundance of Individuals 0 7 13 15 4 10

Of the 10 non-volant species recorded during the survey, the maximum number in any one site was four (sites HD13 and HD16). No non-volant native mammals were recorded in site HD11.

1 Currently under taxonomic review. 2 Pseudomys delicatulus may represent a distinct species in arid areas (Ford 2008).

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The small carnivorous marsupials in the Family Dasyuridae were relatively common in site HD14 which had three species and 15 individuals (Table 4). This site had very large clumps of long-unburnt spinifex (see Plate 4) to over 80% ground cover. Although very different in terms of spinifex structure, site HD12 (see Plate 2) had the greatest number of Kaluta (Dasykaluta rosamondae) with six individuals captured in September 2008 but none in April 2009. The second unidentified Planigale species was a very small animal compared to those from site HD16 and the identification of these remains uncertain until the taxonomic review is completed.

Rodents were uncommon with only four individuals of three species captured in September 2008; only a single rodent (Pseudomys chapmani) was captured in April 2009. However, given the 116.0 mm of rain between 1 and 2 March 2009 (Newman airport), seven weeks prior to the April 2009 survey and subsequent flowering and seeding of grasses and other plants, the abundance of native rodents is likely to increase rapidly over the reaminder of 2009.

8.1.2 Bats

Up to nine species of bat were recorded at various locations along the Option 6 IC, including the opportunistic site OP6. All of these results are shown in detail in Appendix 3 and Appendix 4 and are summarised in Table 5.

Some bats were identified with a high degree of confidence in some sites but not in others, for example, the Yellow Sheathtail Bat (Saccolaimis flaviventris) was identified with confidence from sites HD14 and HD15 but not in sites HD12 and HD16, most likely as a result of the low quality of the recordings. The three species not identified with a high degree of confidence include the Northern Free-tailed Bat (Chaerephon jobensis), Beccari’s Free-tailed Bat (Mormopterus beccarii) and Hill’s Sheathtail Bat (Taphozous hilli). These three species are widespread in the more arid portions of the State and are highly likely to occur in the habitats of the Option 6IC. Where their distribution overlaps, the calls of these species may be difficult to distinguish.

Table 5 Summary of the results of Anabat echolocation call recordings during the September 2008 and April 2009 field surveys of the Option 6 IC. Those species identified with no doubt are marked in bold.

SITE CODE BAT SPECIES HD11 HD12 HD13 HD14 HD15 HD16 OP6 MOLOSSIDAE Chaerephon jobensis Northern Free-tailed Bat NC NC NC NC Mormopterus beccarii Beccari’s Free-tail Bat NC NC NC NC Tadarida australis White-striped Free-tailed Bat H H H H EMBALLONURIDAE Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat M NC H H NC H Taphozous georgianus Common Sheathtail Bat H H NC H H NC Taphozous hilli Hill’s Sheathtail Bat NC NC NC NC VESPERTILIONIDAE Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat H H H H H H H Scotorepens greyi Little Broad-nosed Bat H H H H H H H Vespadelus finalysoni Finlayson’s Cave Bat H H H H H H H

H High Unambiguous identification of the species at the site based on measured call characteristics and comparison with available reference material. M Medium Either call quality was poor, or the species cannot be distinguished reliably from another that makes similar calls. NC Needs confirmation.

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Three species of bat were recorded in every site: Gould’s Wattled Bat (Chalinolobus gouldii); Little Broad-nosed Bat (Scotorepens greyi) and the Inland Cave Bat (Vespadelus finlaysoni). It is possible that all nine species of bat were recorded from site HD16 although there are five species that were not identified with a high degree of confidence. The four species recorded in site HD15 and the opportunistic site OP6 were all identified with a high degree of confidence.

8.1.3 Mammal Species of Significance

Three Pilbara endemic mammal species were recorded in this survey. These are discussed below.

 The Kaluta (Dasykaluta rosamondae) is widespread through the Pilbara region, where it inhabits areas of mature and unburnt clumps of spinifex on various substrates (Woolley 2008) that provide adequate shelter. Six individuals were recorded in site HD12, and two in sites HD13 and HD14 during September 2008. Only one specimen was captured in April 2009.  The Pilbara Ningaui (Ninguai timealeyi) is also widespread through the Pilbara region where it inhabits dense to mid-dense hummock grassland, mainly along drainage lines and runoff areas (Menkhorst and Knight 2001). Seven individuals were captured in September 2008; five in site HD14 and two in site HD16. Eleven individuals were captured in April 2009: four in site HD13, six in site HD14 and one in site HD16.  The Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) constructs large pebble-mounds wherever suitable habitat is present, generally on hills where pebbles of the right size for them to carry are present. Although none was captured during September 2008, active mounds constructed by this native mouse were recorded in site HD13. One female was captured in site HD12 during April 2009. The Western Pebble-mound Mouse is listed as P4 on the Priority list compiled by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).

Also of note was the recording of the Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris) by the Anabat (Table 5, Appendix 3 and Appendix 4), a species which is listed as Lower Risk on the IUCN Red List and was recorded at three locations along the route (HD14, HD15 and OP6). Native mammals of conservation significance recorded or potentially occurring along the Option 6 IC route are discussed in detail in Section 9.

8.2 Amphibians

Eight species of frog have been recorded in the eastern portion of the Pilbara (Appendix 5) and two individuals of one species, Main’s Frog (Cyclorana maini), were recorded during searching for SRE’s under mulga in the vicinity of site HD12 in September 2009. This frog is common and widespread throughout the arid zone. No frogs were recorded during April 2009.

There are no frogs of particular conservation significance likely to occur within the Option 6 IC, and there are no species endemic to the Pilbara region.

8.3 Reptiles

Appendix 5 lists 120 species of reptile that have been recorded in the eastern portion of the Pilbara region. Thirty-two species were recorded during this September 2008 survey and 41 species in April 2009, 10 of which were added to the area inventory during this autumn field survey (Table 6). The total was made up of three dragons, eight geckos, three legless lizards, 17 skinks, four monitors, three blind snakes and four venomous snakes.

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Table 6 shows that the range of species varied greatly between sites with none having more than half of the 42 species recorded: a high of 19 species were recorded in one site (HD11); three sites had between 11 and 14 species; one site (HD13) having only nine. Unusually, those sites with long- unburnt spinifex (HD13 and HD14) had the lowest species diversity.

These results also show that the seasonal differences in the range of species captured in the various sites was extensive. For example, while 11 and 12 species were recorded from site HD11 in spring and autumn respectively, only four were common to both seasons and a total of 19 species were eventually recorded from this site. Similarly nine species were captured in each season in site HD16, only four of these were common to both sampling session and a total of 14 species was eventually recorded from this site. These results show the value of more than one sampling session for an assessment of reptile species composition within any given area.

Table 6 List of reptile species recorded during the September 2008 and April 2009 field surveys of the Option 6 IC.

SITE CODE HD11 HD12 HD13 HD14 HD15 HD16 SPECIES SEASON Sp Aut Sp Aut Sp Aut Sp Aut Sp Aut Sp Aut AGAMIDAE Dragons Ctenophorus c. caudicinctus 4 7 1 1 4 Lophognathus longirostris 4 5 9 Pogona m. minor 3 1 1 1 1 GEKKONIDAE Geckos Diplodactylus pulcher 1 Diplodactylus savagei 2 Diplodactylus stenodactylus 1 2 1 1 Rhynchoedura ornata 1 Strophurus wellingtonae 1 Gehyra punctata 3 Gehyra variegata 2 1 Heteronotia binoei 1 1 PYGOPODIDAE Legless Lizards Delma nasuta 1 Delma pax 3 Delma tincta 1 SCINCIDAE Skinks Carlia munda 3 1 2 3 8 1 Carlia triacantha 1 Cryptoblepharus buchananii 1 1 Cryproblepharus ustulatus 1 Ctenotus duricola 1 4 1 Ctenotus helenae 2 3 1 2 3 4 Ctenotus pantherinus ocellifer 1 6 10 1 4 2 6 3 1 4 Ctenotus rutilans 1 1 3 Ctenotus saxatilis 3 2 1 13 1 4 Ctenotus schomburgkii 1 3 6 Ctenotus u. uber 7 1 1 Cyclodomorphus m. melanops 1 2 Lerista muelleri 1 Lerista neander 1 Menetia s. surda 2 Morethia ruficauda exquisita 1 2 1 Tiliqua multifasciata 1

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SITE CODE HD11 HD12 HD13 HD14 HD15 HD16 SPECIES SEASON Sp Aut Sp Aut Sp Aut Sp Aut Sp Aut Sp Aut VARANIDAE Monitors Varanus acanthurus 1 3 1 5 1 Varanus brevicauda 2 Varanus p. panoptes 1 Varanus tristis 1 1 TYPHLOPIDAE Blind Snakes Ramphotyphlops grypus 1 Ramphotyphlops hamatus 1 Ramphotyphlops waitii 1 ELAPIDAE Venomous Snakes Acanthophis wellsi 1 Parasuta monachus 1 Pseudechis australis 1 Suta fasciata 1 Number of Species (42) 11 12 9 9 7 4 8 4 9 7 9 9 Abundance of Individuals 15 28 27 26 9 8 12 9 19 39 17 20 Number of Species 19 13 9 11 12 14 Abundance of Individuals 43 53 17 21 58 37

The most abundant group of reptiles was the skinks with 17 species. Of these, site HD11 had the highest number of 11 species. One site had eight species of skink (HD16) and one had seven (HD12). The remaining sites had either five or four species. Only one reptile species was captured in every site, the skink Ctenotus pantherinus ocellifer.

The abundance of individuals in the sampling sites varied substantially with a maximum of 58 animals in site HD15 with two species making up almost half of these: the dragon Lophognathus longirostris and the skink Ctenotus saxatilis. Site HD12 also had a high abundance with 53 individuals made up of relatively large numbers of the dragon Ctenophorus c. caudicinctus and the skink Ctenotus pantherinus ocellifer. The top of the hill site HD13 had the lowest number of individuals with 17.

The autumn results also differed greatly from the spring results in some sites. For example, site HD15 had a total of 58, made up of 19 animals in spring and 39 in autumn, and site HD11 had a total of 43 animals, 15 being captured in spring and 28 in autumn. All other sites had a similar number of captures in both seasons.

Five of the 25 species of Pilbara endemic reptiles listed in Appendix 5 were recorded during this survey: one gecko (Diplodactylus savagei); four skinks (Ctenotus duricola, Ctenotus rutilans, Lerista neander and Menetia s. surda); and one elapid snake (Acanthophis wellsi).

While none was recorded during this current survey, three reptiles of conservation significance are known to occur in the Pilbara region and are discussed in Section 9.

8.4 Birds

A total of 160 birds (88 Non-passerines and 72 Passerines) are listed in Appendix 6 as being known to occur in the eastern Pilbara. Table 7 shows that of these, 62 were recorded in the Option 6 IC route over both seasons; 47 were recorded in September 2008 and 44 in April 2009. Only 29 species were recorded in both seasons. An additional 14 birds were recorded opportunistically, mainly in the large permanent pool at the western end of the survey area (OP6).

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Of the 58 bird species that were recorded during systematic sampling, sites HD11 and HD13 had the highest species richness with 26 and 27 species respectively. Site HD12 had 23 species and site HD15 had 21; the remaining sites, HD14 and HD16, had few species with only 16 and 17 respectively.

Table 7 List of bird species recorded during the September 2008 and April 2009 field survey of the Option 6 IC. (Numbers are derived from the highest daily count for each species in each site.)

SITE CODE HD11 HD12 HD13 HD14 HD15 HD16 SPECIES OP SEASON Sp Aut Sp Aut Sp Aut Sp Aut Sp Aut Sp Aut ARDEIDAE Ardea novaehollandiae White-faced Heron X ACCIPITRIDAE Hamirostra melanosternon Black-breasted Buzzard 2 Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite 1 Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle X FALCONIDAE Falco berigora Brown Falcon 1 1 Falco cenchroides Australian Kestrel X Falco longipennis Australian Hobby 1 OTIDIDAE Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard 1 X COLUMBIDAE Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing 1 2 2 1 Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon 2 2 1 Geophaps plumifera Spinifex Pigeon X Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove 6 2 PSITTACIDAE Cacatua roseicapilla Galah 3 4 2 2 1 Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella X Platycercus zonarius Australian Ringneck 5 2 2 2 1 2 X Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar 3 20 4 4 10 3 CUCULIDAE Cuculus pallidus Pallid Cuckoo 1 Chrysococcyx basalis Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo 1 STRIGIDAE Ninox connivens Barking Owl X CAPRIMULGIDAE Eurostopodus argus Spotted Nightjar X AEGOTHELIDAE Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar X HALCYONIDAE Todiramphus pyrrhopygia Red-backed Kingfisher 2 1 1 1 Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher X MALURIDAE Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren 4 6 4 6 6 2 Malurus leucopterus White-winged Fairy-wren 3 Stipiturus ruficeps Rufous-crowned Emu-wren 6 4 5 6 Amytornis striatus Striated Grasswren 1 1 PARDALOTIDAE Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote 1 2 2 2 ACATHIZIDAE Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill 4 16 5 6 6 6 6 6 16 10 4 12 X

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SITE CODE HD11 HD12 HD13 HD14 HD15 HD16 SPECIES OP SEASON Sp Aut Sp Aut Sp Aut Sp Aut Sp Aut Sp Aut Gerygone fusca Western Gerygone 2 1 1 1 1 Acanthiza apicalis Broad-tailed Thornbill 1 Acanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill 2 X MELIPHAGIDAE Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater 2 1 3 2 2 2 2 Lichenostomus keartlandi Grey-headed Honeyeater 1 2 2 3 Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater X Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner 4 2 6 2 2 2 8 6 5 1 X Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater 2 1 1 X PETROICIDAE Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin X Petroica cucullata Hooded Robin 1 2 3 POMATOSTOMIDAE Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler 3 PACHYCEPHALIDAE Oreoica gutturalis Crested Bellbird 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler 4 2 2 1 1 1 1 4 1 X Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush 1 1 2 X DICRURIDAE Rhipidura albicauda White-tailed Fantail X Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail 2 1 4 1 1 1 1 2 1 X Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark X CAMPEPHAGIDAE Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 1 2 1 2 2 2 X Lalage tricolor White-winged Triller 8 Artamus personatus Masked Woodswallow X Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow 2 10 3 3 10 3 X Artamus minor Little Woodswallow 4 CRACTICIDAE Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 3 Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie 1 CORVIDAE Corvus orru Torresian Crow 4 1 Corvus bennetti Little Crow 2 PTILONORHYNCHIDAE Ptilonorhynchus maculatus Western Bowerbird X SYLVIIDAE Eremiornis carteri Spinifexbird 1 1 X DICAEIDAE Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird 1 PASSERIDAE Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch 14 20 4 10 10 Emblema pictum Painted Firetail 5 MOTACILLIDAE Anthus australis Australian Pipit 1 Number of Species per Season 17 23 14 18 21 16 9 10 15 12 10 10 Index of Abundance 39 103 38 35 43 56 22 24 63 55 20 38 Number of Species in total (62) 26 23 27 16 21 17 27 Total Index of Abundance 141 73 99 46 118 58

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No seasonal pattern was discernable in the birds recorded in the systematic sites with the number of species recorded having increased in autumn in two sites (HD11 and HD12), decreased in two sites (HD13 and HD15) and were the same, or very similar, in two sites (HD14 and HD16). However, Zebra Finches and Budgerigars were much more abundant in April 2009 than in September 2008 following substantial rainfall during summer. Most noticeably within the sampling sites, three of the four species of fairy-wren and three of the four honeyeater species recorded in site HD13 during September 2008 were absent during April 2009.

Birds of prey were also more abundant in April 2009 with four species and five individuals compared to a single Brown Falcon observed in September 2008. One additional species was observed opportunistically (Australian Kestrel) and, while no Wedge-tailed Eagles were observed, a nest was located in a Snappy Gum (Eucalyptus leucophloia) near the top of the range just east of site HD13 (Plate 10).

Overall, birds were most abundant in site HD11 although there was a large difference between spring with 39 individuals and autumn with 103. Site HD15 also had a high index of abundance (118 birds), the numbers recorded were very similar in both spring and autumn (63 and 55 respectively). This pattern was also evident in the remainder of the sites.

Plate 10 Wedge-tailed Eagle nest in the vicinity of site HD13. (Photo provided by M. Francesconi.).

One bird species shown in Table 7 is of conservation significance: the Australian Bustard, which was observed in site HD11 in April 2009. A second was also observed in April in the vicinity of Rhodes Ridge Camp. Other birds of conservation significance that could be present along the Option 6IC route are discussed in Section 9.

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8.5 Short Range Endemic Invertebrates

Reports on the SRE invertebrate fauna from the Option 6 IC collected during September 2008 have been prepared by M. Harvey and V. Framenau (spiders, scorpions and millipedes) and S. Slack-Smith (snails) of the Western Australian Museum. These reports are presented in full as Appendix 7 and Appendix 8. Additional reports are being prepared for those specimens collected in April 2009 but are not yet available (August 2009). The results of the April 2009 survey will be presented in an addendum to this report.

In a recent publication, the issue of Short-Range Endemism in Australian invertebrate fauna was examined (Harvey 2002), and series of major groups were nominated as having a very high proportion of individual species that satisfied a defined set of criteria. The main criterion nominated for inclusion as an SRE was that the species had a naturally small range of less than 10,000 km2. Harvey (2002) found that those species possessed a series of ecological and life-history traits, including:

• poor powers of dispersal; • confinement to discontinuous habitats; • usually highly seasonal, only active during cooler, wetter periods; and • low levels of fecundity.

The Western Australian fauna contains a number of SRE taxa, including millipedes, land snails, trap- door spiders, some pseudoscorpions, slaters, and onychophorans.

The identification of specimens collected during September 2008 is summarised in Table 8.

Table 8 Summary table of results of the collection of potential SRE invertebrate fauna from the Option 6 IC during September 2008.

Specimen Order Family Genus Species Site SRE # Millipedes Spirobolida HD11 - 8 Spirobolida Pachybolidae Austrostrophus `sp. (fragment)` HD12 - 1 Spirobolida Pachybolidae Austrostrophus `sp. (females)` HD13 - 5 Spirobolida Pachybolidae Austrostrophus `sp. (females)` HD13 - 1 Spirobolida Pachybolidae Austrostrophus `sp. (fragment)` HD15 - 1 Polyxenida Polyxenidae HD15 - 80 Polydesmida Paradoxosomatidae Antichiropus `sp. (juv.)` HD13 ?X 2 Scorpions Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `harveyi group` HD11 - 1 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `harveyi group` HD11 - 1 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `harveyi group` HD11 - 1 Scorpiones Buthidae Isometroides `sp. (female)` HD11 - 1 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `bituberculatus gp` HD12 - 1 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `bituberculatus gp` HD13 - 1 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `Pilbara sp. 1` HD15 - 1 Spiders Araneae Idiopidae `?Anidiops` `sp. (juv.)` HD11 - 1 Araneae Idiopidae Anidiops HD11 - 1 Araneae Idiopidae Anidiops `sp. (juv.)` HD14 - 1 Araneae Barychelidae Synothele `sp. (no abd.)` HD16 - 1

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It can be seen from Table 8 that millipedes from three Families were collected from four of the six sites, including one potential SRE (Antichiropus ‘sp. (juv.)’ from site HD13 situated on the upper slopes of the ranges. Scorpions from one Family were also collected from four sites but none was considered an SRE. Spiders from two Families were collected from three sites and none of these was considered an SRE.

8.5.1 Molluscs

As part of the survey for SRE’s, molluscs were collected during hand foraging in all of the Option 6 IC sites. The results from September 2008 are summarised in Table 9. The full report from WAM is presented in Appendix 8. Only one species was fully identified, Eremopeas interioris, a snail which is widely distributed throughout the warmer areas of Australia, having been recorded from Central Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland as well as from the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of Western Australia.

Table 9 Summary table of results of the collection of potential SRE mollusc fauna from the Option 6 IC during September 2008.

Snails Family Genus Species Site SRE Bulimulidae Bothriembryon sp. HD11 - Bulimulidae Bothriembryon sp. HD14B - Bulimulidae Bothriembryon sp. HD15 - Bulimulidae Eremopeas interioris HD11 - Bulimulidae Eremopeas interioris HD14A - Bulimulidae Eremopeas interioris HD14B - Bulimulidae Eremopeas interioris HD15 - Pupillidae Pupoides sp. HD11 - Pupillidae Pupoides sp. HD14B - Pupillidae Pupoides sp. HD15 - Pupillidae Pupoides sp. c.f. P. pacificus HD14A - Pupillidae ? Gastrocopta sp. HD11

8.6 Introduced or Feral Species

Nine introduced or feral species of mammal are listed in Appendix 9 as having been recorded in the eastern section of the Pilbara region. These include one rodent, three carnivores and five herbivores. While none of these was recorded in sites HD11 to HD16 in September 2008, Cattle (Bos taurus) were present at the large pool on the western end of the survey area (opportunistic site OP6). During April 2009, the feral Donkey (Equus asinus) and Cattle were noted by the presence of fresh scats in sites HD14 and HD15 respectively although no animals were seen.

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9 PROTECTED SPECIES

While protected species were discussed in detail in Ninox Wildlife Consulting (2008), this section has been repeated here with updates from this 2008-09 survey.

Ten native mammals, three reptiles and 16 birds are listed under the Australian Government EPBC Act 1999, the Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 or DEC’s Priority Fauna list. All of these are discussed in Table 10 with notes on their actual presence or likely occurrence in the Option 6 IC. Two mammals that are listed on the IUCN Red List but not on either Commonwealth or State legislation are also discussed.

McKenzie et al. (2002) state that threatening processes for fauna species at risk include habitat changes associated with land use, feral predators and grazing, mining, changed hydrology, weeds and changed fire regimes.

In order to clarify the potential occurrence of species of conservation significance within the Option 6 IC, the following definitions of the categories used in Table 10 include:

Unlikely – has not been recorded in the general area or preferred habitat is not present; Low – has not been recorded in the general area in the recent past; Moderate – has been recorded in the general area and/or preferred habitat is present; Seasonally High – a seasonal migrant or nomadic species that has a widespread distribution and/or has been recorded in close proximity to Option 6 IC; High – has been recorded in close proximity to the Option 6 IC and/or preferred habitat is present; Recorded – has been recorded within the Option 6 IC by Ninox.

The definitions are relatively broad and have been supported by the judgement of Ninox personnel as to whether the habitats present within the Option 6 IC will support the species listed in Table 10.

In order to place some of the judgements into a regional and/or local perspective, the results from a search of DEC’s rare fauna database (Appendix 11) has been used to show the closest locality and date that species shown on the Wildlife Conservation Act (1950) and Priority Fauna listings have been recorded. However, it must be recognised that this listing has limitations in that not all records are included in the database and that State, Commonwealth and World listings differ from one another.

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Table 10 List of species protected under the EPBC Act 1999, the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 or listed on DEC’s Priority Fauna list that have been recorded or are likely to occur withn the habitats of the Option 6IC. Species within animal groups are listed in order of conservation status. (Those species recorded during the survey of Option 6 IC have been highlighted in bold text.)

DEC list: IUCN EPBC WC DEC Pilbara Potential SPECIES Comments date & locality Red List 1999 1950 Priority # Endemic to Occur (Appendix 11) Native Mammals Colonies of this species are uncommon and scattered in a wide 1997 variety of habitats including shrublands and hummock grasslands, Mulga Downs Macrotis lagotis Schedule 1 Low to Vulnerable Vulnerable mainly in the central desert areas. However, several occurrences of Station (approx. Bilby Threatened Moderate this species were reported in Davis et al. (2005) in the vicinity of 110km N of the Fortescue Marshes some 100 km north-east of HD4. HD4) This small, beautiful bat has very stringent roost requirements; Churchill (2008) states that they require between 28 to 32oC and 96 to 100% relative humidity. Deep caves and underground mines 2006 Rhinonicteris aurantia Schedule 1 which have these conditions may support colonies of this bat. The Nullagine Low to (unnamed Pilbara form) Vulnerable Vulnerable Yes Threatened distribution of Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bats is dependent upon the (approx. 190km Moderate Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat availability of roosting sites rather than any particular habitat type. NE of HD4) There appears to be two strongholds for this species: the eastern and western Pilbara (Armstrong 2008). ecologia (2005) report that this species of marsupial has been 1989 Dasyurus hallucatus Schedule 1 recorded at Yarrie/Goldsworthy and within the Whaleback Mine Marble Bar Low to Lower Risk Vulnerable Northern Quoll Endangered area. The preferred habitat of this species includes rocky outcrops (approx. 230km Moderate and eucalypt woodlands. NE of HD4) This rock-wallaby never ventures far from the rocky hills it inhabits. It shelters in rocky crevices during the day, although it 1975 may be seen basking on rocks in the sun during cool weather. Petrogale lateralis Schedule 1 Newman Moderate Vulnerable Identification of this species is difficult due to the highly variable Black-footed Rock-wallaby Vulnerable (approx. 70km to High fur colour and markings; therefore, the latest date of 1975 may be SE of HD4) misleading. A similar species (Petrogale rothschildi) and an unidentified species were noted in ecologia (2005). 2001 This small macropod occurs patchily within the Pilbara region, Lagorchestes conspicillatus Panorama Low to Lower Risk P3 occupying areas where large clumps of spinifex provide shelter. Spectacled Hare-wallaby (approx. 220km Moderate Not recorded in any recent surveys in the eastern Pilbara region. NNE of HD4) This small, marsupial carnivore had not been recorded in the Pilbara region since 1940 until one specimen was located in rocky Sminthopsis longicaudata scree slope habitat during a biological survey of the Mt Channar Moderate P3 Not shown Long-tailed Dunnart area, approximately 100km west of HD4, in 1984 (Ninox 1985). to High Subsequently this species has been located in various locations through the Pilbara region, the Gascoyne and mid-west.

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DEC list: IUCN EPBC WC DEC Pilbara Potential SPECIES Comments date & locality Red List 1999 1950 Priority # Endemic to Occur (Appendix 9) This large, carnivorous, white bat roosts in both shallow and deep caves and has been found in abandoned mine shafts. Although widely distributed, colonies are scattered in a variety of habitats as 2006 diverse as the arid Pilbara and the tropical rainforests of Macroderma gigas Marble Bar Low to Vulnerable P4 Queensland (Richards et al. 2008). ecologia (2005) state that their Ghost Bat (approx. 120km Moderate preferred habitat in the Pilbara region are caves beneath bluffs of NNE of HD4) low rounded hills composed of Marra Mamba geology and granite rockpiles. As for the Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat, their presence is determined by the availability of suitable roosting sites. This small, native mouse is known from the Kimberley and Pilbara regions in Western Australia, although there may be some doubt as to the actual identification of this animal in this State. It is thought Leggadina lakedownensis that populations fluctuate widely in response to seasonal climatic Low to Lower Risk P4 Not shown Lakeland Downs Mouse conditions and the availability of seed. Very few records exist in Moderate the vicinity of Newman and HD4 but it was recorded during the Biota (2005) survey of the FMG Stage B rail corridor and mine areas. More common in the spinifex/sandplain areas of the desert east of the Pilbara, this native rodent was recorded by ecologia (2005) in Pseudomys desertor Lower Risk the East Angelas survey. Recorded during the survey of the Option Not shown High Desert Mouse 1 IC, immediately north of Option 6 IC (see Figure 1), in May 2008 but not within the Option 6 survey area. This small rodent is common in suitable habitat in the Pilbara region. Although difficult to trap, the identification of active pebble-mounds is readily achieved. Active and inactive mounds 2008 Pseudomys chapmani were recorded by Ninox Wildlife Consulting and a single Newman Recorded P4 Yes Pebble-mound Mouse female was trapped during the Apri 2009 survey. The Mattiske (approx. 70km by Ninox botanical team has also recorded active and inactive mounds SE of HD4) during their flora and vegetation survey within the Hope Downs 4 Project Area. Dasycercus blythi This species prefers spinifex on sandplain habitat which does not P4 Not shown Unlikely Brush-tailed Mulgara appear to be present within the Hope Downs 4 Project Area. This relatively large bat is widespread in the northern half of the State, foraging for food over most habitats. It roosts in tree Saccolaimus flaviventris Recorded Lower Risk hollows but may also use burrows of other species if no trees Not shown Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat by Ninox are available (Menkhorst and Knight 2001). Recorded during the survey (Table 5).

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DEC list: IUCN EPBC WC DEC Pilbara Potential SPECIES Comments date & locality Red List 1999 1950 Priority # Endemic to Occur (Appendix 9) REPTILES The Pilbara Olive Python prefers to inhabit areas where prey species congregate; pools in creeks or rocky ranges are particularly favoured. They have discrete home ranges although during June 2004 and July, males may travel long distances to locate females for Liasis olivaceus barroni Schedule 1 Newman Vulnerable Yes breeding (Burbidge 2004). The Pilbara Olive Python was observed High Pilbara Olive Python Vulnerable (approx. 70km at the Rhodes Ridge camp by the botanical team during their SE of HD4) preliminary survey of the Hancock – East Angelas Project Area. A photograph was sent to J. Henry of Ninox for confirmation of the identification. Once known only from Meenthena and Woodstock Stations, this 1990 Ctenotus nigrilineatus small striped skink has recently been located near Nullagine Marble Bar P1 Yes Moderate Skink (no common name) (Ninox 2007a and 2007b) and there is an unconfirmed record from (approx. 230km Hope Downs (Rapallo 2006). NE of HD4) 1995 This blind snake is known from widely separated localities Ramphotyphlops ganei Cathedral Gorge P1 Yes between Newman and Pannawonica (Wilson & Swann 2008). Moderate Blind Snake (no common name) (approx. 60km Thought to prefer moist gorges and gullies. SE of HD4) BIRDS Formerly patchily distributed in northern and inland Australia, this parrot is presumed extinct throughout most of its range. This nocturnal parrot was recorded during the Cloud Break survey 2005 Pezoporus occidentalis Critically Endangered Critically within the Mulga Downs Station (Davis et al. 2005) with three Mulga Downs Low Night Parrot Endangered Migratory Endangered individuals being observed on 12/4/05. This is a highly significant (approx. 110km sighting as there have been no confirmed reports of this bird in N of HD4) W.A since the 1930s. Spinifex grasslands and chenopod shrublands around salt lakes appear to be the preferred habitat of this parrot. While spending summer and autumn in the southern hemisphere, Apus pacificus Seasonally Fork-tailed Swifts are almost entirely aerial. They feed and sleep Not shown Fork-tailed Swift High on the wing and sometimes occur in extremely large flocks. Caladrius acuminata

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper JAMBA Caladrius subminuta CAMBA Although little suitable habitat, either natural or artificial, is present Long-toed Stint ROKAMBA Low to within the proposed Option 6 IC, these trans-equatorial shorebirds Not shown Tringa nebularia Moderate may occur sporadically if flooding occurs in low-lying areas. Common Greenshank Tringa hypoleucos

Common Sandpiper

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DEC list: IUCN EPBC WC DEC Pilbara Potential SPECIES COMMENTS date & locality Red List 1999 1950 Priority # Endemic to Occur (Appendix 9) This large white egret occurs in a range of wetland habitats Ardea alba JAMBA including floodwaters, rivers, estuaries and inter-tidal mudflats. Great Egret CAMBA Seasonal flooding in low-lying areas may attract this bird. Low to Caladrius ruficollis JAMBA Not shown Although little suitable habitat, either natural or artificial, is present Moderate Red-necked Stint ROKAMBA within the Option 6 IC, these trans-equatorial shorebirds may occur Caladrius melanotos JAMBA sporadically if flooding occurs in low-lying areas. Pectoral Sandpiper These birds are summer migrants to southern Australia but may be resident in the north. They prefer lightly wooded country, near Merops ornatus JAMBA water and preferably with sandy soils suitable for their breeding Not shown High Rainbow Bee-eater burrows, i.e. soils that are easy to excavate but firm enough to support burrows. This bird of prey occurs Australia-wide and has no particular habitat preference although it has adapted to nesting and roosting Falco peregrinus Schedule 4 on the artificial ‘cliffs’ in abandoned mine pits and on city Not shown High Peregrine Falcon buildings. Recorded within the proposed HD4 mining area (Ninox 2009a). 1997 Known from the northern half of Australia, this scarce bird of prey Falco hypoleucos Near Nullagine P4 appears to be nomadic and is more frequently observed in lightly Moderate Grey Falcon Threatened (approx. 190km wooded country and riverine plains. NE of HD4) 2008 This large bird is widespread throughout Australia with the Ardeotis australis Near Newman P4 exception of densely forested areas. It inhabits a range of Recorded Australian Bustard Threatened (approx. 70km habitats and is highly nomadic. SE of HD4) This unusual bird occurs in the Kimberley, Pilbara and the western 2005 half of the rest of the State. It appears to prefer lightly wooded Burhinus grallarius Near Nullagine Moderate P4 country, often with a ground surface of stones or pebbles. Bush Stone-curlew Threatened (approx. 190km to High Introduced predators are thought to have had a major impact on NE of HD4) this ground-dwelling species. 2008 Neochmia ruficauda Near This finch occurs mainly in association with waterside vegetation Newman Moderate P4 Star Finch Threatened along creeks and rivers but may be observed in irrigated crops. (approx. 70km to High SE of HD4) Known mainly from the Pilbara, Gascoyne and Murchison regions, Lacustroica whitei there are scattered records in the Western Australian Goldfields Moderate P4 Not shown Grey Honeyeater and northern portions of the Wheatbelt. This bird prefers Acacia to High scrub, particularly mulga communities. May be nomadic.

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10 DISCUSSION

10.1 Native Mammals

The low trapping results for small native mammals were typical of short-term surveys. For example, five species small, non-volant, native mammals were recorded in the two surveys conducted within the proposed Hope Downs 4 mining area approximately 25 km east of the Option 6 IC (Ninox 2009a) and eight species were recorded in two surveys at Cloud Break some 100 km north-east of the Hope Downs 4 Project Area (Davies et al. 2005). This compares to the nine from the two surveys of the Option 6 IC. Additional surveys increase the likelihood of capturing a greater diversity of small native mammals (Appendix 3) therefore, it can be expected that the non-volant, native mammal fauna of the survey area would be greater than what has been recorded to date. This appendix lists native mammals that have been both historically and recently recorded in the inland Pilbara region and it is unlikely that there will be any additional species potentially occurring within the Option 6 IC.

Of the nine species of bat recorded by the use of the Anabat, six were identified unambiguously, including the Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This result is also typical when compared to other areas, with eight species being recorded from Cloud Break.

Three species of Pilbara endemic mammal were recorded during the survey: the Kaluta (Dasykaluta rosamondae); the Pilbara Ningaui (Ninguai timealeyi) and the Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani).

10.1.1 Conservation Significance

More than 15% of the original Pilbara mammal fauna is considered to be extinct (McKenzie et al. 2002); therefore, many species that could potentially occur within the habitats of the Option 6 IC are of conservation significance. Three of the four Pilbara endemic species have been recorded along the Option 6 IC: the Kaluta (Dasykaluta rosamondae); the Pilbara Ningaui (Ninguai timealeyi) and the Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani). The fourth endemic species, the Pilbara Leaf- nosed Bat (Rhinonycteris aurantia) was not recorded but could be present, especially where suitable caves are present in the larger hills and ranges.

Of the 12 mammals of conservation significance discussed in Section 9, two have been recorded in the Option 6 IC to date: the Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) and Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris). One species, the Long-tailed Dunnart (Sminthopsis longicaudata) could possibly occur in rocky breakaways and scree slopes that are present within or adjacent to the Option 6 IC, the latter habitat is represented in site HD16. The Desert Mouse (Pseudomys desertor) was recorded within the Option 1 IC in May 2008 (Ninox 2009b) and there is a high possibility that it would be recorded within the Option 6 IC sites, particularly HD15. There is a moderate to high probability of the Black-footed Rock-wallaby (Petrogale lateralis) occurring in extremely rocky areas such as those in the vicinity of site HD16 where suitable crevices that provide daytime shelter occur. Where the infrastructure route turns north just beyond site HD16, there are several locations where there are narrow gaps between the hills; it is possible that the proposed infrastructure construction could have some impact on feeding areas and pathways of this species in these locations.

Six species have only a low to moderate probability of being present in the habitats that occur within the Option 6 IC, either because suitable habitat requirements are not present and/or the species has not been recorded in the eastern Pilbara for many years and could be locally extinct. The remaining species, the Brush-tailed Mulgara (Dasycercus blythi) is unlikely to occur as its preferred habitat of spinifex on sandplain is not present within the area surveyed during 2008-09.

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Table 11 provides a summary of those species of conservation significance that are known or that could potentially occur along the Option 6 IC surveyed during September 2008 and April 2009. Also discussed is the potential impact on each species. Species shown as having IUCN listing do not necessarily appear on either Australian or Western Australian listings.

10.2 Amphibians

Only one species of frog, Main’s Frog (Cyclorana maini) was recorded opportunistically during hand searching for SRE fauna in the vicinity of site HD12. The lack of active frogs in the sites HD11 to HD16 was not surprising given that there had been no rain prior to sampling; however, the lack of frogs in the large pool at opportunistic site OP6 was unusual. Similarly, only one species of frog was recorded during the Option 1 IC sampling period (Ninox 2009b) and none within the Hope Downs 4 mining area survey (Ninox 2009a). Only a single frog species was recorded during the Cloud Break survey (Davies et al. 2005).

There are no frogs of particular conservation significance likely to occur within the Option 6 IC, and there are no species endemic to the Pilbara region.

10.3 Reptiles

Thirty-two species of reptile were recorded during the September 2008 survey with 10 species being added during the April 2009 sampling session. The recording of 42 species of reptile from six sampling sites is a relatively good result from a two season survey and was almost certainly due to the extremely good condition of the habitats sampled. Only about 20% of Option 6 IC had been recently burnt compared to approximately 80% of Option 1, and, as stated earlier, much of the study area had not been subjected to fire for an extended amount of time resulting in the majority of habitats being in very good condition.

These results compare with 29 species recorded after two surveys within the proposed Hope Downs 4 mining area and 23 species from the Option 1 IC after one survey (Ninox 2009a and 2009b). Twenty- eight species were recorded during the Cloud Break survey (Davies et al. 2005).

10.3.1 Conservation Significance

Although no reptiles of conservation significance were recorded during the survey, three could occur; one, the Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceous barroni) is most likely to occur in the vicinity of site HD15 and OP6, or similar riverine habitat where birds congregate. One skink and one blind snake have a moderate probability of occurrence (Ctenotus nigrilineatus and Ramphotyphlops ganei), both are known from widely separated localities in the Pilbara region. All three of these reptile species are Pilbara endemic animals.

Table 11 shows the reptile species of conservation significance, their potential to occur within the Option 6 IC surveyed during September 2008 and April 2009, and the potential impact that development may have on the species.

10.4 Birds

Forty-seven species of bird were recorded in September 2008 and 44 in April 2009, with 29 species being recorded in both seasons. In total, 62 species have been recorded within the Option 6 IC during both systematic and opportunistic sampling. Overall, there was no discernable seasonal pattern in the birds observed in the survey area although several species of fairy-wren, grasswren and honeyeater

Ninox Wildlife Consulting – August 2009 Hope Downs 4 Option 6 Infrastructure Corridor: Fauna Survey 2008-09 35 that had been observed in site HD13 in September 2008 were absent during the April 2009 survey. The results from this survey are similar to those from the proposed Hope Downs 4 mining area survey when 66 species were recorded.

The results cannot be compared to those from Cloud Break as the survey effort differed between the two sampling periods in that area.

The majority of the bird species recorded are common and widespread in the arid regions of Western Australia; many are migratory or nomadic with only a small percentage being resident. These include the fairy-wrens, emu-wrens and grasswrens.

10.4.1 Conservation Significance

One of the birds of conservation significance discussed in Section 9 was recorded during the April 2009 survey of Option 6 IC: the Australian Bustard (Ardeotis australis). One seasonal visitor, the Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus), is likely to be present since this species was observed during sampling within the proposed Hope Downs 4 mining area (Ninox Wildlife Consulting 2009a).

Several additional species are only likely to occur following substantial rainfall, usually post-cyclonic conditions, including shorebirds such as the sandpipers and stints listed under international treaties (JAMBA, CAMBA and ROKAMBA). The Fork-tailed Swift (Apus pacificus) is observed, mainly during summer, sometimes in flocks of many thousands. However, because they rarely land and generally fly at great heights, they may not be detected by the casual observer.

Of the birds that are more likely to be resident or nomadic rather than seasonal or migratory, the most significant is the Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis) that was recorded during the Cloud Break survey (Davies et al. 2005), approximately 110km north-east of Hope Downs 4. The areas of unburnt spinifex in the vicinity of site HD14 may provide suitable habitat for them within the Option 6 IC survey area, although the inherent rarity of this bird makes it difficult to assess in a short-term survey.

Of the five remaining species, four could be present throughout the Option 6 IC. The Bush Stone- curlew (Burhinus grallarius) is a wide-ranging bird that may be present in any of the habitats sampled to date. Both the Grey Falcon (Falco hypoleucos) and Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) could hunt over much of the area and the latter is likely to roost on cliffs and rock ledges in the hills and ranges; site HD16 is the most likely area that this could occur within the area surveyed during September 2008 and April 2009. The Grey Honeyeater (Lacustroica whitei) prefers Acacia scrub, particularly mulga woodlands, and the Star Finch (Neochmia ruficauda) is most likely to be found in creeklines such as that represented by site HD15 and particularly OP6 where sedges are present. Only this latter species is likely to be resident within its preferred habitat in the survey area and could be affected if the quality of habitat is reduced due to altered drainage patterns from infrastructure construction.

Table 11 shows the bird species of conservation significance, their potential to occur within the Option 6 IC surveyed during September 2008 and April 2009, and the impact that development may have on the species.

10.5 Short Range Endemic Invertebrates

Potential SRE invertebrates collected within the Option 6 IC survey area during September 2008 comprised millipedes, scorpions and spiders. Of these, one potential SRE millipede was collected from site HD13 during September 2008. This site was located on the upper slopes of the ranges just south of the proposed alignment of the Option 6 IC route and should not be disturbed during construction or operation therefore, there should be no impact on this animal.

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10.6 Fauna Habitats

For the purposes of this document, the significance of the fauna habitats along the proposed Option 6 IC has been described as follows. The survey area occurs within the Pilbara Bioregion as defined in the Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) (Thackway and Cresswell 1995 and Environment Australia 2000). More specifically, it occurs within the Hamersley subregion (Kendrick 2001) in the southern section of the Pilbara Region. Fauna and/or their habitats may be regionally significant when discussed in the context of either the Pilbara Bioregion or the Hamersley subregion.

Within this context, no habitat surveyed along the Option 6 IC was considered by Ninox to be of regional significance. However, McKenzie et al. (2002) describe 35 Pilbara community types which may be considered ‘at risk’. These include freshwater wetlands and mulga communities, both of which occur within the Option 6 IC survey area.

While not defined under any legislation, some fauna habitats within a project area may be defined as locally significant because they:

 support rare or vulnerable species;  support specialised or habitat specific fauna;  are uncommon within the survey area; or  are restricted in area.

The communities (habitats) judged by Ninox to be of local significance are discussed below.

10.6.1 Riverine Woodlands

The eucalypt-lined creeks of the area are significant to vertebrate fauna in that they support a range of species, especially birds, not found in other habitats. It is likely that creeklines also support a wider range of frogs than the surrounding drier habitats. The minor creek sampled by site HD15 eventually drains into the large pool at the western end of the survey area (OP6 - see Plate 7 and Plate 11) and small creeks such as this provide corridors for the movement of animals, particularly birds, to move through the drier habitats in adjacent country. However, minor creeklines such as that characterised by site HD15 are well represented outside of the current survey area.

Given the potentially high concentration of birds within OP6, it is also possible that the Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceous barroni) occurs, as birds form a major dietary component of this large snake and the dense understorey of grasses, reeds and shrubs provide it with suitable cover.

Given the potentially high concentration of birds within OP6, it is also possible that the Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceous barroni) occurs, as birds form a major dietary component of this large snake and the dense understorey of grasses, reeds and shrubs provide it with suitable cover. This large, permanent pool, which lies on Weeli Wolli Creek, may be particularly locally significant as it supports species such as the Barking Owl and Western Bowerbird that were not recorded elsewhere during this survey. Given the significance of riparian vegetation such as this, it is likely that this location would support a greater range of bird species than that recorded in the current study. Wetland habitats such as this are listed as ‘at risk’ in the Hamersley sub-region (McKenzie et al. 2002). The pool at OP6 could be threatened by the presence of cattle that were noted during both the September survey, or by altered drainage patterns. While large permanent pools on well-vegetated creeklines were not well represented within the current survey area, similar habitat occurs further north at Weeli Wolli Spring and a similar array of species are likely to be found there.

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Plate 11 Opportunistic sampling site OP6.

10.6.2 Spinifex Grasslands

Areas of long-unburnt spinifex occur along the Option 6 IC (Plate 12; see also Plate 4) where the clumps are extremely large and cover much of the ground. These areas are likely to support a wide range of mammal and reptile species and, given that much of the surrounding country has been affected by relatively severe fires (Plate 13), this habitat will provide shelter from where they are able to colonise adjacent country as it recovers, although this may take many years.

Plate 12 Long-unburnt spinifex along the Option 6 IC.

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Plate 13 Recently burnt country in the vicinity of Option 6 IC. (Photo by M. Francesconi.)

Extremely large clumps of unburnt spinifex such as that in site HD14 were not noted in other areas surveyed during the Hope Downs 4 Project, including the proposed mining area and alternative Option 1 IC, much of which had been burnt in the previous one to two years (Ninox 2009a and 2009b).

10.6.3 Mulga Woodlands

Mulga thickets in the Pilbara Bioregion may be considered ‘at risk’. Extensive areas of mulga within the Option 6 IC had been recently burnt; therefore, the unburnt stands are ecologically significant as the litter layer is extensive and are a potential fauna habitat for some species of interest, particularly SREs. The more loamy soils in these woodlands are also likely to support a greater range of both vertebrates and invertebrates that shelter in burrows. While no native ground mammals were captured in the the mulga community in site HD11, it supported five species of bat, the highest species diversity of reptiles and one of the highest diversity and index of abundance of birds. Therefore, given the extent of the fire and the high biodiversity of animals in site HD11, this location is judged to be locally significant. However, other, more extensive areas of Mulga woodland are present in both the proposed Hope Downs 4 mining area and the alternative Option 1 IC.

11 POTENTIAL IMPACT

The effect of infrastructure development on fauna can be divided into two primary areas of impact:  clearing of vegetation for rail and power infrastructure, access roads, laydown areas etc;  changes to drainage patterns and subsequent effects on adjacent vegetation and fauna habitats; and  blasting for cut and fill through the narrow gaps in the ranges both within the Option 6IC and to the north-west.

While most birds, larger mammals and reptiles are able to avoid the impact of clearing for construction of infrastructure, most small mammals, reptiles and burrowing frogs will be unavoidably killed by the large machinery used for vegetation removal and ground preparation, or by exposure to predators. While the impact on individual animals is high, the clearing of vegetation will have very little impact on species at a regional level.

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As the more mobile species move away from areas being prepared for infrastructure, they inevitably cause disruption to adjacent populations. However, this is likely to have no more impact than the displacement caused by natural events such as flooding and fires caused by lightning.

The large eucalypts and paperbarks found near the large permanent pool (OP6) and major creeklines provide nesting and shelter habitat for a wide range of animals. For these reasons, infrastructure should be situated in such a way as to minimise potential impacts on major creeklines, especially in the vicinity of OP6. Changed drainage patterns will affect the quality of the vegetation in these major creeks; therefore, careful consideration should be given to construction of roads and other infrastructure in their vicinity. In addition, the continuing presence of Cattle in the vicinity of this pool and the subsequent impact on understorey vegetation, soils and water quality has the potential to affect the capacity of this habitat to support a range of terrestrial species.

Longer term, localised impacts are likely to result from collisions between fauna and vehicles servicing the infrastructure or using new roads for access within the corridor.

The following table shows the vertebrate fauna species of conservation significance that could potentially occur within Option 6 IC habitats, the likelihood of that presence based on previous records and habitat preferences, and the potential impact on those species from development and maintenance of infrastructure.

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Table 11 Summary of vertebrate fauna species of conservation significance recorded or that could potentially occur within the Option 6 IC with notes on the possible impact of development of this infrastructure and methods to counter this impact. Status 1 = Species listed under the EPBC Act 1999, the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 or listed in Appendix 10 under the Protected Matters Report. 2 = Species listed under DEC’s Priority Fauna list. 3 = Pilbara endemic species. 4 = IUCN listing.

Potential SPECIES Status Potential Impact Impact Reduction Stategies to Occur MAMMALS While more common in desert country, there are scattered populations of Should this species be located during this species in Acacia shrublands and hummock grasslands in the Pilbara surveying or construction activities, Region; however, no signs such as the burrow systems constructed by this appropriate management measures should be species were recorded during the survey. However, areas of suitable soil discussed with DEC. Macrotis lagotis Low to 1, 4 occur, mainly in the vicinity of creeklines such as site HD15. The relatively Bilby Moderate Reduced speed limits on access tracks and narrow area of disturbance for construction of infrastructure is unlikely to restrictions on night driving will reduce have a major impact on this species should it occur. impact on this species. However, any road Potential impacts include collisions between this species and vehicles kill specimens should be reported with between dusk and dawn and disturbance from noise and/or light. details on location, date and time. This small bat was not recorded during the survey although suitable roosting caves may occur in the larger hills and ranges, particularly in the western Blasting for cut and fill should be kept to an portion of the Option 6 IC. absolute minimum in the areas where narrow Rhinonicteris aurantia Low to 1,3,4 gaps in the hills and large cliffs occur. These Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat Moderate The impact on this species, should it be present, will only occur if blasting for cut and fill is undertaken where large cliffs form narrow gaps in the sites may contain suitable roosting caves. ranges. These bats are known to abandon roost sites when they are disturbed (Churchill 2008). Minimising habitat disturbance in rocky habitats and reduced speed limits on access Little suitable habitat for this species occurs within the Option 6 IC except in tracks and restrictions on night driving will the vicinity of site HD16. Additional Elliott trapping in this site did not reduce impact on this species. However, any Dasyurus hallucatus Low to road kill specimens should be reported with 1, 4 result in the capture of this species. Northern Quoll Moderate details on location, date and time. Potential impact includes loss and/or fragmentation of habitat, particularly in Should this species be located during rocky habitats, and collisions with vehicles between dawn and dusk. surveying or construction activities, appropriate management measures should be discussed with DEC.

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Potential SPECIES Status Potential Impact Impact Reduction Stategies to Occur The potential habitat for this wallaby occurs at the western end of the Option Blasting for cut and fill should be kept to an 6 IC route, in particular from site HD16, and north-west of this point. absolute minimum in the areas where narrow Petrogale lateralis Moderate gaps in the hills and large cliffs occur. These 1 The impact on this species, should it be present, will only occur if blasting Black-footed Rock-wallaby to High for cut and fill is undertaken in the vicinity of large cliffs in the ranges where sites may contain suitable caves and crevices suitable daytime shelter is present such as narrow rock overhangs and for diurnal shelter. crevices. If possible, re-routing the infrastructure The area of unburnt spinifex in the vicinity of site HD14 may provide corridor in the vicinity of site HD14, where suitable habitat for this small wallaby although none was located during the these areas of long-unburnt spinifex occur, would avoid fragmentation of this habitat. Lagorchestes conspicillatus Low to survey. 2, 4 Spectacled Hare-wallaby Moderate Reduced speed limits on access tracks and Fragmentation of habitat by construction of infrastructure and collisions with restrictions on night driving will reduce any vehicles between dawn and dusk are likely to be the main impact on this impact on this species. However, any road species should it occur. kill specimens should be reported with details on location, date and time. The scree slopes in the vicinity of site HD16 may provide suitable habitat for Keeping the clearing and levelling to an Sminthopsis longicaudata Moderate this species. absolute minimum in locations where scree 2 Long-tailed Dunnart to High Impact will occur during clearing of vegetation and levelling of the slopes occur will reduce the impact on this landscape in this and similar areas. species. This large bat was not recorded during the survey although suitable roosting caves may occur in the larger hills and ranges, particularly in the western Blasting for cut and fill should be kept to an absolute minimum in the areas where narrow Macroderma gigas Low to portion of the Option 6 IC. 2, 4 gaps in the hills and large cliffs occur. These Ghost Bat Moderate The impact on this species, should it be present, will only occur if blasting sites may contain suitable roosting caves. for cut and fill is undertaken where large cliffs form narrow gaps in the ranges. This native mouse occurs in a variety of environments, ranging from tropical Keeping clearing of vegetation to an Leggadina lakedownensis Low to to semiarid climates. In the Pilbara region they occur in spinifex and tussock 2, 4 absolute minimum will reduce the impact on Lakeland Downs Mouse Moderate grasslands and Acacia shrublands. this species. Impact will occur from fragmentation of habitat. This native mouse occurs throughout arid and semi-arid Australia and uses a Keeping clearing of vegetation to an Pseudomys desertor wide range of habitats.One individual was recorded from a creekline site 4 High absolute minimum will reduce the impact on Desert Mouse within the Option 1 IC survey (Ninox 2009). this species. Impact will occur from fragmentation of habitat.

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Potential SPECIES Status Potential Impact Impact Reduction Stategies to Occur Active mounds were recorded in site HD13 and several active mounds were recorded south of Option 1 en route to OP6. One individual was captured during April 2009 in site HD12. Maintaining clearing and levelling to the Pseudomys chapmani Recorded 2, 3 lower levels of the landscape will reduce the Pebble-mound Mouse by Ninox The mid- to upper-slopes and tops of the ranges are where the majority of active mounds are generally located. Given that the construction of impact on this species. infrastructure will be concentrated in the lower levels of the landscape, it is unlikely that there will be any impact on this species. Dasycercus blythi No suitable habitat for this species occurs within the area surveyed for the 2 Unlikely No impact reduction measurements required. Brush-tailed Mulgara Option 6 IC; therefore there will be no impact. Impact will be reduced by retaining as many Recorded by Ninox in sites HD14, HD15 and HD16, this bat roosts mainly of the larger eucalypts as possible along the in hollow branches of trees. The eucalypts in these sites are likely to provide Saccolaimus flaviventris Recorded proposed route. 4 suitable roosting sites for this bat. Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat by Ninox Any trees that have to be removed should be Loss of roosting sites by the removal of mature eucalypts will cause some retained as micro-habitat on the ground for impact on this species. other species of fauna. REPTILES Construction and other personnel should be The potential for this large, harmless snake to occur is high, especially in made aware of the conservation status of this habitats such as creeklines and gorges. The opportunistic site OP6 and the snake, the penalties for harming or creekline represented by site HD15 are the most likely places where this interfering with it, and instruction given on python could occur. its correct identification. Liasis olivaceus barroni 1,3 High Speed limits should be reduced in the Pilbara Olive Python Some direct mortality may occur due to increased vehicle movements in the area. Construction personnel may also kill this snake when identification is vicinity of creeklines to minimise collisions uncertain. Changes to drainage patterns due to construction of infrastructure, between this large snake and vehicles. and any subsequent impact on vegetation could also have some impact on Minimising clearing of vegetation in the this snake. vicinity of creeklines will reduce the impact of the habitat of this species. Latest survey results show that this species is more widespread than shown in Appendix 9; they have been located at Nullagine in 2007 (Ninox wildlife Keeping clearing of vegetation to an Ctenotus nigrilineatus Consulting 2007a and 2007b). An unconfirmed record for Hope Downs 1 is 2, 3 Moderate absolute minimum in areas of spinifex will Skink (no common name) shown in Rapallo (2006). May be found on a variety of substrates but appears to favour spinifex habitats. reduce the impact on this species. Fragmentation of habitat is likely to be the main impact on this species.

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Potential SPECIES Status Potential Impact Impact Reduction Stategies to Occur Appendix 9 states that very little is known about this blind snake. It has been Ramphotyphlops ganei recorded in Cathedral Gorge approximately 60km south-east of HD4, Keeping clearing of vegetation to an Blind Snake 2, 3 Moderate Newman and Mount Whaleback. Thought to prefer moist gorges and absolute minimum in gorges and gullies will (no common name) gullies. reduce the impact on this species. Fragmentation of habitat is likely to be the main impact on this species. BIRDS If possible, re-routing the infrastructure There is little suitable habitat for this bird within the Option 6 IC surveyed corridor in the vicinity of site HD14 where during September 2008 and April 2009. However, the areas of dense, areas of long-unburnt spinifex occur would unburnt spinifex may provide habitat although its actual presence would be avoid fragmentation of this habitat. Pezoporus occidentalis 1, 4 Low difficult to establish in a short-term survey. Night Parrot Reduced speed limits on access tracks and If present, the impact on this bird will occur from clearing of areas of dense restrictions on night driving will reduce any spinifex. There is also potential for collisions with vehicles to occur between impact on this species. However, any road dawn and dusk. kill specimens should be reported with details on location, date and time. As this bird feeds and sleeps on the wing and rarely lands while in the Apus pacificus Seasonally 1 southern hemisphere, and its occurrence will be seasonal and spasmodic, No impact reduction measures required. Fork-tailed Swift High there will be no impact on the species. Caladrius acuminata 1 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Caladrius subminuta 1 Long-toed Stint Tringa nebularia Seasonal flooding in low-lying areas within the Option 6 IC may result in 1 Common Greenshank suitable shallows and mudflats for feeding by these birds. However, this Tringa hypoleucos Low to event will be ephemeral and, given that areas such as this would be common 1 No impact reduction measures required. Common Sandpiper Moderate throughout the region following cyclonic events, there will be no impact of Ardea alba infrastructure construction on any of these species, especially as flooding 1 Great Egret would also temporarily prevent any construction activity. Caladrius ruficollis 1 Red-necked Stint Caladrius melanotos 1 Pectoral Sandpiper This bird burrows to create nesting chambers in sandy banks of creeks, for Minimising disturbance to sandy creek banks Merops ornatus example, the creek banks at site HD15 could provide suitable nesting sites. between September and February would 1 High Rainbow Bee-eater Disturbance to these areas between September and February may have some reduce the impact on the successful breeding impact on the breeding success of this species. by this bird.

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Potential SPECIES Status Potential Impact Impact Reduction Stategies to Occur This bird of prey is likely to hunt over most habitats especially where birds Blasting for cut and fill should be kept to an such as pigeons and ducks congregate. They roost and nest on cliffs and absolute minimum in the areas where narrow ledges in the hills and ranges throughout their distribution. They also use the gaps in the hills and large cliffs occur Falco peregrinus 1 High artificial perches provided by structures such as powerlines and poles. particularly during September, the main Peregrine Falcon Any impact on individuals would occur when construction activity in the breeding season for this bird in the Pilbara., vicinity of nesting areas coincides with breeding. The cliffs in the vicinity of the pool at OP6 may provide suitable nesting ledges for this bird. Considered to be nomadic, this bird of prey uses the nests of crows and other large birds to breed. It is most likely to find these in larger trees which occur Falco hypoleucos within creeklines such as site HD15 and OP6. In general, this bird of prey 2, 4 Moderate No impact reduction methods required. Grey Falcon prefers lightly wooded country, open stony plains and Acacia shrublands. Given the broad distribution and nomadic nature of this bird, it is unlikely that there will be any impact on the species. This nomadic bird can be seen in any relatively open country, including Reduced speed limits on access tracks will Ardeotis australis areas recently burnt (personal observations). minimise impact on this species. Any road 2, 4 Recorded Australian Bustard The main impact on this species is likely to be from collisions with kill specimens should be reported with vehicles on access tracks. details on location, date and time. A nocturnal bird, this species is rarely observed unless disturbed. It prefers Reduced speed limits on access tracks and lightly wooded country and nests on bare, stoney ground; the chicks are restrictions on night driving will reduce any Burhinus grallarius Moderate 2, 4 highly camouflaged against the pebbles. impact on this species. However, any road Bush Stone-curlew to High The main impact on this species is likely to be from collisions with vehicles kill specimens should be reported with on access tracks, mainly at night. details on location, date and time. The riverine habitat represented by site HD15 and OP6 is the most likely Disturbance to major creek and/or riverine Neochmia ruficauda Moderate habitat for this small, brightly coloured finch. 2, 4 habitat should be kept to an absolute Star Finch to High The impact on this species would come from damage to major creekline minimum to reduce impact on this finch. vegetation from construction activity or changed drainage patterns. This species of honeyeater has a very broad distribution, preferring the Acacia scrubs and woodlands of the arid zone. Keeping clearing of vegetation to an Lacustroica whitei Moderate 4 absolute minimum in Acacia shrublands will Grey Honeyeater to High Given the existing disturbance to Acacia shrublands from the recent fire, the clearing of a narrow portion of habitat is unlikely to have a major impact on reduce the impact on this species. this honeyeater.

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12 MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR FAUNA

In order to reduce the impact of infrastructure development on fauna, minimising of disturbance to their habitat is of most importance. Therefore, a series of general recommendations are given below. While many of these are already in place as part of the current work practices of Pilbara Iron, they have been listed in this document to reinforce their importance in maintaining healthy fauna habitats.  Construction of infrastructure in the vicinity of major creeklines, particularly the large permanent pool at 720 325mE and 7 448 588mN to the north-west of the Option 6 IC route should be minimised.  Avoidance of unnecessary clearing of vegetation beyond that strictly required.  Windrows of topsoil, log debris and leaf litter formed during clearing should be retained, as they create extremely good microhabitat for a large range of fauna, particularly reptiles.  Progressive rehabilitation of cleared areas such as laydown sites and access tracks where these are no longer required. Vegetation debris resulting from clearing in other areas should be used to assist with reducing erosion, to act as seed traps and prevent unauthorised access.  Strict speed limits along access tracks within the Option 6 IC route should be implemented to reduce collisions between fauna and vehicles.  A reporting procedure should be introduced to monitor any fauna deaths or injuries resulting from collisions with vehicles. Appropriate measures should be taken to ensure no injured animals are left untreated; they should be humanely destroyed if their injuries warrant such action.  Fire prevention and control strategies should be developed and implemented.  All subcontracting teams and permanent employees should be adequately briefed and made aware of the environmental constraints imposed on the project and themselves.  Firearms, trail bikes and pets should be excluded from the infrastructure corridor.  During construction, adequate rubbish disposal procedures should be applied, especially for food refuse, in order to discourage scavenging by crows, foxes and feral cats. Large numbers of these animals can have an adverse impact on other fauna.  Regular spot-checks for breaches of sound environmental practises are carried out by delegated individuals so that problems can be anticipated or rectified at an early stage.  Consideration should be given to preparing a brief handout on sound environmental practices which will be given to all members of subcontracting teams and permanent employees during site induction. The pamphlet should cover relevant aspects defined above.

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13 REFERENCES

Armstrong, K.N. (2008). Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat Rhinonicteris aurantia (unnamed Pilbara form) (Gray, 1845). In : Van Dyck, S & Strahan, R. (eds) (2008). The Mammals of Australia. Third Edition. Queensland Government & Queensland Museum. Cowan, M.A. & How R.A. (2004). Comparison of ground vertebrate assemblages in arid Western Australia in different seasons and decades. Rec. West. Aust. Mus. 22:2. Davis, R.A., Wilcox, J.A., Metcalf, B.M. & Bamford, M.J. (2005). Fauna survey of a proposed iron ore mine, Cloud Break. Unpublished report prepared for Fortescue Metals Group. Barrett, G., Silcocks, A., Barry, S., Cunningham, R. & Poulter, R. (2003). The new atlas of Australian birds. Birds Australia, Victoria. Biota Environmental Sciences (2005). Fauna habitats and fauna assemblage of the proposed FMG Stage B rail corridor and mine areas. Unpublished report to Fortescue Metals Group. Burbidge, A.A. (2004). Threatened animals of Western Australia. Dept. of Conservation and Land Management. Churchill, S. (2008). Australia Bats. 2nd Edition. Jacana Books, Allen & Unwin. Cogger, H.G. (1992). Reptiles and amphibians of Australia. Reed Books, Chatswood, NSW, Australia. Davis, R.A., Wilcox, J.A., Metcalf, B.M. & Bamford, M.J. (2005). Fauna survey of a proposed iron ore mine, Cloud Break. Unpublished report prepared for Fortescue Metals Group. ecologia Environmental (2005). East Angelas Project fauna survey October 2005. Unpublished report prepared for Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd. Environment Australia (2000). Revision of the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia (IBRA) and the Development of Version 5.1. - Summary Report. Department of Environment and Heritage, Canberra.

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

Ford, F. (2008). Delicate Mouse Pseudomys delicatulus (Gould, 1842). In: Van Dyck, S & Strahan, R. (eds) (2008). The Mammals of Australia. Third Edition. Queensland Government & Queensland Museum. Harvey, M.S. (2002). Short-range endemism in the Australian fauna: some examples from non-marine environments. Invertebrate Systematics 16. Horner, P. (2007). Systematics of the snake-eyed skinks, Cryptoblepharus Wiegmann (Reptilia:Squamata:Scincidae) – an Australian-based review. ‘The Beagle’ Records of the Museum and Art Galleries of NT. Suppl. 3. How, R.A. (1998). Long-term sampling of a herpetofaunal assemblage on an isolated urban bushland remnant, Bold Park, Perth. Jour. Roy. Soc. West. Aust. 81:3. Johnstone, R.E. and Storr, G.M. (1998). Handbook of Western Australian Birds Volume 1 - Non- passerines (Emu to Dollarbird). Western Australian Museum. Johnstone, R.E. and Storr, G.M. (2004). Handbook of Western Australian Birds Volume I1 - Passerines (Blue-winged Pitta to Goldfinch). Western Australian Museum. Kendrick, P (2001). Pilbara 3 (PIL3 – Hamersley subregion). In: May, J.E. and N.L. McKenzie (2003). A Biodiversity Audit of Western Australia’s Biogeographical Subregions in 2002. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth.

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Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd (2008). Flora and vegetation on the Hope Downs 4 infrastructure corridor. Unpublished report prepared for Pilbara Iron. McKenzie, N.l., May, J.E. & McKenna, S. (Eds) (2002). Bioregional Summary of the Biodiversity Audit for Western Australia. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth, WA. Menkhorst, P. & Knight, F. (2001). A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. Oxford University Press South Melbourne, Australia. Ninox Wildlife Consulting (1985). A vertebrate fauna survey of the Mount Channar area near Paraburdoo, Western Australia. Unpublished report prepared for Hamersley Iron Pty Ltd. Ninox Wildlife Consulting (2007a). An assessment of the habitat preferences of the Priority 1 skink Ctenotus nigrilineatus within the Golden Eagle project area, near Nullagine, Western Australia. Unpublished report for Wedgetail Exploration. Ninox Wildlife Consulting (2007b). A vertebrate fauna survey of the Golden Gate Project area, near Nullagine, Western Australia. Unpublished report for Wedgetail Exploration. Ninox Wildlife Consulting (2008). Vertebrate fauna habitat assessment, Hope Downs 4 Project Area, near Newman, Western Australia. Unpublished report prepared for: Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd on behalf of Pilbara Iron Company (Services) Pty Ltd. Ninox Wildlife Consulting (2009a). A Vertebrate Fauna Survey of the proposed Hope Downs 4 Mining Area, near Newman, Western Australia. Unpublished report prepared for: Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd on behalf of Pilbara Iron Company (Services) Pty Ltd. Ninox Wildlife Consulting (2009b). A vertebrate fauna survey of the proposed Hope Downs 4 Infrastructure Corridor Option 1, near Newman, Western Australia. Unpublished report prepared for: Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd on behalf of Pilbara Iron Company (Services) Pty Ltd. Rapallo (2006). A Vertebrate Fauna Survey of the Golden Eagle Deposit, Nullagine Region, Western Australia. Unpublished report prepared for Wedgetail Mining Limited. Richards, G.C., Hand, S, Armstrong, K.N. & Hall, L.S. (2008). Ghost Bat Macroderma gigas (Dobson, 1880). In: Van Dyck, S & Strahan, R. (eds) (2008). The Mammals of Australia. Third Edition. Queensland Government & Queensland Museum. Smith, L.A. & Adams, M. (2007). Revision of the Lerista muelleri species-group (Lacertilia: Scincidae) in Western Australia, with a redescription of L. muelleri (Fischer, 1881) and the description of nine new species. Rec. West. Aust. Mus. 23:4. Storr, G.M. (1984). Birds of the Pilbara Region, Western Australia. Rec. West. Mus. Suppl. No. 16. Storr, G.M., Smith, L.A. & Johnstone, R. E. (1983). Lizards of Western Australia. Vol. II. Dragons and Monitors. West. Aust. Mus. Perth. Storr, G.M., Smith, L.A. & Johnstone, R.E. (1990). Lizards of Western Australia. Vol. III. Geckos and Pygopods. West. Aust. Mus. Perth. Storr, G.M., Smith, L.A. & Johnstone, R.E. (1999). Lizards of Western Australia. Vol I. Skinks. West. Aust. Mus. Perth. Storr, G.M., Smith, L.A. & Johnstone, R.E. (2002). Snakes of Western Australia. West. Aust. Mus. Perth. Thackway, R. and Cresswell, I.D. (1995). An Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia: a framework for setting priorities in the national reserves system cooperative program. Australian Nature Conservation Agency Canberra.

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Thompson, G.G. and Thompson, S.A. (2002). Terrestrial fauna surveys: why when and how much? In: “The boundary fence and beyond”. Proceedings of 2002 workshop on Environmental Management in Arid and Semi-arid Areas, Goldfields Environmental Management Group, Boulder, Western Australia. Tyler, M.J., Smith, L.A. & Johnstone, R.E. (2000). Frogs of Western Australia. West. Aust. Mus. Perth. Van Dyck, S & Strahan, R. (eds) (2008). The Mammals of Australia. Third Edition. Queensland Government & Queensland Museum. Wilson, S.K. & Swann, G. (2008). A complete guide to reptiles of Australia. Reed New Holland, Australia. Woolley, P.A. (2008). Kaluta Dasykaluta rosamondae (Ride, 1964). In: Van Dyck, S & Strahan, R. (eds) (2008). The Mammals of Australia. Third Edition. Queensland Government & Queensland Museum.

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Appendix 1 Definition of Terms

Prior to any discussion of the significance of vertebrate fauna or their habitats a definition of terms is required. This section of the document describes the various Commonwealth and State Acts that cover rare, threatened and vulnerable vertebrate fauna species and was correct at the time of the preparation of this document. However, as changes are made to both State and Commonwealth legislation and new treaties are entered into, all current documentation regarding rare, threatened and vulnerable fauna should be periodically reviewed for any changes to the status of these animals in a given area.

Additionally, in any discussion of rare, threatened or vulnerable species, several aspects require clarification before the significance of these species can be considered in context of the development and operation of any mining or development project.

 Resident, habitat-specific rare fauna are much more susceptible to the influences of disturbance than nomadic or migratory species.  Not all rare species are equally susceptible to disturbance. Some rare species such as the Peregrine Falcon can accommodate the high levels of disturbance present in urban and rural environments.  The concept of species rarity is a dynamic process considerably influenced by the level of survey work carried out in a particular location and the climatic conditions prevailing at the time.

Protected Species - Commonwealth

The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) oversees the Acts described in this section and also the International Agreements described in the following section. All of these Acts can be viewed on DEWHA’s website: www.environment.gov.au.

In 1974, Australia signed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). As a result, an official list of endangered, vulnerable or presumed extinct species was constructed (Schedule 1) and is regularly updated (Endangered Species Protection Act 1992).

In July 2000 this Act was replaced by The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC 1999), which retained the schedule of threatened species of the Act it replaced.

The vertebrate fauna listed on the current schedule differs from the two State lists, although there are several species that appear on both, for example, the Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata), and the Giant Desert Skink (Egernia kintorei). There are six parts to the EPBC Act covering species that are:

1. extinct; 2. extinct in the wild; 3. critically endangered; 4. endangered; 5. vulnerable; 6. conservation dependent.

Set out below are the criteria for referral of a project under the EPBC Act (1999) for endangered and vulnerable fauna species.

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ENDANGERED An action has, will have, or is likely to have a significant impact on a critically endangered or endangered species if it does, will, or is likely to: * lead to a long-term decrease in the size of a population; * reduce the area of occupancy of the species; * fragment an existing population into two or more populations; * adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species; * disrupt the breeding cycle of a population; * modify, destroy, remove, isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline; * result in invasive species that are harmful to a critically endangered or endangered species becoming established in the endangered or critically endangered species´ habitat; * interfere with the recovery of the species.

VULNERABLE An action has, will have, or is likely to have a significant impact on a vulnerable species if it does, will, or is likely to: * lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population of a species; * reduce the area of occupancy of an important population; * fragment an existing important population into two or more populations; * adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species; * disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population; * modify, destroy, remove or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline; * result in invasive species that are harmful to a vulnerable species becoming established in the vulnerable species´ habitat; * interferes substantially with the recovery of the species.

International Agreements

A range of birds are listed under the Japan-Australia (JAMBA), China-Australia (CAMBA) and Republic of Korea/Australia (ROKAMBA) Migratory Bird Agreements. Most of the species listed on these three agreements are shorebirds associated with coastal zones or inland saline wetlands.

Protected Species - Western Australia

Currently in Western Australia, rare or endangered species are protected by the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act 1950). There are two Schedules that are relevant to the current study and these are:

 Schedule 1: fauna which are Rare or likely to become extinct, are declared to be fauna that is in need of special protection;  Schedule 4: declared to be fauna that is in need of special protection.

This Act is periodically reviewed and the current list of protected fauna can be viewed on DEC’s Faunabase website. Burbidge (2004) acknowledges however, that the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 is now outdated and a Biodiversity Conservation Bill is currently being prepared for introduction to Western Australia’s Parliament.

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Priority Species - Western Australia

The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) Priority Fauna List classifies species as:

 Priority 1 - taxa with few, poorly known populations on threatened lands. Taxa which are known from few specimens or sight records from one or a few localities on lands not managed for conservation, e.g. agricultural or pastoral lands, urban areas, active mineral leases. The taxon needs urgent survey and evaluation of conservation status before consideration can be given to declaration as threatened fauna.

 Priority 2 - taxa with few, poorly known populations on conservation lands. Taxa which are known from few specimens or sight records from one or a few localities on lands not under immediate threat of habitat destruction or degradation, e.g. national parks, conservation parks, nature reserves, State forest, vacant Crown land, water reserves, etc. The taxon needs urgent survey and evaluation of conservation status before consideration can be given to declaration as threatened fauna.

 Priority 3 - taxa with several, poorly known populations, some on conservation lands. Taxa which are known from few specimens or sight records from several localities, some of which are on lands not under immediate threat of habitat destruction or degradation. The taxon needs urgent survey and evaluation of conservation status before consideration can be given to declaration as threatened fauna.

 Priority 4 - taxa in need of monitoring. Taxa which are considered to have been adequately surveyed, or for which sufficient knowledge is available, and which are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection, but could be if present circumstances change. These taxa are usually represented on conservation lands.

 Priority 5 - taxa in need of monitoring. Taxa which are not considered threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program, the cessation of which would result in the species becoming threatened within five years.

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Appendix 2 List of native mammal species recorded in the Option 6 IC and known to occur in the eastern Pilbara.

Data Sources WAM - WA Museum Ninox - 1985; 1986; 1992; 1995. ecologia - 1995; 1998a and b; 2004a, b, c, d, e; 2005. Davies et al. - Davis, R.A., Wilcox, J.A., Metcalf, B.M. & Bamford, M.J. 2005. Ninox 08 - Hope Downs 4 Project Area (Hope Downs 4 mining area; Option 1 IC; Option 6 IC). Conservation Status 1 = Species listed under the EPBC Act 1999, the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 or listed in Appendix 10 under the Protected Matters Report. 2 = Species listed under DEC’s Priority Fauna list 3 = Pilbara endemic species 4 = IUCN Listing

Data Sources Ninox 08 Davies HD4 Status WAM Ninox ecologia OP1 IC OP6 IC et al. Mine Number of Surveys 4 9 1 2 1 1 NATIVE MAMMALS TACHYGLOSSIDAE Tachyglossus aculeatus Echidna X X DASYURIDAE Dasykaluta rosamondae Kaluta 3 X X X X X X X Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll 1 X Ningaui timealeyi Pilbara Ningaui 3 X X X X X X Planigale maculata 1 Common Planigale X X X? X X Pseudantechinus roryi Rory’s Antechinus X Pseudantechinus woolleyae Woolley's Pseudantechinus X X Sminthopsis longicaudata Long-tailed Dunnart 2 X X Sminthopsis macroura Striped-faced Dunnart X X X X Sminthopsis ooldea Ooldea Dunnart X X X Sminthopsis youngsoni Lesser Hairy-footed Dunnart X THYLACOMYIDAE Macrotis lagotis Bilby 1 X X X MACROPODIDAE Macropus robustus Euro X X X X X Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo X X X X X Petrogale lateralis Black-footed Rock-wallaby 1 X Petrogale rothschildi Rothschild's Rock-wallaby X X? X Lagorchestes conspicillatus Spectacled Hare-wallaby 2 MEGADERMATIDAE Macroderma gigas Ghost Bat 2 X X X HIPPOSIDERIDAE Rhinonycteris aurantius Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat 1 & 3 EMBALLONURIDAE Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat X X X X X X X Taphozous georgianus Common Sheathtail-bat X X X X X X X Taphozous hilli Hill's Sheathtail-bat X X X MOLOSSIDAE Chaerephon jobensis Northern Freetail-bat X X X X X Mormopterus beccarii Beccari's Freetail-bat X X X

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Data Sources Ninox 08 Davies HD4 Status WAM Ninox ecologia OP1 IC OP6 IC et al. Mine Number of Surveys 4 9 1 2 1 1 Mormopterus planiceps Little Mastiff-bat X Nyctinomus australis White-striped Freetail-bat X X X X VESPERTILIONIDAE Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat X X X X X X X Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat X X Nyctophilus bifax Eastern Long-eared Bat X X Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat X X X X Nyctophilus bifax Northern Long-eared Bat X? Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat X Nyctophilus sp. Unidentified Long-eared Bat X Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat X X X X X Vespadelus finlaysoni Finlayson’s Cave Bat X X X X X X X MURIDAE Leggadina lakedownensis Lakeland Downs Mouse 2 X Notomys alexis Spinifex Hopping-mouse X X X Pseudomys chapmani Western Pebble-mound Mouse 3 X X X X X X X Pseudomys delicatulus2 Delicate Mouse X Pseudomys desertor Desert Mouse X X X X Pseudomys hermannsburgensis Sandy Inland Mouse X X X X Zyzomys argurus Common Rock-rat X X X X X CANIDAE Canis lupus dingo Dingo X X X X TOTAL NUMBER OF SPECIES 33 28 29 17 15 10 11

1 Planigale species are currently under taxonomic review. 2 Pseudomys delicatulus may represent a distinct species in arid areas (Ford 2008).

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Appendix 3 Report from Specialised Zoological on the presence of bat species within the Hope Downs Project Area (HD4 mining area and Option 6 infrastructure corridor).

Bat call identification

from Hope Downs 4

Type: Bat Call Analysis

Prepared for: Ninox Wildlife Consulting

Date: 20 October 2008

Job No.: SZ068

Prepared by: Specialised Zoological Kyle Armstrong and Yuki Konishi ABN 92 265 437 422 0404 423 264 [email protected] [email protected]

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SUMMARY

Bat identifications from Anabat echolocation call recordings are provided from Hope Downs, Western Australia. Eight species were identified with a ‘medium’ to ‘high’ level of confidence (Table 1). No species of conservation significance were recorded.

There were many sequences that could not be identified reliably to one species. The calls of the yellow-bellied sheath-tailed bat Saccolaimus flaviventris can sometimes be confused with those of the northern free-tailed bat Chaerephon jobensis. In most cases the calls appeared to be from S. flaviventris, however several sequences might have been from either species – these instances are indicated in Table 1. The calls of long-eared bats Nyctophilus spp. are typically difficult to identify to species, and the sequences identified as Nyctophilus sp. may derive from either the lesser long-eared bat Nyctophilus geoffroyi or the pallid long-eared bat Nyctophilus bifax daedalus. The common sheath-tailed bat Taphozous georgianus can produce calls with a variety of structures. Several sequences below 25 kHz could have been derived from either T. georgianus, C. jobensis, or Beccari’s free-tailed bat Mormopterus beccarii. In the Pilbara, sequences over 50 kHz are usually from Finlayson’s cave bat Vespadelus finlaysoni, however some had pulses with the characteristic shape of the chocolate wattled bat Chalinolobus morio. Capture would be required to distinguish these four species pairs / clusters described above.

Details supporting the identifications are provided, as recommended by the Australasian Bat Society (ABS 2006). A summary of pulse parameters is provided in Table 2, and representative call sequences are illustrated in Figure 1. Further data is available should verification be required.

METHODS

Signals as recorded with an Anabat SD1 unit were supplied as downloaded sequences, which were examined in AnalookW 3.5f software. Three call variables were measured on good quality search phase pulses in representative call sequences: pulse duration (milliseconds), maximum frequency (kHz) and characteristic frequency (equivalent to minimum frequency; kHz). Species were identified based on information in McKenzie and Muir (2000). Nomenclature follows Armstrong and Reardon (2006).

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REFERENCES ABS (2006). Recommendations of the Australasian Bat Society Inc for reporting standards for insectivorous bat surveys using bat detectors. The Australasian Bat Society Newsletter 27: 6–9. [ISSN 1448-5877]

Armstrong, K. and Reardon, T. (2006). Standardising common names of bats in Australia. The Australasian Bat Society Newsletter 26: 37–42.

McKenzie, N.L. and Muir, W.P. (2000). Bats of the southern Carnarvon Basin, Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum Supplement 61: 465–477.

TABLE 1. See after Table 2.

TABLE 2. Summary of variables from representative call sequences.

1 Duration Max Frequency Char frequency Species s,p 2 2 2 (msec) (kHz) (kHz) Gould’s wattled bat 6.0 ± 1.3 46.8 ± 7.4 32.2 ± 1.4 3,34 Chalinolobus gouldii 4.0 – 8.7 33.6 – 60.4 29.4 – 35.0 Chocolate wattled bat 5.3 ± 0.7 61.6 ± 3.8 54.9 ± 0.8 1,20 Chalinolobus morio 3.8 – 7.3 55.4 – 72.7 53.7 – 57.3 Beccari’s free-tailed bat 10.4 ± 1.3 24.9 ± 0.7 22.5 ± 0.4 2,23 Mormopterus beccarii 7.4 – 12.5 23.6 – 25.9 21.8 – 23.3 Unidentified long-eared bat 2.8 ± 0.9 65.9 ± 4.1 45.5 ± 2.1 1,13 Nyctophilus sp. 1.3 – 3.8 57.1 – 69.9 42.8 – 48.8 Northern free-tailed bat Chaerephon jobensis / 11.9 ± 2.6 23.3 ± 2.3 18.0 ± 1.2 5,58 Yellow-bellied sheath-tailed bat 5.3 – 15.8 18.2 – 31.7 15.7 – 20.1 Saccolaimus flaviventris Little broad-nosed bat 6.0 ± 1.2 43.5 ± 4.2 36.6 ± 0.8 3,28 Scotorepens greyii 3.2 – 7.6 38.9 – 57.8 35.2 – 38.6 Common sheath-tailed bat 8.7 ± 1.8 25.6 ± 0.4 24.6 ± 0.2 2,14 Taphozous georgianus 5.8 – 11.6 25.0 – 26.1 24.2 – 24.8 Finlayson’s forest bat 5.0 ± 1.0 72.8 ± 8.0 56.2 ± 1.1 1,22 Vespadelus finlaysoni 3.6 – 7.9 58.6 – 87.4 54.4 – 58.8

1 s,p: number of sequences measured, combined total number of pulses measured; 2 Mean ± SD; range.

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TABLE 1. Species identifications, with the degree of confidence indicated by a code. See Table 2 for full species names. (Option 6 IC results are shown in bold text.)

C. C. C. M. Nyctophilus S. S. T. V. Date Site gouldii jobensis morio beccarii sp. flaviventris greyii georgianus finlaysoni Serial 3725 Rhodes Outstation H — — — — — H H H 13/09/2008 Camp Rhodes Outstation H — — — — — H H H 14/09/2008 Camp 15/09/2008 Eagle Rock Falls H M — — — H H H H 16/09/2008 Eagle Rock Falls — — — — — — H H — 17/09/2008 HD4 H M — — — H H H H 18/09/2008 HD4 H — — — — — H M H 19/09/2008 HD11 H — — — — M H H H 20/09/2008 HD13 — — — — — — — — — 21/09/2008 HD1 H — — — — M H H — 22/09/2008 HD11 H — — — — — — — H 23/09/2008 HD16 H — — — — — — — H 24/09/2008 HD14 — — — — — — — — — Serial 4497 15/09/2008 Ecologia site 1 H — — — M H H H H 16/09/2008 HD5 H M M — — H H H H 17/09/2008 HD3 gully H M — — — H H H H 18/09/2008 HD3 gully — — — — — — — — — 19/09/2008 Option 6 pool H — — — — — H — H 20/09/2008 Option 6 pool H — — — — — H — H 21/09/2008 Option 6 pool H — — — — H — — H 22/09/2008 HD12 H — — — — — — H H 23/09/2008 HD15 H — — — — H H H H 24/09/2008 HD14 H — — — — H H H H

Continued over …

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Definition of confidence level codes in Table 1: R Reference. Capture of the species was made at the site, and the identification is supported by measurements, a Reference call recording, and/or submission of a specimen/tissue to a museum. H High. Unambiguous identification of the species at the site based on measured call characteristics and comparison with available reference material. M Medium. Either call quality was poor, or the species cannot be distinguished reliably from another that makes similar calls. Alternative identifications are indicated in the Summary section of this report. If this is a species of conservation significance, further survey work might be required to confirm the record.

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FIGURE 1A. Representative call sequences of the eight species identified (time is compressed between pulses).

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FIGURE 1B. Representative call sequences of the eight species identified (time is compressed between pulses).

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Appendix 4 Report from Specialised Zoological on the presence of bat species within the Option 6 infrastructure corridor during April 2009.

Bat call identification

from Hope Downs, WA

Type: Bat Call Analysis

Prepared for: Ninox Wildlife Consulting

Date: 2 June 2009

Job No.: SZ105

Prepared by: Specialised Zoological Kyle Armstrong and Yuki Konishi ABN 92 265 437 422 0404 423 264 [email protected] [email protected]

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SUMMARY

Bat identifications from Anabat echolocation call recordings are provided from Hope Downs, Western Australia. At least seven species were identified as being present, with the possibility of others that cannot be reliably distinguished from each other based on acoustic recordings (Table 1).

Some sequences could not be identified reliably to one species. The calls of the yellow- bellied sheath-tailed bat Saccolaimus flaviventris can sometimes be confused with those of the northern free-tailed bat Chaerephon jobensis. In most cases the calls appeared to be from S. flaviventris. In addition, the calls of Beccari’s free-tailed bat Mormopterus beccarii, common sheath-tailed bat Taphozous georgianus and Hill’s sheath-tailed bat T. hilli are similar are difficult to distinguish reliably, and could not be separated.

Details supporting the identifications are provided, as recommended by the Australasian Bat Society (ABS 2006). A summary of pulse parameters is provided in Table 2, and representative call sequences are illustrated in Figure 1. Further data is available should verification be required.

METHODS

Signals as recorded with an Anabat SD1 unit were downloaded and examined in AnalookW 3.7a software. Three call variables were measured on good quality search phase pulses in representative call sequences: pulse duration (milliseconds), maximum frequency (kHz) and characteristic frequency (equivalent to minimum frequency; kHz). Species were identified based on information in McKenzie and Muir (2000). Nomenclature follows Armstrong and Reardon (2006). Species designations of Churchill (2008) are not followed until formal publication of the relevant taxonomic study.

REFERENCES ABS (2006). Recommendations of the Australasian Bat Society Inc for reporting standards for insectivorous bat surveys using bat detectors. The Australasian Bat Society Newsletter 27: 6–9. [ISSN 1448-5877]

Armstrong, K. and Reardon, T. (2006). Standardising common names of bats in Australia. The Australasian Bat Society Newsletter 26: 37–42.

Churchill, S.K. (2008). Australian bats. 2nd ed. Allen and Unwin, Crows Nest, NSW.

McKenzie, N.L. and Muir, W.P. (2000). Bats of the southern Carnarvon Basin, Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum Supplement 61: 465–477.

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TABLE 1. Species identifications, with the degree of confidence indicated by a code. Date correlates with site; see Table 2 for full species names.

C. gouldii / jobensis C. flaviventris S. / M. beccarii georgianus T. S. greyii australis T. / georgianus T. hilli T. finlaysoni V. Date Site Serial 3725 21/04/2009 HD14A H NC NC H — NC H 23/04/2009 HD16 H — — H H NC H 24/04/2009 HD11 H — — — H — H 26/04/2009 HD11 H NC NC H H — H Serial 4497 21/04/2009 HD14B H — NC — — NC H 23/04/2009 HD16 — — — H — NC H 24/04/2009 HD12 H NC — H H NC H 25/04/2009 HD13 H — NC H H NC H 26/04/2009 HD16 H NC NC H H NC H

Definition of confidence level codes: H High. Unambiguous identification of the species at the site based on measured call characteristics and comparison with available reference material. Greater confidence in this ID would come only after capture and supported by morphological measurements or submission of a specimen/tissue to a museum. NC Needs Confirmation. Either call quality was poor, or the species cannot be distinguished reliably from another that makes similar calls. Alternative identifications are indicated in the Summary section of this report. If this is a species of conservation significance, further survey work might be required to confirm the record.

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TABLE 2. Summary of variables from representative call sequences.

Max Char Duration Species s,p1 Frequency frequency (msec)2 (kHz)2 (kHz)2 Gould’s wattled bat 7,59 6.2 ± 1.6 52.1 ± 9.8 32.8 ± 1.2 Chalinolobus gouldii 0.7 – 9.1 32.1 – 65.6 30.3 – 35.7 Northern free-tailed bat Chaerephon jobensis / 3,22 10.5 ± 2.3 22.2 ± 1.1 17.3 ± 1.9 Yellow-bellied sheath-tailed bat 5.8 – 13.9 20.6 – 25.0 13.1 – 20.1 Saccolaimus flaviventris Beccari’s free-tailed bat Mormopetrus beccarii / 3,13 11.4 ± 2.0 25.6 ± 1.6 23.9 ± 1.2 Common sheath-tailed bat 8.6 – 15.6 23.6 – 29.7 22.1 – 25.6 Taphozous georgianus Little broad-nosed bat 3,24 4.9 ± 1.0 61.0 ± 6.6 39.0 ± 1.5 Scotorepens greyii 2 – 6.5 49.4 – 72.1 37.8 – 45.2 White-striped free-tailed bat 5,28 11.7 ± 2.2 15.7 ± 2.3 11.4 ± 0.5 Tadarida australis 6.5 – 14.5 12.3 – 21.7 10.6 – 12.3 Common sheath-tailed bat Taphozous georgianus / 2,13 11.4 ± 3.0 28.1 ± 1.1 25.5 ± 0.3 Hill’s sheath-tailed bat 7.4 – 16.5 26.9 – 29.9 25.1 – 26.4 Taphozous hilli Finlayson’s cave bat 3,31 5.0 ± 1.1 61.8 ± 3.4 55.6 ± 1.2 Vespadelus finlaysoni 1.0 – 6.7 54.2 – 71.8 53.7 – 58.0

1 s,p: number of sequences measured, combined total number of pulses measured; 2 Mean ± SD; range.

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FIGURE 1A. Representative call sequences of the species identified (time is compressed between pulses).

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FIGURE 1B. Representative call sequences of the species identified (time is compressed between pulses).

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Appendix 5 List of amphibian and reptile species recorded in the Hope Downs 4 Project Area and known to occur in the eastern Pilbara. Data Sources WAM - WA Museum Ninox - 1986; 1992; 1995. ecologia - 1995; 1998a and b; 2004a, b, c, d and e; 2005. Davies et al. - Davis, R.A., Wilcox, J.A., Metcalf, B.M. & Bamford, M.J. 2005. Ninox 08 - Hope Downs 4 Project Area (Hope Downs 4 mining area; Option 1 IC; Option 6 IC). Conservation Status 1 = Species listed under the EPBC Act 1999, the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 or listed in Appendix 10 under the Protected Matters Report. 2 = Species listed under DEC’s Priority Fauna list 3 = Pilbara endemic species

Data Sources Ninox 08 Davies HD4 Status WAM Ninox ecologia OP1 IC OP6 IC et al. Mine Number of Surveys 4 9 1 2 1 1 AMPHIBIANS HYLIDAE Frogs Cyclorana maini X X X X X Cyclorana platycephala X X Litoria rubella X X X X MYOBATRACHIDAE Frogs Opisthodon spenceri X X X Neobatrachus centralis X Neobatrachus sutor X Notaden nichollsi X X Uperoleia russelli X X X REPTILES TOTAL NUMBER OF SPECIES 7 5 6 1 0 1 1 CHELUIDAE Freshwater Turtles Chelodina steindachneri X X X AGAMIDAE Dragons Caimanops amphiboluroides X X X X X Ctenophorus caudicinctus X X X X X X X Ctenophorus isolepis X X X Ctenophorus nuchalis X X X Ctenophorus reticulatus X X X X X Diporiphora valens 3 X X X Lophognathus longirostris X X X X X X X Pogona minor X X X X X X Tympanocryptis cephalus X GEKKONIDAE Geckos Crenadactylus ocellatus X X Diplodactylus conspicillatus X X X X Diplodactylus mitchelli 3 X Diplodactylus pulcher X X X X Diplodactylus savagei 3 X X X X X Diplodactylus squarrosus X Diplodactylus stenodactylus X X Gehyra pilbara X X X

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Data Sources Ninox 08 Davies HD4 Status WAM Ninox ecologia OP1 IC OP6 IC et al. Mine Number of Surveys 4 9 1 2 1 1 Gehyra punctata X X X X Gehyra purpurascens X X Gehyra variegata X X X X X X X Heteronotia binoei X X X X X X Heteronotia spelea 3 X X X X Lucasium stenodactylum X X X Lucasium wombeyi 3 X X X Nephrurus levis pilbarensis X X Nephrurus milii X X Nephrurus wheeleri cinctus 3 X X X X Oedura marmorata X X X Rhynchoedura ornata X X X X Strophrurus ciliaris X X Strophurus elderi X X X Strophurus jeanae X X Strophurus wellingtonae X X X X X Strophurus wilsoni X PYGOPODIDAE Legless Lizards Delma borea X Delma butleri X X X Delma elegans 3 X X X Delma haroldi X X X X Delma nasuta X X X X X Delma pax X X X X X Delma tincta X X X X X Lialis burtonis X X X X X X Pygopus nigriceps X X X X SCINCIDAE Skinks Carlia munda X X X X X X X Carlia triacantha X? X? X Cryptoblepharus carnabyi1 X? X? X? Cryptoblepharus plagiocephalus 1 These species have Cryptoblepharus buchananii X recently been X? X? X? X? separated from within Cryptoblepharus ustulatus the Cryptoblepharus X complex Ctenotus ariadnae X Ctenotus duricola 3 X X X X X X Ctenotus grandis titan 3 X X Ctenotus hanloni X Ctenotus affin. helenae X X X X X X Ctenotus leonhardii X X Ctenotus nasutus X Ctenotus nigrilineatus 2 & 3 Ctenotus pantherinus ocellifer X X X X X X X Ctenotus piankai X X Ctenotus rubicundus 3 X X X X Ctenotus rutilans 3 X X X X X X

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Data Sources Ninox 08 Davies HD4 Status WAM Ninox ecologia OP1 IC OP6 IC et al. Mine Number of Surveys 4 9 1 2 1 1 Ctenotus saxatilis X X X X X X X Ctenotus schomburgkii X X X X X X Ctenotus serventyi X X Ctenotus uber X X Cyclodomorphus melanops X X X X X X Egernia depressa X X Egernia formosa X X X Egernia pilbarensis 3 Egernia striata X Eremiascincus richardsonii X X X Lerista flammicauda 3 X Lerista labialis X X Lerista muelleri 1 X X X Lerista amicorum These species have Lerista clara recently been X? X? X? X? Lerista jacksoni separated from within Lerista rhodonoides the L. muelleri Lerista vehmens complex Lerista neander 3 X X X Lerista zietzi 3 X X X Menetia greyii X X X X Menetia surda 3 X X X X Morethia ruficauda exquisita X X X X X Notoscincus ornatus X X Proablepharus reginae X X Tiliqua multifasciata X X X X X X X VARANIDAE Monitors Varanus acanthurus X X X X X X Varanus brevicauda X X X X Varanus bushi X X Varanus caudolineatus X X X X Varanus eremius X Varanus giganteus X X X Varanus gilleni X X Varanus gouldii X X Varanus panoptes rubidus X X X X Varanus pilbarensis 3 X X X Varanus tristis X X X X X TYPHLOPIDAE Blind Snakes Ramphotyphlops ammodytes 3 X X X Ramphotyphlops ganei 2 & 3 X Ramphotyphlops grypus X X X X Ramphotyphlops hamatus X X X Ramphotyphlops pilbarensis 3 Ramphotyphlops waitii X X BOIDAE Pythons Antaresia perthensis X X X Antaresia stimsoni X X

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Data Sources Ninox 08 Davies HD4 Status WAM Ninox ecologia OP1 IC OP6 IC et al. Mine Number of Surveys 4 9 1 2 1 1 Aspidites melanocephalus X X X X X Liasis olivaceus barroni 1 & 3 X X ELAPIDAE Venomous Snakes Acanthophis wellsi 3 X X X X X Brachyurophis approximans X X X Demansia psammophis cupreiceps X X X X Demansia rufescens 3 X X X Furina ornata X X Parasuta monachus X X X X Pseudechis australis X X X X Pseudonaja modesta X X Pseudonaja nuchalis X X X Simoselaps bertholdi X X Suta fasciata X X X Suta punctata X Vermicella snelli 3 X X X TOTAL NUMBER OF SPECIES 104 93 80 25 29 23 33

1 Cryptoblepharus species and the Lerista muelleri group have undergone recent taxonomic review and these records may represent several species.

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Appendix 6 List of bird species recorded in the Hope Downs 4 Project Area and known to occur in the eastern Pilbara.

Data Sources BA - Birds Australia WAM - WA Museum Ninox - 1986; 1992; 1995. ecologia - 1995; 1998a and b; 2004a, b, c, d, e; 2005. Davies et al. - Davis, R.A., Wilcox, J.A., Metcalf, B.M. & Bamford, M.J. 2005. Ninox 08 - Hope Downs 4 Project Area (Hope Downs 4 mining area; Option 1 IC; Option 6 IC). Conservation Status 1 = Species listed under the EPBC Act 1999, the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 or listed in Appendix 10 under the Protected Matters Report. 2 = JAMBA; CAMBA; ROKAMBA. 3 = Species listed under DEC’s Priority Fauna list 4 = Pilbara endemic species

Data Sources Ninox 08 Davies HD4 OP1 OP6 Status BA WAM Ninox ecologia et al. Mine IC IC Number of Surveys 4 9 1 2 1 1 NON-PASSERINE BIRDS CASUARIIDAE Dromaius novaehollandiae Emu X X X X PHASIANIDAE Coturnix pectoralis Stubble Quail X Coturnix ypsilophora Brown Quail X X ANATIDAE Cygnus atratus Black Swan X X X X Tadorna tadornoides Australian Shelduck X X Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck X X Anas gracilis Grey Teal X X X Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck X X Malacorhynchus membranaceus Pink-eared Duck X X X Aythya australis Hardhead X PODICIPEDIDAE Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Australasian Grebe X X Poliocephalus poliocephalus Hoary-headed Grebe X X ANHINGIDAE Anhinga melanogaster Darter X X PHALACROCORACIDAE Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Little Pied Cormorant X X Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Little Black Cormorant X X ARDEIDAE Ardea pacifica White-necked Heron X X X Ardea novaehollandiae White-faced Heron X X X X X Ardea alba Great Egret 1 & 2 X X Nycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night Heron X X THRESKIORNITHIDAE Threskiornis aethiopica Sacred Ibis X X Threskiornis spinicollis Straw-necked Ibis X X X Platalea flavipes Yellow-billed Spoonbill X ACCIPITRIDAE

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Data Sources Ninox 08 Davies HD4 OP1 OP6 Status BA WAM Ninox ecologia et al. Mine IC IC Number of Surveys 4 9 1 2 1 1 Elanus notatus Black-shouldered Kite X X X Hamirostra melanosternon Black-breasted Buzzard X X X X Milvus migrans Black Kite X X X X Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite X X X X X Hamirostra isura Square-tailed Kite X X Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk X X X Accipiter cirrhocephalus Collared Sparrowhawk X X X X X Aquila morphnoides Little Eagle X X X X Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle X X X X X X X Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier X X X X X Circus approximans Swamp Harrier X FALCONIDAE Falco berigora Brown Falcon X X X X X X X X Falco cenchroides Australian Kestrel X X X X X X Falco longipennis Australian Hobby X X X X X Falco hypoleucos Grey Falcon 1 X X X Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon 1 X X X X X RALLIDAE Gallinula ventralis Black-tailed Native-hen X X X Porzana tabuensis Spotless Crake X X OTIDIDAE Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard 3 X X X X X X TURNICIDAE Turnix velox Little Button-quail X X X X X X SCOLOPACIDAE Caladrius acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper 2 X X Caladrius melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper 2 X Caladrius ruficollis Red-necked Stint 2 X X Caladrius subminuta Long-toed Stint 2 X X Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank 2 Tringa hypoleucos Common Sandpiper 2 X X BURHINIDAE Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew 3 X X X RECURVIROSTRIDAE Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt X Recurvirostra novaehollandiae Red-necked Avocet X CHARADRIIDAE Vanellus tricolor Banded Lapwing X Charadrius ruficapillus Red-capped Plover X X Charadrius melanops Black-fronted Plover X X X X Erythrogonyus cinctus Red-kneed Dotterel X X Peltohyas australis Inland Dotterel X LARIDAE Chlidonias hybrida Whiskered Tern X Larus novaehollandiae Silver Gull X X COLUMBIDAE Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing X X X X X X X Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon X X X X X X

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Data Sources Ninox 08 Davies HD4 OP1 OP6 Status BA WAM Ninox ecologia et al. Mine IC IC Number of Surveys 4 9 1 2 1 1 Geophaps plumifera Spinifex Pigeon X X X X Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove X X X X X X X Geopelia striata Peaceful Dove X X X X PSITTACIDAE Calyptorhynchus banksii Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Cacatua roseicapilla Galah X X X X X X X X Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella X X X X X X Nymphicus hollandicus Cockatiel X X X X Pezoporus occidentalis Night Parrot 1 X Platycercus zonarius Australian Ringneck X X X X X X X X Platycercus varius Mulga Parrot X X X Neophema elegans Elegant Parrot X Neophema bourkii Bourke's Parrot X X X X X Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar X X X X X X X X CUCULIDAE Cuculus pallidus Pallid Cuckoo X X X X X Chryoscoccyx osculans Black-eared Cuckoo X X Chrysococcyx basalis Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo X X X X X X X Centropus phasianus Pheasant Coucal X STRIGIDAE Ninox connivens Barking Owl X X X X X Ninox novaeseelandiae Boobook Owl X X X X X X TYTONIDAE Tyto alba Barn Owl X X X X PODARGIDAE Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth X X X X CAPRIMULGIDAE Eurostopodus argus Spotted Nightjar X X X X X X AEGOTHELIDAE Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar X X X X X X APODIDAE Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift 2 X HALCYONIDAE Dacelo leachii Blue-winged Kookaburra X X X X X Todiramphus pyrrhopygia Red-backed Kingfisher X X X X X X Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher X X X X MEROPIDAE Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater 2 X X X X X PASSERINE BIRDS CLIMACTERIDAE Climacteris melanura Black-tailed Treecreeper X X X X MALURIDAE Malurus splendens Splendid Fairy-wren X X X Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren X X X X X X X X Malurus leucopterus White-winged Fairy-wren X X X X X X X Stipiturus ruficeps Rufous-crowned Emu-wren X X X X X X Amytornis striatus Striated Grasswren X X X X X X PARDALOTIDAE

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Data Sources Ninox 08 Davies HD4 OP1 OP6 Status BA WAM Ninox ecologia et al. Mine IC IC Number of Surveys 4 9 1 2 1 1 Pardalotus rubricatus Red-browed Pardalote X X X X Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote X X X X X X X ACATHIZIDAE Calamanthus campestris Rufous Fieldwren X Pyrrholaemus brunneus Redthroat X X X X X Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill X X X X X X X Gerygone fusca Western Gerygone X X X X X X X X Acanthiza apicalis Broad-tailed Thornbill X X X X X X Acanthiza robustirostris Slaty-backed Thornbill X X X X Acanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill X X X X X X Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Yellow-rumped Thornbill X X X X Aphelocephala nigricincta Banded Whiteface X Aphelocephala leucopsis Southern Whiteface X X MELIPHAGIDAE Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater X X X X X Certhionyx niger Black Honeyeater X X X Certhionyx variegatus Pied Honeyeater X X X Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater X X X X X X X X Lichenostomus keartlandi Grey-headed Honeyeater X X X X X X X Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater X X X X X X X Lichenostomus plumulus Grey-fronted Honeyeater X X X Melithreptus gularis Black-chinned Honeyeater X X X X X X Phylidonyris albifrons White-fronted Honeyeater X X X X Lacustroica whitei Grey Honeyeater 3 X X X Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner X X X X X X X Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater X X X X X X X Ephthianura aurifrons Orange Chat X X X Epthianura tricolor Crimson Chat X X X X PETROICIDAE Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin X X X X X X Petroica cucullata Hooded Robin X X X X X X X POMATOSTOMIDAE Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler X X X X X X X X Pomatostomus superciliosus White-browed Babbler X X X X X CINCLOSOMATIDAE Psophodes occidentalis Western Wedgebill X X Cinclosoma castaneothorax Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush X X X X NEOSITTIDAE Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sittella X X X X X PACHYCEPHALIDAE Oreoica gutturalis Crested Bellbird X X X X X X X X Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler X X X X X X X X Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush X X X X X X X DICRURIDAE Rhipidura albicauda White-tailed Fantail X X Rhipidura fuliginosa Grey Fantail X X X X X X X Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail X X X X X X X Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark X X X X X X X

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Data Sources Ninox 08 Davies HD4 OP1 OP6 Status BA WAM Ninox ecologia et al. Mine IC IC Number of Surveys 4 9 1 2 1 1 CAMPEPHAGIDAE Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike X X X X X X X X Coracina maxima Ground Cuckoo-shrike X X X X X Lalage tricolor White-winged Triller X X X X X ARTAMIDAE Artamus leucorhynchus White-breasted Woodswallow X Artamus personatus Masked Woodswallow X X X X X Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow X X X X X X X X Artamus cyanopterus Dusky Woodswallow X X Artamus minor Little Woodswallow X X X X CRACTICIDAE Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird X X X X X X X Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird X X X X X X X Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie X X X X X CORVIDAE Corvus orru Torresian Crow X X X X X X X Corvus bennetti Little Crow X X X X PTILONORHYNCHIDAE Ptilonorhynchus guttata Western Bowerbird X X X X X HIRUNDINIDAE Cheramoeca leucosternum White-backed Swallow X X X Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow X X Hirundo nigricans Tree Martin X X X X X Hirundo ariel Fairy Martin X X SYLVIIDAE Megalurus gramineus Little Grassbird X X Eremiornis carteri Spinifexbird X X X X X X Cinclorhamphus mathewsi Rufous Songlark X X X Cinclorhamphus cruralis Brown Songlark X X X X ALAUDIDAE Mirafra javanica Singing Bushlark X X X X X DICAEIDAE Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird X X X X PASSERIDAE Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch X X X X X X Neochmia ruficauda Star Finch 2 X X X X Emblema pictum Painted Firetail X X X X X MOTACILLIDAE Anthus australis Australian Pipit X X X X X X TOTAL NUMBER OF SPECIES 144 60 129 105 92 66 37 45

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Appendix 7 Western Australian Museum report on the invertebrate fauna, specifically short range endemic species, within the Hope Downs 4 Project Area, including the Option 6 IC.

The Short-Range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna of Hope Downs 4, Western Australia

Report to Ninox Wildlife Consulting 23 December 2008

Volker W. Framenau and Mark S. Harvey

Department of Terrestrial Invertebrates, Western Australian Museum, Locked Bag 49, Welshpool DC, Western Australia 6986, Australia

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Summary

The samples from Hope Downs 4 submitted to the Western Australian Museum in 2008 included spiders (Barychelidae: Synothele; Idiopidae: Anidiops), pseudoscorpions in the family Atemnidae (Oratemnus) and Olpiidae (Beierolpium, Indolpium), scorpions in the family Buthidae: Lychas), and millipedes in three orders (Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae: Antichiropus; Polyxenida: Polyxenidae; Spirobolida: Pachybolidae: Austrostrophus).

Putative short-range endemic taxa at Hope Downs 4 include:

• ?Antichiropus sp. (juv.) (site HD4-13, specimen no. 29). This juvenile paradoxosomatid millipede is most likely a member of Antichiropus. However, species identification is only possible based on an examination of the gonopod of adult male specimens and further collecting is advised to clarify the identification of this species.

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Short-Range Endemism

The terrestrial invertebrate fauna of inland Australia contains a plethora of species, and the arthropods alone were recently estimated to consist of more than 250,000 species (Yeates et al. 2004). The vast majority of these are found within the Insecta and Arachnida, although significant numbers of millipedes are to be expected. For many years, the prospect of including invertebrates in assessments of biological systems subject to alteration proved daunting and were largely ignored as being too diverse and too difficult to comprehend to satisfy the rapid turn-around needed for environmental surveys.

In a recent publication, the issue of Short-Range Endemism in the Australian invertebrate fauna was examined (Harvey 2002), and series of major groups were nominated as having a very high proportion of individual species that satisfied a certain set of criteria. The main criterion nominated for inclusion as a Short-Range Endemic (SRE) was that the species had a naturally small range of less than 10,000 km2. Harvey (2002) found that those species possessed a series of ecological and life-history traits, including: • poor powers of dispersal; • confinement to discontinuous habitats; • usually highly seasonal activity during cooler, wetter periods; and • low levels of fecundity.

The Western Australian fauna contains a number of SRE taxa, including millipedes, land snails, trap-door spiders, some pseudoscorpions, slaters, and onychophorans. The south coast region is relatively well known compared with other regions of the state but there are many poorly known species and gaps in our understanding of the distributions of many species.

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Hope Downs 4 The short-range endemic fauna of Hope Downs 4 was assessed by examination of mygalomorph spiders, pseudoscorpions, scorpions, and millipedes preserved in ethanol, submitted to the Western Australian Museum for identification on the 16 October 2008 (WAM accession no. A6553). The specimens were examined using Leica dissecting microscopes (MZ6, MZ16) and an Olympus compound microscope (BH-2).

ARANEAE (spiders) Infraorder Mygalomorphae (Trapdoor Spiders) Synothele sp. ‘near karara’ (family Barychelidae) Members of the Barychelidae, the “Brush-footed Trapdoor Spiders” are cryptic spiders. Their burrow often lacks the firm and thick door of the Idiopidae or the extensive web of the Dipluridae (Raven 1994). Two specimens of Synothele were found at Hope Down 4, one of which was missing the abdomen so that species identification is impossible (Appendix 1). The second specimen was identified as Synothele sp. ‘near karara’ by Robert Raven (Queensland Museum). It is not a short-range endemic species.

Anidiops sp. (family Idiopidae) The mygalomorph spider family Idiopidae includes a number of genera in Western Australia, including Anidiops, Gaius, Arbanitis, Euoplos, Blakistonia, Cataxia, Eucyrtops, Idiosoma and Misgolas (Main 1985; Raven & Wishart 2005). They comprise the ‘typical’ trap door spiders, i.e. those species that usually close the burrow with a hinged door. Spiders of this family are abundant, in particular in relatively stable habitats in temperate to tropical regions (Main 1985). The genus Anidiops (including its current junior synonym Gaius) is common throughout Western Australia. Two species are currently described (A. manstridgei and A. villosus). Unpublished research by Barbara Main, University of Western Australia, suggests that both Anidiops and Gaius represent valid genera with Anidiops having generally a more northern distribution (B.Y. Main, personal communication). The Anidiops specimens collected at Hope Downs are female and juvenile, however accurate species identification is only possible for males. It is unlikely that Anidiops includes many short-range endemic species.

PSEUDOSCORPIONS The Western Australian pseudoscorpion fauna is fairly diverse with representatives of 17 different families. They are found in a variety of biotopes, but can be most commonly collected from the bark of trees, from the underside of rocks, or from leaf litter habitats. The

Ninox Wildlife Consulting – August 2009 Hope Downs 4 Option 6 Infrastructure Corridor: Fauna Survey 2008-09 80 pseudoscorpion fauna of Hope Downs 4 was found to consist of species in two different families, Atemnidae and Olpiidae (Appendix 1).

Family Atemnidae Oratemnus sp. Three female specimens of Oratemnus were collected during the survey. Atemnids are frequently found under bark of trees in Western Australia, but the systematics of the group, particularly of the genus Oratemnus, is uncertain and the taxonomy of individual species unclear. However, based upon current evidence, it seems that most species will eventually be found to be widely distributed. For this reason, we do not believe that the specimens collected at Hope Downs 4 represent a short-range endemic species.

Family Olpiidae Olpiids are found in most regions of the world, but are mostly found in xeric habitats. They occur under stones, in leaf litter and under bark of trees. Two specimens in the genera Beierolpium and Indolpium were collected at Hope Downs 4 (Appendix 1). Most Olpiidae are not considered short-range endemics.

Beierolpium sp. (family Olpiidae) A single female specimen of this species was collected at Hope Downs 4 (Appendix 1). The systematic status of members of this genus in the Pilbara has not been fully assessed, but it is very unlikely that this species represents a short-range endemic species.

Indolpium (family Olpiidae) A single immature specimen of Indolpium was collected during the survey (Appendix 1). Extremely similar specimens have been collected from other regions of Western Australia, suggesting that only a single species is involved. Based on our current levels of knowledge, it appears that this species is not a short-range endemic species.

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SCORPIONS Lychas (family Buthidae) Species of Lychas are abundant across all of mainland Australia (Koch 1977), as well as adjacent parts of south-eastern Asia. All species are generally quite small with slender pedipalps and mottled colouration.

Lychas bituberculatus-group Three specimens of the Lychas bituberculatus-group were collected at Hope Downs 4. The group is fairly widespread throughout the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of Western Australia, as well as in the Northern Territory. Recent morphological examinations of material of this group suggested it to consist of more than one species; however the taxonomy is poorly resolved (E. Volschenk pers. comm.). It is unlikely that any member of this group represents a short-range endemic species.

Lychas ‘harveyi’-group (family Buthidae) Five specimens of this group were found at Hope Downs 4 (Appendix 1). The group is widespread throughout the Pilbara region of Western Australia, and it is unlikely that it contains any short-range endemic species.

Lychas ‘Pilbara sp. 1’ (family Buthidae) Two specimens of this species were found at Hope Downs 4 (Appendix 1). It is rarely collected but apparently fairly widespread throughout the Pilbara region of Western Australia (E. Volschenk pers. comm.). It is not considered a short-range endemic species.

DIPLOPODA (Millipedes) Order Polydesmida Genus Antichiropus (family Paradoxosomatidae) Millipedes are an extremely diverse group of animals, with representatives of nine different orders found in Australia (Harvey & Yen 1989). The most abundant and diverse millipede group in Western Australia is the genus Antichiropus of the family Paradoxosomatidae. This genus was first named in 1911 for seven species (Attems, 1911), and additional species were added by Jeekel (1982) and Shear (1992). As the result of large field surveys and taxonomic work at the Western Australian Museum, the genus is now known to consist of over 110 species, ranging as far north as the Pilbara, and extending onto the Nullarbor Plain and the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia (Figure 1). With the exception of Antichiropus variabilis, which inhabits the jarrah forests of south-western WA, all species of the genus are

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Fig. 1: Records of Antichiropus (Paradoxosomatidae) in Western Australia (WAM collection).

Although the vast majority of Antichiropus species currently lack formal taxonomic descriptions and scientific names, one of the authors of this report (MSH) has spent the past decade comparing different species of the genus and assigning temporary codes to each of the species. The distinction between species is largely based upon differences in the structure of the male gonopods. These are modified legs on the seventh abdominal segment that are used to store sperm prior to mating. After courtship, the male mounts the female and inserts the gonopods into her genital orifice, transferring a sperm packet. The sperm then becomes mobilised and swims along the genital duct before fertilising the eggs. The shape of the gonopod of each Antichiropus species is different, making the identification of individual species a relatively simple task. These differences in gonopod morphology have been used in millipede taxonomy for 150 years, and have been shown to be good indicators of valid biological species.

?Antichiropus sp. (juv.) A juvenile of a paradoxosomatid millipede, most likely representing the genus Antichiropus, was taken at Hope Downs 4 (Appendix 1). Detailed examination of male gonopods is required to assess the identification of this species, therefore necessitating further collecting. It is likely that this specimen represents a short-range endemic species.

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Order Polyxenida Family Polyxenidae Genus ? sp. The taxonomy of the Australian polyxenid fauna is very poorly resolved and the status of the samples from Hope Downs 4 is uncertain. However, polyxenid millipedes are not uncommon throughout Western Australia and often appear in plague-like proportions throughout the northern parts of the state (Koch 1985). The specimen presented is highly unlikely to represent a short-range endemic species.

Order Spirobolida

Austrostrophus sp. (family Pachybolidae) The samples from Hope Downs 4 included juveniles, females and fragments of the pachypolid genus Austrostrophus. A single species is currently known from northern Western Australia, A. stictopygus, and it is possible that the specimens belong to this species (Hoffman 2003). However, accurate species identification requires the examination of the male genitalia (gonopods). It is unlikely that the Austrostrophus specimens represent a short- range endemic species.

REFERENCES

Attems, C.G. 1911. Myriopoda exkl. Scolopendridae. In Michaelsen, W. and Hartmeyer, R. (eds), Die Fauna Südwest-Australiens, vol. 3: 147-204. Gustav Fischer: Jena. Harvey, M. S. (2002) Short-range endemism in the Australian fauna: some examples from non-marine environments. Invertebr. Syst., 16, 555. Harvey, M. S. and Yen, A. L. (1989). Worms to Wasps. An Illustrated Guide to Australia's Terrrestrial Invertebrates. Melbourne, Oxford University Press. 203pp. Harvey, M. S., Sampey, A., West, P. L. J. and Waldock, J. M. (2000). The Chilopoda and Diplopoda of the southern Carnarvon Basin, Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum 61: 323-333. Hoffman, R. L. (2003). A new genus and species of trigoniuline milliped from Western Australia (Spirobolida: Pachybolidae: Trigoniulinae). Records of the Western Austalian Museum 22: 17-22. Jeekel, C. A. W. (1982). Millipedes from Australia, 1: Antichiropodini from South Australia (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae). Bulletin Zoologisch Museum, Universiteit van Amsterdam 8: 121-132.

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Koch, L. E. (1977) The taxonomy, geographic distribution and evolutionary radiation of Australo-Papuan scorpions. Records of the Western Australian Museum, 5, 83. Koch, L. E. (1985). Pincushion millipedes (Diplopoda: Polyxenida): their aggregations and identity in Western Australia. Western Australian Naturalist 16: 30-32. Main, B. Y. (1985). Further studies on the systematics of ctenizid trapdoor spiders: a review of the Australian genera (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Ctenizidae). Australian Journal of Zoology, Supplementary Series 108: 1-84. Raven, R. J. and Wishart, G. (2005). The trapdoor spider Arbanitis L. Koch (Idiopidae: Mygalomorphae) in Australia. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 51: 531-557. Raven, R. J. (1994). Mygalomorph spiders of the Barychelidae in Australia and the western Pacific. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 35: 291-706. Shear, W.A. 1992. A new genus and two new species of millipedes from the Cape Range, Western Australia (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae). Records of the Western Australian Museum 15, 777-784. Yeates, D. K., M. S. Harvey & A. D. Austin (2004) New estimates for terrestrial arthropod species-richness in Australia. Records of the South Australian Museum, Monograph Series, 7, 231.

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Appendix 1. Location data of SRE survey from Hope Downs 4

REGNO ORDER FAMILY GENUS SPECIES SITE LATITUDE LONGITUDE SPECNUM 93439 Spirobolida HD4-11, 41 23°06`05.22"S 119°17`30.48"E 8 93440 Spirobolida Pachybolidae Austrostrophus `sp. (females)` HD4-13, 28 23°06`13.62"S 119°16`47.76"E 5 93441 Spirobolida Pachybolidae Austrostrophus `sp. (females)` HD4-13, 30 23°06`13.62"S 119°16`47.76"E 1 93442 Polyxenida Polyxenidae HD4-15, 21 23°05`30.66"S 119°11`16.92"E 80 93443 Spirobolida Pachybolidae Austrostrophus `sp. (female)` HD4-3, 9 23°09`11.82"S 119°31`44.52"E 1 93444 Spirobolida Pachybolidae Austrostrophus `sp. (fragment)` HD4-15, 22 23°05`30.66"S 119°11`16.92"E 1 93445 Spirobolida Pachybolidae Austrostrophus `sp. (fragment)` HD4 Eage R. F 23°06`10.86"S 119°34`55.68"E 1 93446 Spirobolida Pachybolidae Austrostrophus `sp. (fragment)` HD4-12, 32 23°06`22.68"S 119°17`30.72"E 1 93447 Polydesmida Paradoxosomatidae Antichiropus `sp. (juv.)` HD4-13, 29 23°06`13.62"S 119°16`47.76"E 2 93448 Pseudoscorpiones Atemnidae Oratemnus HD4 Eagle R. F 23°06`10.86"S 119°34`55.68"E 1 93449 Pseudoscorpiones Atemnidae Oratemnus HD4-3 Gully, 12 23°09`12.48"S 119°31`58.26"E 2 93450 Polyxenida Polyxenidae HD4-3 Gully, 12 23°09`12.48"S 119°31`58.26"E 1 93451 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `harveyi group` HD4-11, 43 23°06`05.22"S 119°17`30.48"E 1 93452 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `Pilbara sp. 1` HD4-15, 25 23°05`30.66"S 119°11`16.92"E 1 93453 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `harveyi group` HD4-11, 36 23°06`05.22"S 119°17`30.48"E 1 93454 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `harveyi group` HD4-11, 35 23°06`05.22"S 119°17`30.48"E 1 93455 Scorpiones Buthidae Isometroides `sp. (female)` HD4-11, 37 23°06`05.22"S 119°17`30.48"E 1 93456 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `bituberculatus gp` HD4-2, 7 23°08`45.36"S 119°31`34.56"E 1 93457 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `bituberculatus gp` HD4-13, 31 23°06`13.62"S 119°16`47.76"E 1 93458 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `bituberculatus gp` HD4-12, 34 23°06`22.68"S 119°17`30.72"E 1 93459 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `Pilbara sp. 1` HD4-2, 8 23°08`45.36"S 119°31`34.56"E 1 93460 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `harveyi group` HD4-5, 15 23°07`42.18"S 119°30`32.10"E 1 93461 Scorpiones Buthidae Lychas `harveyi group` HD4-5, 16 23°07`42.18"S 119°30`32.10"E 1 93462 Araneae Barychelidae Synothele `sp. (no abd.)` HD4-16, 20 23°05`28.98"S 119°10`16.74"E 1 93463 Araneae Idiopidae Anidiops `sp. (juv.)` HD4-14B, 27 23°05`33.12"S 119°12`21.12"E 1 93464 Araneae Idiopidae `?Anidiops` `sp. (juv.)` HD4-11, 40 23°06`05.22"S 119°17`30.48"E 1 93465 Araneae Barychelidae Synothele `near karara` HD4-3, 10 23°09`11.82"S 119°31`44.52"E 1 93466 Araneae Idiopidae Anidiops HD4-11, 38-39 23°06`05.22"S 119°17`30.48"E 1 93964 Pseudoscorpiones Olpiidae Beierolpium HD4-3 Gully 23°09`12.48"S 119°31`58.26"E 1 93965 Pseudoscorpiones Olpiidae Indolpium HD4-3 Gully 23°09`12.48"S 119°31`58.26"E 1

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Appendix 8 Western Australian Museum report on the mollusc fauna, specifically short range endemic species, within the Hope Downs 4 Project Area, including the Option 6 IC.

Final Report to Ninox Wildlife

Consulting

Molluscs from the area of Hope Downs, Western Australia,

collected by Ninox Wildlife Consulting during September, 2008

Shirley Slack-Smith and Corey Whisson January 2009

Department of Aquatic Zoology (Molluscs), Western Australian Museum Locked Bag 49, Welshpool DC, Western Australia 6986

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Background

Samples of snail specimens, collected by staff of the environmental consultancy company, Ninox Wildlife Consulting, were presented for identification and comment to the Department of Aquatic Zoology (Mollusc Section), Western Australian Museum on the 16th of October 2008 (WAM Accession No. A6554).

The samples had been collected at a number of sites during a short-range endemic survey of the Hope Downs “Four” area, approximately 100 kilometres north-west of Newman in the Pilbara area of WA. This follows an earlier survey (March 2008) of this area by Ninox Wildlife Consulting (see Whisson and Slack-Smith 2008). Specimen and habitat data, including the collecting dates and methods, and the site co-ordinates were provided with the specimens (see Table 1).

Procedures

Snail specimens in the samples of molluscs were examined and sorted under a Leica MZ95 dissecting microscope, and compared with descriptions and figures in relevant publications and with dry and preserved specimens in the Mollusc Collections of the Western Australian Museum.

Apart from the specimens collected by the same staff of Ninox Wildlife Consulting during their May, 2008 survey, the non-marine molluscs from the area around the Hope Downs tenements are not well represented in the Western Australian Museum. So all material from this survey has been registered and lodged in the Mollusc Collections of the Western Australian Museum as valuable additions to the Museum’s holdings.

Results

The specimens in the samples belong to the terrestrial snail families Bulimulidae; Pupillidae and Subulinidae and to the freshwater families Lymnaeidae and Planorbidae (see Table 1). Species identifications are necessarily based, both in this instance and in previous examinations of survey material, exclusively on shell characters that, in these families, may vary only slightly within a genus.

All of the species identified from this survey are considered to form part of the indigenous Western Australian fauna.

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Table 1 – Hope Downs Four Survey Sites

Site Co-ordinates and Habitat Identification Collecting Date HD 4-2 23°08.756’S No molluscs taken 119°31.576’E HD 4-3 23°09.179’S No molluscs taken 119°31.742’E HD 4-3 23°09.208’S No molluscs taken gully 119°31.971’E HD 4-5 23°07.703’S No molluscs taken 119°30.535’E HD-4 23°06.181’S Pool edged with sedges, scattered tall Pupoides cf. ER Falls 119°34.928’E eucalypts, low shrubs, mixed herbs & beltianus grasses with Triodia; 18 Sept. 2008 cliff near pool with small scree slope; Pupoides pacificus coarse sands & pebbles; recently burned Pupoides cf. lepidulus

Gastrocopta ?larapinta

Eremopeas interioris

Austropeplea sp. c.f. A. lessoni

Leichhardtia sp. HD4-11 23°06.087’S Open Acacia woodland <4m, sparse Bothriembryon sp. 119°17.508’E Ptilotus sp.<0.5m, scattered Triodia among grasses; Eremopeas interioris 24. Sept. 2008 brown loamy clay with laterite pebbles & pesolites; some termite mounds Pupoides sp. (broken juvenile)

? Gastrocopta sp. (shell pieces) HD4-12 23°06.378’S No molluscs taken 119°17.512’E HD4-13 23°06.227’S No molluscs taken 119°16.796’E HD 4-14A 23°05.477’S Large Triodia sp. clumps, eucalypts Eremopeas interioris 119°12.720’E <4m; Mid-slope; laterite & ironstone rocks Pupoides sp. 21 Sept. 2008 on brown loamy clays c.f. P. pacificus HD 4-14B 23°05.552’S Large Triodia sp. clumps, eucalypts Bothriemryon sp. 119°12.352’E <4m; Mid-slope; laterite & ironstone rocks Eremopeas interioris 21 Sept. 2008 with quartz pebbles on brown loamy clays Pupoides sp. (juv.) HD 4-15 23°05.511’S Creek margins with eucalypts <4m, Bothriemryon sp. 119°11.282’E occasional mixed shrubs <2.5m, grasses<0.5m; soft fine silt loams Eremopeas interioris 20 Sept. 2008 Pupoides sp. (juvenile) HD 4-16 23°05.483’S No molluscs taken 119°10.279’E

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Family Bulimulidae

The family Bulimulidae is of Gondwanan derivation, with its current distribution being in South and Central America, New Zealand, some Pacific Islands and Australia. The family is represented in Western Australia by the single genus Bothriembryon. Most WA species of this genus live in the southern half of the State. However a few, apparently-relict species occur in lower latitudes, mainly in sheltered habitats in the Hamersley Ranges.

Bothriembryon sp.

There is some doubt concerning the diversity of the members of the genus Bothriembryon persisting in the Hamersley Ranges between Gregory Gorge at its north-west end, intermittently through to Roy Hill at the south-eastern end of the Range.

As mentioned in our previous Hope Downs survey report (Whisson and Slack-Smith 2008)., the specimens taken during these surveys belong to one of two groups of what seem, on presently available data, to be un-described new species inhabiting an area near to what seems to be the northern limit of the genus Bothriembryon in Western Australia.

The paucity and spatial separation of collections of these groups from the Hamersley Ranges allow only an approximation of this taxon’s distribution.

Family Subulinidae

Eremopeas interioris (Tate, 1894)

This species is widely distributed throughout the warmer areas of Australia, having been recorded from Central Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland as well as from the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of Western Australia. Only one other subulinid species, E. tuckeri (Pfeiffer, 1846), is known to be endemic to Australia. (Solem 1988, Smith 1992).

Some other subulinid species of the genera Lamellaxis and Subulina are known to have extra-Australian distributions but have been recorded from coastal areas of Australia (Solem 1988, Zilch, 1959, Shea 1983, Shea 2007, Smith & Dartnall 1976)

Family Pupillidae

The family Pupillidae is distributed practically worldwide. The pupillid fauna of Western Australia has been poorly collected except along the main roads of the more coastal areas of the State and along the main east-west roads. As most collected specimens are dead-taken, it is often difficult to separate congeneric species, because shell characters differ only very slightly between species.

Sub-family Pupillinae

Pupoides cf. beltianus (Tate, 1894)

The dead-taken specimens collected during this survey most closely resemble the red centre species Pupoides beltianus (Tate, 1894).

The known distributional range of P. beltianus encompasses an area from the Reynolds and Jervois Ranges in the Northern Territory; south to the Musgrave and Mann Ranges in South Australia and then west to the Barrow Ranges in Western Australia, which are near the junction of the borders of Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory (Solem 1988).

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In his 1986 and 1988 publications, Dr Solem suggested that the distribution of that species in Western Australia may extend as far north-west as the Hamersley Ranges, and as far west as the Shark Bay area. However, because of variation in the shell morphology between the specimens from the western areas of WA and those of central Australia, he listed the former only as Pupoides aff. beltianus, indicating a doubt as to their conspecificity.

It is unknown whether these survey specimens are conspecific with P. beltianus or, perhaps, belong to an undescribed species.

Pupoides pacificus (Pfeiffer, 1846)

In his 1988 and 1991 publications, Solem discussed the distribution of P. pacificus, establishing its then-known distribution in Western Australia as extending from east of Kununurra westward and southward to Quondong Point, north of Broome, with a single isolated record from the Chichester Range in the Pilbara.

The area of Hope Downs lies south-east of the Chichester Range and represents a significant inland range extension for P. pacificus in the Pilbara. However, more recently- collected specimens housed in the Mollusc Collections of the Western Australian Museum indicate that this species is more widely spread throughout the Pilbara region.

Pupoides sp. cf. P. lepidulus (Adams and Angas, 1864)

These shells closely resemble those of the species Pupoides lepidulus (Adams and Angas, 1864) in the Museum’s collections and in literature records but are slightly larger in size.

The known geographical distribution of P. lepidulus extends from the coastal areas between Shark Bay and Port Hedland, plus one record from Cape Latouche-Treville (south-west of Broome). This species has also been recorded from the Houtman Abrolhos island group; South Muiron Island and Barrow Island. A single inland record exists from Wyloo Station in the Pilbara (Solem 1986).

If the Hope Downs population is, in fact, conspecific with P. lepidulus, this survey record would establish a range extension to an area even further from the coast.

Subfamily Gastrocoptinae

Gastrocopta ?larapinta (Tate, 1896)

Gastrocopta larapinta is a minute dextrally-coiled species that has a wide but apparently- patchy distribution in central Australia (southern part of the Northern Territory), with a few records from the north-west and the east coast of Queensland. There is a single published record of this species from the Oscar Ranges, in the southern Kimberley region of Western Australia (Pokryszko 1996).

The structure of the apertural teeth of the Hope Downs specimens is similar to that of G. larapinta and differs from that of those other species of Gastrocopta (e.g. G. margaretae (Cox, 1868) and G. mussoni Pilsbry, 1917) that may possibly have distributional ranges extending to the area of investigation.

Because the Hope Downs record would indicate a substantial range extension southwards and westward for G. larapinta, we have only tentatively identified the specimens as belonging to that species.

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Family Lymnaeidae

Lymnaeids are found virtually world-wide. They are, essentially, inhabitants of fresh water and are usually encountered on vegetation in pools and slowly flowing streams (permanent &/or ephemeral). However some species can adopt an amphibious mode when the soil and vegetation are wet and the air is humid. The native Australian lymnaeid fauna has not been well researched below the generic level and so the degree of relationship within and between the native species is not known, nor are the limits of their distributional ranges. More emphasis has been placed on the geographic ranges of introduced species, particularly those that may act as vectors for parasitic worms.

Austropeplea sp. c.f. A. lessoni (Deshayes, 1830)

What appears to be a single native Australian species, common in northern and eastern areas of Australia, has been recorded in Western Australia at least as far south as the Gascoyne region. Because of its apparently-wide area of distribution and a wide range of variation in its shell characters, its specific name has a large number of synonyms (see Smith 1992). This species has been shown to act as an intermediate host to a trematode parasite that can cause “bathers’ itch”.

Family Planorbidae

As with the lymnaeids, the planorbid snails occur throughout most of the world’s land masses. The genera of the Australian planorbid fauna are fairly well recognised (Walker 1988), particularly those known to act as vectors for human or livestock parasites. However, much work remains to be done at the sub-generic level - on both the systematics and the distribution of the taxa.

?Leichhardtia sp.

The small planorbid shells from the Hope Downs 4 survey appear to most closely resemble those of the type species of the monospecific genus Leichhardtia. However, because of their poor condition, there is some doubt that the 3 worn and dead-taken shells in the samples from the site at E R Falls belong to that species, L. sisurnius (Hedley, 1918), which has been recorded from the northern WA and NT coastal areas (Walker 1988, Smith 1992).

Without live-taken or freshly dead conspecific specimens, nothing can be said about the taxonomic placement of these specimens, much less about the level of their endemicity.

Remarks

From current knowledge, we have no reason to believe that, at the species level, any of the above taxa (excluding the un-described Bothriembryon species) exhibit any degree of short range endemicity, as all are believed to belong to species that occupy wide geographic ranges.

The un-described Bothriembryon species appears to be distributed over a wide area that extends across most of the Hamersley Range. It does, however, show considerable variation in the size and shape of shells within and between populations. Until genetic work is undertaken, the level of endemicity between and within populations cannot be determined.

As we did not carry out the field survey, we have no way of evaluating the relationship of the molluscan taxa to the available habitats. Nor are we able, in the absence of data on the spatial relationship between the collecting sites and the boundaries of the leased area(s)

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References

Adams, A. and Angas, G.F. 1864. Descriptions of new species of shells, chiefly from Australia in the collection of Mr Angas. Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1864: 35-40

Cox, J.C., 1868, Monograph of Australian Land Shells. William Maddox : Sydney. 111 pp.

Deshayes, G.P. 1830. 113 pls in, Guérin-Méneville, F.E. (ed.) Magasin de Zoologie, journal destiné à Établir une correspondance entre les Zoologists de tous les pays, et à leur faciliter les moyens de publierles espèces nouvelles ou peu conneus qu'ils possedent. 2me sect. Mollusques et Zoophytes. Paris : Arthus Bertrand [pl. 16, figs 1–2].

Hedley, C. 1918. Narrative of an expedition of exploration in North Western Australia by Herbert Basedow. Special Report. Mollusca. Transactions of the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia, South Australian Branch 18: 263–283.

Pfeiffer,L. 1846. Descriptions of thirty new species of Helicea, belonging to the collection of H. Cuming, Esq. Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1846: 28-34

Pilsbry, H.A., 1917. in Tyron, G.W. & Pilsbry, H.A. Manual of Conchology. Philadelphia : Conchology Department, Academy of Natural Sciences Ser. 2 Vol. 24

Pokryszko, B.M. 1996. The Gastrocoptinae of Australia (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Pupilloidea): systematics, distribution and origin. Invertebrate Taxonomy 10: 1085-1150

Shea, M., 1983, A checklist of the land snails from the Sydney area. Aust. Shell News No. 44: 6-7

Shea, M, 2007. Exotic snails and slugs found in Australia. Newsletter of the Malacological Society of Australasia No. 130: 3-12.

Smith, B.J., 1992, Non-marine Mollusca. In Houston, W.W.K. (ed.) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Canberra: AGPS Vol. 8, xii+405 pp.

Smith, B.J. & Dartnall, A.J., 1976, Veronicellid slugs of the Northern Territory with notes on other land molluscs. J. malac. Soc. Aust. 3: 186

Solem, A., 1986. Pupilloid land snails from the south and mid-west coasts of Australia. J. Malac. Soc. Aust. 7(3-4): 95-124

Solem, A., 1988, Non-camaenid snails of the Kimberley and Northern Territory, Australia. 1. Systematics, affinities and ranges. Invertebrate Taxonomy 2(4): 455- 604

Solem, 1991, Distribution and diversity patterns of Australian pupilloid land snails (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Pupillidae, s.l.) The Veliger. 34(3):233-252.

Tate, R. 1894. Brief diagnoses of Mollusca from Central Australia. Trans. R. Soc. S. Aust. 18: 191-194.

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Tate, R. 1896. Mollusca. pp. 181–226 in Spencer, W.B. (ed.). Report on the Work of the Horn Scientific Expedition to Central Australia. Pt 2 Zoology. London & Melbourne : Melville, Mullen & Slade.

Walker, J.C. 1988. Classification of Australian buliniform planorbids (Mollusca: Pulmonata). Records of the Australian Museum 40: 61–89.

Whisson, C.S. & Slack-Smith, S.M. 2008. Molluscs from the area of Hope Downs, Western Australia, collected by Ninox Wildlife Consulting during May, 2008 : final report to Ninox Wildlife Consulting. Unpublished Report. Western Australian Museum. 4 pg.

Zilch, A., 1959, Euthyneura. In Schindewolf, O.H. (ed.) Handbuch der Paläozoologie. Berlin- Zehlendorf: Bornträger 6.II.2., xii+ 834 pp.

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Appendix 9 List of introduced species recorded in the Hope Downs 4 Project Area and known to occur in the eastern Pilbara.

Data Sources Ninox - 1986; 1992; 1995. ecologia - 1995; 1998a and b; 2004a, b, c, d, e; 2005. Davies et al. - Davis, R.A., Wilcox, J.A., Metcalf, B.M. & Bamford, M.J. 2005. Ninox 08 - Hope Downs 4 Project Area (Hope Downs 4 mining area; Option 1 IC; Option 6 IC).

Data Sources Ninox 08 Davies HD4 OP1 OP6 WAM Ninox ecologia et al. Mine IC IC Number of Surveys 4 9 1 2 1 1 INTRODUCED MAMMALS MURIDAE Mus musculus House Mouse X X X CANIDAE Vulpes vulpes Red Fox X Canis familiaris Feral Dog X X FELIDAE Felis catus Feral Cat X X X X LEPORIDAE Oryctolagus cuniculus European Rabbit X X X EQUIDAE Equus asinus Donkey X X Equus caballus Horse X CAMELIDAE Camelus dromedarius One-humped Camel X X BOVIDAE Bos taurus Cattle X X X X TOTAL NUMBER OF SPECIES (9) 2 9 4 3 1 2 1

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Appendix 10 EPBC Act Protected Matters Report. (Please note that plants, marine and species known not to occur in the Pilbara region have been removed from the following report.)

This report provides general guidance on matters of national environmental significance and other matters protected by the EPBC Act in the area you have selected. Information on the coverage of this report and qualifications on data supporting this report are contained in the caveat at the end of the report. You may wish to print this report for reference before moving to other pages or websites. The Australian Natural Resources Atlas at http://www.environment.gov.au/atlas may provide further environmental information relevant to your selected area. Information about the EPBC Act including significance guidelines, forms and application process details can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/assessmentsapprovals/index.html

This map may contain data which are © Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia) © 2007 MapData Sciences Pty Ltd, PSMA

Search Type: Area Buffer: 0 km Coordinates: -21.9212,117.3234, -24.3758,117.3234, -24.3758,120.3630, -21.921,120.3630

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

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Summary Matters of National Environmental Significance

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

World Heritage Properties: None National Heritage Places: None Wetlands of International Significance: (Ramsar Sites) 1 Commonwealth Marine Areas: None Threatened Ecological Communities: None Threatened Species: 13 Migratory Species: 10 Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act

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

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

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

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

Commonwealth Lands: 2 Commonwealth Heritage Places: None Places on the RNE: 5 Listed Marine Species: 7 Whales and Other Cetaceans: None

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Critical Habitats: None Commonwealth Reserves: None Extra Information This part of the report provides information that may also be relevant to the area you have Nominated. State and Territory Reserves: 2 Other Commonwealth Reserves: None Regional Forest Agreements: None

Details Matters of National Environmental Significance

Threatened Species [ Dataset Information ] Status Type of Presence Birds Pezoporus occidentalis * Endangered Species or species habitat likely to Night Parrot occur within area Mammals Dasycercus cristicauda * Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to Mulgara occur within area Dasyurus hallucatus * Endangered Species or species habitat may occur Northern Quoll within area Macrotis lagotis * Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur Greater Bilby within area Rhinonicteris aurantius (Pilbara form) * Vulnerable Community likely to occur within Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat area Reptiles Liasis olivaceus barroni* Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur Olive Python (Pilbara subspecies) within area Migratory Species [ Dataset Information ] Status Type of Presence Migratory Terrestrial Species Birds Merops ornatus * Migratory Species or species habitat may occur within area Rainbow Bee-eater Pezoporus occidentalis Migratory Species or species habitat likely to occur within area Night Parrot Migratory Wetland Species Birds Ardea alba Migratory Species or species habitat may occur within area Great Egret, White Egret Migratory Marine Birds Apus pacificus Migratory Species or species habitat may occur within area Fork-tailed Swift

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Ardea alba Migratory Species or species habitat may occur within area Great Egret, White Egret

Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act

Listed Marine Species [ Dataset Information ] Status Type of Presence Birds Apus pacificus Listed - overfly marine area Species or species habitat may Fork-tailed Swift occur within area Ardea alba Listed - overfly marine area Species or species habitat may Great Egret, White Egret occur within area Merops ornatus * Listed - overfly marine area Species or species habitat may Rainbow Bee-eater occur within area Commonwealth Lands [ Dataset Information ] Defence Unknown Places on the RNE [ Dataset Information ] Note that not all Indigenous sites may be listed. Indigenous Ethel Gorge Rockshelter Area WA Wanmanna Art Site WA Natural Hamersley Range National Park (1977 boundary) WA Knossos Geological Site WA Mungaroona Range Nature Reserve WA

Extra Information

State and Territory Reserves [ Dataset Information ] Karijini National Park, WA Mungaroona Range Nature Reserve, WA

Caveat

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

This report is designed to assist in identifying the locations of places which may be relevant in determining obligations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It holds mapped locations of World Heritage and Register of National Estate properties, Wetlands of International Importance, Commonwealth and State/Territory reserves, listed threatened, migratory and marine species and listed threatened ecological communities. Mapping of Commonwealth land is not complete at this stage. Maps have been collated from a range of sources at various resolutions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Acknowledgments

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

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

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• State Herbarium of South Australia • Northern Territory Herbarium • Western Australian Herbarium • Australian National Herbarium, Atherton and Canberra • University of New England • Other groups and individuals

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

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Last updated: Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts GPO Box 787 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Telephone: +61 (0)2 6274 1111

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Appendix 11 Results of a search of DEC’s rare fauna database for the Newman/Hope Downs 4 area.

Threatened and Priority Fauna Database 20.5 °S 119 °E / 23.5 °S 120 °E Newman Area Schedule 1 - Fauna that is rare or is likely to become extinct Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll 5 records This carnivorous marsupial occurs across much of northern Australia with a disjunct population in the Pilbara. Occurs in a wide range of habitats but most suitable habitat appear to be rocky areas. 1900 1 NULLAGINE 1959 1 MARBLE BAR 1980 1 NULLAGINE 1988 1 MARBLE BAR 1989 1 MARBLE BAR Macrotis lagotis Bilby, Dalgyte, Ninu 3 records This species shelters in burrows and occupies a range of habitats from grassland on clayey and stony soils or sandplains to mulga scrub and woodlands on red earths. It has suffered a large decline and contraction in distribution. 1962 1 1 Marble Bar Dead 1969 1 1 Marble Bar Caught or trapped 1997 1 1 Mulga Downs Station Dead Petrogale lateralis lateralis Black-flanked Rock-wallaby 3 records This species thrives in steep, complex rocky habitats providing tunnels, caves and crevices for shelter and protection from predators. 1975 1 Newman Day sighting 1975 1 Newman Day sighting 1975 1 1 Newman Rhinonicteris aurantius Orange Leaf-nosed Bat 6 records This species of bat occurs in a few scattered locations in the Pilbara, as well as the Kimberley. It roosts in caves and is sensitive to human disturbance. 1981 350 Klondyke Caught or trapped 1994 1 5 Klondyke Day sighting 1994 1 1 Klondyke Caught or trapped 2006 1 32 Panorama Station Caught or trapped 2006 1 12 Marble Bar Caught or trapped 2006 1 2 Nullagine Caught or trapped Pezoporus occidentalis Night Parrot 1 records This nocturnal species is known to inhabit treeless or sparsely wooded spinifex (Triodia spp) near water. 2005 2 3 Mulga Downs Night sighting Liasis olivaceus barroni Pilbara Olive Python 3 records 1975 3 0 Newman Scats 1975 3 0 Newman Scats 2004 1 1 Newman Caught or trapped Priority One: Taxa with few, poorly known populations on threatened lands Ramphotyphlops ganei 3 records Very little is known about this species of blind snake. It grows to about 30 cm in length and has been recorded from four localities in the Pilbara including Pannawonica and Newman. 1985 1 1 Newman Caught or trapped 1985 1 1 Mount Whaleback Caught or trapped 1995 1 1 Cathedral Gorge Caught or trapped Ctenotus nigrilineatus 1 records This skink is known only from one location, Woodstock in the Pilbara, where it occurs in spinifex at the foot of a granite outcrop. 1990 1 2 Marble Bar Caught or trapped

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Priority Three: Taxa with several, poorly known populations, some on conservation lands Lagorchestes conspicillatus leichardti Spectacled Hare-wallaby (mainland) 2 records This species has declined in many parts of its range and is vulnerable to cat and fox predation. It inhabits tropical grasslands and also suffers from the impacts of frequent fires. 1986 1 10 Pilga Day sighting 2001 1 2 Panorama Priority Four: Taxa in need of monitoring Macroderma gigas Ghost Bat 5 records This species is Australia’s only carnivorous bat and has a patchy distribution across northern Australia. It shelters in caves, mine shafts and deep rock fissures and is sensitive to disturbance. 1959 1 1 Klondyke Caught or trapped 1959 1 287 Klondyke Day sighting 1967 1 Ophthalmia Range Day sighting 2001 1 163 Lalla Rookh Night sighting 2006 1 16 Marble Bar Caught or trapped Pseudomys chapmani Western Pebble-mound Mouse, Ngadji 36 records This species is well-known for the characteristic pebble-mounds which it constructs over underground burrow systems. These mounds are most common on spurs and lower slopes of rocky hills. 1980 1 Marillana Caught or trapped 1989 1 Woodstock Stn Caught or trapped 1990 1 Woodstock Stn Caught or trapped 1994 1 Giles Point 1994 2 0 Marble Bar 1994 1 Mt Newman 1994 1 Mt Webber 1994 1 North Pole 1994 1 North Pole 1994 1 Rhodes Ridge 1994 1 Split Rock 1994 1 Strelly Gorge 1994 1 Tambourah 1994 1 Tambourah 1994 1 Weeli Wolli Creek 1995 1 0 Newman Definite signs 1996 1 0 Mt Whaleback Definite signs 2001 1 1 Hamersley Range Caught or trapped 2004 1 2 Ophthalmia Range Caught or trapped 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2006 1 0 Marillana Definite signs 2008 1 0 Newman Definite signs 2008 1 0 Newman Definite signs 2008 1 0 Newman Definite signs 2008 1 0 Newman Definite signs 2008 1 0 Newman Definite signs 2008 1 0 Newman Definite signs 2008 1 0 Newman Definite signs

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Falco hypoleucos Grey Falcon 2 records A nomadic species inhabiting lightly timbered riverine plains. 1994 1 1 Hales Well Day sighting 1997 1 2 Nullagine Day sighting Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard 4 records This species is uncommon and may occur in open or lightly wooded grasslands. 2001 1 1 Mulga Downs Day sighting 2005 1 3 Nullagine 2005 1 1 Mulga Downs Night sighting 2008 1 1 Newman Day sighting Burhinus grallarius Bush Stonecurlew 17 records A well camouflaged, ground nesting bird which prefers to ‘freeze’ rather than fly when disturbed. It inhabits lightly timbered open woodlands. 1999 1 MARBLE BAR 1999 1 MARBLE BAR 1999 1 NULLAGINE 1999 1 MARBLE BAR 2000 1 MARBLE BAR 2001 1 MARBLE BAR 2001 1 MARBLE BAR 2001 1 MARBLE BAR 2001 1 4 Sulphur Springs 2001 1 MARBLE BAR 2001 1 NULLAGINE 2001 1 MARBLE BAR 2001 1 MARBLE BAR 2001 1 MARBLE BAR 2002 1 MARBLE BAR 2004 1 MARBLE BAR 2005 1 1 Nullagine Neochima ruficauda subclarescens Star Finch (western) 1 records A nomadic species inhabiting grasslands and eucalypt woodlands near water. 2008 1 1 Newman Day sighting

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

Ninox Wildlife Consulting – August 2009

Pilbara Iron Services

Hope Downs 4

Assessment of the stygofauna within the Hope Downs 4 study area.

July 2009

Outback Ecology Services 1/71 Troy Terrace Jolimont WA 6014 Ph: +61 (08) 9388 8799 Fax: +61 (08) 9388 8633 [email protected]

Assessment of stygofauna within the Hope Downs 4 study area.

Distribution: Company Copies Contact Name Rio Tinto Iron Ore 2 hard copies +cd copy Jody Neiman

Document Control for Job Number: MHD-SY-0807/1207/PHD-SY-0809/0109 Author Reviewer Signature Date of Issue Veronica Campagna, Erin Thomas, Nihara 13/08/08 Veronica Campagna VSC Gunawardene 28/11/08 David Jasper DJ 14/08/08 Veronica Campagna Jody Neiman 8/07/09

DISCLAIMER, CONFIDENTIALITY AND COPYRIGHT STATEMENT © Outback Ecology. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced in any material form or communicated by any means without the permission of the copyright owner.

This document is confidential. Neither the whole nor any part of this document may be disclosed to any third party without the prior written approval of Outback Ecology and Rio Tinto Iron Ore .

Outback Ecology undertook the work, and prepared this document, in accordance with specific instructions from Rio Tinto Iron Ore to whom this document is addressed, within the time and budgetary requirements of Rio Tinto Iron Ore. The conclusions and recommendations stated in this document are based on those instructions and requirements, and they could change if such instructions and requirements change or are in fact inaccurate or incomplete.

Outback Ecology has prepared this document using data and information supplied to Outback Ecology by Rio Tinto Iron Ore and other individuals and organisations, most of whom are referred to in this document. Where possible, throughout the document the source of data used has been identified. Unless stated otherwise, Outback Ecology has not verified such data and information. Outback Ecology does not represent such data and information as true or accurate, and disclaims all liability with respect to the use of such data and information. All parties relying on this document, do so entirely at their own risk in the knowledge that the document was prepared using information that Outback Ecology has not verified.

This document is intended to be read in its entirety, and sections or parts of the document should therefore not be read and relied on out of context.

The conclusions and recommendations contained in this document reflect the professional opinion of Outback Ecology, using the data and information supplied. Outback Ecology has used reasonable care and professional judgment in its interpretation and analysis of the data. The conclusions and recommendations must be considered within the agreed scope of work, and the methodology used to carry out the work, both of which are stated in this document.

This document was intended for the sole use of Rio Tinto Iron Ore and only for the use for which it was prepared, which is stated in this document. Any representation in the document is made only to Rio Tinto Iron Ore. Outback Ecology disclaims all liability with respect to the use of this document by any third party, and with respect to the use of and reliance upon this document by any party, including Rio Tinto Iron Ore for a purpose other than the purpose for which it was prepared.

Outback Ecology has conducted environmental field monitoring and/or testing for the purposes of preparing this document. The type and extent of monitoring and/or testing is described in the document.

On all sites, there exists varying degrees of non-uniformity of the vertical and horizontal soil and water conditions. Because of this non-uniformity, no monitoring, testing or sampling technique can completely eliminate the possibility that the results/samples obtained through monitoring or testing are not entirely representative of the soil and/or groundwater conditions on the site. Any conclusions based on the monitoring and/or testing only serve as an indication of the environmental condition of the site (including the presence or otherwise of contaminants or emissions) at the time of preparing this document.

It should be noted that site conditions, including the exact location, extent and concentration of contaminants, can change with time.

Subject to the limitations imposed by the instructions and requirements of Rio Tinto Iron Ore, the monitoring and testing have been undertaken in a professional manner, according to generally-accepted practices and with a degree of skill and care which is ordinarily exercised by reputable environmental consultants in similar circumstances. Outback Ecology makes no other warranty, express or implied. .

i

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Outback Ecology was commissioned by Pilbara Iron Services, on behalf of Hamersley HMS, to assess the stygofauna community within the Hope Downs 4 (HD4) study area. HD4 is located approximately 35 km north-west of Newman in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. This report describes the findings four sampling surveys were conducted at HD4: Phase I (October 2007), Phase II (March 2008), targeted survey Stage I (September 2008) and targeted survey Stage II (February 2009) resulting in the collection of 122 samples from 71 drill holes (35 impact sites and 36 reference sites).

The majority of the drill holes sampled at HD4 had stygofauna present with 55 of the 71 holes sampled yielding stygofauna (77%) while no specimens were collected from 16 sites. Both the deeper orebody aquifer and the shallower alluvial deposit and calcrete aquifers were sampled. From the 3,910 stygofauna specimens, 20 taxonomic groups were identified belonging to 11 known families. The stygofauna at HD4 was dominated by the crustaceans (phylum Arthropoda), in particular from the classes Maxillopoda (63% of sample), Malacostraca (15%), and Ostracoda (14%), which is typical of the Pilbara. Several new taxa were identified in the study but none were considered at risk from the HD4 proposal as their distribution range extended either outside the area of impact and/or outside the HD4 area.

Initially a number of stygofauna were found to be restricted to the impact zone at HD4. Subsequent surveys resulted in a greater distribution range of all stygofauna taxa. The targeted surveys Stage I and II were designed to increase the distribution range of two taxa, Areacandona “outbacki” and Chydaekata sp., and therefore areas considered preferred habitat were surveyed. The sampling effort concentrated on drill holes located within alluvial deposit of Coondiner Creek and the Tertiary calcrete. As a result high numbers of ostracods were collected outside the zone of impact, in particular within the Tertiary calcrete north of the HD4 deposit. This area is buffered from the dewatering drawdown by the Mt McRae Shale which acts as an aquitard. The amphipod Chydaekata sp. was also recorded from a higher number of reference sites within the Tertiary calcrete and alluvial deposits. Several other stygofauna taxa collected during the study occurred in the same drill holes as Areacandona “outbacki” and Chydaekata sp. indicating a dispersal path along the Coondiner Creek drainage system.

Overall, the risk to the stygofauna from the Hope Downs 4 mining proposal is considered low, particularly if an appropriate monitoring and management plan is implemented to ensure the protection of the Tertiary calcrete from the dewatering of the orebody aquifer

i Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...... I 1.0 INTRODUCTION...... 4 1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND ...... 4 1.2 CLIMATE ...... 5 1.3 REGIONAL SETTING ...... 5 1.4 GEOLOGY ...... 6 1.5 HYDROLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY...... 6 1.6 STYGOFAUNA ...... 8 1.7 LEGISLATION...... 9 1.8 POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF MINING ...... 9 1.9 SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES ...... 10 2.0 METHODS ...... 11 2.1 SURVEY DESIGN AND SAMPLING EFFORT ...... 11 2.1.1 Sample sites ...... 11 2.1.2 Surveys ...... 11 2.2 GROUNDWATER QUALITY ...... 12 2.3 STYGOFAUNA SAMPLING ...... 12 2.4 SPECIMEN IDENTIFICATION...... 13 2.5 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY...... 13 3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ...... 16 3.1 GROUNDWATER QUALITY ...... 16 3.2 STYGOFAUNA ...... 17 3.2.1 Overview of stygofauna survey...... 17 3.2.2 Distribution of stygofauna ...... 18 4.0 CONCLUSION ...... 26 5.0 REFERENCES...... 28

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Location of the Hope Downs 4 study, eastern Pilbara...... 4

Figure 2: Monthly and long-term average rainfall levels for Newman, August 2007 – February 2009.....5

Figure 3: Proposed mine pits and local catchment boundaries for the Hope Downs 4 project...... 8

Figure 4: Surface hydrology of HD4 study area...... 33

Figure 5: Geology of the HD4 study area and drill holes sampled (2007 – 2009)...... 35

Figure 6: Geological cross sections of selected reference and impact drill holes ...... 36

Figure 7: Extent of predicted drawdown...... 38

ii Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

Figure 8: Distribution of Areacandona “outbacki” at HD4 (2007 – 2009)...... 53

Figure 9: Distribution of Chydaekata sp. and other amphipods within HD4 study area (2007 - 2009)....55

LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Simplified geological stratigraphy at Hope Downs 4...... 6

Table 2: Impact drill holes sampled during Phase I and II surveys, TS (targeted survey) Stage I and II at HD4 (2007 – 2009)...... 14

Table 3: Reference drill holes sampled during Phase I and II surveys, TS (targeted survey) Stage I and II at HD4 (2007 – 2009)...... 15

Table 4: Distribution of stygofauna (Rotifera, Nematoda and Annelida) within the HD4 study area, 2007 - 2009...... 23

Table 5: Distribution of stygofauna (Arthropoda: Malacostraca) within the HD4 study area 2007 – 2009...... 24

Table 6: Distribution of stygofauna (Arthropoda: Maxillopoda and Ostracoda) within the HD4 study area, 2007 - 2009...... 25

Table 7: Groundwater physicochemical data Phase I and Phase II, HD4 study area...... 42

Table 8: Groundwater physicochemical data TS Stage I and Stage II, HD4 study area...... 43

LIST OF PLATES Plate 1: Malacostracan stygofauna collected from HD4 study area ...... 22

APPENDICES

Appendix A ...... 32

Appendix B ...... 34

Appendix C ...... 37

Appendix D ...... 39

Appendix E ...... 41

Appendix F ...... 44

Appendix G...... 52

Appendix H ...... 54

iii Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Background

Outback Ecology was commissioned by Pilbara Iron Services, on behalf of Hamersley HMS, to identify and assess the stygofauna community within the Hope Downs 4 (HD4) study area as part of the Public Environmental Review (PER) of the mining proposal. The Hope Downs 4 deposit (formerly the East Angelas Project) is located approximately 35 km northwest of Newman in the Pilbara region of Western Australia (Figure 1). The orebody consists of the mineralised Dales Gorge and Joffre Members of the Brockman Iron Formation. Approximately 80% of the high grade ore is located below the water table and therefore dewatering of the area will be required prior to mining and it is estimated that approximately 300 GL is to be dewatered over the life of the mine (expected life of approximately 25-30 years) (MWH 2009). The deposit has been subdivided into four areas (Area 1 – 4) with only one area mined, and therefore dewatered, at any time.

Figure 1: Location of the Hope Downs 4 study, eastern Pilbara.

4 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

1.2 Climate

The climate of the HD4 study area is classified as semi-arid with hot, wet summers and mild, dry winters. The majority of rain falls in the summer months between December and March, with an annual average total of 323 mm (BOM 2009). Rainfall is influenced by two main climatic systems: the northern tropical system and the southern winter rainfall associated with low-pressure frontal systems. During this study, cyclonic activity resulted in higher than average rainfall in February 2008 and in January and February 2009 (Figure 2), though a review of the Newman and Wittenoom meteorological data by MWH (2009) indicates a gradual drying rainfall sequence overall.

120

Phase I Phase II TS-Stage I TS-Stage II

100

80

60 Rainfall (mm) Rainfall

40

20

0 Aug-07 Sep-07 Oct-07 Nov-07 Dec-07 Jan-08 Feb-08 Mar-08 Apr-08 May-08 Jun-08 Jul-08 Aug-08 Sep-08 Oct-08 Nov-08 Dec-08 Jan-09 Feb-09

Monthly rainfall Long term average

Figure 2: Monthly and long-term average rainfall levels for Newman, August 2007 – February 2009 (BOM 2009). The four surveys (Phase I and II, TS stage 1 and TS stage 2) are shown on the graph.

1.3 Regional Setting

Located in the Hamersley Range, Hope Downs 4 study area falls within the Hamersley subregion (PIL3), one of four subregions of the Pilbara Biogeographic Region (Kendrick 2003). The Hamersley Range is the upland component of the Hamersley Plateau, a natural physiogeographic sedimentary unit uplifted and overlying the southern section of the Pilbara Craton. It is situated between the Fortescue and Ashburton Rivers and encompasses a number of constituent ranges and massifs such as Ophthalmia, Packsaddle and Werribee (van Leeuwen and Bromilow 2002). The valley floors have low mulga (Acacia) woodland over bunch grasses on fine textured soils, while the ranges have Eucalyptus leucophloia over Triodia brizoides on skeletal soils (Kendrick 2003).

5 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

1.4 Geology

The Archaean and Proterozoic Hamersley Basin is comprised of mafic and felsic volcanics, shale, siltstone and conglomerate, as well as dolomite and banded iron formation, host rock to a number of iron ore deposits (Johnson 2004). The Mt Bruce Supergroup, a sequence of volcanic and sedimentary rock, consists of the Fortescue Group, the Hamersley Group and the Turee Creek Group. The Brockman Iron Formation is one of four major banded iron formations of the Hamersley Group and includes the Dale Gorge Member and Joffre Member (Cowan and Cooper 2003), of which concerns the Hope Downs 4 deposit. Overlying much of the sedimentary basins and basement rocks in the Pilbara Craton is a variety of Cainozoic superficial units (alluvium, colluvium and detritials) derived from basement rock erosion and transported down drainage lines. In the Hamersley Range and valleys, the pisolitic limonite (Robe Pisolite) is located close to the drainage lines and can be up to 70 m thick. A simplified stratigraphical sequence of the HD4 geology is presented in Table 1.

Table 1: Simplified geological stratigraphy at Hope Downs 4

Simplified Stratigraphy Description

Quaternary Alluvium/Colluvium Quaternary deposits found in modern creeks

Tertiary Calcrete Sheet carbonates

Cainozoic Tertiary Detritals Tertiary pisolites, rock fragments, clay Fine grained, finely laminated iron formation; mudstone, Boolgeeda Iron Formation siltstone & chert Woongarra Volcanics Rhyolite, rhyodacite rhyoliticf breccia, & BIF Banded jaspilite with interbedded shale, dolerite, BIF & Weeli Wolli Formation metadoleritic sills, minor shale

Yandicoogina Shale Alternating thin chert & shale bands Brockman Iron Formation Joffre BIF with shale (BIF) Whaleback Shale Shale, chert & carbonate bands

Dales Gorge Alternating BIF & shale macrobands Hamersley Group Hamersley Mount McRae Shale Thin bedded shale, chert, some dolomite & BIF bands

Mount Sylvia Formation Thin bedded shale, chert & dolomite with BIF bands Wittenoom Formation Dolomite, chert, shale

Marra Mamba Formation Alternating shale/BIF (Basal BIF unit)

The surface geology of the Hope Downs 4 project area is shown in (Appendix B; Figure 4) with selected geological cross sections in Figure 6 highlighting the folded sequences.

1.5 Hydrology and hydrogeology

The Quaternary alluvium deposits are located along the modern creek lines with an outcrop of calcrete to the north of the deposit. Surface drainage is in a northeast direction with Coondiner Creek the main surface drainage feature and the HD4 project lies entirely within the Coondiner Creek catchment

6 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

(Figure 3). The ephemeral creek transects the western portion of the study area between the proposed pits, Area 1 and Area 2, following a northeast trending fault until it reaches the northern margin of the calcrete deposit (Figure 4) and turns sharply to the east eventually draining into the Fortescue Valley and Fortescue Marsh (via Eagle Rock Pool and Falls). Numerous small ephemeral tributaries across the study area drain into Coondiner Creek indicating levels of connectivity during highly fluvial times. The depth to water table is between 20 to 40 mbgl with most of the subterranean flow following the surface drainage in a northward direction.

Several aquifer types have been identified at HD4: orebody aquifer of the Dales Gorge and Joffre Members, Wittenoom Formation aquifer, and Tertiary Calcrete (karstic) and Quaternary Alluvial aquifers. The primary aquifers in the area are associated with the secondary permeability of the mineralised Dales Gorge and Joffre Members, which are separated by the Whaleback Shale. The Wittenoom Formation, which underlies the orebody and outcrops to the north of HD4, hosts a significant regional aquifer and contains karstic zones and areas of extremely high conductivity where weathered.

The alluvial deposits occur along the modern drainage lines, along with the Tertiary pisolitic gravels and calcrete deposits. The Tertiary calcrete to the north of the proposed mining area may contain areas of significant groundwater flow, occupying the palaeochannel of the Coondiner Creek which underlies the modern north easterly draining creek system (MWH 2009).

Hydraulic connection, or aquifer interconnection, in the HD4 area is limited. Both the hanging wall units (Yandicoogina Shales, Weeli Wooli Formation and Wongarra Volcanics) and the footwall units (Mt McRae Shale and Mt Sylvia Formation) at HD4 act as aquicludes. As a result there is little connection between the orebody aquifer and the Wittenoom Formation. Hydraulic testing by MWH (2009) found the Mt McRae Shale acts as an aquitard and will buffer the Tertiary calcrete in the north of the study area from the effects of drawdown. The alluvial and calcrete aquifers are perched and weakly hydraulically connected to the orebody aquifer. While they both contain considerable amounts of groundwater, the transmissivity is low in the alluvial deposits compared to the higher rates in the calcrete. A relatively strong interconnection was only found between the mineralised Dales Gorge, Whaleback Shale and Joffre Members. The hydraulic conductivity of an aquifer is considered to be one of the main factors that controls the biotic distribution in groundwaters, along with the age of the waters (Strayer 1994).

7 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

Figure 3: Proposed mine pits and local catchment boundaries for the Hope Downs 4 project. The project lies entirely within the Coondiner Creek Catchment and drainage is to the northeast.

1.6 Stygofauna

Stygofauna are fauna that inhabit the subterranean waters in various areas. The term stygofauna is applied to animals that live in subterranean waters and can be further divided according to the level of dependency of their subterranean environment. Animals that occur in groundwaters accidentally are referred to as stygoxenes while those that inhabit groundwaters on a permanent or temporary basis are called stygophiles. It is only animals that are obligate subterranean dwellers that are termed stygobites (Humphreys 2008). They display characteristics typical of a subterranean existence which include: a reduction or absence of pigmentation, absence or reduction of eyes, and the presence of extended locomotory and sensory appendages (Watts and Humphreys 2000).

Stygofauna occur in all types of aquifers having voids of suitable size for a species’ biology and include karst, fractured rock, calcretes, pisolites and alluvial aquifers (Humphreys 2009). Their distributions are primarily affected by hydrological stability, groundwater quality, available energy sources, dispersal routes and habitat space (Strayer 1994). The lack of abundant and/or stronger competitors and predators has also been identified as contributing to high stygobitic diversity (Humphreys 2009).

An increase in subterranean surveys over the last decade shows that Western Australia harbours an exceptional abundance and diversity of stygofauna, particularly in the Pilbara (Humphreys 2006,

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Humphreys et al. 2004). The Pilbara Bioregional Survey conducted by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) (refer to www.naturebase.net) has documented at least 322 occurrences of > 350 species thus far (Eberhard et al. 2004, Eberhard et al. 2005, Eberhard et al. 2009). While a variety of habitats were sampled in the survey (porous, karstic and fractured-rock aquifers, springs and hyporheic habitats), the karstic aquifers, karst springs and porous alluvial aquifers were found to have higher species richness.

1.7 Legislation

Stygofauna are protected under the same legislation as that of terrestrial fauna, and are governed under three acts:

1. Wildlife Conservation Act (1950-1979) (WA) (WCA); 2. Environmental Protection Act (1986) (WA) (EP Act); and 3. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) (Cth) (EPBC Act).

The Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 – 1979 provides protection for all native fauna species, and is administered by the DEC. Special provision is provided for fauna that are considered rare, threatened with extinction or of high conservation value. This includes some species of subterranean biota, which are currently considered to be Schedule 1 taxa (rare or likely to become extinct).

The Environmental Protection Act (1986) is administered by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and includes guidelines for reviewing the aspects of proposals that might significantly impact environmental factors. Any operation that has the potential to significantly impact stygofauna habitat may be subject to formal Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) under the EP Act. Guidance Statement No. 54A (EPA 2007) provides specific assessment and management requirements for subterranean fauna.

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) is administered by the Commonwealth Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, to regulate protection of matters of national environmental significance. Any action (including projects, developments, undertakings, activity or series of activities) that is likely to have a significant impact on any matter included in Part 3 of the Act, must be referred to the Minister for decisions on whether the proposed action triggers the EPBC Act and requires assessment and approval under the Act. To date, the EPBC Act list of threatened fauna does not contain any invertebrate stygofauna.

1.8 Potential impacts of mining

According to the Draft EPA Guidance Statement No. 54A (EPA 2007) stygofauna species may be threatened by a proposal where significant aquifer drawdown causes loss or reduction of habitat, or where there is contamination of the groundwater from project-related activities. A proponent must show whether or not a proposal is likely to pose a threat to subterranean fauna. The EPA (2003) therefore states that the following three approaches should be undertaken to demonstrate the development does not pose a threat to the stygofauna:

9 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

• Show that species within the potential impact zone also occur outside this area, and are not restricted to the impact zone,

• Provide evidence that likely impacts will not significantly affect species within the potential impact zone, and

• Produce a management plan for the potential impact zone and species within it, to ensure persistence of those species.

According to the above, any potential impact to the stygofauna community within the HD4 study area is considered to be as a result of:

• Removal of habitat by pit construction,

• Removal, or reduction, of habitat as a result of orebody aquifer drawdown,

• Alteration of the groundwater chemistry.

1.9 Scope and objectives

The objective of this study was to identify the stygofauna within the HD4 study area and provide sufficient information on which to determine the level of impact the proposal may have on the stygofauna community. The specific objectives were to: • Collect basic groundwater physicochemical parameters from the drill holes sampled within the study area, • Identify the stygofauna present within the proposed impact zones of the HD4 study area, • Sample appropriate reference sites to define the distribution range of the stygofauna collected, • Define the conservation significance of stygofauna collected at HD4, and • Comment on the potential impact of HD4 proposal on the stygofauna of the area.

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2.0 METHODS

2.1 Survey design and sampling effort

2.1.1 Sample sites

Drill holes for sampling were identified from a list of exploration, production and monitoring bores in the Hope Downs area. During this study 71 drill holes were sampled over four surveys and provide adequate geographical coverage of the HD4 study area with sites located inside and the outside the potential impact zone. Drill holes (sites) were classified as either “impact” (Table 2) or “reference” according to the influence of the proposal on the various stygal habitats (the various aquifers) (Table 3). Details of the drill holes are listed in Appendix D.

Impact zones were determined according to the extent of the predicted level of drawdown of the orebody aquifer after 14 years (Figure 7), as calculated in the Pre Feasibility Study (PFS) hydrogeology report (MWH 2009). Sites were also classified as impact if they were located within the proposed pit shell (habitat removed or destroyed) and according to the surface footprint. Two levels of impact were designated for this study as there was a level of uncertainty with respect to the interaction of the different aquifers at particular sites.

• Impact Level 1: drill holes located in the proposed mine pits (intersecting the mineralised orebody aquifers),

• Impact Level 2: drill holes intersecting the alluvial aquifer near the mine pit shells, surface foot print impacts and from dewatering.

Drill holes were classified as reference sites if they were located within aquifers that would not be impacted from the dewatering of the orebody aquifer. Examination of the geological cross sections identified the drill holes buffered by the Mt McRae and Mt Sylvia (aquitards) (Figure 6). Drill holes located away from the four Areas at Hope Down 5 and 6 (HD5, HD6) fell within a predicted drawdown of 5 m or less, while the Texas/Texas East, Rhodes Ridge and East Angelas drill holes located in the Tertiary calcrete north of the deposit were all classified as reference due to the buffering of the aquitard.

2.1.2 Surveys

Four surveys were undertaken by Outback Ecology from 2007 to 2009 at HD4. Phase I and Phase II were the initial comprehensive survey of the HD4 study area. In Phase I (3rd to the 6th of October 2007), 35 drill holes were sampled and in Phase II (10th to the 14th of March 2008), 38 drill holes were sampled. Of the 48 drill holes sampled in Phase I and II, 26 were sampled during both Phases. From these surveys 71 samples were collected from the HD4 study area, the recommended number in Guidance Statement 54A is 40 over two seasons.

The limited distribution of two stygal taxa, the ostracod Areacandona “outbacki” and the amphipod Chydaekata sp., within the designated pit shells indicated these taxa may potentially be at risk from the proposal. After discussion with the Environmental Management Branch (EMB) of the DEC in

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2008, a further two surveys were undertaken with the aim of targeting these taxa and extending their distribution range. Targeted survey (TS) Stage I was carried out from the 15th to the 16th of September 2008 with 23 drill holes sampled, nine were HD4 dill holes that had been sampled in Phase I and II and the remaining 14 were located away from the pit areas. Targeted survey II (16th to 18th February 2009) included new drill holes that were selected from areas considered likely habitat for ostracods, in particular the Tertiary Calcrete and alluvial deposit of Coondiner Creek. During TS Stage II, 26 drill holes were sampled, 19 of which had been sampled during at least one of the previous surveys. A total of 71 drill holes, 35 impact sites and 36 reference sites, were sampled over the four surveys resulting in 122 samples. The drill holes were located in both the orebody aquifer and the alluvial deposit and Tertiary Calcrete aquifer, representing the main groundwaters in the HD4 area.

2.2 Groundwater quality

Basic physicochemical data was collected during the stygofauna surveys. The standing water level (SWL) (mbgl) was measured from each drill hole using a Solinst 101 water level meter. Groundwater was then collected just below the SWL with a disposable clear PVC bailer (42 mm x 900 mm), lowered using a winch. A calibrated TPS 90 FLMV multi-parameter field instrument was used to measure the pH, temperature, salinity as electrical conductivity (EC), and dissolved oxygen (DO) of the groundwater retrieved.

2.3 Stygofauna sampling

Sampling was consistent with the procedures outlined in the EPA Draft Guidance Statement No. 54A (EPA 2007). Haul nets which have been found to be the most efficient retrieval method (Allford et al. 2008) were used during all four surveys. The sampling method was as follows:

• Samples were collected using two weighted nets with mesh sizes of 150 µm and 50 µm. Each net was fitted with a glass vial with a base mesh of 50 µm. • The 150 µm net was lowered first to near the bottom of the hole. • Once at the bottom the net was gently raised up and down three times to agitate the bottom sediments. • The net was then raised slowly to minimise the ‘bow wave’ effect that may result in the loss of specimens, filtering the stygofauna from the water column on retrieval. • Once retrieved the collection vial was removed and all the contents emptied into a 120 ml polycarbonate vial and preserved with 100% undenatured ethanol in the field. Undenatured ethanol was used to allow for later allozyme electrophoresis and mitochondrial DNA sequencing, if required. • This process was repeated three times. • The same procedure was then repeated using the 50 µm net. • To prevent cross-contamination between drill holes, all sampling equipment was washed thoroughly with Decon 90 (detergent) and then rinsed with distilled water after sampling each drill hole. • Samples were couriered back to Outback Ecology’s laboratory in Perth.

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A Licence to Take Fauna for Scientific Purposes, Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, Regulation 17, was obtained for each survey from the DEC (Lic. Nos. SF006126, SF006235, SF006554). An Export License, Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, Regulation 18, was also obtained for each batch of samples that were sent to taxonomists interstate (Lic. Nos.: ES00036017 and ES002040). The reports accompanying the licenses have been submitted to the DEC. The field surveys were undertaken by Mr Paul Bolton, Ms Carly Weston and Mr Jay Puglisi, Environmental Scientists from Outback Ecology (OES).

2.4 Specimen identification

Preserved samples were sorted manually using a Leica MZ6 stereomicroscope following elutriation of the samples to separate larger sediment particles. Samples were sieved into fractions using 250, 90 and 53 µm mesh sizes, to improve sorting efficiency. The specimens were then identified to their lowest possible taxonomic rank by Dr Erin Thomas and Dr Nihara Gunawardene of OES. Assistance in sorting was provided by Mr Richard de Lange and Ms Kimberley Moiler of OES.

Identifications were performed using all available literature, both from scientific publications and that provided by government bodies in the absence of published information. Specialist taxonomists were employed to obtain higher taxonomic resolution. The specialist and their area of expertise were:

• Dr Tom Karanovic (School of Zoology, University of Tasmania) (Copepoda)

• Dr Ivana Karanovic (School of Zoology, University of Tasmania) (Ostracoda)

• Ms Jane McRae (Bennelongia Pty Ltd) (Amphipoda and Isopoda).

2.5 Limitations of the study

All specimens were identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible. However, specimens can not always be identified to species or morphospecies level due to the current state of stygofauna taxonomy and the delicate nature of these invertebrates. To date, descriptions of many new species are yet to be published, hence taxonomic keys are lacking. The loss or damage of certain taxonomic features during collection and/or sorting process also restricts identification.

While every effort has been made to assess the conservation status of the stygofauna collected using in-house data collections, publications, publicly available reports, and information provided by specialist taxonomists, some accounts may be limited when information was unavailable at report submission. In this situation a status of data deficient will be assigned.

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Table 2: Impact drill holes sampled during Phase I and II surveys, TS (targeted survey) Stage I and II at HD4 (2007 – 2009). Blue shaded cell indicate samples collected. Sites classified according to the level of impact from pit extraction or dewatering. (Form. = Formation).

GPS coordinates Stygofauna Haul Nets Drill Hole ID Deposit Form. Eastings Northings Phase I Phase II TS Stage I TS Stage II DD06EA002 756087 7439759 PC368 756228 7439914 RC06EA025 756125 7439526 Area 1 RC06EA049 756620 7439558 RC06EA073 756702 7439075 RC06EA163 757060 7440010 RC06EA105 757657 7438984 RC06EA145 758770 7437870 RC06EA187 758307 7437909 Area 2 RC06EA193 758331 7437578 DRY

WB08EA005 758181 7438462 Impact Level 1 Orebody - Mine Pit RC06EA214 759582 7439643 Area 3 EAPZ04 759482 7439363 PC291 763647 7437670 PC520 764165 7437890 Area 4 WB08EA004 763485 7437838 PC571 762909 7438424 EAPZ08a deep 758622 7440015 EAPZ08 shallow 758622 7440015 PC358 758948 7439168 Area 3 PC390 758649 7438425 PC233 757750 7440251 PC432 756098 7437118 PC433 756242 7437484 Area 2 PC456 757803 7439469 PC430 755807 7436354 RC06EA246 760420 7439180 RC06EA203 759440 7439729 Area 3 Impact Level 2 PC261 761062 7439104 EAPZ06 757664 7439319 Alluvium dewatering - impact PC294 763443 7437111 PC553 765163 7438777 RC06EA324 763121 7439233 Area 4 RC06EA283 764657 7438846 RC06EA198 763300 7439699

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Table 3: Reference drill holes sampled during Phase I and II surveys, TS (targeted survey) Stage I and II at HD4 (2007 – 2009). Blue shaded cell indicate samples collected. The geological formations (Form.) which buffer the local aquifer from dewatering impacts are listed for the each of the deposits.

GPS coordinates Stygofauna Haul Nets Drill Hole ID Deposit Form. Eastings Northings Phase I Phase II TS Stage I TS Stage II PC236 758257 7440210 RC06EA239 760271 7439484 Area 3 PC258 758764 7440168 EA1049 765666 7437590 PC550 764918 7439505 Area 4 PC558 764994 7439693 DRY Alluvium/detritals PC560 764059 7440047 Mt McRae Shale footwall McRaeMt Shale RC97TEX009 751940 7440455 RC98TEX024 751927 7440707 RC08TX160 753503 7441180 Texas RC08TX201 752854 7440899 RC08TX203 752795 7440713

RC06TE353 754823 7440778 DRY

RC06TE288 754368 7440633

RC06TE397 755332 7440697 Texas East RC06TE294 754042 7439794 RC06TE366 754912 7440324 Tertiary Calcrete RC04RHO006 760635 7440863

RC04RHO007 760679 7440945 FormationSylvia Mt footwall RC04RHO011 759003 7441540 Rhodes RC04RHO016 757277 7442151 Ridge RC04RHO022 759753 7441032 RC05RHO038 757987 7441551 RC07AH009A 742745 7440102 RC07AH007 743537 7439500 Arrowhead RC07AH017 742337 7440200 RC08AH003 743538 7439901 RC08HD6002 752773 7431534 RC08HD6003 752772 7432072 RC08HD6004 753916 7431938 MarraMamba RC08HD6005 753909 7431740 HD6

RC08HD6006 753874 7431565 Drawdown<5 m RC08HD6007 754386 7430047 RC08HD6008 754383 7430221 EA1045 753817 7433595 PDK180 780462 7436998 HD5 BIF

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3.0 RESULTS and DISCUSSION

3.1 Groundwater quality

Basic groundwater parameters were measured at all drill holes during the four sampling events and are shown in (Appendix C: Table 7 and Table 8). Overall, the groundwater of the study area was found to be fresh, with a circum-neutral pH (6.25 – 7.5). Only one site was found to have alkaline groundwater of pH 9.94, RC04RHO007 located in the Tertiary calcrete. The majority of the drill holes contained groundwater with salinities less than 2,000 µS/cm and considered to be fresh (< 3,000 µS/cm). Only two holes had groundwater that was slightly brackish, PC236 and RC06EA283. The hydrogeological study by MWH (2009) recorded similar results and found clustering between the groundwaters of the Joffre Member, Dales Gorge Member, Coondiner Creek and the Tertiary calcrete with trends indicating variation in the evolution of the groundwater. The higher salinity levels found in the Dales Gorge groundwater indicate a longer residence time, while that of the Tertiary calcrete reflected the carbonate dissolution. The area was also found to have Mg-HCO3 dominance in the less saline groundwaters which then changed to Na dominance with the increase in salinity (MWH 2009). The groundwater temperature a HD4 was shown to be fairly consistent at approximately 28°C, changing little between surveys.

The variability observed in dissolved oxygen (DO) levels between sampling seasons may be a result of changes in surface or base flow in the area. Groundwater DO is known to be spatially heterogeneous, reflecting changes in the sediment composition and structure (Malard and Hervant 1999) as well as groundwater flow and organics content (Humphreys 2009). The DO levels at HD4 were generally low, averaging at 1.75 mg/L - 3.0 mg/L, except in Phase II when the average was 10 mg/L. In February 2008 the area received higher than average rainfall from cyclonic activity and by March 2008, when Phase II was undertaken, the groundwater flow rate may have been stronger. According to the hydrogeological report (MWH 2009) the area had undergone a recession and experienced a decrease in flow. The recharge to the groundwater at HD4 is primarily via direct infiltration from rainfall and from the stream beds of Coondiner Creek. While sudden responses to rainfall were observed in the monitoring equipment by MWH (2009), overall they were relatively small, the exception being some dill holes in TS Stage II that were dry..

While DO levels below 2 mg/L can restrict surface water invertebrates, stygobitic species are able to tolerate and recover from very low oxygen levels (Strayer 1994). Many Australian species are commonly associated with suboxic waters that have DO levels below 1 mg/L (= 1 ppm) (Humphreys 2008). Therefore, the amount of DO in groundwater from the HD4 study area was not unusual for aquifers that are known to support stygofauna communities.

Stygofauna, like surface water fauna, are influenced by their immediate environment with their distribution within the aquifer controlled by the physicochemical characteristics of the groundwater (Strayer 1994). The basic water quality parameters that have the greatest influence on aquatic organisms are pH, temperature, salinity, as well as electrical conductivity, and dissolved oxygen. In terms of the groundwater quality, there were no conditions within the drill holes during the surveys

16 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey which would potentially restrict the presence of stygofauna, the exception being the absence of water at some of the drill holes in TS Stage II.

The groundwater at HD4 appears to be a relatively stable environment with little variation in basic parameters, typical of subterranean environments. Because stygofauna exist in such environments they are more susceptible to slight changes and may react faster than other biota. While baseline water quality data is important for future management of the area assessing any impacts to the groundwater, it may also explain any morphological differences between similar taxa and explain possible lineages. Slight changes in ionic dominance has been found to alter the morphology of ostracod carapaces (Reeves et al. 2007), which may cause problems in assessing the conservation significance of certain taxa.

3.2 Stygofauna

3.2.1 Overview of stygofauna survey

Of the 71 drill holes sampled over four surveys, 55 yielded fauna while 16 had no specimens in the samples (Appendix E). Approximately 3,910 specimens were identified as stygofauna with various terrestrial invertebrates and surface water invertebrates were also collected, but not included in this report. The stygofauna at HD4 was dominated by the crustaceans (phylum Arthropoda), in particular from the classes Maxillopoda (63%), Malacostraca (15%), and Ostracoda (14%), which is typical of the Pilbara (Eberhard et al. 2005).

Overall there were 20 stygal taxa identified from at least 11 families (Table 4 to Table 6). Diversity within each family was no greater than three taxa, with obvious differences in abundance. Overwhelmingly, the cyclopoid copepod Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi was the dominant species numerically, making up 53% of the stygofauna collected at HD4, and the most widespread, recorded in 34 of the 55 yielding drill holes. This was followed by the ostracod Areacandona “outbacki” and the Paramelitidae, both at 14%. An assessment of the Hope Downs 1 (HD1) project area by Biota (2006) found a similar pattern in stygofauna community structure.

The majority (77%) of the drill holes sampled at HD4 had stygofauna present. Sampling was performed in both the deeper orebody aquifer and the shallower alluvial deposit and calcrete aquifers. It is widely recognised that the shallower calcrete and alluvial aquifers have the greatest abundance and diversity of stygofauna (Allford et al. 2008, Gibert and DeHarveng 2002, Reeves et al. 2007). At HD4 a number of drill holes in the proposed pit areas supported nine or more different stygal taxa, though these numbers may be due to the increased sampling effort at these sites. Species richness in the Pilbara region appears to be directly proportional to the sampling effort (Eberhard et al. 2005) and the short range endemism displayed by certain taxa may be an artefact of low sampling effort (Eberhard et al. 2009).

Generally, the drill holes with consistent high diversity and abundance were located within the alluvial deposit of Coondiner Creek or near the Tertiary calcrete to the north of the deposit. An exception was RC06EA203, located within the impact zone of Area 3 and intersecting the orebody aquifer. This drill

17 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey hole not only supported an abundant stygofauna population it also has the highest stygal diversity of the HD4 study area with 20 different taxa identified. The drill hole intersected the Dales Gorge Member where the orebody macroband was folded to the surface and highly mineralised (Figure 6). Stygofauna species richness and abundance is greatest at the surface of aquifers and decreases with depth, with many animals restricted to the upper parts of subterranean ecosystems (Humphreys 2009). As RC06EA203 was shallow, with an end of hole at 26 m and the watertable at 22 m bgl, the bore would be an ideal habitat for many stygal species with a ready influx of energy entering the highly mineralised area and fauna from both the overlying alluvium and the fractured orebody able to occupy the space.

3.2.2 Distribution of stygofauna

Initially in Phase I and II surveys a number of stygofauna were found to be restricted to the impact zone at HD4. Subsequent targeted surveys resulted in a greater distribution range of all stygofauna in both impact and reference sites (Table 4; Table 5; Table 6). The exceptions were a single specimen of Rotifera found in the Area 1 pit (RC06EA073) and a Phreodrilidae only recorded from RC06EA283. The Rotifera are common in surface and groundwater throughout Australia. They are one of the groups that are not expected to be identified to species along with the Nematoda (EPA 2007). Their limited numbers at HD4 indicate they may be stygoxenes that have entered the groundwater accidentally, rather than stygophiles or stygobites. Phreodrilids also occur in ground and surface waters and specimens have been recorded from various drainage basins within the Pilbara region (Pinder 2008). Though the Rotifera and Phreodrilidae were classified as data deficient, they were not considered to be at risk from the HD4 proposal because of their general ecology.

The targeted surveys Stage I and II were designed to increase the distribution range of two taxa in particular, Areacandona “outbacki” (I. Karanovic ms.) and Chydaekata sp., and areas considered their preferred habitat were surveyed. Drill holes located within alluvial deposit of Coondiner Creek and the Tertiary calcrete were sampled. As a result large numbers of the ostracods were recorded at reference sites, in particular within the Tertiary calcrete north of the HD4 deposit. The distribution of both A. “outbacki” and Chydaekata sp. is shown in Figures 8 and 9 and they often occur together in the same drill holes. An account of the stygofauna is given below with emphasis on the stygobitic taxa.

3.2.2.1 Class Oligochaeta

Two families of Oilgochaetes were represented at HD4; the Enchytraeidae and Phreodrilidae. An additional two specimens, identified only as Tubificida due to the lack of taxonomic features, were collected from RC06TE288, a reference site. Both these families were recorded at nearby Hope Downs 1 (Biota 2006) and are common throughout the Pilbara (Humphreys 2001, Pinder 2001). Additionally, the Phreodrilidae are widespread throughout Western Australia and were recorded from groundwaters of the Yilgarn and Murchison. Representatives from the Enchytraeidae have also been recorded from other areas of the Pilbara, such as the Port Hedland Coastal Basin (OES 2008) and the south coast of Western Australia, indicating a widespread distribution (Rockwater 2006).

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3.2.2.2 Class Malacostraca

Three orders within the class Malacostraca were collected from HD4; the Amphipoda, Isopoda and Bathynellacea (Table 5). The amphipods were represented by the family Paramelitidae.. Fifteen genera of this family are found throughout Australia, five of which are in Western Australia (Bradbury 2000). A number of the HD4 paramelitids were damaged, incomplete or immature and could not be identified past Paramelitidae. Four different taxa were identified within HD4 with the majority belonging to Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) or Paramelitidae nr. sp. 2 (DEC). Both taxa were widespread within the study area, collected from various geologies in both reference and impact zones, with the calcretes supporting greater numbers. Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) is the same species that was recorded during the DEC Pilbara Survey and also occurs in the Port Hedland Coastal Basin at Ball Balla (OES 2008).

The unpublished Maarka “weeliwollii” (ms.) was collected from both reference and impact sites at HD4. As the name suggests, Maarka “weeliwollii” (ms.) occurs at Weeli Wolli Creek (van Leeuwen 2009) located near the Hope Downs 1 (HD1) mine 100 km northwest of HD4 (Figure 1). Only single specimens of M. “weeliwolli” were collected from each of the three drill holes at HD4 compared to the more abundant Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC). Similar to the other amphipods this species preferred the Cainozoic deposits along the creeklines and the Tertiary calcrete to the north. It was also recorded in the Texas deposit west of the HD4 area indicating dispersal capabilities.

The fourth amphipod identified was Chydaekata sp. (Plate 1a) initially only recorded from one drill hole in the impact zone during Phase I. As a result of the targeted surveys, Chydaekata sp. was found to have a much wider distribution in HD4 following the Coondiner Creek drainage system (Figure 9). Chydaekata (as a genus) is known from a number of locations outside the HD4 study area, primarily within the upper Fortescue River basin (Bradbury 2000, Finston et al. 2008). Studies on crangonyctoids in the Yilgarn (Cooper et al. 2007) and the Pilbara (Finston et al. 2006) have found them to be characteristically cryptic in their morphology making identification difficult. Disparities between morphological and molecular studies mean that species-level identifications are not currently practicable, however research suggests that the genus consists of multiple distinct lineages, particularly associated with different tributaries (Finston et al. 2006).

DNA analysis of the amphipods from HD1 found similarities between a Chydaekata sp. from HD1 and an unknown amphipod and found they had close affinities to subterranean amphipods from Weeli Wolli Creek (Biota 2006). Other similarities were observed between Paramelitidae sp. 2 (identified as the same species collected in the DEC Pilbara Survey) and other unknown amphipods from HD1. While the DNA lineages were not perfect, it did suggest that all the HD1 paramelitids collected either belonged to Paramelitidae sp. 2 or Chydaekata sp.. It would therefore seem reasonable to expect a similar pattern for the Paramelitids of HD4. Given that HD4 Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) is the same species as that from HD1, the distribution range can be extended west of the HD4 study area. Furthermore, taking into account the wide distribution and relative abundance of the two Paramelitidae

19 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey species within the survey area (Figure 9), it is likely that the majority of the unidentified paramelitids belong to one of these taxa.

The Isopoda, Pygolabis sp. (family Tainisopidae) (Plate 1b), was recorded in both impact and reference sites at HD4. This genus has only recently been described and is restricted to the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions of Western Australia (Wilson 2003). So far, a total of seven species have been described for Pygolabis from groundwaters in the Fortescue, Ashburton and Lyons River catchments (Keable and Wilson 2006). While the HD4 Pygolabis could not be identified to species, it was not restricted to the impact zone with specimens found in the reference sites at Rhodes Ridge (Table 5). Pygolabis sp. “Weeli Wolli” were recorded from HD1 and DNA sequencing found all specimens belonged to one species and corresponded to Pygolabis sp. 3 “Weeli Wolli” (Wilson) (Biota 2006).

Two families from the order Bathynellacea, the Bathynellidae and Parabathynellidae, were identified within the HD4 study area at both impact and reference sites, particularly following the alluvial deposits. The Bathynellidae is a primitive group of poorly known stygobitic crustaceans that typically inhabits freshwater alluvial interstitial spaces. Currently there is little taxonomic information for the Bathynellidae and therefore they can not be identified past the family level, while the Parabathynellidae is the better known of the two because of the greater diversity of taxonomic characteristics (Guzik et al. 2008). Both Bathynellidae and Notobathynella sp. have a wide distribution throughout the Pilbara, particularly in the Port Hedland Coastal Basin

3.2.2.3 Class Ostracoda

Initially two new species of Areacandona were found at HD4; Areacandona “outbacki” (I. Karanovic ms.) and Areacandona “thomasi” (I. Karanovic ms.), both were restricted to drill holes located in the designated pit areas. Slight differences in carapace morphology separated the two taxa but with subsequent sampling, greater morphological variability was noted in A. “outbacki” and the two species were then merged into one based on the features of their soft body parts (A. “outbacki”).

The subfamily Candoninae are well known for their evolutionary flexibility and are morphologically variable, prone to speciation and readily adapt to local environments (Danielopol and Pospisil 2000). Areacandona is one of the most speciose of the family Candonidae, with all species endemic to the Pilbara region (Humphreys 2006, Reeves et al. 2007). The low-lying coastal areas and alluvial aquifers of the Port Hedland Coastal, Robe and Fortescue Basins have a high number of Areacandona species. They characteristically occur over a relatively small area associated with one or two surface sub-catchments or tributaries flowing into major rivers (Reeves et al. 2007).

While A. “outbacki” is restricted to the HD4 study area (but within impact and reference sites), surveys have shown a wide local distribution within the Coondiner Creek catchment (Figure 8) with an abundant population found in the Tertiary calcrete to the north of the HD4 deposits. This area is buffered from dewatering impact by the Mt McRae Shale Formation which acts as an aquitard. Dispersal paths used by the ostracods appear to follow the alluvium/colluvium deposits located along the Coondiner Creek drainage system. Following the north-east groundwater flow and eventual

20 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey discharge to Eagle Rock Falls, it is quite possible that populations of A. “outbacki” would be found at Eagle Rock Falls.

3.2.2.4 Class Maxillopoda

The Pilbara has recently proved to have a rich copepod stygofauna with some 41 species from 24 genera formally identified, the number have increased substantially since the publication of Karanovic (2006). A number of juvenile copepods (nauplii) were collected at HD4 and could not be identified further due to the lack of identifiable characteristics. These were not considered problematic as they all occurred in the same drill holes as the named copepods. Two orders were identified; Cyclopoida and Harpacticoida (Table 6). The cyclopoid, Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi, was the most commonly occurring and abundant species throughout the HD4 study area, representing 53% of the stygofauna collected from HD4. This copepod is dominant throughout the Pilbara region, with records including Cape Range and North-west Cape Peninsula groundwaters (Karanovic 2006).

Harpacticoid copepods were also recorded throughout the study area occurring alongside D. humphreysi humphreysi. A possible new species, Australocamptus sp. 2 n. sp. (T. Karanovic), was recorded from impact site PC430 during the Phase II survey. However, Australocamptus sp. 2 n. sp. (T. Karanovic) was considered likely to be epigean (a surface water inhabitant) (T. Karanovic. pers. comm., 2008) and was not given further consideration.

The harpacticoid, Parastenocaris jane, was collected from both impact and reference sites at HD4 and is widely distributed throughout the Pilbara region with records from bores near Newman and Paraburdoo (Karanovic 2006). Parastenocaris “outbacki” (T. Karanovic ms.) is a new stygobitic species that has a distribution similar to that of P. jane though not as widespread across the Pilbara. P. “outbacki” was recorded from both reference and impact bores and found to be living sympatrically with P. jane. Other records of P. “outbacki” include Spinifex Ridge (Chichester) and Balla Balla (Port Hedland Coastal Basin).

21 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

Plate 1: Malacostracan stygofauna collected from HD4 study area (a) Chydaekata sp. (b) Pygolabis sp. (c) Notobathynella sp, (d) Paramelitidae (scale bar = 1 mm).

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Table 4: Distribution of stygofauna (Rotifera, Nematoda and Annelida) within the HD4 study area, 2007 - 2009.

Drill Hole ID Phylum Class Order Family Lowest ID Distribution Impact Level 1 Impact Level 2 Reference

Rotifera are common in subterranean waters throughout the Pilbara. Rotifera RCO6EA073 Recorded from the Canning Basin and Port Hedland Coastal Basin

a ra r groundwaters. No further taxonomic resolution required.

e

f

i

tife t

o

R Often found living in mosses and fluvial sediment (edaphobites). Bdelloidea Bdelloida Philodinida Philodinidae RC06EA193 PC258 Widespread globally with many species in Australia and New Zealand.

RC06EA073, RC04RHO016, RC06EA105, Nematodes are common in the Pilbara groundwaters, such as nearby RC08HD6003, Nematoda RC06EA145, PC432, PC553 Hope Downs 1 and Weeli Wolli Spring. Unable to take the taxonomy RC08HD6004, RC06EA163, futher at present.

Nematoda RC08HD6006 RC06EA193

PC291, PC390, Common in groundwaters of the Pilbara (De Grey, Port Hedland RC06TE288, Enchytraeidae RC06EA145, RC06EA203 Coastal Basin, Barrow Island), Murchison and the South West PC550 Enchytraeidae RC06EA163 Australia. Recorded in most stygofauna surveys from the Pilbara. Enchytraeidae Pilbara sp. 3 This taxon was identified during the DEC Pilbara survey and has wider PC236 (DEC) distrubution than HD4. PC291, PC261, PC560, PC258, RC06EA049, Phreodrilidae with dissimilar RC06EA203, RC06TE39, RC06EA145, ventral chaetae RC06EA246, PC550, EA1049, Members of this family have been collected from groundwaters of the Phreodrilidae RC06EA163, Pilbara and Yilgarn regions. The family is distributed throughout Annelida

Tubificida RC06EA283 RC06EA239

Oligochaeta RC06EA193 Australia. Has large distribution throughout HD4 area. Phreodrilidae with similar ventral RC06EA283 chaetae

Tubificidae recorded from Port Hedland Coastal Basin and Cape Tubificida RC06TE288 Range groundwaters, also in nearby Hope Downs 1. No further taxonomic resolution was possible with the specimens.

23 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

Table 5: Distribution of stygofauna (Arthropoda: Malacostraca) within the HD4 study area 2007 – 2009.

Drill Hole ID Phylum Class Order Family Lowest ID Distribution Impact Level 1 Impact Level 2 Reference

EAPZ04, PC261, RC06EA239, PC571, RC06EA049, RC06EA203, This family is found through out Pilbara groundwaters such as Port EA1045, PC560, RC06EA163, PC553, PC294, Hedland Coastal Basin, Hamersley Ranges. Further identification of Paramelitidae RC04RHO007, RC06EA187, PC358, PC432, these specimens was not possible due to missing identifying features RC04RHO011, RC06EA193, EAPZ08 RC06EA324 or immaturity. Well distributed within HD4 area. PC258 shallow

EA1045, PC560, RC04RHO011, RC06EA049, RC06EA203, RC97TEX009, Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) RC06EA187, PC553, PC358, RC98TEX024, RC06EA193 PC432 PC258, Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) was collected and identified during the DEC RC06EA239 Pilbara Survey. Specimens have been recorded from the Fortescue, Ashburton and De Grey areas. Amphipods at Hope Downs 1 were Paramelitidae PC560, PC258, found to belong to either this morphospecies orChydaekata sp. RC04RHO007, Paramelitidae nr sp. 2 has slight differences, but it is highly likely they Amphipoda PC261, RC06EA163, PC553, PC233, RC05RHO038, are the same. Paramelitidae nr. sp. 2 (DEC) RC06EA187, PC358, RC06TE397, RC06EA193 RC06EA203 RC97TEX009, RC98TEX024, RC06EA239 Genus has been identified from Newman and Fortescue alleyV and is Arthropoda PC560, PC258, Malacostraca RC06EA203, under revision, therefore species resolution was not possible. Studies Chydaekata sp. RC06EA187 RC04RHO007, PC553 have found each catchment usually has a single widespread species in RC04RHO011 sympatry with a rarer species.

RC04RHO011, Maarka "weeliwollii" (ms.) RC06EA203 First identified from Weeli Wolli Spring in the Pilbara. RC98TEX024

RC04RHO007, RC06EA203, Found in groundwaters of the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions of WA Tainisopidae Pygolabis sp. RC06EA193 RC04RHO004, RC06EA246 including the Fortescue, Ashburton and Lyons River catchments.

Isopoda RC04RHO006

RC06EA025, PC261, RC06EA239, Family has been recorded from western Pilbara, Ashburton, De Grey Bathynellidae Bathynellidae RC06EA049, RC06EA246 RC06TE397 and Port Hedland Coastal Basin, Yilgarn and the south coast of WA RC06EA163

PC520, RC06EA025, PC433, PC432, RC06TE366, Found in Fortescue, Robe, De Grey, Port Hedland Coastal Basin and Parabathynellidae Notobathynella sp. RC06EA049, EAPZ08

Bathynellacea PC553 RC06EA239, Ashburton catchments. shallow

24 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

Table 6: Distribution of stygofauna (Arthropoda: Maxillopoda and Ostracoda) within the HD4 study area, 2007 - 2009.

Drill Hole ID Phylum Class Order Family Lowest ID Distribution Impact Level 1 Impact Level 2 Reference

EAPZ04, PC571, RC06EA025, PC553, PC432, RC04RHO007, RC06EA049, PC433, PC233, RC06TE366, RC06EA145, RC06EA203, Diacyclops humphreysi RC06TE288, The most widespread and dominat copepods in the Pilbara. Cyclopidae RC06EA163, PC261, PC358, humphreysi PC236, PC258, Found in nearly all groundwaters in large numbers. RC06EA187, RC06EA324, RC06TE397, Cyclopoida RC06EA193, RC06EA283, RC06EA239 RC06EA214, RC06EA246 EAPZ08a deep

Wide South Pilbara distribution. Records from the RC06EA049, PC553, PC432, RC06EA239, Paraburdoo Town Borefield, Turee Creek, GNH near Maxillopoda Maxillopoda Parastenocaris jane EAPZ08a deep RC06EA203 PC258 Newman airport, Homestead Creek, Ore Body 23 (near

a Ophthalmia Dam) and Cane River Borefield.

d

ood

p

oop Parastenocarididae

r

hhr RC06EA239,

t

rrt EAPZ06, PC390,

A RC06TE353,

Harpacticoida Parastenocaris "outbacki" PC456, Widely distributed throughout Pilbara such as Port Hedland RC06EA025 RC06TE397, (T. Karanovic ms.) RC06EA324, Coastal (Balla Balla), and Chichester (Spinfex Ridge). EA1049, PC550, PC433, PC553 RC04RHO022

EA1045, PC258, Common genus throughout the Pilbara. This is a new RC04RHO007, RC06EA145, species. Specimens at HD4 were previously identified as RC04RHO011, Areacandona "outbacki" RC 06EA187, PC553, PC261, either A. outbackii or Areacandona "thomasi", however they Candoninae RC05RHO038, (I. Karanovic ms.) RC06EA193, RC06EA203 are now all A. "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.). Differences in RC04RHO006,

Ostracoda EAPZ08 shallow valve morphology may reflect groundwater chemistry at Podocopida RC97TEX009, HD4. RC06EA239

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4.0 CONCLUSION

Hope Downs 4 study area was found to have a diverse and abundant stygofauna community associated predominately with the alluvial and calcrete aquifers. Numbers were also high in a few drill holes located in the mineralised Dales Gorge Formation where the formation was close to the surface. The sampling methods used and the level of effort to date were appropriate and consistent with approaches recommended by the EPA and DEC.

Four sampling surveys were conducted at HD4; Phase I (October 2007), Phase II (March 2008), TS Stage I (September 2008) and TS Stage II (February 2009) where 122 samples were collected from 71 drill holes (35 impact sites and 36 reference sites). The majority of the drill holes at HD4 had stygofauna present with 55 of the 71 drill holes sampled yielding stygofauna (77%), with no specimens collected from 16 sites. Both the deeper orebody aquifer and the shallower alluvial deposit and calcrete aquifers were sampled.

From the 3,910 stygofauna specimens, 20 taxonomic groups were identified belonging to 11 known families. The stygofauna at HD4 was dominated by the crustaceans (phylum Arthropoda), in particular from the classes Maxillopoda (63% of sample), Malacostraca (15%), and Ostracoda (14%), which is typical of the Pilbara. Several new taxa were identified for HD4 but none were considered at risk from the HD4 proposal as they occurred at both impact and reference sites.

Generally, the drill holes with consistent higher stygal diversity were located within the alluvial deposit of Coondiner Creek or near the Tertiary calcrete to the north of the deposit. Drill holes that intersected the orebody with high stygal diversity were either very shallow just at the SWL or intersected the Dales Gorge Member where it was close to the surface and highly mineralised.

Groundwater quality throughout the HD4 study area was found to be consistent between seasons with minimal variation observed, indicating a stable environment. Generally, the groundwater at HD4 was found to be fresh with a few holes having brackish water, a reflection of the local geology and indicative of the different aquifers present. The dissolved oxygen levels overall were low though this did not appear to have a negative effect on the stygofauna with high numbers yielded from suboxic sites.

Initially a number of stygofauna were found to be restricted to the impact zone at HD4. Subsequent surveys resulted in a greater distribution range of all stygofauna taxa. The targeted surveys Stage I and II were designed to increase the distribution range of two taxa in particular, Areacandona “outbacki” and Chydaekata sp., and therefore areas considered preferred habitat were surveyed. The sampling effort concentrated on drill holes located within alluvial deposit of Coondiner Creek and the Tertiary calcrete. As a result high numbers of the ostracods were recorded outside the zone of impact, in particular within the Tertiary calcrete north of the HD4 deposit. This area is buffered from the dewatering drawdown by the Mt McRae Shale which acts as an aquitard. The amphipod Chydaekata sp. was also recorded from a higher number of reference sites within the Tertiary calcrete and alluvial deposits. Several other stygofauna taxa collected during the study occurred in the same

26 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey drill holes as Areacandona “outbacki” and Chydaekata sp. indicating a dispersal path along the Coondiner Creek drainage system.

In summary, this survey found a diverse and abundant stygofauna community at HD4 that displays high levels of dispersal throughout the study area via the alluvial deposits of Coondiner Creek. The drainage towards the Tertiary calcrete allows for stygal dispersal to this area, which is buffered from the impacts of the dewatering of the orebody aquifer. The high transmissivity of the calcrete also ensures sufficient influx of energy to support a diverse population. Many of the stygofauna were also found outside the HD4 area and therefore the risk to the stygofauna from the HD4 mining proposal is considered very low, particularly if an appropriate monitoring and management plan is implemented to ensure the protection of the Tertiary calcrete from the dewatering of the orebody aquifer.

27 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

5.0 REFERENCES

Allford, A., Cooper, S. J. B., Humphreys, W. F. and Austin, A. D. (2008) Diversity and distribution of groundwater fauna in a calcrete aquifer: does sampling method influence the story? Invertebrate Systematics 22: 127-138.

Biota. (2006) Hope Downs Iron Ore Project, subterranean fauna assessment Internal report for Pilbara Iron Company Pty Ltd, Perth, Western Australia.

BOM (2009) Monthly rainfall, Newman Aero. Monthly Climate Data, Bureau of Meteorology. Available online at http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/data/weather-data.shtml#d.

Bradbury, J. H. (2000) Western Australian stygobiont amphipods (Crustacea: Paramelitidae) from the Mt Newman and Millstream regions. Records of the Western Australian Museum Supplement No. 60: 102.

Cooper, S. J. B., Bradbury, J. H., Saint, K. M., Leys, R., Austin, A. D. and Humphreys, W. F. (2007) Subterranean archipelago in the Australian arid zone: mitochondrial DNA phylogeography of amphipods from central Western Australia. Molecular Ecology 16: 1533-1544.

Cowan, D. and Cooper, G. (2003) Wavelet analysis of detailed drillhole magnetic susceptibility data, Brockman Iron Formation, Hamersley Basin, Western Australia. Exploration Geophysics 34: 63-68.

Danielopol, D. L. and Pospisil, P. (2000) Biodiversity in groundwater: a large-scale view. TREE 15: 223-224.

Eberhard, S., Halse, S. A., Scanlon, M. D., Cocking, J. S. and Barron, H. J. (2004) Assessment and conservation of aquatic life in the subsurface of the Pilbara region, Western Australia. In Symposium on world subterranean biodiversity. Villeurbanne. City

Eberhard, S. M., Halse, S. A. and Humphreys, W. F. (2005) Stygofauna in the Pilbara region, north- west Western Australia: a review. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia 88: 167-176.

Eberhard, S. M., Halse, S. A., Williams, M. R., Scanlon, M. D., Cocking, J. and Barron, H. J. (2009) Exploring the relationship between sampling efficiency and short-range endemism for groundwater fauna in the Pilbara region, Western Australia. Freshwater Biology 54: 885-901.

EPA. (2007) Guidance for the assessment of environmental factors (in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1986) Environmental Protection Authority, Western Australia.

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Finston, T., Johnson, M. S., Humphreys, W. F., Eberhard, S. M. and Halse, S. A. (2006) Cryptic speciation in two widespread subterranean amphipod genera reflects historical drainage patterns in an ancient landscape. Molecular Ecology 16(2): 355-365.

Finston, T., Johnson, M. S. and Knott, B. (2008) A new genus and species of stygobitic paramelitid amphipod from the Pilbara, Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum 24: 395- 410.

Gibert, J. and DeHarveng, L. (2002) Subterranean ecosystems: a truncated functional biodiversity. BioScience 52(6): 476-481.

Guzik, M. T., Abrams, K. M., Cooper, S. J. B., Humphreys, W. F. and Cho, J.-L. (2008) Phylogeography of the ancient Parabathynellidae (Crustacea: Bathynellacea) from the Yilgarn region of Western Australia. Invertebrate Systematics 22: 216.

Humphreys, W. F. (2001) Groundwater calcrete aquifers in the Australian arid zone: the context to an unfolding plethora of stygal biodiversity. Records of the Western Australian Museum Supplement No. 64: 63-83.

Humphreys, W. F. (2006) Aquifers: the ultimate groundwater-dependent ecosystems. Australian Journal of Botany 54: 115-132.

Humphreys, W. F. (2008) Rising from Down Under: developments in subterranean biodiversity in Australia from a groundwater fauna perspective. Invertebrate Systematics 22: 85–101.

Humphreys, W. F. (2009) Hydrogeology and groundwater ecology: Does each inform the other? Hydrogeology Journal 17: 5-21.

Humphreys, W. F., Watts, C. H. S. and Bradbury, J. H. (2004) Emerging knowledge of diversity, distribution, and origins of some Australian stygofauna. In Symposium on World Subterranean Biodiversity. Villeurbanne. City

Johnson, S. L. (2004) Geology and hydrogeology. In: V. Vreeswyk, A. L. Payne, K. A. Leighton and P. Hennig (eds) An inventory and condition survey of the Pilbara region, Western Australia. Technical Bulletin No. 92. Department of Agriculture, Perth, p 424

Karanovic, T. (2004) Subterranean copepods from arid Western Australia. Crustaceana Monographs, 3. Koninkliijke, Brill, Leiden, The Netherlands.

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Karanovic, T. (2006) Subterranean copepods (Crustacea, Copepoda) from the Pilbara region in Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum Supplement N. 70.

Keable, S. J. and Wilson, G. D. (2006) New species of Pygolabis Wilson, 2003 (Isopoda, Tainisopidae, Crustacea) from Western Australia. Zootaxa 1116: 1-27.

Kendrick, P. (2003) Pilbara 3 (PIL3 - Hamersley subregion). In: N. L. McKenzie, J. E. May and S. McKenna (eds) Bioregional Summary of the 2002 Biodiversity Audit for Western Australia. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth

Malard, F. and Hervant, F. (1999) Oxygen supply and the adaptions of animals in groundwater. Freshwater Biology 41: 1-30.

MWH. (2009) Hope Downs 4 Hydrogeology. Part of the Hope Downs 4, 5 and 6 BFS Prepared for Rio Tinto Iron Ore Expansion Projects.

OES. (2008) Assessment of the stygofauna within the Balla Balla project area. Report prepared for Ferro Metals Australia Pty Ltd. Outback Ecology Services, March 2008.

Pinder, A. M. (2001) Notes on the diversity and distribution of Australian Naididae and Phreodrilidae (Oligochaeta: Annelida). Hydrobiologia 463: 49 - 64.

Pinder, A. M. (2008) Phreodrilidae (Clitellata: Annelida) in north-western Australia with descriptions of two new species. Records of the West Australian Museum 24: 459-468.

Reeves, J. M., De Deckker, P. and Halse, S. A. (2007) Groundwater Ostracods from the arid Pilbara region of northwestern Australia: distribution and water chemistry. Hydrobiologia 585: 99–118.

Rockwater. (2006) Southdown Magnetite Project - regional stygofauna sampling programme Redmond - King River area and proposed Southdown Mine (phase three results and final report) Report for Grange Resources Ltd, Perth, Western Australia.

Strayer, D. L. (1994) Limits to biological distributions in groundwater. In: J. Gibert, D. L. Danielopol and J. A. Stanford (eds) Groundwater Ecology. Academic Press, San Diego, pp 287-310 van Leeuwen, S. (2009) Biodiversity values of Weeli Wolli Spring: A priority ecological community. Department of Environment and Conservation. Available online at.

30 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey van Leeuwen, S. and Bromilow, B. (2002) Botanical survey of the Hamersley Range Uplands. National Reserve System Project N709. Final Report, May 2002. Science Division, Department of Conservation and Land Management.

Watts, C. H. S. and Humphreys, W. F. (2000) Six new species of Nirridessus Watts and Humphreys and Tjirtudessus Watts and Humphreys (Coleoptera:Dytiscidae) from underground waters in Australia. Records of the South Australian Museum 22(2): 127 - 144.

Wilson, G. D. (2003) A new genus of Tainisopidae fam. nov. (Crustacea: Isopoda) from the Pilbara, Western Australia. Zootaxa 245: 1 - 20.

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Appendix A Surface hydrology of the Hope Downs 4 study area.

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Figure 4: Surface hydrology of HD4 study area. Surface flow is in a northeast direction along Coondiner Creek.

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Appendix B Geology of the Hope Downs 4 study area. Geological cross sections of selected drill holes.

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Figure 5: Geology of the HD4 study area and drill holes sampled (2007 – 2009). Geology of areas sampled outside HD4 is not shown.

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Figure 6: Geological cross sections of selected reference and impact drill holes (a - f). Cross sections face west (red tie line).

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Appendix C

Extent of predicted drawdown for year 14 Orebody aquifer Hope Downs 4

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Figure 7: Extent of predicted drawdown. Contours only indicate drawdown for the orebody aquifer (Dales Gorge Member and Joffre Member).

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Appendix D

Details of drill holes sampled at Hope Downs 4 study area 2007 - 2009

39 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

SWL EoH Drill Hole ID bore use collar type IBD (mm) Date drilled casing type casing detail (m bgl) (m bgl) DD06EA002 Exploration 19.9 58 None 150 cased to EoH None EA1045 Exploration 26.7 42 None 150 1989 PVC None EA1049 Exploration 25.9 50 None 150 1989 PVC None PC233 Exploration 18.0 112 None 150 2004 <1m PVC None PC236 Exploration 10.5 12 None 150 2004 <1m PVC None PC258 Exploration 11.6 54 None 150 2004 <1m PVC None PC261 Exploration 20.9 70 None 150 2004 <1m PVC None PC281 Exploration 26.1 64 None 150 2004 <1m PVC None PC291 Exploration 47.9 66 None 150 2004 <1m PVC None PC294 Exploration 34.6 66 None 150 2004 <1m PVC None PC315 Exploration DRY 50 None 150 2004 <1m PVC None PC358 Exploration 19.2 40 None 150 2004 PVC None PC368 Exploration 19.7 76 None 150 2004 PVC None PC390 Exploration 29.0 64 None 150 2004 PVC None PC430 Exploration 16.9 48 None 150 2005 PVC None PC432 Exploration 26.9 35 None 150 2005 <1m PVC None PC433 Exploration 24.7 30 None 150 2005 <1m PVC None PC456 Exploration 15.2 70 None 50 2005 PVC None PC520 Exploration 35.1 64 None 150 2005 <1m PVC None PC550 Exploration 24.1 33 None 150 2005 PVC None PC553 Exploration 27.3 34.2 None 150 2005 PVC None PC558 Exploration 26.4 76 None 150 2005 PVC None PC560 Exploration 17.7 30 None 150 2005 PVC None PC571 Exploration 34.5 80 None 150 2005 <1m PVC None PDK180 Exploration 90.6 92 foam fill 150 2004 PVC None RC04RHO006 (WB07EA001) Production 19.4 54 steel 150 2004 steel Slotted steel 20 m - 44 m RC04RHO007 Exploration 20.0 42 None 150 2004 none None RC04RHO011 Exploration 17.2 28 None 150 2004 PVC None RC04RHO016 Exploration 22.4 37 None 150 2004 PVC None RC05RHO038 Exploration 15.0 N/A None 150 2005 PVC None RC06EA025 Exploration 22.9 64 None 150 2006 <1m PVC None RC06EA049 Exploration 25.1 64 None 150 2006 <1m PVC None RC06EA073 Exploration 19.8 52 None 150 2006 <1m PVC None RC06EA105 Exploration 19.4 64 None 150 2006 <1m PVC None RC06EA145 Exploration 39.2 64 None 150 2006 PVC None RC06EA152 Exploration 60.0 70 None 150 2006 <1m PVC None RC06EA163 Exploration 23.9 58 None 150 2006 <1m PVC None RC06EA176 Exploration 21.6 80 None 150 2006 <1m PVC None RC06EA187 Exploration 31.6 64 None 150 2006 <1m PVC None RC06EA193 Exploration 44.1 46 None 150 2006 <1m PVC None RC06EA198 Exploration 15.0 28 None 150 2006 <1m PVC None RC06EA203 Exploration 22.4 28 None 150 2006 <1m PVC None RC06EA214 Exploration 27.3 52 None 150 2006 <1m PVC None RC06EA234 Exploration N/A 76 None 150 2006 <1m PVC None RC06EA239 Exploration 17.7 46 None 150 2006 <1m PVC None RC06EA246 Exploration 26.0 46 None 150 2006 <1m PVC None RC06EA283 Exploration 15.7 28 None 150 2006 <1m PVC None RC06TE288 Exploration 20.4 82 None 150 2006 PVC None RC06TE294 Exploration 21.3 N/A None 150 2006 PVC None RC06EA324 Exploration 13.8 18 None 150 2006 <1m PVC None RC06TE353 Exploration 21.6 16 None 150 2006 <1m PVC None RC06TE366 Exploration 18.9 28 None 150 2006 none None RC06TE397 Exploration 16.4 58 None 150 2006 <1m PVC None RC07AH009A Exploration 28.7 N/A steel 150 2007 PVC None RC07AH007 Exploration 29.5 70 None 150 2007 PVC None RC07AH017 Exploration 27.9 200 None 150 2007 none None RC97TEX009 Exploration 21.4 29 None 150 1997 PVC None RC08AH003 Exploration 25.5 N/A None 150 2008 PVC None RC08HD6002 Exploration 34.8 N/A None 150 2008 PVC None RC08HD6003 Exploration 15.7 19 None 150 2008 PVC None RC08HD6004 Exploration 13.9 16 None 150 2008 PVC None RC08HD6005 Exploration 15.1 21 None 150 2008 PVC None RC08HD6006 Exploration 15.8 24.5 None 150 2008 PVC None RC08HD6007 Exploration 46.5 N/A None 150 2008 PVC None RC08HD6008 Exploration 48.2 N/A None 150 2008 PVC None RC98TEX024 Exploration 22.4 41.5 None 150 1998 PVC None RC08TX160 Exploration 41.4 56 None 150 2008 PVC None RC08TX201 Exploration 22.3 38 None 150 2008 PVC None RC08TX203 Exploration 21.9 87 None 150 2008 PVC None steel in WB08EA004 Exploration 36.8 162 250 16/03/2008 steel Steel casing slotted 35 - 134 m concrete WB08EA005 Exploration 21.3 N/A concrete 350 30/04/2008 steel Steel casing slotted stell 34 -130 m

EAPZ04 Monitoring 20.1 66 PVC 50 5/12/2005 Cased to EoH 36-48 m slotted 50 mm Class 9 UPVC

EAPZ06 Monitoring 15.1 66 PVC 150 7-8/12/2005 Cased to EoH 51-63 m slotted 50 mm Class 9 UPVC

30-42 m & 54-60 m slotted 50 mm Class EAPZ08 shallow Monitoring 11.9 18 PVC 50 7/12/2005 Cased to EoH 9 UPVC

EAPZ08a deep Monitoring 12.0 60 PVC 50 7/12/2005 Cased to EoH 12-28 m slotted 50 mm Class9 UPVC RC04RHO022 (EAPZ09) Monitoring 19.6 48 PVC 150 6/12/2005 Cased to EoH 27-45 m slotted 50 mm Class 9 UPVC

40 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

Appendix E Basic physicochemical parameters of the groundwater Phase I and II, TS Stage I and II Temperature = °C; Dissolved oxygen = mg/L; Salinity (Electrical conductivity = µS/cm); SWL = standing water level (m bgl)

41 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

Table 7: Groundwater physicochemical data Phase I and Phase II, HD4 study area.

pH Temperature Dissolved oxygen Salinity SWL Drill Hole ID Form. Phase I Phase II Phase I Phase II Phase I Phase II Phase I Phase II Phase I Phase II DD06EA002 7.4 30.8 3.0 19.9 EAPZ04 7.2 31.4 3.1 20.1 RC06EA025 6.9 30.3 2.9 22.9 RC06EA049 7.5 7.4 28.1 28.9 4.8 10.1 350.7 25.2 25.0 RC06EA073 6.3 6.3 31.5 28.6 1.7 11.6 124 19.9 19.7 RC06EA105 7.3 7.2 33.0 28.0 2.1 7.5 626 18.7 20.0 RC06EA145 7.3 7.1 31.2 30.7 2.1 7.8 608 39.5 39.1 RC06EA163 7.1 7.2 30.4 27.9 2.4 7.8 778 23.6 24.2 RC06EA187 7.3 7.1 32.0 32.4 3.0 9.9 631 31.8 31.4

RC06EA193 Orebodyaquifer 6.8 7.0 31.0 30.2 3.3 8.3 848 44.4 43.8 RC06EA214 6.9 31.3 1.3 27.3 PC291 7.2 6.5 31.3 30.3 2.3 9.6 513 47.9 47.9 PC368 7.6 29.1 12.4 774 19.7 PC520 7.5 7.5 28.6 30.5 5.0 11.9 583 35.1 35.1 PC571 6.5 6.4 35.2 30.9 3.3 11.3 429 34.0 34.9 PC358 7.5 29.1 11.0 545 19.2 PC390 7.2 30.2 9.7 1082 29.0 PC430 7.0 30.8 14.5 239 16.5 PC432 7.0 6.6 28.0 29.5 3.6 13.9 317 27.3 26.5 PC433 6.8 6.8 28.5 29.7 3.5 14.5 550 25.1 24.4 PC456 6.7 27.7 6.8 1210 15.2 PC294 6.5 6.3 29.8 30.5 3.7 11.0 546 34.4 34.8 PC553 7.3 7.3 33.1 30.9 2.5 13.4 1192 27.7 27.5 RC06EA324 7.0 30.0 3.1 13.8 RC06EA198 Alluvium 7.3 32.2 2.7 15.0 RC06EA246 6.9 6.7 31.7 31.1 3.0 10.8 850 26.2 25.7 Data available not Data RC06EA203 7.2 7.2 31.5 30.1 1.4 9.4 740 22.7 22.2 RC06EA283 7.5 7.3 25.3 30.1 7.9 15.3 4450 15.8 15.7 PC233 6.9 7.2 31.0 29.3 4.2 13.6 926 18.0 17.9 PC261 7.3 7.1 30.0 30.5 2.5 11.1 1162 21.1 20.7 EAPZ06 7.2 34.0 1.3 15.1 EAPZ08 deep 7.3 27.0 5.9 11.9 EAPZ08a shallow 7.5 28.3 2.4 12.0 RC06EA239 6.6 6.6 32.3 29.4 1.4 9.1 708 17.7 17.6 PC258 7.5 7.6 30.0 27.8 3.0 7.7 760 11.6 11.4 PC236 7.0 6.9 29.0 28.9 2.6 8.8 3192 10.8 10.3 PC558 7.3 29.0 10.9 1302 26.4

PC560 Alluvium 7.1 29.1 11.2 1272 17.7 PC550 7.2 30.2 11.4 1317 23.9 EA1049 7.5 7.7 30.4 27.3 N/A 10.1 828 25.0 26.4 RC04RHO007 7.5 29.4 14.5 1317 19.9 RC04RHO022 7.1 7.6 29.2 31.7 2.9 12.3 1392 20.0 19.3 RC06TE353 7.2 7.2 29.0 27.0 3.6 11.3 1952 21.7 21.5 RC06TE397 7.4 7.2 27.0 28.5 3.9 13.6 1098 16.5 16.2 RC06TE288 7.3 28.2 10.4 1030 20.4 RC06TE294 7.6 28.7 11.4 1102 21.3 Tertiary Calcrete RC06TE366 7.3 29.7 8.8 377 18.9

42 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

Table 8: Groundwater physicochemical data TS Stage I and Stage II, HD4 study area.

pH Temperature Dissolved oxygen Salinity SWL Drill Hole ID Form. Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 1 Stage 2 WB08EA004 8.1 29.1 1.9 365.7 36.8 RC06EA145 6.8 7.1 30.5 28.8 1.2 1.6 332.8 7.7 39.2 39.0 RC06EA187 6.9 29.2 1.7 377.0 31.5 RC06EA193 6.7 DRY 30.1 DRY 1.3 DRY 403.0 DRY 44.0 DRY

WB08EA005 OrebodyAquifer 7.7 28.4 2.0 353.7 21.3 RC06EA203 6.8 6.9 NA 27.2 2.1 1.75 650.7 807 22.4 22.4 PC430 6.9 6.6 29.0 27.8 3.4 0.5 246.3 408.0 17.0 17.0 PC553 6.9 7.1 30.2 26.3 2.3 2.5 895.5 1267.0 27.4 26.7 PC236 6.7 26.7 1.7 3.1 10.6 RC06EA239 6.8 6.8 29.7 26.1 1.5 1.19 616.4 349 17.7 17.9 PC258 7.2 26.5 1.4 749.0 11.8 Alluvium PC558 DRY DRY DRY DRY DRY PC550 7.0 28.3 2.5 1344.0 24.2 EA1049 7.3 27.0 3.1 521.0 26.4 PC560 6.6 7.0 NA 26.6 2.5 2.4 723.9 10.9 17.7 17.8 RC04RHO003 DRY DRY DRY DRY DRY RC04RHO006 7.0 7.4 28.6 28.3 1.3 1.3 1179.1 1291.0 19.3 19.5 RC04RHO007 9.9 27.9 1.6 1405.0 20.1 RC04RHO011 6.9 1.4 6.6 17.2 RC04RHO016 6.6 27.0 0.8 2.8 22.4 RC05RHO038 7.0 2.9 16.4 15.0 RC06TE353 6.8 28.0 1.1 1747.8 21.5 RC06TEX009 6.8 26.7 2.5 2.3 21.4 Tertiary Calcrete Tertiary RC08TEX024 6.9 26.5 2.7 1608.0 22.4 RC08TX160 6.7 22.8 0.8 181.1 41.4 RC08TX201 7.2 27.2 2.6 716.0 22.3 RC08TX203 7.0 27.2 3.2 722.0 21.9 RC07AH007 7.1 28.9 2.8 762.7 29.5 RC07AH009A 7.3 28.9 3.7 806.0 28.7 RC07AH017 7.1 28.5 3.1 682.1 27.9

RC08AH003 Arrowhead 7.1 28.7 4.0 837.3 25.5 EA1045 6.4 28.7 1.6 440.0 26.7 RC08HD6002 7.4 27.1 5.6 656.7 34.8 RC08HD6003 7.1 7.4 28.0 26.2 3.7 0.9 786.6 0.7 15.9 15.6 RC08HD6004 6.8 6.3 27.8 26.8 3.9 1.0 276.1 9.0 13.8 13.9 HD6 RC08HD6005 6.3 6.3 27.7 26.4 4.0 1.2 168.7 47.2 15.0 15.1 RC08HD6006 6.1 6.6 27.9 26.3 3.4 1.0 262.7 46.1 15.7 15.8 RC08HD6007 6.4 29.1 1.3 285.1 46.5 RC08HD6008 6.7 28.7 3.8 452.2 48.2 PDK180 HD5 7.3 28.6 1.6 127.9 90.6

43 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

Appendix F Total specimen count Hope Downs 4 study area Phase I (3 – 6 October 2007) Phase II (10 – 14 March 2008) Targeted Survey Stage I (15 – 16 September 2008) Targeted Survey Stage II (16 -18 February 2009) * indicates sub-sample count

44 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

Drill Hole ID Date Lowest ID Count ID

EA1049 2/10/2007 Astigmata 48 NRG EA1049 2/10/2007 Collembola 2 RD EA1049 2/10/2007 Parastenocaris "outbacki" (T. Karanovic ms.) 1 TK PC553 2/10/2007 Paramelitidae 1 ET PC553 2/10/2007 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 5 TK PC553 2/10/2007 Parastenocaris cf "outbacki" (T. Karanovic ms.) 2 TK PC553 2/10/2007 Nematoda 1 ET PC291 3/10/2007 Astigmata 1 NRG PC291 3/10/2007 Phreodrilidae with dissimilar ventral chaetae 1 NRG PC294 3/10/2007 Mesostigmata 1 NRG PC294 3/10/2007 Indolpium sp. 1 MH PC294 3/10/2007 Paramelitidae (juvenile) 1 JMM PC520 3/10/2007 NIL NIL RD PC571 3/10/2007 Paramelitidae 1 ET PC571 3/10/2007 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 4 TK RC06EA198 3/10/2007 Astigmata 13 NRG RC06EA198 3/10/2007 Mesostigmata 2 NRG RC06EA198 3/10/2007 Collembola 4 ET RC06EA198 3/10/2007 Isoptera 1 NRG RC06EA283 3/10/2007 Mesostigmata 7 NRG RC06EA283 3/10/2007 Collembola 3 ET RC06EA283 3/10/2007 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 3 TK RC06EA283 3/10/2007 Phreodrilidae with dissimilar ventral chaetae 2 NRG RC06EA324 3/10/2007 Paramelitidae (juvenile) 1 JMM RC06EA324 3/10/2007 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 47 TK RC06EA324 3/10/2007 Parastenocaris "outbacki" (T. Karanovic ms.) 2 TK RC06EA324 3/10/2007 Copepoda nauplii 1 TK EAPZ08 shallow 4/10/2007 Paramelitidae 1 ET EAPZ08 shallow 4/10/2007 Notobathynella sp. 1 ET EAPZ08 shallow 4/10/2007 Copepoda nauplii 1 TK EAPZ08 shallow 4/10/2007 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 5 IK EAPZ08a deep 4/10/2007 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 16 TK EAPZ08a deep 4/10/2007 Parastenocaris jane 2 TK PC261 4/10/2007 Amphipoda 1 ET PC261 4/10/2007 Paramelitidae (juvenile) 1 ET PC261 4/10/2007 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 10 TK PC261 4/10/2007 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 2 IK RC04RHO022 4/10/2007 Parastenocaris cf "outbacki" (T. Karanovic ms.) 1 TK RC06EA073 4/10/2007 Hemiptera (nymph) 1 NRG RC06EA073 4/10/2007 Copepoda nauplii 1 TK RC06EA073 4/10/2007 Nematoda 1 ET RC06EA163 4/10/2007 Paramelitidae nr. sp. 2 (DEC) 1 ET RC06EA163 4/10/2007 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 45* TK RC06EA163 4/10/2007 Enchytraeidae 2 NRG RC06EA163 4/10/2007 Phreodrilidae with dissimilar ventral chaetae 1 NRG RC06EA163 4/10/2007 Symphyla 2 MH RC06EA163 4/10/2007 Nematoda 2 ET RC06EA203 4/10/2007 Amphipoda 3 ET RC06EA203 4/10/2007 Paramelitidae nr. sp. 2 (DEC) 4 ET RC06EA203 4/10/2007 Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) 2 ET RC06EA203 4/10/2007 Pygolabis sp. 1 ET RC06EA203 4/10/2007 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 48* TK RC06EA203 4/10/2007 Parastenocaris cf. jane 1 TK RC06EA203 4/10/2007 Copepoda nauplii 2 TK RC06EA203 4/10/2007 Phreodrilidae with dissimilar ventral chaetae 3 NRG RC06EA203 4/10/2007 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 8 IK RC06EA214 4/10/2007 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 2 TK RC06EA214 4/10/2007 Copepoda (damaged) 1 ET RC06EA239 4/10/2007 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 2 TK RC06EA239 4/10/2007 Parastenocaris cf "outbacki" (T. Karanovic ms.) 1 TK RC06EA239 4/10/2007 Phreodrilidae with dissimilar ventral chaetae 1 NRG RC06EA239 4/10/2007 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 1 IK RC06EA246 4/10/2007 NIL NIL ET EAPZ04 5/10/2007 Paramelitidae 1 ET EAPZ04 5/10/2007 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 56* TK EAPZ06 5/10/2007 Parastenocaris "outbacki" (T. Karanovic ms.) 7 TK PC236 5/10/2007 Acarina 5 NRG PC236 5/10/2007 Mesostigmata 40 NRG PC236 5/10/2007 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 50* TK PC236 5/10/2007 Enchytraeidae Pilbara sp. 3 (DEC) 3 NRG PC258 5/10/2007 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 122 TK PC258 5/10/2007 Parastenocaris cf. jane 1 TK PC258 5/10/2007 Phreodrilidae with dissimilar ventral chaetae 1 NRG PC258 5/10/2007 Areacandona sp. (juvenile) 1 IK PC258 5/10/2007 Areacandona sp. 1 (juvenile) (I. Karanovic) 1 IK

45 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

Drill Hole ID Date Lowest ID Count ID PC432 5/10/2007 Amphipoda 2 JMM PC432 5/10/2007 Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) 1 ET PC432 5/10/2007 Parabathynellidae (juvenile) 1 ET PC432 5/10/2007 Diacyclops humphreysi humhpreysi 62 TK PC432 5/10/2007 Parastenocaris cf. jane 1 TK PC432 5/10/2007 Copepoda nauplii 12 TK PC432 5/10/2007 Nematoda 4 ET PC433 5/10/2007 Notobathynella sp. 1 ET PC433 5/10/2007 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 4 TK PC433 5/10/2007 Parastenocaris cf "outbacki" (T. Karanovic ms.) 1 TK RC06EA049 5/10/2007 Acarina 54* NRG RC06EA049 5/10/2007 Astigmata 2* NRG RC06EA049 5/10/2007 Blattodea 1 MH RC06EA049 5/10/2007 Bathynellidae 3 ET RC06EA049 5/10/2007 Notobathynella sp. 1 ET RC06EA049 5/10/2007 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 49* TK RC06EA105 5/10/2007 Nematoda 1 ET RC06EA145 5/10/2007 Collembola 1 ET RC06EA145 5/10/2007 Parabathynellidae (juvenile) 1 ET RC06EA145 5/10/2007 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 1 IK RC06EA145 5/10/2007 Nematoda 1 ET RC06EA187 5/10/2007 Halacaridae 1 NRG RC06EA187 5/10/2007 Collembola 1 ET RC06EA187 5/10/2007 Diptera (larva) 1 ET RC06EA187 5/10/2007 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 26 TK RC06EA187 5/10/2007 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 5 IK RC06EA193 5/10/2007 Hemiptera (nymph) 5 NRG RC06EA193 5/10/2007 Amphipoda 2 ET RC06EA193 5/10/2007 Paramelitidae 2 ET RC06EA193 5/10/2007 Paramelitidae (juvenile) 1 JMM RC06EA193 5/10/2007 Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) 3 ET RC06EA193 5/10/2007 Pygolabis sp. 1 ET RC06EA193 5/10/2007 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 50* TK RC06EA193 5/10/2007 Copepoda nauplii 3 TK RC06EA193 5/10/2007 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 1 IK DD06EA002 6/10/2007 NIL NIL ET PC233 6/10/2007 Mesostigmata 4 NRG PC233 6/10/2007 Oribatida 14 NRG PC233 6/10/2007 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 37* TK RC06EA025 6/10/2007 Amphipoda 1 ET RC06EA025 6/10/2007 Bathynellidae 1 ET RC06EA025 6/10/2007 Notobathynella sp. 1 ET RC06EA025 6/10/2007 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 3 TK RC06EA025 6/10/2007 Parastenocaris "outbacki" (T. Karanovic ms.) 1 TK RC06TE353 6/10/2007 Acarina 1 ET RC06TE353 6/10/2007 Parastenocaris "outbacki" (T. Karanovic ms.) 4 TK RC06TE397 6/10/2007 Acarina 19* NRG RC06TE397 6/10/2007 Mesostigmata 12* NRG RC06TE397 6/10/2007 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 2 TK RC06TE397 6/10/2007 Parastenocaris "outbacki" (T. Karanovic ms.) 48* TK PC553 10/03/2008 Mesostigmata 1 NRG PC553 10/03/2008 Collembola 1 NRG PC553 10/03/2008 Paramelitidae 2 ET PC553 10/03/2008 Paramelitidae (juvenile) 6 JMM PC553 10/03/2008 Notobathynella sp. 1 ET PC553 10/03/2008 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 49* TK PC553 10/03/2008 Parastenocaris jane 37* TK PC553 10/03/2008 Copepoda nauplii 3 TK PC553 10/03/2008 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 28 IK RC04RHO007 10/03/2008 Paramelitidae 2 ET RC04RHO007 10/03/2008 Pygolabis sp. 2 NRG RC04RHO007 10/03/2008 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 1 TK RC04RHO007 10/03/2008 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 1 IK RC04RHO022 10/03/2008 NIL NIL RD/KM RC06EA283 10/03/2008 Astigmata 2 MH RC06EA283 10/03/2008 Oribatida 4 MH RC06EA283 10/03/2008 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 1 TK RC06EA283 10/03/2008 Phreodrilidae with similar ventral chaetae 13 segs NRG PC233 11/03/2008 Paramelitidae nr sp. 2 (DEC) 2 ET PC368 11/03/2008 NIL NIL NRG PC430 11/03/2008 Australocamptus sp. 2 n. sp. (T. Karanovic) 2 TK PC432 11/03/2008 Paramelitidae 12 ET PC432 11/03/2008 Paramelitidae (juvenile) 1 ET PC432 11/03/2008 Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) 1 ET PC432 11/03/2008 Notobathynella sp. 1 ET PC432 11/03/2008 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 28 TK

46 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

Drill Hole ID Date Lowest ID Count ID PC433 11/03/2008 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 1 TK PC433 11/03/2008 Copepoda nauplii 1 TK RC06TE353 11/03/2008 Astigmata 2 NRG RC06TE353 11/03/2008 Eukoenenia ? sp. nov. Hope Downs 1 MH RC06TE353 11/03/2008 Parastenocaris "outbacki" (T. Karanovic ms.) 19 TK RC06TE397 11/03/2008 Astigmata 1 NRG RC06TE397 11/03/2008 Paramelitidae 1 ET RC06TE397 11/03/2008 Paramelitidae nr. sp. 2 (DEC) 1 ET RC06TE397 11/03/2008 Bathynellidae 1 ET RC06TE397 11/03/2008 Phreodrilidae with dissimilar ventral chaetae 1 NRG RC06TE397 11/03/2008 Pauropodidae sp. 1 MH EA1049 12/03/2008 Astigmata 50* NRG EA1049 12/03/2008 Oribatida 1* NRG EA1049 12/03/2008 Hemiptera (nymph) 1 NRG EA1049 12/03/2008 Phreodrilidae with dissimilar ventral chaetae 1 NRG PC261 12/03/2008 Amphipoda 1 ET PC261 12/03/2008 Paramelitidae 3 ET PC261 12/03/2008 Paramelitidae (juvenile) 1 JMM PC261 12/03/2008 Paramelitidae nr. sp. 2 (DEC) 2 JMM PC261 12/03/2008 Bathynellidae 1 ET PC261 12/03/2008 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 11 TK PC261 12/03/2008 Phreodrilidae with dissimilar ventral chaetae 2 NRG PC291 12/03/2008 Astigmata 1 NRG PC291 12/03/2008 Collembola 1 NRG PC291 12/03/2008 Enchytraeidae 17 NRG PC291 12/03/2008 Phreodrilidae with dissimilar ventral chaetae 2 NRG PC294 12/03/2008 Astigmata 9 MH PC294 12/03/2008 Eukoenenia ? sp. nov. Hope Downs 1 MH PC294 12/03/2008 Copepoda nauplii 1 TK PC520 12/03/2008 Notobathynella sp. 7 ET PC550 12/03/2008 Mesostigmata 3 NRG PC550 12/03/2008 Oribatida 2 NRG PC550 12/03/2008 Polyxenidae 1 MH PC550 12/03/2008 Parastenocaris "outbacki" (T. Karanovic ms.) 10 TK PC550 12/03/2008 Enchytraeidae 12 NRG PC550 12/03/2008 Phreodrilidae with dissimilar ventral chaetae 3 NRG PC550 12/03/2008 Pauropodidae sp. 1 MH PC558 12/03/2008 NIL NIL RD PC560 12/03/2008 Paramelitidae 2 ET PC560 12/03/2008 Paramelitidae nr. sp. 2 (DEC) 1 ET PC560 12/03/2008 Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) 1 ET PC560 12/03/2008 Phreodrilidae with dissimilar ventral chaetae 3 NRG PC571 12/03/2008 Mesostigmata 2 NRG PC571 12/03/2008 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 21 TK PC571 12/03/2008 Copepoda nauplii 3 TK RC06EA246 12/03/2008 Bosminidae 1 ET RC06EA246 12/03/2008 Bathynellacea (juvenile) 1 ET RC06EA246 12/03/2008 Pygolabis sp. 1 ET RC06EA246 12/03/2008 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 19 TK RC06EA246 12/03/2008 Copepoda nauplii 2 TK RC06EA246 12/03/2008 Phreodrilidae with dissimilar ventral chaetae <10 NRG PC236 13/03/2008 Acarina 1 NRG PC236 13/03/2008 Astigmata 16 NRG PC236 13/03/2008 Mesostigmata 1 NRG PC236 13/03/2008 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 54* TK PC236 13/03/2008 Enchytraeidae Pilbara sp. 3 (DEC) 1 NRG PC258 13/03/2008 Philodinidae 2 ET PC258 13/03/2008 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 2 TK PC358 13/03/2008 Paramelitidae 2 ET PC358 13/03/2008 Paramelitidae nr. sp. 2 (DEC) 1 ET PC358 13/03/2008 Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) 2 ET PC358 13/03/2008 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 75* TK PC390 13/03/2008 Astigmata 20 NRG PC390 13/03/2008 Mesostigmata 8 NRG PC390 13/03/2008 Collembola 1 NRG PC390 13/03/2008 Parastenocaris "outbacki" (T. Karanovic ms.) 19 TK PC390 13/03/2008 Enchytraeidae 44 NRG RC06EA049 13/03/2008 Astigmata 11 MH RC06EA049 13/03/2008 Oribatida 1 MH RC06EA049 13/03/2008 Prostigmata 1 MH RC06EA049 13/03/2008 Collembola 1 NRG RC06EA049 13/03/2008 Polyxenidae 1 MH RC06EA049 13/03/2008 Paramelitidae (juvenile) 2 JMM RC06EA049 13/03/2008 Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) 4 ET RC06EA049 13/03/2008 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 70 TK RC06EA049 13/03/2008 Parastenocaris cf. jane 1 TK RC06EA049 13/03/2008 Phreodrilidae with dissimilar ventral chaetae 3 NRG RC06EA049 13/03/2008 Symphyla 1 MH

47 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

Drill Hole ID Date Lowest ID Count ID RC06EA145 13/03/2008 Collembola 1 NRG RC06EA145 13/03/2008 Blattodea 2 MH RC06EA145 13/03/2008 Japygidae sp. 2 MH RC06EA145 13/03/2008 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 1 TK RC06EA145 13/03/2008 Enchytraeidae 1 NRG RC06EA145 13/03/2008 Phreodrilidae with dissimilar ventral chaetae 1 NRG RC06EA145 13/03/2008 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 1 IK RC06EA163 13/03/2008 Astigmata 1 NRG RC06EA163 13/03/2008 Mesostigmata 2 NRG RC06EA163 13/03/2008 Paramelitidae 4 ET RC06EA163 13/03/2008 Paramelitidae (juvenile) 4 JMM RC06EA163 13/03/2008 Bathynellidae 1 ET RC06EA163 13/03/2008 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 94* TK RC06EA163 13/03/2008 Copepoda nauplii 3 TK RC06EA163 13/03/2008 Enchytraeidae 2 NRG RC06EA163 13/03/2008 Symphyla 1 MH RC06EA187 13/03/2008 Astigmata 1 NRG RC06EA187 13/03/2008 Collembola 1 RD RC06EA187 13/03/2008 Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) 1 ET RC06EA187 13/03/2008 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 43 TK RC06EA187 13/03/2008 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 10 IK RC06EA187 13/03/2008 Pauropodidae sp. 2 NRG RC06EA193 13/03/2008 Mesostigmata 3 NRG RC06EA193 13/03/2008 Eukoenenia ? sp. nov. Hope Downs 2 MH RC06EA193 13/03/2008 Philodinidae 2 NRG RC06EA193 13/03/2008 Collembola 4 NRG RC06EA193 13/03/2008 Psocoptera 1 MH RC06EA193 13/03/2008 Paramelitidae 1 ET RC06EA193 13/03/2008 Paramelitidae nr. sp. 2 (DEC) 9 JMM RC06EA193 13/03/2008 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 70* TK RC06EA193 13/03/2008 Phreodrilidae with dissimilar ventral chaetae 2 NRG RC06EA193 13/03/2008 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 22 IK RC06EA193 13/03/2008 Nematoda 1 NRG RC06EA203 13/03/2008 Camptoscaphiella sp. 1 MH RC06EA203 13/03/2008 Eukoenenia ? sp. nov. Hope Downs 1 NRG RC06EA203 13/03/2008 Collembola 3 RD RC06EA203 13/03/2008 Chydaekata sp. 1 JMM RC06EA203 13/03/2008 Maarka "weeliwollii" (ms.) 1 JMM RC06EA203 13/03/2008 Paramelitidae 27 ET RC06EA203 13/03/2008 Paramelitidae nr. sp. 2 (DEC) 3 ET RC06EA203 13/03/2008 Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) 2 ET RC06EA203 13/03/2008 Pygolabis sp. 2 ET RC06EA203 13/03/2008 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 49* TK RC06EA203 13/03/2008 Parastenocaris sp. 1 TK RC06EA203 13/03/2008 Copepoda nauplii 2 TK RC06EA203 13/03/2008 Phreodrilidae with dissimilar ventral chaetae 2 NRG RC06EA203 13/03/2008 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 8 IK RC06EA203 13/03/2008 Nematoda 1 RD RC06EA239 13/03/2008 Paramelitidae 23* ET RC06EA239 13/03/2008 Paramelitidae nr. sp. 2 (DEC) 52* JMM RC06EA239 13/03/2008 Bathynellidae 1 ET RC06EA239 13/03/2008 Notobathynella sp. 3 ET RC06EA239 13/03/2008 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 66* TK RC06EA239 13/03/2008 Parastenocaris "outbacki" (T. Karanovic ms.) 1 TK RC06EA239 13/03/2008 Parastenocaris cf. jane 1 TK RC06EA239 13/03/2008 Phreodrilidae with dissimilar ventral chaetae 1 NRG RC06EA239 13/03/2008 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 24 IK PC456 14/03/2008 Parastenocaris "outbacki" (T. Karanovic ms.) 2 TK RC06EA073 14/03/2008 Rotifera 1 NRG RC06EA105 14/03/2008 Astigmata 1 NRG RC06TE288 14/03/2008 Mesostigmata 1 NRG RC06TE288 14/03/2008 Collembola 1 NRG RC06TE288 14/03/2008 Calamoecia sp. 1 TK RC06TE288 14/03/2008 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 50* TK RC06TE288 14/03/2008 Enchytraeidae 11 ET RC06TE288 14/03/2008 Tubificida 2 ET RC06TE294 14/03/2008 NIL NIL NRG RC06TE366 14/03/2008 Indolpium sp. 1 MH RC06TE366 14/03/2008 Cryptops sp. 1 MH RC06TE366 14/03/2008 Notobathynella sp. 1 ET RC06TE366 14/03/2008 Diacyclops humphreysi humphreysi 13 TK PC553 15/09/2008 Acarina 1 KM PC553 15/09/2008 Paramelitidae (juvenile) 7 ET/JMM PC553 15/09/2008 Paramelitidae nr. sp. 2 1 ET PC553 15/09/2008 Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) 3 ET PC553 15/09/2008 Cyclopoida 29 KM/NG PC553 15/09/2008 Harpacticoida 30 KM/NG PC553 15/09/2008 Oligochaeta 8 KM/NG PC553 15/09/2008 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 24 IK

48 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

Drill Hole ID Date Lowest ID Count ID PC560 15/09/2008 Chydaekata sp. (juvenile) 2 JMM PC560 15/09/2008 Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) 3 ET RC04RHO006 15/09/2008 Bathynellacea 1 RD RC04RHO006 15/09/2008 Cyclopoida 50* RD RC04RHO006 15/09/2008 Copepoda (nauplii) 5 RD RC06EA203 15/09/2008 Acarina 1 ET RC06EA203 15/09/2008 Collembola 8 ET RC06EA203 15/09/2008 Trinemura ? sp. 1 MH RC06EA203 15/09/2008 Chydaekata sp. (juvenile) 1 JMM RC06EA203 15/09/2008 Paramelitidae 10 ET RC06EA203 15/09/2008 Paramelitidae (juvenile) 15 ET RC06EA203 15/09/2008 Paramelitidae nr. sp. 2 2 ET RC06EA203 15/09/2008 Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) 2 ET RC06EA203 15/09/2008 Tainisopidae 5 ET RC06EA203 15/09/2008 Cyclopoida 50* ET RC06EA203 15/09/2008 Oligochaeta 3 ET RC06EA203 15/09/2008 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 27 IK RC06EA239 15/09/2008 Paramelitidae (juvenile) 9 ET RC06EA239 15/09/2008 Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) 1 ET RC06EA239 15/09/2008 Bathynellacea 2 NG RC06EA239 15/09/2008 Cyclopoida 40 NG RC06EA239 15/09/2008 Oligochaeta 1 NG RC06EA239 15/09/2008 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 23 IK RC06TE353 15/09/2008 Acarina 6 KM RC06TE353 15/09/2008 Eukoenenia ? sp. nov. Hope Downs 1 MH RC06TE353 15/09/2008 Collembola 15 ET RC06TE353 15/09/2008 Coleoptera (larva) 1 ET RC06TE353 15/09/2008 Harpacticoida 18 KM RC06TE353 15/09/2008 Pauropodidae sp. 6 MH RC06TE353 15/09/2008 Symphyla 7 MH/NG WB08EA004 15/09/2008 Acarina 1 RD WB08EA004 15/09/2008 Collembola 9 RD WB08EA004 15/09/2008 Cyclopoida 19 RD WB08EA004 15/09/2008 Copepoda (nauplii) 1 RD PC430 16/09/2008 Acarina 5 ET PC430 16/09/2008 Bathynellacea 1 ET PC430 16/09/2008 Cyclopoida 1 ET PDK180 16/09/2008 Acarina 2 NRG RC06EA145 16/09/2008 Acarina 1 NRG RC06EA145 16/09/2008 Collembola 11 NRG RC06EA145 16/09/2008 Oligochaeta 12 NRG RC06EA145 16/09/2008 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 42 IK RC06EA193 16/09/2008 Paramelitidae 2 ET RC06EA193 16/09/2008 Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) 1 ET RC06EA193 16/09/2008 Cyclopoida 50* KM RC06EA193 16/09/2008 Oligochaeta 4 KM RC06EA193 16/09/2008 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 38 IK RC07AH007 16/09/2008 NIL NIL ET RC07AH009A 16/09/2008 NIL NIL NG RC07AH017 16/09/2008 NIL NIL KM RC08AH003 16/09/2008 Oligochaeta 1 RD RC08HD6007 16/09/2008 Acarina 2 NRG WB08EA005 16/09/2008 Nematoda 2 NG RC08HD6002 17/09/2008 NIL NIL RD RC08HD6003 17/09/2008 NIL NIL KM RC08HD6004 17/09/2008 Nematoda 1 ET RC08HD6005 17/09/2008 Acarina 1 NRG RC08HD6006 17/09/2008 Opopaea sp. 1 MH RC08HD6006 17/09/2008 Collembola 1 NRG RC08HD6006 17/09/2008 Oligochaeta 2 ET/NG RC08HD6006 17/09/2008 Nematoda 2 ET/NG RC08HD6008 17/09/2008 Collembola 5 RD RC04RHO006 16/02/2009 Acarina 1 NRG RC04RHO006 16/02/2009 Isopoda 2 NRG RC04RHO006 16/02/2009 Cyclopoida 10 NRG RC04RHO006 16/02/2009 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 80 IK RC04RHO011 16/02/2009 Acarina 1 NRG RC04RHO011 16/02/2009 Araneae 1 MH RC04RHO011 16/02/2009 Chydaekata sp. 6 JMM RC04RHO011 16/02/2009 Maarka "weeliwollii" (ms.) 1 ET/JMM RC04RHO011 16/02/2009 Paramelitidae 5 ET RC04RHO011 16/02/2009 Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) 5 ET RC04RHO011 16/02/2009 Cyclopoida 50* NRG RC04RHO011 16/02/2009 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 8 IK RC05RHO038 16/02/2009 Paramelitidae nr. sp. 2 1 ET RC05RHO038 16/02/2009 Cyclopoida 2 RD RC05RHO038 16/02/2009 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 1 IK EA1045 17/02/2009 Collembola 1 NRG EA1045 17/02/2009 Paramelitidae 2 ET EA1045 17/02/2009 Paramelitidae (juvenile) 1 ET

49 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

Drill Hole ID Date Lowest ID Count ID EA1045 17/02/2009 Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) 2 ET EA1045 17/02/2009 Cyclopoida 50* NRG EA1045 17/02/2009 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 1 IK PC236 17/02/2009 Acarina 1 KM PC236 17/02/2009 Cyclopoida 33 KM PC258 17/02/2009 Acarina 1 NRG PC258 17/02/2009 Collembola 1 NRG PC258 17/02/2009 Amphipoda 1 ET PC258 17/02/2009 Chydaekata sp. 1 JMM PC258 17/02/2009 Paramelitidae 1 ET PC258 17/02/2009 Paramelitidae (juvenile) 4 ET PC258 17/02/2009 Paramelitidae nr. sp. 2 4 ET PC258 17/02/2009 Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) 12 ET/JMM PC258 17/02/2009 Bathynellacea 2 NRG PC258 17/02/2009 Cyclopoida 50* NRG PC258 17/02/2009 Harpacticoida 4 NRG PC258 17/02/2009 Oligochaeta 2 ET PC258 17/02/2009 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 2 IK PC430 17/02/2009 Acarina 5 RD PC430 17/02/2009 Bathynellacea 1 RD PC430 17/02/2009 Cyclopoida 8 RD PC430 17/02/2009 Harpacticoida 1 RD PC430 17/02/2009 Symphyla sp. 1 MH PC553 17/02/2009 Chydaekata sp. 4 JMM PC553 17/02/2009 Chydaekata sp. (juvenile) 2 JMM PC553 17/02/2009 Paramelitidae 6 ET PC553 17/02/2009 Paramelitidae (juvenile) 2 JMM PC553 17/02/2009 Paramelitidae nr. sp. 2 1 ET PC553 17/02/2009 Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) 5 ET PC553 17/02/2009 Isopoda 1 ET PC553 17/02/2009 Copepoda (nauplii) 2 ET PC553 17/02/2009 Cyclopoida 50* ET PC553 17/02/2009 Harpacticoida 50* ET PC553 17/02/2009 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 100 IK PC560 17/02/2009 Paramelitidae 7 ET PC560 17/02/2009 Paramelitidae (juvenile) 1 ET PC560 17/02/2009 Paramelitidae nr. sp. 2 10 ET/JMM PC560 17/02/2009 Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) 36 ET/JMM PC560 17/02/2009 Oligochaeta 6 NRG RC06EA145 17/02/2009 Eukoenenia sp. 1 MH RC06EA145 17/02/2009 Acarina 1 NRG RC06EA145 17/02/2009 Collembola 14 NRG RC06EA145 17/02/2009 Coleoptera 1 NRG RC06EA145 17/02/2009 Psocoptera 1 NRG RC06EA145 17/02/2009 Bathynellacea 1 NRG RC06EA145 17/02/2009 Oligochaeta 2 NRG RC06EA145 17/02/2009 Nematoda 1 NRG RC06EA187 17/02/2009 Acarina 2 KM RC06EA187 17/02/2009 Collembola 6 KM RC06EA187 17/02/2009 Polyxenidae 1 MH RC06EA187 17/02/2009 Hemiptera 1 KM RC06EA187 17/02/2009 Chydaekata sp. 1 JMM RC06EA187 17/02/2009 Paramelitidae 9 ET RC06EA187 17/02/2009 Paramelitidae (juvenile) 12 ET RC06EA187 17/02/2009 Paramelitidae nr. sp. 2 (DEC) 3 ET RC06EA187 17/02/2009 Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) 7 ET/JMM RC06EA187 17/02/2009 Cyclopoida 45 KM RC06EA187 17/02/2009 Oligochaeta 1 KM RC06EA187 17/02/2009 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 4 IK RC06EA203 17/02/2009 Acarina 2 NRG RC06EA203 17/02/2009 Camptoscaphiella sp. nov. Hope Downs (M. Harvey) 1 MH RC06EA203 17/02/2009 Tyrannochthonius sp. 1 MH RC06EA203 17/02/2009 Collembola 1 NRG RC06EA203 17/02/2009 Chydaekata sp. 4 JMM RC06EA203 17/02/2009 Paramelitidae 6 ET RC06EA203 17/02/2009 Paramelitidae (juvenile) 6 ET RC06EA203 17/02/2009 Paramelitidae nr. sp. 2 (DEC) 15 ET RC06EA203 17/02/2009 Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) 19 ET RC06EA203 17/02/2009 Isopoda 2 NRG RC06EA203 17/02/2009 Cyclopoida 50* NRG RC06EA203 17/02/2009 Harpacticoida 12 NRG RC06EA203 17/02/2009 Oligochaeta 8 NRG RC06EA203 17/02/2009 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 59 IK RC06EA239 17/02/2009 Acarina 1 RD RC06EA239 17/02/2009 Austrohorus sp. 1 MH RC06EA239 17/02/2009 Paradraculoides ? sp. 1 MH RC06EA239 17/02/2009 Collembola 2 RD RC06EA239 17/02/2009 Cyclopoida 29 RD RC06EA239 17/02/2009 Oligochaeta 4 RD RC06EA239 17/02/2009 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 3 IK

50 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

Drill Hole ID Date Lowest ID Count ID EA1049 18/02/2009 Acarina 5 KM EA1049 18/02/2009 Collembola 36 KM EA1049 18/02/2009 Harpacticoida 9 KM EA1049 18/02/2009 Oligochaeta 55* KM PC550 18/02/2009 Collembola 2 KM PC550 18/02/2009 Hemiptera 2 KM PC550 18/02/2009 Harpacticoida 51* KM PC550 18/02/2009 Oligochaeta 8 KM PC550 18/02/2009 Pauropodidae 1 MH RC04RHO007 18/02/2009 Chydaekata sp. 1 JMM RC04RHO007 18/02/2009 Paramelitidae nr. sp. 2 4 ET RC04RHO007 18/02/2009 Cyclopoida 13 NRG RC04RHO007 18/02/2009 Oligochaeta 4 NRG RC04RHO016 18/02/2009 Oligochaeta 1 RD RC04RHO016 18/02/2009 Nematoda 1 RD RC08HD6003 18/02/2009 Acarina 1 ET RC08HD6003 18/02/2009 Collembola 3 ET RC08HD6003 18/02/2009 Oligochaeta 2 ET RC08HD6003 18/02/2009 Nematoda 2 ET RC08HD6004 18/02/2009 Acarina 2 KM RC08HD6005 18/02/2009 Acarina 1 KM RC08HD6005 18/02/2009 Acarina 5 KM RC08HD6006 18/02/2009 Acarina 1 KM RC08HD6006 18/02/2009 Collembola 1 KM RC08TX160 18/02/2009 Acarina 1 KM RC08TX160 18/02/2009 Collembola 17 KM RC08TX160 18/02/2009 Lepismatidae 1 NRG RC08TX201 18/02/2009 Coleoptera 1 KM/NRG RC08TXZ03 18/02/2009 NIL NIL RC97TEX009 18/02/2009 Acarina 10 KM RC97TEX009 18/02/2009 Paramelitidae 9 ET RC97TEX009 18/02/2009 Paramelitidae (juvenile) 18 ET/JMM RC97TEX009 18/02/2009 Paramelitidae nr. sp. 2 (DEC) 4 ET RC97TEX009 18/02/2009 Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) 19 ET/JMM RC97TEX009 18/02/2009 Cyclopoida 28 KM RC97TEX009 18/02/2009 Oligochaeta 5 KM RC97TEX009 18/02/2009 Areacandona "outbacki" (I. Karanovic ms.) 16 IK RC98TEX024 18/02/2009 Collembola 1 KM RC98TEX024 18/02/2009 Maarka "weeliwollii" (ms.) 1 ET/JMM RC98TEX024 18/02/2009 Paramelitidae 2 ET RC98TEX024 18/02/2009 Paramelitidae (juvenile) 9 ET RC98TEX024 18/02/2009 Paramelitidae nr. sp. 2 (DEC) 1 ET RC98TEX024 18/02/2009 Paramelitidae sp. 2 (DEC) 15 ET RC98TEX024 18/02/2009 Cyclopoida 12 KM RC98TEX024 18/02/2009 Symphyla sp. 1 MH

51 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

Appendix G Distribution of Areacandona “outbacki” in Hope Downs 4

52 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

Figure 8: Distribution of Areacandona “outbacki” at HD4 (2007 – 2009).

53 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

Appendix H

Distribution of Chydaekata sp. and other amphipods in Hope Downs 4 Study Area

54 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

Figure 9: Distribution of Chydaekata sp. and other amphipods within HD4 study area (2007 - 2009).

55 Pilbara Iron Services Hope Downs 4 stygofauna survey

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