Lake Maitland
Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Report engenium ref: 1632 Rev 0
Delivering Value. Delivering Results. Lake Maitland Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey
PROJECT TITLE: Toro Energy Limited – Lake Maitland
DOCUMENT TITLE: Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey
DOCUMENT TYPE: Report
This sheet records the issue and revisions of the document. For convenience, the nature of the revision is briefly noted under ‘remarks’, but these remarks are not a parent of the document.
Revision Date Chapter/section/page revised, Signatures Code Revised plus any remarks Originator Checked Approved 0 21/05/2015 Report JG, BG SG 25/05/2015
DISCLAIMER Engenium (2015). Reproduction of this report in whole or in part by electronic, mechanical or chemical means including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, in any language, is strictly prohibited without the express approval of Toro Energy Limited and Engenium. Restrictions on Use This report has been prepared specifically for Toro. Neither the report nor its contents may be referred to or quoted in any statement, study, report, application, prospectus, loan, or other agreement document, without the expressed approval of Toro Energy Limited and Engenium.
Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 3 1.1 Project Overview ...... 3 1.2 Legislative Framework ...... 3 1.3 Survey Objectives ...... 4 2.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 7 2.1 Climate ...... 7 2.2 Biogeography ...... 8 2.3 Vegetation ...... 8 2.4 Land Systems ...... 9 2.5 Land Use History ...... 14 3.0 LITERATURE REVIEW ...... 17 3.1 Previous surveys ...... 17 3.2 Results of literature review ...... 18 4.0 METHODS...... 21 4.1 Survey sampling design and intensity ...... 21 4.2 Survey timing ...... 22 4.3 Sampling methods ...... 22 4.4 Targeted reptile survey in samphire habitat ...... 28 4.5 Site selection ...... 29 4.6 Survey effort...... 33 4.7 Fauna habitat mapping ...... 36 4.8 Data analysis ...... 37 4.9 Likelihood of occurrence of conservation significant fauna ...... 37 4.10 Taxonomy and nomenclature ...... 38 4.11 Project team and licenses ...... 38 4.12 Animal ethics ...... 39 5.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION...... 41 5.1 Fauna habitats ...... 41 5.2 Fauna assemblage...... 48 5.3 Non-conservation significant species notable records ...... 49 5.4 Samphire reptile assemblage ...... 50 5.5 Fauna habitat analysis ...... 51 5.6 Survey adequacy ...... 53
Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: iv
5.7 Survey limitations and constraints ...... 55 6.0 CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT FAUNA ...... 57 6.2 Conservation significant species habitat occupation ...... 70 7.0 CONCLUSION ...... 73 8.0 REFERENCES ...... 74 APPENDIX 1 - EXPLANATION OF CONSERVATION CODES ...... 78 APPENDIX 2 - DAILY WEATHER DATA DURING SURVEY ...... 81 APPENDIX 3 - COMPLETE LISTING OF FAUNA SAMPLING LOCATIONS ...... 84 APPENDIX 4 - LITERATURE REVIEW RESULTS ...... 88 APPENDIX 5 - SITE DESCRIPTIONS (SYSTEMATIC SAMPLING SITES) ...... 103 APPENDIX 6 - FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING CURRENT ASSESSMENT ...... 111 APPENDIX 7 - DETAILS OF WAM-VOUCHERED BRUSH-TAILED MULGARA ...... 123
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.1 – Location of the study area ...... 6 Figure 2.1 – Mean monthly climate data for Yeelirrie (BoM 2015) ...... 7 Figure 2.2 – Biogeographic regions of the study area ...... 11 Figure 2.3 – Vegetation units of the study area ...... 12 Figure 2.4 – Land systems of the study area ...... 13 Figure 2.5 – Pastoral leases and conservation reserves of the region ...... 15 Figure 3.1 – Regional records of conservation significant fauna ...... 19 Figure 4.1 –Phase 1 & 2 systematic sampling trap arrangement ...... 23 Figure 4.2 – Phase 3 systematic sampling trap arrangement ...... 24 Figure 4.3 – Image of single trap point (site LM S3) ...... 24 Figure 4.4 – Deployed SM2Bat automated recording unit ...... 25 Figure 4.5 – Deployed motion camera ...... 26 Figure 4.6 – Example of targeted burrow searches for Northern Marsupial Mole ...... 27 Figure 4.7 – Location of survey sites – Map A ...... 31 Figure 4.8 – Location of survey sites – Map B ...... 32 Figure 5.1 – Low halophytic shrubland habitat type ...... 42 Figure 5.2 –Triodia plurinervata on lake edge habitat type ...... 42 Figure 5.3 –Open calcrete plain habitat type...... 43 Figure 5.4 – Mallee/mulga woodland over spinifex plain habitat type ...... 43 Figure 5.5 – Woodland calcrete plain habitat type ...... 43 Figure 5.6 – Mulga woodland habitat type ...... 44 Figure 5.7 – Open spinifex sandplain habitat type ...... 44 Figure 5.8 – Kopi dune habitat type ...... 45
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Figure 5.9 – Fauna habitats of the study area – Map A ...... 46 Figure 5.10 – Fauna habitats of the study area – Map B ...... 47 Figure 5.11 – NatureMap Spinifexbird records...... 50 Figure 5.12 – Avifauna nMDS plot ...... 53 Figure 5.13 – Survey adequacy curves for terrestrial trappable fauna ...... 54 Figure 5.14 – Survey adequacy curves for avifauna ...... 55 Figure 6.1 – Conservation significant fauna recorded ...... 59 Figure 6.2 – Brush-tailed Mulgara captured at LM S7 ...... 64 Figure 6.3 – Brush-tailed Mulgara recorded on motion camera within the study area...... 65 Figure 6.4 – Australian Bustard tracks recorded within the study area...... 69
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2.1 – Vegetation units of the study area ...... 9 Table 2.2 – Land systems of the study area ...... 10 Table 3.1 – Databases consulted in preparation of regional fauna lists ...... 17 Table 3.2 – Previous biological surveys within 100 km of the study area ...... 17 Table 3.3 – Number of species recorded during previous surveys and database searches ...... 18 Table 4.1 – Factors likely to influence survey design ...... 21 Table 4.2 – Level 2 survey timing ...... 22 Table 4.3 – Systematic survey site locations ...... 30 Table 4.4 – Survey effort ...... 34 Table 4.5 – Survey effort by habitat type ...... 35 Table 4.6 – Habitat condition assessment ...... 36 Table 4.7 – Likelihood of occurrence categories ...... 38 Table 4.8 – References used for identification ...... 38 Table 4.9 – Project personnel...... 39 Table 5.1 – Broad scale fauna habitats of the study area ...... 41 Table 5.2 – Samphire (low halophytic shrubland habitat type) reptile assemblage ...... 51 Table 5.3 – Post-hoc pair-wise comparisons of terrestrial trappable faunal assemblages ...... 52 Table 5.4 – Post-hoc pair-wise comparisons of avifaunal assemblages ...... 52 Table 5.5 – Mean estimates of total species richness of systematic survey data ...... 54 Table 5.6 – Summary of survey limitations ...... 56 Table 6.1 – Conservation significant fauna recorded within the study area ...... 58 Table 6.2 – Likelihood of occurrence of conservation significant species ...... 60 Table 6.3 – Summary of potential conservation significant fauna habitat in the study area ...... 71
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LIST OF ACRONYMS
The following acronyms are contained within this report.
ANOSIM Analysis of similarity ARU Automated recording unit BoM Bureau of Meteorology DoE Department of Environment DPaW Departmant of Parks and Wildlife Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act EPBC Act 1999 ESO Environmental Scoping Document nMDS Non-metric multidimensional scaling SAC Species accumulation curve SM2 Song Meter 2 device WC Act Wildlife Conservation Act 1950
Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Toro Energy Limited (Toro) acquired the Lake Maitland uranium deposit from Mega Uranium in August 2013 and plans to seek environmental approval for the mining of this deposit as well as the Millipede deposit. Following a peer review process of previous biological survey work completed, it was identified an additional level 2 vertebrate fauna survey would be required to meet current guidelines. The level 2 survey also included a targeted survey for reptiles in samphire habitats, which Toro identified as further work required within their scoping document. The study area is approximately 100 km south-east of Wiluna and lies entirely within the Eastern Murchison subregion of the Murchison Bioregion. Six vegetation associations occur within the study area (vegetation unit 676, 125, 29, 182, 18 and 107) and six land systems occur within the study area (Bullimore, Cunyu, Darlot, Desdemona, Melaleuca and Mileura). A literature review incorporating several databases and 10 previous vertebrate fauna surveys within 100 km was completed to determine the potential vertebrate fauna of the study area. The literature review results show a total of 28 native and 11 introduced mammal, 130 bird, 83 reptile, and seven amphibian species potentially occurring in the study area. Of these, 14 species are of conservation significance (three species of mammal, ten species of bird, one species of reptile). Three phases of Level 2 vertebrate fauna surveys have been completed, Phase 1 (7-16 May 2007) and Phase 2 (7-13 December 2007) completed by Outback Ecology, while Phase 3 was completed by Engenium (17-27 March 2015). Sampling methods consisted of five systematic trapping sites in Phase 1 and 2, and eight systematic trapping sites during Phase 3. Non-systematic sampling methods such as diurnal opportunistic searches, nocturnal searches and targeted conservation significant fauna searches were completed on all phases. Total survey effort of the three phases consisted of: Systematic trapping grids were open five nights during Phase 1, four nights during Phase 2, and seven nights during phase 3, for a total of 1,010 pitfall trap-nights, 1,345 funnel trap-nights, 1,460 Elliott trap-nights and 202 cage trap-nights. Approximately 50 hours were spent surveying for birds. 69 hours were spent on opportunistic diurnal searching. 192 hours of Anabat (phase 1 and 2) and SM2BAT (phase 3) recordings were analysed to determine bat assemblage. 192 hours of SM2 ARU bird recordings. Approximately 44 hours were spent on opportunistic nocturnal searching and road spotting. Motion camera traps were deployed for a total of 568 hours. A total of eight broad fauna habitat types were recorded within the study area: Low halophytic shrubland; Triodia plurinervata on lake edge; Open calcrete plain; Mallee/mulga over spinifex sandplain; Woodland on calcrete plain; Mulga woodland; Open spinifex sandplain; and
Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 2
Kopi dune. All fauna habitats are considered typical of the eastern Murchison region and widespread with the exception of Triodia plurinervata on lake edge. This habitat is characterised by long unburnt mature spinifex, which has formed large, dense, continuous hummocks, not commonly recorded in the eastern Murchison region. A total of 24 (18 native, six introduced) mammal, 94 bird, 53 reptile and three amphibian fauna species were recorded across the three phases of field survey. Of the species recorded, a number of notable non-conservation significant species records were made within the study area. Two species of birds reliant on mature spinifex habitats were recorded; the Rufous-crowned Emu-wren and Spinifexbird, within the Triodia plurinervata on lake edge habitat type. These records represent approximately 150 km and 270 km range extensions based on previous records on NatureMap (DPaW 2015). The reptile assemblage of the low halophytic shrubland (samphire) habitat type was dominated by the Claypan Dragon Ctenophorus salinarum, (83 records). A further eight reptile species were recorded from the samphire areas of the study area. No species of conservation significance were recorded. Two records of the Jewelled Gecko (Strophurus elderi) were made. This is an interesting habitat record for this species, as they are thought to exclusively be found only within spinifex. No further reptile species records of note were made. The five most extensive habitats by area within the study area were sampled using systematic trapping sites during Phase 3 of the Level 2 survey. A one-way ANOSIM test comparing the different habitat types on the basis of terrestrial trappable faunal and avifaunal assemblages was completed. Comparisons indicated that the terrestrial trappable faunal assemblages of all five habitat types were significantly different from each other, with the exception of the mallee/mulga woodland over spinifex plain and open calcrete plain habitat types. The avifaunal assessment also showed significant differences between the avifaunal assemblages of the five habitat types analysed. Comparisons indicated that the low halophytic shrubland and Triodia plurinervata on lake edge habitat types were the most distinct habitat types in terms of avifaunal assemblages. Systematically obtained survey data (trapping results for terrestrial mammals and reptiles, and set time surveys for birds) were analysed for survey adequacy. Results of species accumulation curves using a number of species estimators suggests that between 74.2% and 86.5% of terrestrial trappable fauna species, and between 80.8% and 94.2% of avian fauna species, were recorded during the current survey phase. However, it is important to note that this analysis does not include species detected by additional opportunistic sampling conducted, nor systematic sampling conducted during phases 1 and 2. An assessment of the 14 potential conservation significant species identified during the literature review for their likelihood of occurrence was completed. A further five species were recorded as high (or recorded) likelihood of occurrence; Brush-tailed Mulgara, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Rainbow Bee-eater, Peregrine Falcon and Australian Bustard. Five species were recorded as medium likelihood of occurrence; Night Parrot, Eastern Great Egret, Oriental Plover, Grey Falcon and Great Desert Skink. Four species were recorded as low likelihood of occurrence; Northern Marsupial Mole, Black-flanked Rock-wallaby, Princess Parrot and Malleefowl. Three species of conservation significance were recorded within the study area, Brush-tailed Mulgara, Peregrine Falcon and Australian Bustard. No significant limitations to the survey were encountered.
Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 3
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Project Overview Toro Energy Limited (Toro) acquired the Lake Maitland uranium deposit from Mega Uranium in August 2013 and plans to seek environmental approval for the mining of this deposit as well as the Millipede deposit. Toro plans to process ore from Centipede and Lake Way along with Millipede and Lake Maitland at one central processing plant located adjacent to the Centipede deposit. Toro intends to refer the Millipede and Lake Maitland deposits to the Office of the Environmental Protection Authority (OEPA) for assessment, which will require detailed surveys and studies across all proposed disturbance areas. Mega Uranium undertook and completed environmental assessments and surveys across the Lake Maitland project sufficient to allow the proposal to be assessed under an Environmental Review and Management Programme (ERMP) (equivalent to the current PER level) in 2009. Initial discussions between the OEPA and Toro indicated that the existing environmental assessments and surveys for Lake Maitland may have been acceptable for submission in a PER following peer review for correctness of content and adequacy of the survey. Following the peer review process it was identified vertebrate fauna surveying may be inadequate based on current guidelines due to insufficient survey effort and timing. Further discussions with the OEPA confirmed a further full Level 2 survey would be required for this project. Additionally, in their Environmental Scoping Document (ESD), Toro identified the requirement for a “targeted survey for reptiles in samphire habitats”. As a result, Toro commissioned Engenium to undertake a Level 2 vertebrate fauna assessment, as well as a targeted reptile fauna assessment of samphire habitats, within the Lake Maitland study area. The study area is located approximately 100 km south-east of Wiluna, and covers approximately 6,434 ha (Figure 1.1).
1.2 Legislative Framework The Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act) is “an Act to provide for an Environmental Protection Authority, for the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution, for the conservation, preservation, protection, enhancement and management of the environment and for matters incidental to or connected with the foregoing.” Section 4A of this Act outlines five principles that must be addressed meet the objectives of the Act. Three of these principles are relevant to native fauna and flora: The Precautionary Principle Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation. The Principle of Intergenerational Equity The present generation should ensure that the health, diversity and productivity of the environment is maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future generations. The Principle of the Conservation of Biological Diversity and Ecological Integrity Conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity should be a fundamental consideration. In addition to these principles, projects undertaken as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process are required to address guidelines produced by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), in this case:
Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 4
Guidance Statement No. 56: Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004b); principles outlined in EPA Position Statement No. 3: Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity Protection (EPA 2002b); and the Technical Guide – Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010). Native flora and fauna in Western Australia that are formally recognised as rare, threatened with extinction, or as having high conservation value are protected at a federal level under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and at a state level under the Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act). The EPBC Act also considers four international agreements related to migratory species, which include the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention), the Japan-Australian Migratory Bird Agreement, the China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement and the Republic of Korea-Australian Migratory Bird Agreement. The EPBC Act was developed to provide for the protection of the environment, especially those aspects of the environment that are matters of national environmental significance, to promote ecologically sustainable development through the conservation and ecologically sustainable use of natural resources, and to promote the conservation of biodiversity. The EPBC Act includes provisions to protect native species (and in particular to prevent the extinction and promote the recovery of threatened species) and to ensure the conservation of migratory species. In addition to the principles outlined in Section 4A of the EP Act, Section 3A of the EPBC Act includes a principle of ecologically sustainable development dictating that decision-making processes should effectively integrate both long-term and short-term economic, environmental, social and equitable considerations. Schedule 1 of the EPBC Act contains a list of species that are considered Extinct, Extinct in the Wild, Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable and Conservation Dependent. The WC Act provides for the conservation and protection of wildlife in Western Australia. Under Section 14 of this Act, all flora and fauna within Western Australia is protected; however, the Minister may, via a notice published in the Government Gazette, declare a list of fauna identified as rare, likely to become extinct, or otherwise in need of special protection. These species are considered Threatened Fauna. The current listing was gazetted in December 2014. In addition, the Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) maintains a list of specially protected fauna, which includes Threatened and Priority Fauna, ranked in order of priority for conservation management. Threatened fauna listed in Schedule 1 of the WC Act are further ranked by the DPaW according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List categories and criteria. Priority Fauna are placed into five categories. The first three Priority Fauna categories are species that have not yet been adequately surveyed to be listed under Schedule 1 or 2. Species that are adequately known and are rare but not threatened, meet IUCN criteria for Near Threatened, or that have been recently removed from the Threatened list for other than taxonomic reasons, are placed in Priority 4. These species require regular monitoring. Species meeting criteria for the IUCN category of Conservation Dependent are placed in Priority 5. Definitions of conservation categories as used by the DPaW and as defined in the EPBC Act and the WC Act are provided in Appendix 1.
1.3 Survey Objectives Toro commissioned Engenium to undertake a comprehensive biological survey of the vertebrate fauna of the study area as part of the EIA for the project, including a targeted survey of reptile fauna within samphire habitats.
Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 5
The EPA’s objectives with regards to fauna management are to: maintain the abundance, species diversity and geographical distribution of terrestrial fauna; and protect Specially Protected (Threatened) fauna, consistent with the provisions of the WC Act. The aim of this study was to provide sufficient information to the EPA to assess the impact of the project on the vertebrate fauna populations that occur in Lake Maitland study area, thereby ensuring that these objectives will be upheld. This report satisfies the objectives outlined in Toro’s Scope of Works and the project ESD, and satisfies the requirements documented in the Technical Guide – Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010), EPA Guidance Statement No. 56 and Position Statement No. 3 (EPA 2002a, 2004a), by providing: a desktop a review of background information (including literature and database searches); an inventory of vertebrate fauna species potentially occurring in the study area, incorporating recent published and unpublished records; a review of regional and biogeographical significance, including the conservation status and significance of species recorded in the study area. a discussion related to the species of conservation significance recorded or likely to occur within the study area and the surrounding region; an appraisal of the current knowledge base for the area, including a review of previous surveys conducted in the area that are relevant to the current study; a detailed fauna habitat assessment of the study area; a detailed Level 2 vertebrate fauna assessment, including systematic trapping, observations, acoustic bat recording and overall assessment of the faunal assemblage recorded within the study area; and a targeted assessment of reptile fauna within samphire habitat types.
k
220000 240000 260000 280000 300000 320000 0 0 0 0 8 0 7 Karra!tha !
Tom Price ! Newman ! 0 0 0 0 6 0 7 WILUNA Geraldton k MILLBILLILLIE ! k Kalgoorlie LAKE VIOLET ! Perth ! Bunbury ! 0 0 0 0 4
0 Albany
7 !
LAKE WAY 0 0 0 0 2 0
7 LAKE WAY k
BARWIDGEE k 0 0 0 0 0 0 7
LAKE MAITLAND 0
0 MOUNT KEITH 0 0
8 k 9
k 6 0 0 0 0 6 9 6
0 K 0 0 0
4 Legend 9 0 10 20 6
Study area LAKE MIRANDA Kilometres Roads Absolute Scale - 1:600,000 Lakes LAKE DARLOT
Figure: 1.1 Drawn: JG Project ID: 1632 Date: 27/02/2015
Location of the study area Coordinate System Name: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 51 Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: GDA 1994 A4 Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 7
2.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
2.1 Climate The survey area is located in the Mid-West region of Western Australia. The Mid West experiences an arid climate with two distinct seasons; a hot summer from October to April and a mild winter from May to September. Temperatures are generally high, with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 40°C. Light frosts occasionally occur inland during July and August. Rainfall is generally localised and unpredictable (but falling predominately during the winter months rainfall), and temperatures are high, resulting in significant annual evaporation. The majority of the Mid-West has a bimodal rainfall distribution; from December to March rains result from tropical storms producing sporadic thunderstorms. From May to August, extensive cold fronts move eastwards across the state, reaching the Murchison. These fronts usually produce light rains. The nearest Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) station to the study area for which both rainfall and temperature data are available is Yeelirrie (Site No. 012090), c. 97 km to the west of the study area. The Yeelirrie station experiences a typical Mid-West climate, with hot summers punctuated by sporadic summer storms, and warm dry winters. The station receives a mean annual rainfall of 240.0 mm (BoM 2015). January is the hottest month with a mean maximum temperature of 37.9 °C and mean minimum of 22.3 °C. July temperatures range from a mean maximum temperature of 19.3 °C to a mean minimum of 3.5 °C (Figure 2.1). Humidity in this area is relatively low, with the average morning relative humidity reaching 68% in June and the average afternoon relative humidity to 19% in November and December (BoM 2015).
40 35 Rainfall (mm) Mean maximum temperature (°C) 35 30 Mean minimum temperature (°C) 30
25
C)
° 25 20 20 15
15 Rainfall (mm) Temperature( 10 10
5 5
0 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Month Figure 2.1 – Mean monthly climate data for Yeelirrie (BoM 2015)
Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 8
2.1.1 Weather during survey Weather conditions during the first phase of the Level 2 survey were mild, with maximum temperatures ranging from 22 °C to 28 °C, and minima between 5 °C and 12 °C (Outback Ecology 2009a). Conditions were hotter during the second phase, with maxima ranging between 26 °C and 36 °C and minima between 14 °C and 21 °C, with relatively high humidity throughout and heavy rain late in the survey (Outback Ecology 2009a). Conditions during the third phase were variable, with maxima recorded at Yeelirrie ranging between 25.0 °C and 38.3 °C and minima ranging from 14.5 °C to 20.5 °C (Appendix 2). Temperatures during the second half of the third phase were significantly lower than during the first half, with an average maximum temperature over the first six days of the survey of 34.8 °C compared to an average maximum of 26.1 °C across the final five days. Rainfall at Yeelirrie during the 12-month period prior to the first phase of the Level 2 survey (243.3 mm) was approximately in line with the long term average (240.0 mm), while rainfall for the 12-month period prior to the second phase (160.8 mm) was significantly lower than the long term average. Conversely, rainfall for the 12-month period prior to the third phase of the Level 2 survey (266.6 mm) was slightly above the long-term average (240.0 mm). However, this was largely due to high rainfall experienced during March leading up to the survey (130.2 mm).
2.2 Biogeography
2.2.1 Murchison Bioregion The Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA, Version 7) classifies the Australian continent into regions (bioregions) of similar geology, landform, vegetation, fauna and climate characteristics (DSEWPaC 2013). According to IBRA (version 7), the survey area lies within the Murchison Bioregion. The Murchison Bioregion is further subdivided into the Eastern Murchison (MUR1) and Western Murchison (MUR2) subregions. The study area lies entirely within the Eastern Murchison subregion (Figure 2.2).
2.2.1.1 Eastern Murchison Subregion The Eastern Murchison subregion comprises the northern section of the Yilgarn Craton. Extensive areas of red sandplains and breakaway complexes consist of minimal dune development. Vegetation is dominated by Mulga Woodlands often rich in ephemerals: hummock grasslands, saltbush shrublands and Halosarcia shrublands. The climate is arid and receives 200 mm of rainfall annually, with mainly winter rainfall. The subregion is characterised by its internal drainage, with salt lake systems associated with the occluded Paleodrainage system. Calcrete aquifers in the northern part of subregion are known to support a wide range of subterranean aquatic fauna that are short range endemics, but understanding of the biogeography of these groups is very limited. The subregional area for the Eastern Murchison is 7,847,996 ha (Cowan 2001).
2.3 Vegetation The vegetation of Western Australia was originally mapped at the 1:1,000,000 scale by Beard (1976), and was subsequently reinterpreted and updated to reflect the National Vegetation Information System standards (Shepherd et al. 2001). The study area lies within the Eremaean Botanical Province of the Murchison (Beard 1976). Six vegetation associations occur within the study area (Shepherd et al. 2001), and are described in Table 2.1 and displayed in Figure 2.3. All vegetation units found within the study area occur widely in the region, with the proportion of their total extent within the Murchison occurring within the study area ranging from <0.001 % to 0.754 % (Table 2.1).
Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 9
Table 2.1 – Vegetation units of the study area
Extent Proportion Extent in Proportion Unit within Description of study Murchison in study code study area area (%) (ha) area (%) (ha) Halosarcia open samphire 676 2,889 44.9 383,163 0.754 shrubland 125 Bare areas; salt lakes 2,130 33.1 712,038 0.299 Acacia mixed open woodland / 29 Maireana open chenopod 1,035 16.1 2,974,137 0.035 shrubland Acacia woodland (A. aneura and 182 172.5 2.68 51,015 0.338 A. ramulosa) 18 Acacia woodland (A. aneura) 118.5 1.84 12,435,564 <0.001 Isolated mallee shrubs over 107 90.1 1.40 2,794,374 0.003 Triodia open hummock grassland
2.4 Land Systems From 1985 to 1988 a regional survey of the Murchison was conducted by Curry et al. (1994) in an attempt to obtain an inventory and condition of land systems within the Murchison River catchment. The Murchison (MUR) regional inventory covers approximately 88,360 km of arid zone rangelands situated between Mt Magnet and Meekatharra in the east and the catchments of the Greenough and Wooramel Rivers in the west. This area includes most of the catchment of the Murchison River and its tributaries the Sanford, Roderick and Yalgar Rivers; as well as most of the catchment of Lake Austin. Lands within the area have been described and mapped into 19 broad land types composed of 74 land systems. Six land systems occur within the study area; Bullimore, Cunyu, Darlot, Desdemona, Melaleuca and Mileura. These land systems and their extent are further described in Table 2.2, and mapped in Figure 2.4. The Darlot land system makes up the majority of the study area, occupying 51.0 % of the study area. All six land systems are well represented outside the study area, with the total of extent of each land system within the study area ranging from 0.003 - 2.46 %.
Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 10
Table 2.2 – Land systems of the study area
Extent within Proportion of study Mapped extent in Proportion in Land system Description study area area (%) Murchison (ha) study area (%) Salt lakes and fringing saline alluvial plains, with extensive, regularly arranged sandy banks Darlot and numerous claypans and swamps, 3,283 51.0 133,509 2.459 supporting halophytic shrublands and spinifex and wanderrie grasslands. Saline and non-saline calcreted river plains, with clayey flood plains interrupted by raised Mileura calcrete platforms supporting diverse and very 1,466 22.8 206,496 0.710 variable tall shrublands, mixed halophytic shrublands and shrubby grasslands. Calcrete platforms and intervening alluvial floors and minor areas of alluvial plains, Cunyu 923.5 14.4 290,394 0.318 including channels with acacia shrublands and minor halophytic shrublands. Extensive sand plains supporting spinifex Bullimore 740.0 11.5 3,564,992 0.021 hummock grasslands. Sandy-surfaced plains and calcareous plains Melaleuca supporting spinifex or mulga wanderrie 15.01 0.23 37,625 0.040 shrublands. Extensive plains with deep sandy or loamy soils Desdemona 6.638 0.10 255,706 0.003 supporting mulga and wanderrie grasses.
200000 400000
Trainor
Augustus 0 0 0 0 0 2 7
Carnegie
LORNA GLEN k
WILUNA k kMILLBILLILLIE
Central LAKE WAY k BARWIDGEE 0
0 k 0 0 0 0 7
YEELIRRIE MOUNT KEITH k k
Eastern Murchison
Shield Legend
Study area k Locations IBRA subregion Augustus 0
0 Carnegie 0 0 0 8 6 Central K Eastern Murchison 0 40 80 Shield Tallering Kilometres Trainor Absolute Scale - 1:2,000,000 Tallering Figure: 2.2 Drawn: JG Project ID: 1632 Date: 10/03/2015
Biogeographic regions of the study area Coordinate System Name: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 51 Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: GDA 1994 A4 305000 310000 315000
Legend
Study area Vegetation unit 0
0 18 0 0 1 0
7 29 39 107 125 182 676 29 0 0 0 5 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 107
676 0 0 0 5 9 9 6
125 39 0 0 0 0 9 9 6 182 K 18 0 2 4
Kilometres Absolute Scale - 1:100,000
Figure: 2.3 Drawn: JG Project ID: 1632 Date: 10/03/2015
Vegetation units of the study area Coordinate System Name: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 51 Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: GDA 1994 A4 300000 305000 310000 315000 0 0 0 0 1 0 7
Desdemona Land System 0 0 0 5 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 7
Melaleuca Land System
Cunyu Land System 0 0 0 5 9 9 6
Mileura Land System
Bullimore Land System
Legend Darlot Land System
0 Study area 0 0 0 9 9
6 Bullimore Land System Cunyu Land System Darlot Land System 0 2 4 Desdemona Land System Kilometres Melaleuca Land System 1:100,000 Mileura Land System Absolute Scale - K
Figure: 2.4 Drawn: JG Project ID: 1632 Date: 10/03/2015
Land systems of the study area Coordinate System Name: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 51 Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: GDA 1994 A4 Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 14
2.5 Land Use History
2.5.1 Overview Land use in the Eastern Murchison subregion is dominated by grazing and mining. Approximately 85 % of the region is used for grazing on pastoral leases (Cowan 2001). There are also substantial mining interests in the region, with extensive nickel and gold mining in the subregion, though most mining leases are located on pastoral lands which are also required to be stocked under Section 97 of the Land Administration Act 1997. Unallocated crown land occupies 11.3% of the subregion, and an increasing area is being set aside for conservation. Cowan (2001) quotes 1.4% of the subregion allocated to conservation estate, but this was quoted as having risen to 7.5% by 2004 (Outback Ecology 2009a).
2.5.2 Local Land Use The study area is primarily located on Barwidgee Station, a pastoral lease currently owned by Toro. The lease has been stocked since the 1930s (Beard 1976), with both cattle and sheep grazing reportedly occurring in areas of the lease (Outback Ecology 2009a). The northern borefields section of the study area extends onto Wonganoo Station, a pastoral lease stocked with cattle. A uranium deposit was discovered at Lake Maitland in 1972, which was subsequently drilled by several companies over the past three decades (Outback Ecology 2009a). The Lake Maitland deposit is estimated to contain 14.4 million pounds of U3O8 in high grade ore (Toro Energy 2013). The study area is also located 25 km north of the Bronzewing Gold Mine, also located on the Barwidgee Pastoral Lease (Outback Ecology 2009a). Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) managed lands, Wanjarri Nature Reserve, and ex- pastoral station Lorna Glen are approximately 25 km south-west and 85 km north of the study area respectively.
240000 280000 320000 360000
LORNA GLEN ex Lorna Glen k ex Lorna Glen 0 0 0 0 8 0 7
WILUNA k MILLBILLILLIE k 0 0 0 0 4 0 7
LAKE WAY k
BARWIDGEE k 0 0 0 0 0 0 7
MOUNT KEITH k k
Wanjarri Nature Reserve 0 0 0 0 6 9 6
Legend 0 0 0 0
2 Study area 9 6 0 10 20 k Locations
Lakes Kilometres DPaW managed lands Absolute Scale - 1:800,000 K
Figure: 2.5 Drawn: JG Project ID: 1632 Date: 10/03/2015 Pastoral leases and conservation reserves Coordinate System of the region Name: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 51 Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: GDA 1994 A4 Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 16
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3.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
3.1 Previous surveys Several databases were consulted in the preparation of potential fauna (and conservation significant fauna) lists (Table 3.1). In addition, the results of 10 previous vertebrate fauna surveys conducted within 100km of the study area were consulted (Table 3.2). The results of all database searches and previous surveys are presented in Appendix 3. The online NatureMap database (DPaW 2015) encompasses several datasets which include the Western Australian Museum, DPaW threatened fauna database and DPaW survey return database. Table 3.1 – Databases consulted in preparation of regional fauna lists
Database Custodian Search details Coordinate: 27o 09’ 27’’ S, 121o NatureMap 03’ 56’’ E DPaW (includes DPaW Threatened Buffer: 40 km Fauna Database) Date: 26/02/2015 Coordinate: 27o 09’ 27’’ S, 121o EPBC Act Protected Matters 03’ 56’’ E DoE Database Buffer: 40 km Date: 26/02/2015 One degree grid square containing the point Birdata BirdLife Australia o o 27 09’ 27’’ S, 121 03’ 56’’ E Date: 26/02/2015
Table 3.2 – Previous biological surveys within 100 km of the study area
Approximate distance Survey location and author(s) Comments to study area (km) Single-phase Level 2 survey; Engenium Internal Database 100 targeted Mulgara assessment Millipede to Lake Maitland Fauna 0 Single-phase Level 2 survey Assessment (ecologia in prep.) Lake Maitland Infrastructure Areas Baseline Terrestrial Fauna Surveys 0 Level 1 survey (Outback Ecology 2010) Terrestrial Fauna Habitat Assessment - Borefield, Accomodation Camp and 0 Level 1 survey Access Route (Outback Ecology 2011a) Reconnaissance for Wiluna Uranium 80 Level 1 survey Project (Outback Ecology 2009b) Wiluna Uranium Terrestrial Fauna Habitat Assessment (Outback Ecology 80 Single-phase Level 2 survey 2011b) Lake Way Baseline Terrestrial Fauna 80 Single-phase Level 2 survey Survey (Outback Ecology 2008)
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Approximate distance Survey location and author(s) Comments to study area (km) Lake Way Baseline Fauna Studies 80 Level 1 survey (Outback Ecology 2002)
3.2 Results of literature review The database searches and review of previous vertebrate fauna surveys resulted in a total of 28 native and 11 introduced mammal, 130 bird, 83 reptile, and seven amphibian species potentially occurring in the study area (Table 3.3). Of these, 14 species are of conservation significance (three species of mammal, ten species of bird, one species of reptile). Previous records of conservation significant fauna are mapped in Figure 3.1, and discussed in greater detail in Section 6.0. Table 3.3 – Number of species recorded during previous surveys and database searches
Mammals Birds Source Reptiles Amphibians (Native/introduced) (Native/introduced) Engenium Internal Database 17/3 73/0 35 4 Millipede to Lake Maitland Fauna 14/5 56/0 35 1 Assessment (ecologia in prep.) Lake Maitland Infrastructure Areas Baseline Terrestrial Fauna 5/5 30/0 10 0 Surveys (Outback Ecology 2010) Terrestrial Fauna Habitat Assessment - Borefield, 7/4 4/0 1 0 Accomodation Camp and Access Route (Outback Ecology 2011a) Reconnaissance for Wiluna Uranium Project (Outback 9/3 20/0 6 0 Ecology 2009b) Wiluna Uranium Terrestrial Fauna Habitat Assessment (Outback 12/8 45/0 35 0 Ecology 2011b) Lake Way Baseline Terrestrial Fauna Survey (Outback Ecology 13/7 53/0 30 1 2008) Lake Way Baseline Fauna 0/1 21/0 9 0 Studies (Outback Ecology 2002) NatureMap 14/1 30/0 36 2 Protected Matters 1/7 0/1 1 0 Birdata 0/0 45/0 0 0 Total 28/11 114/1 74 6
k
!(!( *# 200000 250000 *#*# 300000 350000 400000 450000 !( !( !( Legend k Locations Study area *#WILUNA Sand ridges k MILLBILLILLIE 0
0 k Rivers 0 0 5 0
7 Waterbodies !( !( !( !(!( Roads DPaW Managed Lands Species !( !( !( Australian Bustard *# *# Black-flanked Rock-wallaby LAKE WAY k *# Brush-tailed Mulgara
BARWIDGEE ^_ Great Desert Skink k !( Grey Falcon 0 0
0 !(
0 Malleefowl 0
0 *# 7 *# !( Peregrine Falcon *# !( *# *# *# Princess Parrot !( *# !( !( Rainbow Bee-eater YEELIRRIE MOUNT KEITH !( !(!( !( k !( Sharp-tailed Sandpiper k *# !( *#!( !( !( ^_!(!( !( !( *# !( !( 0 0 0
0 *# 5 9 6 !(
0 20 40
Kilometres K Absolute Scale - 1:1,000,000
Figure: 3.1 Drawn: JG Project ID: 1632 Date: 26/02/15
Regional records of conservation significant fauna Coordinate System Name: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 51 Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: GDA 1994 A4 Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 20
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4.0 METHODS
4.1 Survey sampling design and intensity Prior to the development of field survey methods, a review was undertaken of factors likely to influence survey design and intensity (Table 4.1). Based on this review, it was deemed necessary for third phase of a Level 2 vertebrate fauna assessment and targeted reptile survey within samphire habitat to be conducted within the study area. Table 4.1 – Factors likely to influence survey design
Factor Relevance Some areas of the Murchison bioregion (including Bioregion – level of existing survey/knowledge the Eastern Murchison subregion) have been well of the region and associated ability to predict studied, and information relevant to the study are accurately. available. The study area encompasses portions of Lake Landform special characteristics/specific Darlot, one of a number of inland salt lakes of the fauna/specific context of the landform Eastern Murchison region. Salt lakes have characteristics and their distribution and rarity in potential to act as island habitats and support the region. unique fauna, hence a level 2 survey and targeted reptile survey was deemed appropriate. The optimal survey time for birds and amphibians is following seasonal rain events. The study area received significant rainfall in the 2-3 months prior Lifeforms, life cycles, types of assemblages and to the current survey. The best survey timing for seasonality (e.g. migration) of species likely to reptiles is from September to April, with surveys in be present. March and April generally recording many juvenile individuals. Survey timing for mammals is not constrained, except during adverse weather, or after the die-off of male dasyurids post-breeding. The results of 10 previous terrestrial vertebrate Level of existing knowledge and results of fauna surveys carried out within 100 km of the previous regional sampling (e.g. species study area were available. Regional and local accumulation curves, species/area curves). knowledge for the area is available.
Number of different habitats or degree of The survey was undertaken to determine the similarity between habitats within a study area. different habitat types present in the study area.
The Murchison region experiences hot summers with occasional cyclonic rain events, followed by Climatic constraints (e.g. temperature or rainfall warm winters with little rain. Rainfall is highly that preclude certain sampling methods). unpredictable. Surveys conducted during the summer months often preclude trapping sampling, due to an elevated risk of fauna trap deaths.
Sensitivity of the environment to the proposed Large portions of the study area is located within activities. Lake Darlot, potentially sensitive to mining impacts.
Size, shape and location of the proposed The study area totals an area of 6,434 ha, within activities. the Eastern Murchison region.
The study area is of medium scale, with localized Scale and impact of the proposal. impacts from mining activities.
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4.2 Survey timing Survey timing is displayed in Table 4.2. Survey timing is in accordance with the relevant guidelines for all species groups (EPA 2004a; EPA and DEC 2010). Table 4.2 – Level 2 survey timing
Level 2 survey Timing
Phase 1 (Outback Ecology) 7-16 May 2007
Phase 2 (Outback Ecology) 7-13 December 2007
Phase 3 and targeted reptile survey 17-27 March 2015
4.3 Sampling methods The survey methods adopted by Engenium for this survey are aligned with the EPA’s Guidance Statement No. 56 (EPA 2004b), Position Statement No. 3 (EPA 2002a) and Technical Guide – Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010). The survey was undertaken using a variety of sampling techniques, both systematic and opportunistic. Systematic sampling refers to data methodically collected over a fixed time period in a discrete habitat type, using an equal or standardised sampling effort. The resulting information can be analysed statistically, facilitating comparisons between habitats. Opportunistic sampling includes data collected non-systematically from both fixed sampling sites and as opportunistic records from chance encounters with fauna.
4.3.1 Systematic Trapping Trapping for terrestrial mammals and herpetofauna was undertaken using a standardised trap layout comprising a combination of pit-fall traps, Elliott box traps, funnel traps and cage traps.
4.3.1.1 Phase 1 and 2 During the two phases of the Outback Ecology survey, each of the trapping site consisted of the following (Figure 4.1): Pitfall traps and drift fence: Ten pit traps were positioned in each grid. Two types of pit traps were incorporated into the design: PVC pipe 150 mm in diameter and 400 mm deep, as well as standard 20 L PVC buckets. Pit traps were set flush with the surface of the ground, with two lines of five established at seven metre spacings. Each line of five pits was joined by a single driftline 20 cm high, set into the substrate. Pit traps were checked daily for vertebrate fauna. Elliot box traps: Two lines of ten medium sized Elliot traps (9 cm x 9 cm x 32 cm) were placed within the grid in sheltered areas, and baited with a mixture of rolled oats, peanut butter and sardines. Sheffield cage traps: Two cage traps were placed within the grid in sheltered areas and baited as above. Funnel traps: Five funnel traps measuring 75 cm x 18 cm x 18 cm were placed along drift fences shared with the pit traps
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Figure 4.1 –Phase 1 & 2 systematic sampling trap arrangement
4.3.1.2 Phase 3 Engenium employs a single pitfall trap line and arrangement for systematic trap arrangement, as this method is considered more effective at targeting micro habitats than longer trap lines. As a result, systematic trap arrangement in Phase 3 differs from that employed during Phase 1 and 2. Phase 3 trapping arrangement consisted of each trapping site consisting of the following (Figure 4.2): Pit-trap and drift fence: Five PVC pipe (16 x 50 cm) and five 20 L plastic buckets (30 x 40 cm) were established at each site. A 10 metre flywire drift fence (30 cm high) bisected the pits, directing fauna into the traps. Elliott box traps: Ten medium sized Elliott box traps (9 x 9 x 32 cm) were placed at each site, and baited with Universal Bait (a mixture of peanut butter, rolled oats and sardines). Each Elliott trap was placed between the pit trap setups. Elliott traps were shaded using Air Cell roof insulation. Funnel traps: Funnel traps (Ecosystematica Type III) were placed in association with drift fences. Twenty funnel traps were used per site, with a trap being placed at each end of the drift fence. Funnel traps were shaded using Air Cell roof insulation. Cage traps: Two Sheffield small animal traps (22 cm x 22 cm x 55 cm) were used per site with one trap placed at each end of the trap line. Traps were baited with Universal Bait.
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Figure 4.2 – Phase 3 systematic sampling trap arrangement
Figure 4.3 – Image of single trap point (site LM S3)
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4.3.2 Avifauna Set-time surveys of 20 minutes (Phases 1 & 2) and 30 minutes (Phase 3) were used to document the avifauna present at each of the trapping sites, and at least four set-time surveys were conducted at each site. During each set-time survey an ornithologist recorded the number of individuals of each species observed while actively searching similar habitat over a 2 ha area around each site (Phases 1 & 2) or within 500 m of the survey site (Phase 3). Both methodologies are in accordance with survey methodology outlined in the Survey Guidelines for Australia’s Threatened Birds (DSEWPaC 2010), as well as for the ongoing BirdLife Australia Atlas of Australian Birds project. Survey effort was concentrated at survey sites within 3 hours of dawn, as this time is deemed to be optimal to record most bird species. Opportunistic surveys during the day and near dusk were also conducted, as they may yield species less frequently observed in the early morning, e.g. diurnal raptors. Additionally, SM2 automated recording units (ARUs) were deployed overnight to target the Commonwealth Endangered listed Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis), and other nocturnal-calling bird species.
4.3.3 Bats Bat echolocation calls were recorded using Anabat (Phases 1 & 2) and SM2BAT 384 kHz (Phase 3) automated recording units. The SM2BAT has a high sampling frequency, enabling the full spectrum of the calls to be recorded without being transformed allowing greater accuracy and sensitivity. Recorders were programmed to automatically record from dusk to dawn (approximately 720 minutes) for each night that was surveyed. A single overnight recording was made at each systematic survey site during the third phase of the Level 2 survey. Experience from previous surveys indicates that the species of bats recorded tend to remain the same over multiple nights, therefore a single night of recording is sufficient to provide an accurate record of the bat assemblage found in the area. Additional opportunistic recordings were made during the first two phases of the survey.
Figure 4.4 – Deployed SM2Bat automated recording unit
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4.3.4 Diurnal opportunistic searching Both trapping and opportunistic sites were searched by hand for cryptic reptile and mammal species, which comprised searching beneath the bark of dead trees, breaking open old logs, stumps and dead free-standing trees, investigating burrows and over-turning logs and stones. Sites were selected on the basis of fauna habitat (targeting uncommon habitats or habitats poorly represented by trapping sites) and the possibility of their harbouring conservation significant fauna. A habitat assessment was completed ay each diurnal opportunistic search sites, to aid in habitat mapping. Fauna were also recorded while searching, travelling and during trap establishment within the study area during the day and night. Tracks, diggings, scats, burrows and nests were recorded where possible.
4.3.5 Nocturnal opportunistic searching Road spotting transects were conducted within the study area to detect nocturnal species, including geckos, snakes, nocturnal birds and mammals. In addition, opportunistic searching was conducted on foot with headtorches.
4.3.6 Camera trapping Reconyx HC500 Hyperfire motion sensor cameras were used predominately to target Mulgara and provide additional survey effort in habitat types not covered by trapping. A total of 12 camera trapping locations were established during Phase 3 of the level 2 survey. These were then left for two to three days. Cameras were baited with universal bait or sardines to lure wildlife to the area, or placed unbaited on animal burrows to capture photographs of occupants. All cameras are triggered by movement by a highly sensitive Passive Infra-Red motion sensor and functions day and night taking either video footage or photos.
Figure 4.5 – Deployed motion camera
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4.3.7 Targeted conservation significant fauna surveying Prior to the commencement of the survey, the preferred habitat of potential conservation significant species identified during the literature review was determined. These habitats were identified and targeted during survey activities using both systematic survey sites and opportunistic surveys. Targeted searches were conducted in compliance with relevant targeted survey guidelines (DSEWPaC 2010, 2011a, b) and included (but not limited to) the following conservation significant species:
4.3.7.1 Northern Marsupial Mole (Notoryctes caurinus) EPBC Act Endangered, WC Act Schedule 1 (Endangered). The Northern Marsupial Mole was targeted through trench digging and searching for burrows within the edge of the sand, within suitable habitat (Figure 4.6), consistent with guidelines (DSEWPaC 2011a).
Figure 4.6 – Example of targeted burrow searches for Northern Marsupial Mole
4.3.7.2 Brush-tailed Mulgara (Dasycercus blythi) DPaW Priority 4. The Brush-tailed Mulgara was targeted through a suite of methods including; systematic trapping with cage and Elliot traps, baited motion cameras and searches for secondary evidence (DSEWPaC 2011a).
4.3.7.3 Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis) EPBC Act Endangered, WC Act Schedule 1 (Critically Endangered).
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An absence of detailed biological and ecological knowledge and low detectability of the Night Parrot has led to an absence of robust detection methods for this species. Survey methods have traditionally focussed on pre-sunrise and post-sunset evening watches at waterholes, in an attempt to record birds coming in to drink, and searches for secondary evidence such as feathers (DSEWPaC 2010). The recent re-discovery of the Night Parrot in south-west Queensland (Young 2013) and a research plan currently being implemented by the Fortescue Metals Group to study the biology and ecology of Night Parrot will result in detailed detection methodology and required survey effort known. However, based on information currently available, detection of the Night Parrots call can be made by nocturnal listening surveys and nocturnal recordings by automated recording devices (ARU) (pers. com. S. Murphy). Given the high conservation status of the Night Parrot and potential sightings from nearby DPaW managed land Lorna Glen (Section 6.1.2.1), and emphasis was made on detection of this species. The current survey focused on nocturnal listening surveys and ARUs in an attempt to record the Night Parrots call. ARU recordings were brought back to Perth and analysed on SongScope program software. However, as no reference call is available for the Night Parrot, recordings were screened manually for a distinctive call against background noise. Should a reference call be made available, recordings can be further analysed against the reference call.
4.3.7.4 Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata) EPBC Act Vulnerable; WC Act Schedule 1 (Vulnerable). Transects and targeted searches were made for mounds, tracks and sightings within suitable habitat (DSEWPaC 2010).
4.3.7.5 Migratory shorebirds EPBC Act Migratory; WC Act Schedule 3. Point counts using binoculars and spotting scopes for water birds including migratory shorebirds were made within the study area in flooded areas of the lake.
4.3.7.6 Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus) EPBC Act Migratory, WC Act Schedule 3. Systematic bird surveys and opportunistic searches and sightings were used to record the Rainbow Bee-eater.
4.3.7.7 Great Desert Skink (Egernia kintorei); EPBC Act Vulnerable, WC Act Schedule 1 (Vulnerable). The Great Desert Skink was targeted through trapping at systematic trapping sites and targeted searches and transects looking for their distinctive burrow systems (DSEWPaC 2011b).
4.4 Targeted reptile survey in samphire habitat Toro identified within their ESD a requirement to understand the reptile assemblage associated with the discrete samphire habitat type. To satisfy this objective, Engenium incorporated this targeted survey into the Level 2 survey. Methods used included establishment of three systematic trapping sites (effective at trapping small reptiles) within the low halophytic shrubland habitat type and two systematic trapping sites within adjoining
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Triodia plurinervata on lake edge habitat type, as this is likely to provide refuge habitat for reptiles utilising the low halophytic shrubland habitat. Additionally, the low halophytic shrubland habitat type was specifically searched using opportunistic sampling methods by experienced herpetologists throughout the survey. Opportunistic sampling methods included: Recording opportunistic sightings; Excavating reptile burrows; Diurnal active searching including raking soil, leaf and wood litter; Nocturnal spotlighting on foot; and Nocturnal road transects.
4.5 Site selection Habitat types previously described by Outback Ecology at Lake Maitland during the first two phases of this survey (Outback Ecology 2009a) were reviewed and re-interpreted for survey site selection. Locations of access tracks, land systems, aerial photography and the abundance of habitat types were also taken into consideration. Survey sites were selected to provide a geographic spread over the study area and to be representative of the habitat types in the study area; hence, dominant habitat types were sampled by a larger number of trapping sites than less represented habitat types. Locations and details of systematic survey sites are provided in Table 4.3 and mapped in Figure 4.7, which displays survey sites in relation to habitat types present (habitats discussed further in Section 5.1). Site photographs and descriptions of systematic survey sites are presented in Appendix 5. In addition to systematic surveys, opportunistic searches were undertaken, targeting habitats or land systems less accessible or less represented within the study area, or conservation significant species. A full listing of systematic and opportunistic survey sites is presented in Appendix 3.
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Table 4.3 – Systematic survey site locations
Location Site Phase(s) Site type Easting Northing
LM 01 1, 2 Systematic trapping and bird census 314915 6988189
LM 02 1, 2 Systematic trapping and bird census 312554 6998923
LM 03 1, 2 Systematic trapping and bird census 312691 6994795
LM 04 1, 2 Systematic trapping and bird census 309346 6997429
LM 05 1, 2 Systematic trapping and bird census 307433 6999091
Systematic trapping, bird census and LM S1 3 310196 6996838 SM2 bat recording Systematic trapping, bird census and LM S2 3 312695 6994754 SM2 bat recording Systematic trapping, bird census and LM S3 3 310782 6993944 SM2 bat recording Systematic trapping, bird census and LM S4 3 307448 6995514 SM2 bat recording Systematic trapping, bird census and LM S5 3 308642 6993171 SM2 bat recording Systematic trapping, bird census and LM S6 3 309996 6992202 SM2 bat recording Systematic trapping, bird census and LM S7 3 307823 6992100 SM2 bat recording Systematic trapping, bird census and LM S8 3 309464 6990640 SM2 bat recording
300000 303000 306000 309000 312000 315000
0 LM 05 0
0 LM 02 9 !( 9 9
6 !(
^_ LM 04 # !( !(!( !( * !( *# *# !( !(!( *# LM S1 !( *# !( !( !( *# *# 0 0
0 *# 6 Legend ^_^_ 9 !( !( ^_ 9 !( !( 6 LM S4 *# Study area !( !( *# Site type LM 03 !( LM S2 *# Anabat bat recording !(
*# Night Parrot ARU LM S3 !( (! Bird census !( (! Diurnal search *# *# LM S5 0
0 !( 0 3 9 9 6 ^_ Motion camera trap
(! Nocturnal search LM S6 !(!( LM S7 !( !( !( !( *# ^_ GF Mulgara trapping !( !( !( ^_ !( !(!( !( Systematic trapping !(!(!( Habitat types ^_*# !( LM S8 !( Kopi dune !( ^_*# !( !( !(
0 !( !( !( !( 0
0 Low halophytic shrubland !( 0 9 9 6 Mallee/mulga woodland over spinifex plain
Open calcrete plain
Open spinifex sandplain 0 1 2
!( LM 01 GF Triodia plurinervata on lake edge Kilometres !( Absolute Scale - 1:50,000 K Woodland on calcrete plain
Figure: 4.7 Drawn: JG Project ID: 1632 Date: 08/04/2015
Survey site locations - Map A Coordinate System Name: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 51 Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: GDA 1994 A4 310000 315000 Legend Study area Site type *# Anabat bat recording !( Bird census !( Diurnal search ^_ Motion camera trap !( Systematic survey sites 0 0
0 Habitat types 0 1 0 7 Low halophytic shrubland Mallee/mulga woodland over spinifex plain Mulga woodland Open calcrete plain Open spinifex sandplain !( !( Triodia plurinervata on lake edge !( Woodland on calcrete plain
!(!( 0 0 0 5 0 0 7 !(!(
*#
^_ ^_^_^_!( 0 0 0 0 0 0 7
LM 05 !( LM 02 K !( 0 1 2
Kilometres Absolute Scale - 1:60,000 ^_ Figure: 4.8 Drawn: JG !( *# !( Project ID: 1632 Date: 08/04/2015
Survey site locations - Map B Coordinate System Name: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 51 !( Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: GDA 1994 A4
!(
!(
!(
!(
!( !(
!(
!( Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 33
4.6 Survey effort Survey effort expended within the study area is presented in Table 4.4. This incorporates all three phases of the Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey, and included the following: Systematic trapping grids were open five nights during phase 1, four nights during phase 2, and seven nights during phase 3, for a total of 1,010 pitfall trap-nights, 1,345 funnel trap-nights, 1,460 Elliott trap-nights and 202 cage trap-nights. Approximately 50 hours were spent surveying for birds. 69 hours were spent on opportunistic diurnal searching. 192 hours of Anabat (phase 1 and 2) and SM2BAT (phase 3) recordings were analysed to determine bat assemblage. 192 hours of SM2 ARU bird recordings. Approximately 44 hours were spent on opportunistic nocturnal searching and road spotting. Motion camera traps were deployed for a total of 568 hours. Included in these totals was the following survey effort targeting conservation significant fauna: 16.6 hours of bird surveys and 27.4 hours opportunistic diurnal searching targeting habitat potentially suitable for Malleefowl Trench dug to one metre depth in sand dune targeting evidence of Northern Marsupial Mole 564 Elliot/cage trap nights and 18 hours of targeted searches for secondary evidence of mulgara (Dasycercus sp.) were conducted in sandplain habitats suitable for burrowing. Additionally, motion cameras were set up in sandplain habitats for a total period of 396 hours. Seven hours of bird surveys, 192 hours of SM2 recording, 2.2 hours of nocturnal searching, and 202 hours of camera trapping were conducted in spinifex habitat suitable for Night Parrot. 17.3 hours of bird surveys targeting suitable habitat for migratory waterbirds such as Eastern Great Egret, and migratory waders such as Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. 19.3 hours of bird surveys targeting suitable habitat for Oriental Plover 32.6 hours of bird surveys targeting suitable habitat for Rainbow Bee-eater, including 18.7 hours within potential breeding habitat 49.82 hours of bird surveys targeting suitable habitat for Grey and Peregrine Falcon, including 8.9 hours within potential breeding habitat 49.82 hours of bird surveys targeting suitable habitat for Australian Bustard. 570 pitfall trap nights, 600 funnel trap nights, 1,044 Elliot/cage trap nights, 33 hours of diurnal searching, and 396 hours of camera trapping targeting suitable habitat for Great Desert Skink In addition, phase 3 of the Level 2 survey incorporated a targeted assessment of the reptile assemblage within samphire habitats (low halophytic shrubland habitat type). Included in the above totals was the following survey effort targeting the low halophytic shrubland habitat type (refer also Table 4.5) Three systematic trapping grids open for seven nights during phase 3, for a total of 210 pitfall trap-nights, 420 funnel trap-nights, 210 Elliott trap-nights and 42 cage trap-nights. Approximately 14.4 hours of opportunistic diurnal searching 8.3 hours of nocturnal searching on foot, and 9.3 hours of nocturnal road spotting by car
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Table 4.4 – Survey effort
SM2/Anabat Pit Traps Funnels Elliotts Cages Bird SM2 Bird Diurnal Nocturnal Nocturnal Camera Bat Site (trap (trap (trap (trap survey Recording search search road spot Trapping Recording nights) nights) nights) nights) (hour) (hour) (hour) (hour) (hour) (hour) (hour) Phase 1 & 2 LM 01 90 45 180 18 3 6 1 LM 02 90 45 180 18 3 6 1 LM 03 90 45 180 18 3 6 1 LM 04 90 45 180 18 3 6 1 LM 05 90 45 180 18 3 6 1 Opportunistic 3.82 96 - 12 1 4.48 - Phase 3 LM S1 70 140 70 14 2 12 LM S2 70 140 70 14 2 12 LM S3 70 140 70 14 2 12 LM S4 70 140 70 14 2 12 LM S5 70 140 70 14 2 12 LM S6 70 140 70 14 2 12 LM S7 70 140 70 14 2 12 LM S8 70 140 70 14 2 12 Opportunistic 15 192 27 12 22 568 Total 1010 1345 1460 202 49.82 192 192 69 18 26.48 568
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Table 4.5 – Survey effort by habitat type
Pit Traps Funnels Elliotts Cages Bird SM2 Bat SM2 Bird Diurnal Nocturnal Nocturnal Camera Habitat (trap (trap (trap (trap survey Recording Recording search search road spot trapping nights) nights) nights) nights) (hour) (hour) (hour) (hour) (hour) (hour) (hour)
Triodia plurinervata on 230 325 320 46 7 24 192 8 1.60 0.56 202 lake edge Mallee/Mulga over spinifex 250 230 430 50 8.70 108 - 15 3 0.56 - sandplain Low halophytic shrubland 210 420 210 42 17.26 36 - 14.35 8.3 9.31 - Woodland on calcrete 160 185 250 32 5.85 12 - 9 1 0.56 - plain Open calcrete plain 70 140 70 14 2 12 - - 1 3.56 - Open spinifex sandplain 90 45 180 18 4 - - 10 1 4.01 194 Mulga woodland - - - - 2 - - 3.35 1 7.06 - Kopi dune - - - - 3.01 - - 9.35 1 0.56 172 Total 1010 1345 1460 202 49.82 192 192 69 18 26.48 568
*Habitats discussed in section 5.1
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4.7 Fauna habitat mapping A fauna habitat type broadly describes an area of habitat that is distinguishable in its vegetation and land features from its surroundings, and is likely to support a different fauna assemblage to that found in other fauna habitats. Particular attention is also paid to the likelihood that certain species are present which tend to be found only in that specific habitat. Fauna habitat types were identified, described and mapped partly using the following existing information: IBRA subregions. Aerial photography. Vegetation associations (Beard 1981; Shepherd et al. 2002). Land systems (van Vreeswyk et al. 2004). During the survey, other information was also collected, including: Landform. Vegetation type and structure. Soil characteristics (soil structure and substrate). Composition of terrestrial fauna species. Habitat condition (Table 4.6). These observations did not take into account any degradation as a result of exploration or other recent mining activities (e.g. drilling, clearing). Table 4.6 – Habitat condition assessment
Habitat condition Criteria
Excellent Pristine or nearly so, no obvious sign of damage caused by modern humans or introduced fauna (cattle, feral cat, dog, rabbit). No signs of recent, extensive fires.
Very good Some relatively slight signs of damage caused by the activities of modern humans. e.g. damage to tree trunks by repeated fires, no significant signs of introduced fauna or occasional vehicle tracks.
Good More obvious signs of damage caused by the activities of modern humans, including some obvious impact to vegetation structure such as that caused by low levels of grazing or by selective logging. Some tracks or secondary evidence of introduced fauna. Some signs of recent fires.
Poor Still retains basic vegetation structure or ability to regenerate it after very obvious impacts of modern humans such as partial clearing or very frequent fires. Presence of introduced fauna.
Very poor Severely impacted by grazing, introduced fauna, fire, clearing or a combination of these activities. Scope for some regeneration but not to a state approaching good condition without intensive management.
Completely Areas that are completely or almost completely without vegetation communities degraded and are heavily impacted by extensive fires and/or introduced species e.g. cow paddock
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4.8 Data analysis
4.8.1 Survey adequacy There are three general methods of estimating species richness from sample data: extrapolating species-accumulation curves (SACs), fitting parametric models of relative abundance, and using non-parametric estimators (Bunge and Fitzpatrick 1993; Colwell and Coddington 1994; Gaston 1996). In this report, the level of survey adequacy was estimated using SACs, which graphically illustrate the accumulation of new species as more individuals are recorded. Ultimately, the asymptotic plateau is reached at the level at which no new species are present. To eliminate inconsistent values caused by random or periodic temporal variation, an algorithm (Mao Tau) was applied using EstimateS (version 8, Colwell 2009), effectively smoothing out the curve of the number of species observed. In order to estimate the theoretical maximum number of species at each level of sampling effort, SACs were calculated using seven richness estimators, including Chao-1, Chao-2, Jack-1, Bootstrap and Michaelis-Menten. Only the results of trapping and set-time bird surveys during the Level 2 vertebrate fauna assessment are included in SAC analysis, as this form of analysis assumes a standard sampling effort. Therefore, species recorded through opportunistic methods are not included. Separate analyses were carried out for each species group (mammal, reptile, bird). Analyses were not conducted on the amphibian or fish fauna due to the paucity of results.
4.8.2 Habitat analysis Analysis of systematically-collected fauna survey data was undertaken to determine whether significant differences in faunal assemblages exist between habitat types. To test for significant differences in faunal assemblages between habitat types, an analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) (Clarke 1993) was conducted. ANOSIM was carried out using the Bray-Curtis Similarity Index with 999 permutations. Prior to analysis, data were log- transformed to reduce any disproportionately significant effects of abundant species on the analysis. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) plots were also produced to provide a visual representation of the data. Stress values for these plots were calculated to determine how well the plots represented the data. Stress values below 0.20 are considered to indicate a good representation of the data. Analysis was undertaken using the PAST software package (Hammer et al. 2001). Separate analyses were carried out on terrestrial fauna (mammals, reptiles and amphibians) and avifaunal assemblages.
4.9 Likelihood of occurrence of conservation significant fauna After the results of the literature review, database searches and survey results were compiled, fauna species that are listed under current legislative frameworks were identified. Three conservation lists have been developed at national (EPBC Act) and State level (WC Act and DPaW priority list). The likelihood of a conservation significant or priority listed species being present within the project was determined based on consideration of the following: • presence and condition of suitable habitat within the study area; • distance of previous records of the species from the study area; • frequency of occurrence of the species in the region; and • time passed since species was recorded within, or surrounding, the study area. Each conservation significant or priority listed species potentially occurring in the study area, was assigned a likelihood of occurrence based on categories outlined below (Table 4.7). The
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level of available information for each species was also taken into consideration so that species are not allocated a low likelihood of occurrence because of insufficient survey information or cryptic behaviours and ecology. Table 4.7 – Likelihood of occurrence categories
Factor Relevance
RECORDED Species recorded within study area during current assessment
Species recorded within, or in proximity to, the study area within the last 20 years; HIGH suitable habitat occurs in the study area
Species recorded within, or in proximity to, the study area more than 20 years ago. MEDIUM Species recorded outside study area, but within 50 km; suitable habitat occurs in the study area
Species rarely, or not recorded, within 50 km, and/or suitable habitat does not occur LOW in the study area
4.10 Taxonomy and nomenclature Nomenclature for mammals, reptiles and amphibians within this report is as per Western Australian Museum Checklist of the Vertebrates of Western Australia, and birds according to Christidis and Boles (2008). References used for fauna identification are listed in Table 4.8. Table 4.8 – References used for identification
Fauna group References
Menkhorst and Knight (2011) Mammals van Dyck and Strahan (2008) Churchill (2008) [bats]
Morcombe (2000) Birds Pizzey et al. (2013) Simpson and Day (2010)
Cogger (2000) Wilson and Swan (2013) Storr et al. (1983) [dragons & varanids] Reptiles Storr et al. (1990) [geckos & legless lizards] Storr et al. (1999) [skinks] Storr et al. (2002) [snakes]
Tyler and Doughty (2009) Amphibians Cogger (2000)
Fish Allen et al. (2002)
4.11 Project team and licenses Field survey team and supporting project team for the current field assessment (Phase 3) are listed in Table 4.9. The survey was conducted under DPaW Regulation 17 permit SF010228.
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Table 4.9 – Project personnel
Relevant Name Position Project role Qualification experience
Corporate support, quality Shaun Grein Director BSc. 23 years assurance.
Matthew Quality assurance, Principal Ecologist PhD. 12 years Macdonald technical review.
Project manager; field Bruce Senior survey, reporting, data BSc. 9 years Greatwich Zoologist/Ornithologist analysis.
Level 2 Zoologist/ Field survey, technical Jordan Vos - 10 years Herpetologist advice (reptiles).
Sean White Level 2 Zoologist Field survey BSc. 5 years
Level 1 Field survey, reporting, John Graff BSc. (Hons) 9 years Zoologist/Ornithologist data analysis.
4.12 Animal ethics Surveying was conducted as per Engenium’s Animal Ethics Code of Practice, which conforms to Section 5 of the Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (NHMRC 2004). In most cases, fauna were identified in the field and released at the point of capture. Where the taxonomy of specimens was not clearly discernable, or when species were collected that are known to exhibit significant morphological variation or are not yet fully described, vouchers specimens were lodged with the W.A. Museum. Voucher specimens were maintained according to WA Museum guidelines to ensure minimum stress to captured animals.
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5.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
5.1 Fauna habitats A total of eight broad fauna habitat types were identified from the study area: Low halophytic shrubland Triodia plurinervata on lake edge Open calcrete plain Mallee/mulga over spinifex sandplain Woodland on calcrete plain Mulga woodland Open spinifex sandplain Kopi dune Their extent within the study area is shown below in Table 5.1 and mapped in Figure 5.9 and Figure 5.10. All habitat types were assessed as being in good or very good condition; vehicle tracks, mining exploration activities and livestock were the primary causes of disturbance noted within the study area. All fauna habitats are typical of the eastern Murchison region and widespread with the exception of Triodia plurinervata on lake edge. This habitat is characterised by mature spinifex of old fire age, which has formed large, dense, continuous hummocks, not commonly recorded in the eastern Murchison region. Table 5.1 – Broad scale fauna habitats of the study area
Area within study area Proportion of study area Fauna habitat (ha) (%)
Low halophytic shrubland 2,422 37.6
Woodland on calcrete plain 1,425 22.1
Mallee/mulga over spinifex plain 927 14.4
Open calcrete plain 824 12.8
Triodia plurinervata on lake edge 437 6.8
Open spinifex sandplain 173 2.7
Mulga woodland 136 2.1
Kopi dune 92 1.5
Total 6,436 100
5.1.1 Low halophytic shrubland The low halophytic shrubland habitat type covers 37.6% of the study area (Table 5.1; Figure 5.9; Figure 5.10). This habitat type is characterised by low, moderately open shrubland of chenopods such as Maireana and Tecticornia on clay flats on the lake bed, interspersed with occasional low sandy dunes with an open cover of Lawrencia shrubland. The clay substrate is suitable for burrowing reptiles. Leaf and wood litter is absent. After rainfall, some areas within this habitat type flood, creating wetland habitat suitable for waterbirds and migratory
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waders. Lake Maitland is situated within and expansive network of salt lake systems within the Eastern Murchison region.
Figure 5.1 – Low halophytic shrubland habitat type
5.1.2 Triodia plurinervata on lake edge The Triodia plurinervata on lake edge habitat type covers 6.8% of the study area (Table 5.1; Figure 5.9; Figure 5.10). This habitat type is characterised by dense hummocks of Triodia plurinervata interspersed with a sparse to moderately dense shrub layer comprising Acacia, Grevillea, Eremophila and blue bush species, and isolated mulga trees. Substrate comprised orange sand or sandy clay, suitable for burrowing. Leaf and wood litter is present, but limited to under trees and shrubs. This habitat is seen growing in isolated islands fringing the salt lake. Due to its isolation from surrounding habitats, pockets of Triodia plurinervata on lake edge habitat type contains spinifex that is notably mature. It is estimated many areas are greater than 20 years fire age, and as a result hummocks are tall, long and continuous. The mature age of this spinifex is not common in the Eastern Murchison region, and is therefore important in supporting local vertebrate fauna.
Figure 5.2 –Triodia plurinervata on lake edge habitat type
5.1.3 Open calcrete plain The open calcrete plain habitat type covers 12.8% of the study area (Table 5.1; Figure 5.9; Figure 5.10). This habitat type is characterised by flat plains of orange clay interspersed with calcrete. The habitat is very open, with a very low ground cover of native grasses and some chenopods, with sparse shrubs and low trees occurring as lone plants or occasionally in small, isolated stands. Leaf and wood litter is sparse and restricted to the base of trees and shrubs. The open calcrete plain habitat type is found adjacent and in association with the low halophytic shrubland habitat, and transitions in to the woodland on calcrete plain habitat type.
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Figure 5.3 –Open calcrete plain habitat type
5.1.4 Mallee/mulga woodland over spinifex plain The mallee/mulga woodland habitat type covers 14.4% of the study area (Table 5.1; Figure 5.9; Figure 5.10). This habitat type is characterised by open mixed woodland of mallee (Eucalyptus sp.) and mulga (Acacia aneura), over an open mid-storey of Acacia shrubs and ground cover of open spinifex (Triodia basedowii) on an orange sandy clay substrate. Leaf and wood litter is abundant at the base of mallees, but sparse elsewhere.
Figure 5.4 – Mallee/mulga woodland over spinifex plain habitat type
5.1.5 Woodland on calcrete plain The woodland on calcrete plain habitat type covers 22.1% of the study area (Table 5.1; Figure 5.9; Figure 5.10). This habitat type is characterised by open woodland of Allocasuarina and mulga over an open shrub and ground cover layer including a mixture of Acacia, Melaleuca, Eremophila, Ptilotus, Solanum and blue bush. Substrate is dominated by orange sandy clay with sections of calcrete, with leaf and wood litter present at the base of trees and shrubs.
Figure 5.5 – Woodland calcrete plain habitat type
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5.1.6 Mulga woodland The mulga woodland habitat type covers 2.1% of the study area in the northern borefields (Table 5.1; Figure 5.10). This habitat type is characterised by open to moderately dense mulga (Acacia aneura) woodland over sparse low shrubs and spinifex (Triodia sp.) hummocks. Substrate is firm orange clay or sandy clay, with sparse leaf and wood litter.
Figure 5.6 – Mulga woodland habitat type
5.1.7 Open spinifex sandplain The open spinifex sandplain habitat type covers 2.7% of the study area (Table 5.1; Figure 5.9; Figure 5.10), occurring as isolated patches in the east of the study area. This habitat type is characterised by moderately dense hummock grassland of Triodia basedowii with an open shrub layer of acacias and scattered mallees. Substrate is orange clay-sand. Leaf litter is sparse, and largely restricted to the base of trees and shrubs.
Figure 5.7 – Open spinifex sandplain habitat type
5.1.8 Kopi dune The kopi dune habitat type covers 1.4% of the study area, occurring primarily on the margins of Lake Maitland in the south of the study area (Table 5.1; Figure 5.9). This habitat type is characterised by raised ridges of gypsum supporting low open eucalypt woodland with a sparse understorey of Grevillea, Lawrencia and herbs and grasses. Beds of leaf and wood litter are present around the base of eucalypts.
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Figure 5.8 – Kopi dune habitat type
303000 306000 309000 312000 315000 0 0 0 6 9 9 6 0 0 0 3 9 9 6
Legend
Study area
Habitat types
Kopi dune
Low halophytic shrubland
Mallee/mulga woodland over spinifex plain 0 0 0
0 Open calcrete plain 9 9
6 0 1 2 Open spinifex sandplain Kilometres Triodia plurinervata on lake edge 1:40,000 K Absolute Scale - Woodland on calcrete plain
Figure: 5.9 Drawn: JG Project ID: 1632 Date: 08/04/2015
Fauna habitats of the study area - Map A Coordinate System Name: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 51 Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: GDA 1994 A4 308000 310000 312000 314000 316000 Legend Study area 0 0 0 2
1 Habitat types 0 7 Low halophytic shrubland Mallee/mulga woodland over spinifex plain Mulga woodland Open calcrete plain Open spinifex sandplain 0 0 0 0 1
0 Triodia plurinervata on lake edge 7 Woodland on calcrete plain 0 0 0 8 0 0 7 0 0 0 6 0 0 7 0 0 0 4 0 0 7 0 0 0 2 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 K 0 1 2
Kilometres 0 0 0 8
9 Absolute Scale - 1:60,000 9 6
Figure: 5.10 Drawn: JG Project ID: 1632 Date: 08/04/2015
Fauna habitats of the study area - Map B Coordinate System Name: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 51 Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: GDA 1994 A4 Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 48
5.2 Fauna assemblage
5.2.1 Mammals A total of 18 native mammal and six introduced mammals were recorded within the study area across the three phases of the current survey (Appendix 6). The native mammal assemblage included five dasyurids (eg. Brush-tailed Mulgara), three rodents (eg. Spinifex Hopping-mouse), two macropods (eg. Red Kangaroo), one monotreme (Echidna) and seven bat species. Species counts were only available for phase three, where the Red Kangaroo was the most abundant species recorded. The open calcrete plain represents excellent foraging habitat for this species and it was regularly encountered browsing on the native grasses. One conservation significant mammal species was recorded, the Brush-tailed Mulgara.
5.2.2 Birds A total of 94 species of bird were recorded within the study area across the three phases of the current survey (Appendix 6). Species counts were only available for phase three. It can be seen the Masked Woodswallow, a nomadic species, was the most abundant, with a total of 625 individuals recorded. Of the resident bush birds of the study area, the most abundant were White-winged Fairy-wren (131), Orange Chat (113) and Yellow-throated Minor (80). The total species count for the study area obtained during this survey is high compared to other surveys in the region (Table 3.3). This is largely attributable to the variety of habitat types, prevailing environmental conditions; in particular, the heavy rainfall experienced prior to phase 3 of the survey and associated presence of surface water in ephemeral wetlands within the study area. This is evidenced by the relatively high diversity of waterbird species compared to other surveys in the region (e.g. seven species of ducks and swans were recorded during the current survey, compared to a maximum of two species on previous surveys in the region). Two bird species of conservation significance were recorded; Rainbow Bee-eater (EPBC Act Migratory, WC Act Schedule 3) and Australian Bustard (DPaW Priority 4).
5.2.3 Reptiles A total of 53 reptile taxa were recorded within the study area across the three phases of the current survey. The reptile assemblage included 18 skinks, 13 geckoes, seven snakes (comprising five elapids, one python and one blind snake), six dragons, five varanids (goannas), three legless lizards, and one turtle. Species counts are available for phase 3 only. The most commonly recorded species was the Salt Pan Dragon, with a total of 85 records exclusively from within the low halophytic shrubland habitat type. Other common species included the skinks Ctenotus pantherinus (27) and Ctenotus inornatus (23). The total species count for the study area obtained during this survey is considered high compared to other surveys in the region (Table 3.3). This is likely to be due a variety of habitats present and favourable environmental conditions, particularly during phase 3 of the survey, as the study area had experienced heavy rainfall prior to the survey, while temperatures remained relatively warm during the first week of survey. This rainfall and temperature combination is likely to have resulted in increased reptile activity. The level of survey effort (three phases) is also higher than that conducted during other surveys in the region, which may also have contributed to a higher number of species being detected. Despite the relatively high variety of species, the majority of reptiles that were recorded are relatively widespread in Western Australia (DPaW 2015). The gecko Underwoodisaurus milii was recorded several times within the study area during phase 3 of the survey, primarily
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within the kopi dune habitat type in the south of the study area. This species is approaching the north-eastern limit of its range in WA. The Southern Shovel-nosed Snake, which was recorded once in the east of the study area, is also approaching the northern limit of its range. Several Flat-shelled Turtles (Chelodina steindachneri) were also observed at night in ephemeral pools in the south-west of the study area, supporting a previous anecdotal record noted by Outback Ecology (2009a). This species aestivates underground during dry periods and had been recorded on only one previous survey in the region (Outback Ecology 2008), and then only from old shells. The newly described gecko species Diplodactylus laevis (recently separated from D. conspicillatus) was recorded during phase 3 of the study, occurring sympatrically with D. conspicillatus. No reptile species of conservation significance were recorded.
5.2.4 Amphibians Three species of amphibian were recorded from the study area during Phase 3 of the study; Sheep Frog (Cyclorana maina), Water-holding Frog (C. platycephala) and Desert Spadefoot Toad (Notaden nichollsi), following heavy rainfall in the month preceding the survey. Most records were obtained from the edge of ephemeral ponds in the south-west of the study area, but the two records of Notaden nichollsi were obtained from drier habitats. The number of amphibian species recorded during the current survey is higher when compared to other surveys in the region (Table 3.3). However, this is not unexpected, as most frog species found in the region are burrowing frogs that aestivate underground when conditions are dry and emerge primarily after rainfall. All three species recorded are widespread and common in the arid zone of WA (DPaW 2015).
5.3 Non-conservation significant species notable records A number of noteworthy non-conservation significant species records were made within the study area. Two species of birds reliant on mature spinifex habitats were recorded; the Rufous-crowned Emu-wren and Spinifexbird (Appendix 6). The presence of these species highlight the quality and importance of the old-growth spinifex found within the Triodia plurinervata on lake edge habitat type, which these species were recorded in. Both bird species are notable to be recorded within the Eastern Murchison, and both represent apparent range extensions based on previous records within DPaW’s NatureMap database (DPaW 2015). The nearest previous Rufous-crowned Emu-wren record is approximately 150 km north of the study area, consisting of a single collected specimen from 1943 (DPaW 2015). A total of 20 individuals were recorded within the study area during the phase 3 survey, from systematic and opportunistic surveys. The closest previous Spinifexbird record is approximately 270 km north of the study area, with this species typically known from the Pilbara region and from central Australia (DPaW 2015). Figure 5.11 shows previous Spinifexbird records in relation to the study area. A total of five individuals were recorded within the study area, from systematic surveys at site LM S1, opportunistic sightings and call recordings made from targeted Night Parrot ARU recordings. Three individuals of the Barking Gecko (Underwoodisaurus milii) were opportunistically recorded during nocturnal surveys of the kopi dune habitat type. The study area represents the very northern limit of this species distribution, according to previous records (DPaW 2015). Two records of the Jewelled Gecko (Strophurus elderi) were from site LM S6, within the low halophytic shrubland habitat type. This habitat record for the species is atypical, as
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they are considered to exclusively be found only within spinifex habitats (Wilson and Swan 2010).
Figure 5.11 – NatureMap Spinifexbird records
5.4 Samphire reptile assemblage Nine species of reptile were recorded from the low halophytic shrubland (samphire) habitat type (Table 5.2), with the assemblage dominated by the Claypan Dragon (Ctenophorus salinarum), accounting for 83 of the 100 total reptile records obtained within the samphire. This is unsurprising, given the species is a samphire specialist, favouring salt bush and samphire habitats in association with clay pans and salt lakes (Cogger 2000; Wilson and Swan 2013). Few other reptiles were recorded from the samphire claypans habitat proper, with most species occupying microhabitats within the broader habitat type. For example, the next most commonly recorded species were Flat-shelled Turtle Chelodina steindachneri (seven records), which was recorded from ephemeral pools in the south-west, and Lerista bipes (four records) which was recorded from an isolated low sandy dune vegetated with Lawrencia helmsii within a large area of samphire claypan. The remaining species recorded were predominantly comprised of generalist species such as Gehyra variegata and Lialis burtonis which occur in a wide range of habitat types. The most unusual species recorded was two records of the Jewelled Gecko Strophurus elderi from site LM S6. This species is generally considered to be an obligate spinifex dweller (Cogger 2000; Wilson and Swan 2013), so these records from samphire claypan habitat 500 m beyond typical spinifex habitat are noteworthy.
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No potential new or undescribed reptile species, or known conservation significant reptile species were recorded from the low halophytic shrubland habitat type.
Table 5.2 – Samphire (low halophytic shrubland habitat type) reptile assemblage
Species No. of records No. of locations recorded
Ctenophorus salinarum 83 8
Chelodina steindachneri 7 2
Lerista bipes 4 1
Strophurus elderi 2 1
Ctenotus leonhardii 1 1
Gehyra variegata 1 1
Lialis burtonis 1 1
Lucasium stenodactylum 1 1
Menetia greyii 1 1
5.5 Fauna habitat analysis The five most extensive habitats (by area) within the study area were sampled using systematic trapping sites during phase 3 of the Level 2 survey. Three trapping sites were installed within the low halophytic shrubland habitat type, two sites within the Triodia plurinervata on lake edge habitat type, and one site within each of the open calcrete plain, woodland on calcrete plain, and mallee/mulga woodland over spinifex plain habitat types. The remaining three habitat types were sampled through opportunistic methods only (due to small area of occurrence and outside proposed direct impact areas) during Phase 3 of the Level 2 survey, and hence are not included within this analysis.
A one-way ANOSIM test comparing the different habitat types on the basis of terrestrial trappable faunal assemblages (comprising small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians) produced an R value of 0.9189 (R value typically ranges from 0 to 1, with 0 indicating groups are similar and 1 indicating groups are dissimilar) and a p value of 0.0001. This indicates that there are significant differences between the terrestrial trappable faunal assemblages of different habitat types. Post-hoc pair-wise comparisons indicated that the terrestrial faunal assemblages of all five habitat types were significantly different from each other, with the exception of the mallee/mulga woodland over spinifex plain and open calcrete plain habitat types, which were not significantly different from each other (Bonferroni-corrected p-value; Table 5.3). However, it should be noted that the Bonferroni correction is a relatively conservative correction (i.e. it increases the probability of false negatives, therefore reducing statistical power). Given that the corrected p-value of 0.06 is very close to the 0.05 significance level (with an uncorrected p-value of 0.006), and the pair-wise R-value is relatively high (0.437), it is likely that the faunal assemblages of these habitat types are in fact distinct. An nMDS plot was prepared to provide a visual representation of the data. However, the stress values obtained ranged from 0.55 to 0.60, indicating that the plot provided a very poor match of the data, so it has not been included here.
A one-way ANOSIM test comparing the different habitat types on the basis of avifaunal assemblages produced an R value of 0.8388 and a p value of 0.0001. This indicates that
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there are also significant differences between the avifaunal assemblages of the five habitat types analysed. Post-hoc pair-wise comparisons (Table 5.4) indicated that the low halophytic shrubland and Triodia plurinervata on lake edge habitat types were the most distinct habitat types in terms of avifaunal assemblages; both habitat types were significantly different to all other habitat types in the analysis. The remaining three habitats were not significantly different from each other, though it should be noted that these habitat types were only represented by one systematic site each, reducing the power of the analysis. An nMDS plot was also prepared to provide a visual representation of the data (Figure 5.12). Table 5.3 – Post-hoc pair-wise comparisons of terrestrial trappable faunal assemblages Values in table are pair-wise R values, with Bonferroni-corrected p-values in parentheses. * indicates statistically significant difference at α = 0.05 level
Tp LE M/M LHS WoCP OCP
Tp LE -
M/M 0.677 (0.001*) -
LHS 0.999 (0.001*) 0.946 (0.001*) -
WoCP 0.977 (0.001*) 0.761 (0.009*) 1.000 (0.001*) -
OCP 0.932 (0.011*) 0.437 (0.060) 0.854 (0.001*) 0.762 (0.047*) - Tp LE = Triodia plurinervata on lake edge M/M = Mallee/mulga woodland over spinifex plain LHS = Low halophytic shrubland WoCP = Woodland on calcrete plain OCP = Open calcrete plain Table 5.4 – Post-hoc pair-wise comparisons of avifaunal assemblages Values in table are pair-wise R values, with Bonferroni-corrected p-values in parentheses. * indicates statistically significant difference at α = 0.05 level
Tp LE M/M LHS WoCP OCP
Tp LE -
M/M 0.991 (0.021*) -
LHS 0.719 (0.001*) 0.984 (0.003*) -
WoCP 0.991 (0.014*) 0.896 (0.285) 0.985 (0.006*) -
OCP 0.657 (0.022*) 1.000 (0.301) 0.627 (0.013*) 1.000 (0.294) - Tp LE = Triodia plurinervata on lake edge M/M = Mallee/mulga woodland over spinifex plain LHS = Low halophytic shrubland WoCP = Woodland on calcrete plain OCP = Open calcrete plain
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Low halophytic shrubland; Triodia plurinervata on lake edge; Mallee/mulga woodland over spinifex plain; Woodland on calcrete plain; Open calcrete plain Figure 5.12 – Avifauna nMDS plot
5.6 Survey adequacy Systematically obtained survey data (trapping results for terrestrial mammals and reptiles, and set time surveys for birds) were analysed for survey adequacy. Table 5.5 provides a summary of the theoretical maximum number of species using five different methods of estimating richness. These indicate that between 55 and 65 species of terrestrial trappable fauna, and between 60 and 71 species of birds could be expected to occur within the study area within the five habitats analysed. This suggests that between 74.2% and 86.5% of terrestrial trappable fauna species, and between 80.8% and 94.2% of avian fauna species, were recorded during the current survey phase. This suggests a sufficient level of survey adequacy.
The species accumulation curve (SAC) prepared for terrestrial trappable fauna does not appear to be approaching an asymptote (Figure 5.13), which suggests that increased survey effort may be required to better determine the terrestrial faunal assemblage. However, it is important to note that this analysis does not include species detected by additional opportunistic sampling conducted, nor systematic sampling conducted during Phases 1 and 2 due to differing methodologies. Therefore it is considered trappable fauna survey adequacy is sufficient.
The SAC prepared for avifauna is approaching an asymptote (Figure 5.14), suggesting that the majority of avian species within the study area have been detected during the current
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survey. This is further augmented by species recorded opportunistically, and during Phases 1 and 2 of the survey.
Table 5.5 – Mean estimates of total species richness of systematic survey data
Total richness estimate Richness estimators Terrestrial % Avifauna % trappable fauna
Chao-1 59.3 80.9 60.5 94.2
Chao-2 64.7 74.2 64.4 88.6
Jack 1 64.7 74.2 70.6 80.8
Bootstrap 55.5 86.5 64.0 89.1
Michaelis-Menton 62.2 77.2 70.6 80.8
Species observed 48 57
60
50
40
30 Species(N)
20
10 S(est)
0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 Samples Figure 5.13 – Survey adequacy curves for terrestrial trappable fauna
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60
50
40
30 Species(N)
20
10
S(est) 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Samples Figure 5.14 – Survey adequacy curves for avifauna
5.7 Survey limitations and constraints Limitations of the current survey are summarised in Table 5.6 below. No significant limitations were experienced during the surveys.
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Table 5.6 – Summary of survey limitations
Limitation Constraint Comment
All members of the survey team were experienced in Competency/experience of the consultant No fauna identification and fauna surveys in the carrying out the survey. Murchison region.
Scope (what faunal groups were sampled All faunal groups were adequately sampled, including and were some sampling methods not able No water dependent species such as burrowing frogs to be employed because of constraints and waterbirds, due to favourable weather conditions. such as weather conditions).
A high percentage of the fauna species expected to Proportion of fauna identified, recorded occur within the study area were recorded, as No and/or collected. indicated by species accumulation curves. All captured species were identified in the field.
Sources of information (previously The results of 10 biological surveys conducted within available information as distinct from new No 100 km of the study area provided adequate regional data). context.
The proportion of the task achieved and Three phases of Level 2 vertebrate fauna No further work which might be needed. assessments were completed.
The Level 2 fauna assessments were conducted over Timing/weather/season/cycle. No a range of seasons and weather and seasonal conditions, optimal for increased fauna activity.
Disturbances which affected results of the There were no disturbances recorded during the survey (e.g. fire, flood, accidental human No study. intervention).
The survey intensity was adequate, the major habitat Intensity (in retrospect was the intensity types were surveyed systematically, with minor No adequate). habitats surveyed opportunistically. Most of the species expected to occur were recorded.
Completeness (e.g. was relevant area fully No The study area was surveyed in its entirety. surveyed).
Resources (e.g. degree of expertise All zoologists were suitably qualified and experienced available in animal identification to taxon No in identifying the vertebrate fauna of the Murchison. level). There were no resources issues encountered.
All fauna habitats and areas of interest could be Remoteness and/or access problems. No accessed.
Availability of contextual (e.g. Sufficient contextual information was available on the No biogeographic information on the region). Muchison region and the study area.
Survey methods were suitable to record reptiles, Efficacy of sampling methods (i.e. any mammals and birds. Targeted survey methods and No groups not sampled by survey methods). effort for Night Parrot is currently being developed in the Night Parrot Research Plan.
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6.0 CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT FAUNA The literature review identified 14 vertebrate fauna species, listed as either conservation significant (EPBC Act, WC Act Schedule 1) or priority fauna (DPaW Priority list), that could potentially occur within the study area; three mammal species, 10 bird species and one reptile species. An assessment of their likelihood of occurrence was completed, based on the categories outlined in section 4.9, with the results summarised in Table 6.2. A total of three of these listed species were recorded within the study area during the current survey (Table 6.1); Brush-tailed Mulgara (DPaW Priority 4), Peregrine Falcon (WC Act Schedule 4) and Australia Bustard (DPaW Priority 4). A single male individual Brush-tailed Mulgara (Dasycercus blythi) was vouchered at the request of the WAM, to aid in ongoing taxonomic resolution of the Dasycercus genus. Voucher details are shown in Appendix 7. A further two species are assessed as having a high likelihood of occurrence and five species as having a medium likelihood of occurrence (Table 6.2). The remaining four species are considered to have a low likelihood of occurrence within the study area. Species that were recorded or assessed as having a high or medium likelihood of occurrence are discussed in further detail below. Species assessed as low likelihood of occurrence are not discussed further.
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Table 6.1 – Conservation significant fauna recorded within the study area
Conservation status Species EPBC WC Phase Date Site Easting Northing Comments DPaW Act Act Brush-tailed Mulgara* LM 01 314915 6988189 P4 1 May 2007 Three males trapped Dasycercus blythi LM 08 316614 6988432 Brush-tailed Mulgara P4 2 Dec 2007 Unknown - - One female trapped Dasycercus blythi Brush-tailed Mulgara One individual trapped. P4 3 20/03/15 LM S7 307823 6992100 Dasycercus blythi (Vouchered with WA Museum) Brush-tailed Mulgara P4 3 23/03/15 LM S7 307823 6992100 One individual trapped Dasycercus blythi Brush-tailed Mulgara One individual captured on P4 3 23/03/15 Camera trap 8 312327 7001387 Dasycercus blythi motion camera Brush-tailed Mulgara P4 3 21/03/15 LM S1 310196 6996838 Tracks Dasycercus blythi Peregrine Falcon One individual flushed from dead S4 Other 3 23/03/15 Opportunistic 307672 6992978 Falco peregrinus tree by vehicle passing Australian Bustard P4 3 26/03/15 LM S3 310782 6993944 Tracks Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard P4 3 22/03/15 Diurnal search 9 316416 7008248 Tracks Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard P4 3 20/03/15 Opportunistic 310673 6989779 Tracks Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard P4 3 26/03/15 Opportunistic 310602 6996905 Tracks Ardeotis australis
* These records were within the study area as defined during Phases 1 and 2 but are not within the study area as currently defined Note: Bush Stone-curlew (listed as DPaW Priority 4 at the time) was also recorded during the 2007 Phases of this survey, but is no longer listed and therefore excluded.
300000 305000 310000 315000 Legend Study area Species
0 !( Australian Bustard 0 0 0 1 0
7 *# Brush-tailed Mulgara !( Peregrine Falcon Habitat types Kopi dune !( Low halophytic shrubland Mallee/mulga woodland over spinifex plain Mulga woodland Open calcrete plain 0 0 0
5 Open spinifex sandplain 0 0 7 Triodia plurinervata on lake edge Woodland on calcrete plain
*# 0 0 0 0 0 0 7
*# !( 0 0 0 5 9 9 6
!(
!( *# 0 0 0 0 9 9 6 K !( 0 1.5 3 # *# * Kilometres Absolute Scale - 1:100,000
Figure: 6.1 Drawn: JG Project ID: 1632 Date: 08/04/2015
Conservation significant fauna recorded Coordinate System Name: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 51 Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: GDA 1994 A4 Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 60
Table 6.2 – Likelihood of occurrence of conservation significant species
Conservation significance Likelihood of Species EPBC Habitat Previous records WC Act DPaW occurrence Act
Mammals
Sandy country, including sand DoE states the species, or suitable Northern Marsupial Mole dunes and sandy river flats habitat for the species, may occur in EN S1 EN LOW Notoryctes caurinus (Benshemesh and Aplin 2008; the vicinity of the study area (DoE Menkhorst and Knight 2011) 2015).
Varied rocky habitats, including rocky islands, rocky Black-flanked Rock-wallaby outcrops in mallee, spinifex or One record from 2009 in the vicinity VU S1 VU arid shrubland, and sandstone of Mount Keith, c. 60 km west of the LOW Petrogale lateralis lateralis gorges (Eldridge and Pearson study area (DPaW 2015). 2008; Menkhorst and Knight 2011)
Large number of records in the region (DPaW 2015), and recorded recently from the Millipede to Lake Brush-tailed Mulgara Spinifex grasslands, usually on Maitland haul road study area P4 relatively sandy substrates (ecologia in prep.). Mulgara RECORDED Dasycercus blythi (Woolley 2008). recorded from the Lake Maitland area by Outback Ecology (2009a) also presumed to represent this taxon
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Conservation significance Likelihood of Species EPBC Habitat Previous records WC Act DPaW occurrence Act
Birds
Several potential recent sight- Not well known, but generally records from Lorna Glen, c. 90km Night Parrot accepted to require dense north of the study area (N. Hamilton, EN S1 CR areas of spinifex, often in pers. comm.), and inland salt lakes MEDIUM Pezoporus occidentalis association with chenopods of WA are considered to have been (Blyth 1996). a major centre of distribution for the species in the past (Blyth 1996).
Mallee eucalypt woodland, Several records from the region scrubland, and other dry Malleefowl (most recent 2001), including a VU S1 VU woodland/scrubs (Garnett and LOW cluster in the Mount Keith/Wanjarri Leipoa ocellata Crowley 2000; Johnstone and NR area (DPaW 2015). Storr 1998)
DoE states that the species, or Lightly wooded desert country, suitable habitat for the species, may Princess Parrot including desert oak and occur within the region (DoE 2015). VU P4 LOW Polytelis alexandrae marble gum woodland One old record (1964) from c. 55 km (Johnstone and Storr 1998). south-west of the study area (DPaW 2015).
Wide range of wetland DoE states the species, or suitable habitats, including floodwaters, Eastern Great Egret habitat for the species, is likely to M S3 rivers, shallows of wetlands, MEDIUM occur in the vicinity of the study area Ardea modesta intertidal mudflats (Johnstone (DoE 2015). and Storr 1998).
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Conservation significance Likelihood of Species EPBC Habitat Previous records WC Act DPaW occurrence Act
Open plains, including samphire; bare rolling country; DoE states the species, or suitable Oriental Plover bare claypans; open ground habitat for the species, is likely to M S3 MEDIUM Charadrius veredus near inland swamps occur in the vicinity of the study area (Morcombe 2000; Simpson (DoE 2015). and Day 2010).
Variety of shallow wetland habitats, including tidal One record from Lake Way, c. 85 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper mudflats, saltmarsh, shallow M S3 km north-west of the study area HIGH inland wetlands (fresh, Calidris acuminata (Outback Ecology 2011b). brackish or saline), sewage ponds (Pizzey et al. 2013)
Several records in the vicinity of Lake Way (c. 80km NW of the study area), and one record from c. 55 km Open country, most vegetation SE of the study area near Wanjarri types, dunes, banks; prefer NR (DPaW 2015). Recorded on Rainbow Bee-eater lightly wooded, preferably M S3 several recent fauna surveys in the HIGH sandy, country near water Merops ornatus region, most notably from the Lake (Johnstone and Storr 1998; Maitland infrastructure areas Pizzey and Knight 2003). (Outback Ecology 2010) and the proposed Lake Maitland to Millipede haul road (ecologia in prep.).
Lightly wooded plains Grey Falcon (Johnstone and Storr 1998), One recent record from c. 100 km S1 VU typically nesting in tall trees NNW of the study area (Engenium MEDIUM Falco hypoleucos along watercourses (Garnett internal database). and Crowley 2000)
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Conservation significance Likelihood of Species EPBC Habitat Previous records WC Act DPaW occurrence Act
Wide variety of habitats; woodlands, treed grasslands, wetlands, timbered watercourses, rocky gorges, Peregrine Falcon cities. Breeds on ledges on Three records from within 100 km of S4 Other cliffs, outcrops, quarries, and the study area, and recorded widely RECORDED Falco peregrinus city buildings, in hollow trees, across the region (DPaW 2015). or in abandoned nests of other raptors (Johnstone and Storr 1998; Pizzey and Knight 2003).
Numerous records in the region, particularly in the Wanjarri NR and Open grasslands, shrublands, Mount Keith area, c. 45 km SE of chenopod flats and low Australian Bustard the study area, and c. 80 km N of P4 heathland (Johnstone and RECORDED the study area (DPaW 2015). Also Ardeotis australis Storr 1998; Simpson and Day recorded from the proposed Lake 2010). Maitland to Millipede haul road (ecologia in prep.).
Reptiles
Variety of desert habitats, DoE states that the species, or including arid sand flats and suitable habitat for the species, may Great Desert Skink clay or loam based soils, occur within the region (DoE 2015). VU S1 VU MEDIUM Liopholis kintorei vegetated with spinifex One old record (1964) from c. 55 km (Cogger 2000; Wilson and south-west of the study area (DPaW Swan 2010). 2015).
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6.1.1 Mammals
6.1.1.1 Brush-tailed Mulgara (Dasycercus blythi) Conservation status: DPaW Priority 4. The Brush-tailed Mulgara has only recently been reclassified and separated from the genetically and morphologically distinct Crest-tailed Mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda; EPBC Act Vulnerable) (Woolley 2006). As such, the more widespread Brush-tailed Mulgara is not listed in the EPBC Act, but is listed as Priority 4 (fauna in need of monitoring) on the DPaW Priority and Threatened Fauna list (2010). Distribution and habitat: Brush-tailed Mulgaras occur in spinifex grasslands throughout much of the arid zone, digging burrows in flats between low sand dunes (Woolley 2008). Believed to be generally solitary, Brush-tailed Mulgaras construct several single-entranced, multi-tunnelled burrows within their home range (Woolley 2008). According to Koertner et al. (2007), home ranges and burrows encompass both mature spinifex and open regrowth areas, with Brush-tailed Mulgaras not preferring either habitat type over the other. However, utilisation of open habitats might increase the risk of predation, especially following fire. Biology: Brush-tailed Mulgara are nocturnal hunters, feeding on arthropods and small vertebrates. Breeding is thought to occur from late winter to spring (Woolley 2008). Likelihood of occurrence: Recorded. Two Brush-tailed Mulgara were trapped at LM S7 in the south-east of the study area on a spinifex sandplain fringing the salt lake (Figure 6.2), a third individual was recorded on a motion camera on a sandy spinifex plain in the borefields area in the north of the study area (Figure 6.3), and tracks were found at LM S1. Four individuals were also trapped during Phases 1 and 2 in open spinifex sandplain habitat south-east of the current study area. Potential habitat and utilisation within the study area is discussed in Table 6.3.
Figure 6.2 – Brush-tailed Mulgara captured at LM S7
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Figure 6.3 – Brush-tailed Mulgara recorded on motion camera within the study area.
6.1.2 Birds
6.1.2.1 Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis) Conservation status: EPBC Act Endangered, WC Act Schedule 1 (Critically Endangered). Distribution and habitat: The Night Parrot is a rarely encountered, nocturnal parrot that spends much of its time on the ground. Historical evidence indicates that Night Parrots were distributed over much of semi-arid and arid Australia (Garnett and Crowley 2000). Extremely secretive and hard to flush, there are only a handful of accepted records of Night Parrots since 1935, with three from the Pilbara region (1979, 1980 and 2005; DEWHA 2008). The most recent Western Australian record is from Minga Well during a fauna survey at Fortescue Metals Group’s Cloudbreak lease (Bamford Consulting Ecologists 2005). However, in 2013 it was announced that a small population of Night Parrots had been located in western Queensland (Young 2013). Ecology: Biological information on this species is limited, preferred habitat is thought to be spinifex grasslands or samphire and chenopod shrublands near waterbodies (DEWHA 2008; Johnstone and Storr 1998). Likelihood of occurrence: Medium. The salt lakes of inland Western Australia are noted as being a likely centre of distribution for the Night Parrot, at least historically (Blyth 1996), and there are recent potential reports from DPaW managed Lorna Glen Station, c. 90 km to the north of the study area (N. Hamilton, pers. comm.). Preferred habitat is generally considered to be dense, long unburnt Triodia and/or samphire/chenopod shrubland (Blyth 1996), with the Triodia plurinervata on lake edge habitat type representing suitable roosting habitat. Given suitable habitat is present, the study area is within the historical range of this species, and the cryptic nature and lack of records for the Night Parrot, a precautionary medium likelihood of occurrence has been assigned. A total of 192 hours of nocturnal recordings were made and analysed, with no potential Night Parrot calls recorded. However, recordings were manually searched and listened for a call which may potentially match that of the Night Parrot’s as described in literature (Johnstone and Storr 1998; Pizzey et al. 2013). Should a reference call be released in the future,
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recordings can be screened against the reference call for a more accurate analysis. Currently, no minimum survey effort exists for the Night Parrot (DSEWPaC 2010). However, the Night Parrot Research Plan (currently in development) will identify required nocturnal survey effort and timing. Once this information is known, survey effort from this assessment should be compared and identify whether survey effort was adequate.
6.1.2.2 Eastern Great Egret (Ardea modesta) Conservation status: EPBC Act Migratory, WC Act Schedule 3. Distribution and habitat: Eastern Great Egrets mainly inhabit shallow waterbodies; both fresh (lakes, lagoons, swamps and floodwaters) and saline (mangrove creeks, estuaries and tidal pools) (Johnstone and Storr 1998). They occur across a large part of Western Australia, including the South-west, Kimberley and Pilbara (Johnstone and Storr 1998). The Eastern Great Egret is common to very common in the well-watered Kimberley flatlands, and scarce to moderately common elsewhere within its range (Johnstone and Storr 1998). Biology: This species’ diet consists predominantly of small fish and crustaceans. Eastern Great Egrets breed colonially in trees standing in water around wooded swamps and river pools, 4-13 m above water (Morcombe 2000). The nest is built as a rough, loose, shallow platform. Four eggs are laid in summer in the Kimberley and during the spring in regions further south (Johnstone and Storr 1998). Likelihood of occurrence: Medium. There are no recent records from the vicinity of the study area, but the species is a nomadic visitor to arid inland areas (Barrett et al. 2003) when suitable habitat is available. Suitable habitat exists within the study area when surface water is present, particularly around the pools in the south-west of the study area.
6.1.2.3 Oriental Plover (Charadrius veredus) Conservation status: EPBC Act Migratory, WC Act Schedule 3. Distribution and habitat: The Oriental Plover is a lightly built shorebird with long, yellowish legs and a distinctly upright stance (Johnstone and Storr 1998; Simpson and Day 2004). In Western Australia, this species occurs in the Kimberley, north-eastern interior (Lake Gregory) and north-west coastal plains. Biology: The preferred habitat of the Oriental Plover consists of sparsely vegetated plains, including samphire and short-grass flats, where it feeds largely on insects (Johnstone and Storr 1998). They often forage at night and roost during the day with other waders on beaches or mudflats (Morcombe 2000). Oriental Plovers breed in Mongolia, south Siberia and north China, returning to northern Australia during summer. They are uncommon to common, being most common in the drier parts of their range, occurring usually in flocks of up to 200 birds. Likelihood of occurrence: Medium. Extensive suitable habitat for the species exists within the low halophytic shrubland and open calcrete plain habitat types. The species does occasionally extend as far south as the study area, but the study area is located south of the species’ core distribution within Australia (Barrett et al. 2003; Johnstone and Storr 1998), so it is only considered to have a medium likelihood of occurrence.
6.1.2.4 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata) Conservation status: EPBC Act Migratory, WC Act Schedule 3. Distribution and habitat: The Sharp-tailed Sandpiper is a non-breeding visitor to Australia. The species is widespread in a variety of freshwater and saline habitats, and is more often found on the coasts than in the interior, where it prefers well-watered areas (Higgins and Davies 1996; Johnstone and Storr 1998). Sharp-tailed Sandpipers are widespread from Cape Arid to Carnarvon, around coastal and subcoastal plains of Pilbara Region to the
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south-west and east Kimberley Division. Inland records indicate the species is widespread and scattered from Newman, east to Lake Cohen, south to Boulder and west to Meekatharra (Higgins and Davies 1996). In Australasia, the Sharp-tailed Sandpiper prefers muddy edges of shallow fresh or brackish wetlands, with inundated or emergent sedges, grass, saltmarsh or other low vegetation. They may be attracted to mats of algae and water weed either floating or washed up around terrestrial wetlands and coastal areas with much beachcast seaweed (Higgins and Davies 1996). Biology: The Sharp-tailed Sandpiper is migratory, breeding in northern Siberia and moving to non-breeding areas south of the equator (Higgins and Davies 1996). They are usually found in ones, twos or small parties, occasionally flocks of up to 300, and rarely in large aggregations of up to 20,000 soon after arrival or shortly before departure (Johnstone and Storr 1998). Likelihood of occurrence: Medium. The species has been recorded from nearby Lake Way, and suitable habitat is present within the study area when surface water is present.
6.1.2.5 Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus) Conservation status: EPBC Act Migratory, WC Act Schedule 3. Distribution and habitat: The Rainbow Bee-eater is scarce to common throughout much of Western Australia, except for the arid interior, preferring lightly wooded, preferably sandy country near water (Johnstone and Storr 1998). Biology: In Western Australia the Rainbow Bee-eater can occur as a resident, breeding visitor, post-nuptial nomad, passage migrant or winter visitor. It nests in burrows usually dug at a slight angle on flat ground, sandy banks or cuttings, and often at the margins of roads or tracks (Simpson and Day 2004). Eggs are laid at the end of the metre-long tunnel from August to January (Boland 2004). Rainbow Bee-eaters are most susceptible to predation during breeding, as it spends significantly more time on the ground in this period. Likelihood of occurrence: High. There are a number of records of the species from the region (Table 6.2), and the species was recorded during the concurrent Level 1 fauna survey of the Millipede to Lake Maitland haul road (ecologia in prep.). Suitable habitat exists within the study area in all wooded habitat types.
6.1.2.6 Grey Falcon (Falco hypoleucos) Conservation status: WC Act Schedule 1, DPaW Vulnerable. Distribution and habitat: Grey Falcons are a rare, nomadic species sparsely distributed across much of arid and semi-arid Australia. In Western Australia, they are restricted to the northern half, occurring in a variety of habitats ranging from wooded drainage systems through to open spinifex plains. Grey Falcons once occurred across much of Western Australia, with sightings as far south as York and New Norcia during colonial times. However, the current distribution is now thought to be restricted to north of 26 °S (Johnstone and Storr 1998). Because the distribution of this species is scarce over an extremely large area, sightings of this species are very uncommon. The Grey Falcon occurs in a wide variety of arid habitats, including open woodlands and open acacia shrubland, hummock and tussock grasslands and low shrublands, and may also be seen around swamps and waterholes that attract prey (Ehmann and Watson 2008). Biology: Like other falcons, this species preys primarily on birds such as parrots and pigeons, although reptiles and mammals are also taken (Ehmann and Watson 2008). Two to three eggs are laid in winter in the nests of other birds of prey and ravens, typically in tall eucalypt trees near water (Ehmann and Watson 2008; Garnett and Crowley 2000).
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Likelihood of occurrence: Medium. The species has been recorded in the region (Table 6.2) and suitable foraging habitat for the species exists across much of the study area.
6.1.2.7 Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) Conservation status: WC Act Schedule 4, DPaW Specially Protected Fauna. Distribution and habitat: This nomadic or sedentary falcon is widespread in many parts of Australia and some of Australia’s continental islands, but absent from most deserts and the Nullarbor Plain. The species is considered to be moderately common in the Stirling Range, uncommon in the Kimberley, Hamersley and Darling Ranges, and rare or scarce elsewhere (Johnstone and Storr 1998). The Peregrine Falcon occurs most commonly near cliffs along coasts, rivers and ranges, and around wooded watercourses and lakes. Biology: Peregrine Falcons feed almost entirely on birds, especially parrots and pigeons. They nest primarily on ledges on cliffs, granite outcrops and in quarries, but may also nest in tree hollows around wetlands. Eggs are predominantly laid in September (Johnstone and Storr 1998; Olsen et al. 2006). Likelihood of occurrence: Recorded. A single Peregrine Falcon was recorded from just north of LM S7, flushed from a dead tree at the margin of woodland on calcrete flats at the edge of an open calcrete plain.
6.1.2.8 Australian Bustard (Ardeotis australis) Conservation status: DPaW Priority 4. Distribution and habitat: The Australian Bustard occurs Australia-wide and utilises a number of open habitats, including open or lightly wooded grasslands, chenopod flats, plains and heathlands (Johnstone and Storr 1998). Biology: It is a nomadic species, ranging over very large areas, and its abundance varies locally and seasonally from scarce to common, largely dependent on rainfall and food availability. The Australian Bustard has an omnivorous diet, feeding on grasses, seeds, fruit, insects and small vertebrates. Although the population size is still substantial, there has been a large historical decline in abundance, particularly south of the tropics, but also across northern Australia (Garnett and Crowley 2000). This is a result of hunting, degradation of its grassland habitat by sheep and rabbits, and predation by foxes and cats (Frith 1976; Garnett and Crowley 2000). Australian Bustards readily desert nests in response to disturbance by humans, sheep or cattle (Garnett and Crowley 2000). Likelihood of occurrence: Recorded. Tracks recorded from four locations within the study area, in a range of habitat types. Suitable habitat for the species exists across most habitat types within the study area, with the possible exception of the woodland on calcrete plain habitat type.
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Figure 6.4 – Australian Bustard tracks recorded within the study area.
6.1.3 Reptiles
6.1.3.1 Great Desert Skink (Liopholis kintorei) Conservation status: EPBC Act Vulnerable, WC Act Schedule 1 (Vulnerable). Distribution and habitat: The Great Desert Skink is one of several members of the genus Egernia that have recently been reclassified into the genus Liopholis (Gardner et al. 2008). This skink appears to prefer a mosaic landscape with vegetation of different ages. It is most common in sites that have been burnt 3 to 15 years previously, and with at least 50% bare ground (McAlpin 2001). The current distribution of this species appears to consist of several isolated populations. Strongholds are in the Tanami Desert, Uluru, and an area of the Gibson Desert north of Warburton (McAlpin 2001). Great Desert Skinks have disappeared from several former habitats, including much of the Gibson and Great Sandy Deserts (McAlpin 2001). Ecology: This communal skink is found on sandplains and clay-based or loamy soils vegetated with spinifex, where it excavates large, complex, multi-entranced burrows (Wilson and Swan 2010). Up to 10 individuals can inhabit a single burrow system. Burrows can usually be identified by the large communal latrine area outside the burrow entrance, which the individuals habitually use to defecate (Gardner et al. 2008; McAlpin 2001). Great Desert Skinks are crepuscular to nocturnal, with an omnivorous diet comprising a wide range of invertebrates (particularly termites), small vertebrates, and the leaves, flowers and fruit of several plant species (particularly bush tomatoes; Solanum spp.) (McAlpin 2001). The Great Desert Skink enters hibernation in late autumn to early winter, emerging in early spring
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to begin breeding (McAlpin 1997). The main threats are changed fire regimes and predation from feral predators. Likelihood of occurrence: Medium. Suitable habitat for the species exists within the study area in sandy spinifex habitats, but there are no recent records from the region.
6.2 Conservation significant species habitat occupation A summary of potential conservation significant fauna habitat occupation within the study area is provided in Table 6.3. All conservation significant species assessed as having a medium or higher likelihood of occurrence within the study area are included. For spatial occurrence of habitat types within the study area, refer to Figure 5.9 and Figure 5.10.
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Table 6.3 – Summary of potential conservation significant fauna habitat in the study area
Critical habitat types Critical Non-critical habitat Non- Species habitat types critical (breeding/roosting) (ha) (foraging/dispersal) habitat (ha)
Triodia plurinervata on lake Mallee/mulga Brush-tailed edge 610 woodland on spinifex 927 Mulgara Open spinifex sandplain plain
Triodia plurinervata on lake Low halophytic Night Parrot 437 2,422 edge shrubland
Eastern Great Low halophytic - - 2,422 Egret shrubland
Low halophytic Oriental - - shrubland 3,246 Plover Open calcrete plain
Low halophytic Sharp-tailed - - shrubland (when 2,422 Sandpiper* surface water present)
Woodland on calcrete Mallee/mulga woodland over plain spinifex plain Rainbow Bee- Open calcrete plain Triodia plurinervata on lake 1,456 2,558 eater Open spinifex edge sandplain Kopi dune Mulga woodland
Woodland on calcrete plain All remaining habitat Grey Falcon 1,517 4,919 Kopi dune types
Peregrine Woodland on calcrete plain All remaining habitat 1,517 4,919 Falcon Kopi dune types
Australian All present habitat - 6,436 Bustard types
Open spinifex sandplain Mallee/mulga woodland over Great Desert spinifex plain 1,537 - - Skink Triodia plurinervata on lake edge
* Habitat suitable for Sharp-tailed Sandpiper is also potentially suitable for other EPBC Act listed migratory wader species (not recorded in literature review but likely to occur). Species of high and medium likelihood of occurrence (Section 6.0) assessed only.
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7.0 CONCLUSION The key results and conclusions of the Level 2 vertebrate fauna and targeted samphire reptile assessment of the Lake Maitland study area are as follows: A total of 28 native and 11 introduced mammal, 130 bird, 83 reptile, and seven amphibian species were identified through the literature review as having the potential to occur within the study area. Of these potential species, 14 are currently of conservation significance. Eight broad fauna habitat types were identified from the study area: o Low halophytic shrubland; o Woodland on calcrete plain; o Mallee/mulga woodland over spinifex plain; o Open calcrete plain; o Triodia plurinervata on lake edge; o Open spinifex sandplain; o Mulga woodland; and o Kopi dune. All fauna habitats are typical of the eastern Murchison region and widespread with the exception of Triodia plurinervata on lake edge. This habitat is characterised by mature spinifex, which are long unburnt and have formed large, dense, continuous hummocks, not commonly recorded in the eastern Murchison region. A total of 24 (18 native, six introduced) mammal, 94 bird, 53 reptile and three amphibian fauna species were recorded across the three phases of field survey. Three species of conservation significance were recorded within the study area: o Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus): WC Act Schedule 4 (Other); o Brush-tailed Mulgara (Dasycercus blythi): DPaW Priority 4; and o Australian Bustard (Ardeotis australis): DPaW Priority 4. A further seven species of conservation significance are considered to have a medium or high likelihood of occurrence within the study area. This includes the EPBC listed (Endangered) Night Parrot, assigned a precautionary medium likelihood of occurrence given suitable habitat is present, the study area is within the historical range of this species, and the cryptic nature and lack of records for the Night Parrot. A number of noteworthy non-conservation significant species records were made within the study area. Two species of birds reliant on mature spinifex habitats were recorded; the Rufous-crowned Emu-wren and Spinifexbird, within the Triodia plurinervata on lake edge habitat type. These records represent approximately 150 km and 270 km range extensions based on previous records on NatureMap (DPaW 2015). The reptile assemblage of the low halophytic shrubland (samphire) habitat type was dominated by the Claypan Dragon Ctenophorus salinarum, (83 records). A further eight reptile species were recorded from the samphire areas of the study area. No species of conservation significance were recorded. Two records of the Jewelled Gecko (Strophurus elderi) were made from site LM S6, within the low halophytic shrubland habitat type. This is an interesting habitat record for this species, as they are thought to exclusively be found only within spinifex (Wilson and Swan 2010).
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8.0 REFERENCES Allen, G. R., Midgley, S. H., and Allen, M. 2002. Field Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Australia. Western Australian Museum, Perth. Bamford Consulting Ecologists. 2005. Fauna survey of proposed iron ore mine: Cloudbreak. Unpublished report for Fortescue Metals Group. Barrett, G., Silcocks, A., Barry, S., Cunningham, R., and Poulter, R. 2003. The New Atlas of Australian Birds. Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union, Hawthorn East. Beard, J. S. 1976. Vegetation survey of Western Australia - Murchison 1:1 000 000 vegetation series. University of Western Australia Press, Perth. Benshemesh, J. and Aplin, K. P. 2008. Kakarratul, Notoryctes caurinus. pp. 410-411 in Van Dyck, S., and Strahan, R., eds. The Mammals of Australia. 3rd edition. Reed New Holland, Sydney. Blyth, J. 1996. Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis) Interim Recovery Plan for Western Australia 1996 to 1998. Threatened Species and Communities Unit - Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth. Boland, C. R. J. 2004. Breeding biology of Rainbow Bee-eaters (Merops ornatus): a migratory, colonial, cooperative bird. The Auk 121(3): 811-823. BoM. 2015. Climate Data Online. Available at http://www.bom.gov.au/. Bureau of Meteorology. Bunge, J. and Fitzpatrick, M. 1993. Estimating the number of species: A review. Journal of the American Statistical Association 88: 364-373. Christidis, L. and Boles, W. E. 2008. Systematics and Taxonomy of Australian Birds. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood. Churchill, S. 2008. Australian Bats. Jacana Books, Crows Nest NSW. Cogger, H. G. 2000. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Reed New Holland, Sydney. Colwell, R. K. 2009. EstimateS: Statistical estimation of species richness and shared species from samples. Version 8. Colwell, R. K. and Coddington, J. A. 1994. Estimating terrestrial biodiversity through extrapolation. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, B Biological Sciences 345(1311): 101-118. Cowan, M. 2001. Murchison 1 (MUR 1 - East Murchison subregion). 466-479. Department of Conservation and Land Management. Curry, P. J., Payne, A. L., Leighton, K. A., Hennig, P., and Blood, D. A. 1994. An inventory and condition survey of the Murchison River catchment and surrounds, Western Australia. Technical Bulletin No. 84. Department of Agriculture, Perth. Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. 2008. Approved Conservation Advice for Pezoporus occidentalis (Night Parrot). Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, Canberra. DoE. 2015. EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool (custom search). Department of Environment. DPaW. 2015. NatureMap: Mapping Western Australia's Biodiversity. Available at http://naturemap.dpaw.wa.gov.au/. Department of Parks and Wildlife.
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DSEWPaC. 2010. Survey Guidelines for Australia's Threatened Birds, Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. DSEWPaC. 2011a. Survey guidelines for Australia's Threatened Mammals, Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. 2011b. Survey Guidelines for Australia's Threatened Reptiles. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. 2013. Maps: Australia's bioregions (IBRA): Version 7. ecologia Environment. in prep. Lake Maitland to Millipede Haul Road Vertebrate Fauna and Fauna Habitat Assessment. Unpublished report for Toro Energy. Ehmann, H. and Watson, M. 2008. Grey Falcon, Falco hypoleuca. South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board, South Australia. Eldridge, M. B. B. and Pearson, D. J. 2008. Black-footed Rock-wallaby, Petrogale lateralis. pp. 376-380 in Van Dyck, S., and Strahan, R., eds. The Mammals of Australia. Reed New Holland, Sydney. EPA. 2002a. Position Statement No. 3: Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity Protection. Environmental Protection Authority, Perth. EPA. 2002b. Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity Protection in Environmental Protection Authority, ed, Perth. EPA. 2004a. Guidance Statement No. 56: Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia. Environmental Protection Authority. EPA. 2004b. Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia - Guidance Statement No. 56. Environmental Protection Authority, Perth. EPA and DEC. 2010. Technical Guide - Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment. Environmental Protection Authority and Department of Environment and Conservation in Hyder, B. M., Dell, J., Cowan, M. A., ed. Environmental Protection Authority and Department of Environment and Conservation. Frith, A. J. 1976. Reader's Digest Complete Birds of Australia. Reader's Digest, Sydney. Gardner, M. G., Hugall, A. F., Donnellan, S. C., Hutchinson, M. N., and Foster, R. 2008. Molecular systematics of social skinks: phylogeny and taxonomy of the Egernia group (Reptilia: Scincidae). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 154: 781-794. Garnett, S. T. and Crowley, G. M. 2000. The Action Plan for Australian Birds. Environment Australia, Canberra. Gaston, K. J. 1996. Species richness: measure and measurement. Biodiversity, a biology of number and difference. Blackwell Science, Cambridge. Higgins, P. J. and Davies, S. J. J. F. 1996. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 3: Snipe to Pigeons. Oxford University Press, Melbourne. Johnstone, R. E. and Storr, G. M. 1998. Handbook of Western Australian Birds, Volume I - Non-Passerines (Emu to Dollarbird). Western Australian Museum, Perth. Koertner, G., Pavey, C. R., and Geiser, F. 2007. Spatial ecology of the mulgara in arid Australia: impact of fire history on home range size and burrow use. Journal of Zoology 273: 350-357.
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McAlpin, S. 1997. Conservation of the Great Desert Skink, Egernia kintorei, at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, NT. Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra. McAlpin, S. 2001. The recovery plan for the Great Desert Skink (Egernia kintorei) 2001-2011. Arid Lands Environment Centre, Alice Springs. Menkhorst, P. and Knight, F. 2011. A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. Oxford University Press, Melbourne. Morcombe, M. 2000. Field Guide to Australian Birds. Steve Parish Publishing Pty Ltd, Archerfield, Australia. Olsen, J., Fuentes, E., Dykstra, R., and Rose, A. B. 2006. Male Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus fledged from a cliff-nest found breeding in a stick-nest. Australian Field Ornithology 23: 8-14. Outback Ecology Services. 2002. Lake Way Baseline Fauna Studies. Unpublished report for Wiluna Gold Mine. Outback Ecology Services. 2008. Lake Way Baseline Terrestrial Fauna Survey. Outback Ecology Services. 2009a. Lake Maitland Baseline Terrestrial Fauna Survey. Unpublished report for Mega Uranium Pty Ltd. Outback Ecology Services. 2009b. Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Reconnaissance Survey for the Wiluna Uranium Project. Outback Ecology Services. 2010. Lake Maitland Infrastructure Areas Baseline Terrestrial Fauna Surveys. Unpublished report for Mega Uranium Pty Ltd. Outback Ecology Services. 2011a. Lake Maitland Terrestrial Fauna Habitat Assessment - Borefield, Accommodation Camp and Access Route. Unpublished Report for Mega Lake Maitland Pty Ltd. Outback Ecology Services. 2011b. Wiluna Uranium Project: Terrestrial Fauna Assessment. Prepared for Toro Energy Ltd by Outback Ecology Services. Pizzey, G. and Knight, F. 2003. A Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Harper Collins Publishers, Sydney. Pizzey, G., Pizzey, S., and Knight, F. 2013. Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. HarperCollins Publishers, Australia. Shepherd, D. P., Beeston, G. R., and Hopkins, A. J. M. 2001. Native vegetation in Western Australia: Extent, type and status. Technical Report 249. Department of Agriculture, South Perth, Western Australia. Simpson, K. and Day, N. 2004. Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Penguin Group, Camberwell. Simpson, K. and Day, N. 2010. Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Penguin Group, Camberwell. Storr, G. M., Smith, L. A., and Johnstone, R. E. 1983. Lizards of Western Australia II: Dragons and Monitors. Western Australian Museum, Perth. Storr, G. M., Smith, L. A., and Johnstone, R. E. 1990. Lizards of Western Australia III: Geckos and Pygopods. Western Australian Museum, Perth. Storr, G. M., Smith, L. A., and Johnstone, R. E. 1999. Lizards of Western Australia I: Skinks. Western Australian Museum, Perth. Storr, G. M., Smith, L. A., and Johnstone, R. E. 2002. Snakes of Western Australia. Western Australian Museum, Perth.
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Toro Energy. 2013. Wiluna Mine. Accessed 02/04/2015. http://www.toroenergy.com.au/projects/wiluna-mine/. Tyler, M. J. and Doughty, P. 2009. Field Guide to Frogs of Western Australia. Western Australian Museum, Perth. van Dyck, S. and Strahan, R. 2008. The Mammals of Australia. Reed New Holland, Sydney. Wilson, S. and Swan, G. 2010. A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia. New Holland Publishers, Sydney. Wilson, S. and Swan, G. 2013. A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia. New Holland Publishers, Sydney. Woolley, P. A. 2006. Studies on the Crest-tailed Mulgara Dasycercus cristicauda and the Brush-tailed Mulgara Dasycercus blythi (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae). Australian Mammalogy 28: 117-120. Woolley, P. A. 2008. Brush-tailed Mulgara, Dasycercus blythi. pp. 47-48 in van Dyck, S., and Strahan, R., eds. The Mammals of Australia. Reed New Holland, Sydney. Young, J. 2013. Re-discovery of the Night Parrot, Townsville.
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Appendix 1 - EXPLANATION OF CONSERVATION CODES
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Appendix 1.1 – Definitions of categories under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
Category Definition Species is currently facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the Critically endangered (CR) immediate future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria. Species is a) not critically endangered; and Endangered (EN) b) is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria. Species is a) not critically endangered; and Vulnerable (VU) b) is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria. Species are defined as migratory if they are listed in an international agreement approved by the Commonwealth Environment Minister, including: a) the Bonn Convention (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Migratory (M) Species of Wild Animal); b) China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA); or c) Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA).
Appendix 1.2 – Definition of Schedules under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950
Schedule Definition
Schedule 1 (S1) Fauna which are rare or likely to become extinct
Schedule 2 (S2) Fauna which are presumed to be extinct
Birds which are subject to an agreement between the governments of Australia and Schedule 3 (S3) Japan relating to the protection of migratory birds and birds in danger of extinction, are declared to be fauna that is in need of species protection. Declared to be fauna that is in need of species protection, other than for the reasons Schedule 4 (S4) mentioned above.
Appendix 1.3 – Definition of DPaW Threatened and Priority Categories
Category Definition Threatened
Critically Considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. endangered (CR)
Endangered (EN) Considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
Vulnerable (VU) Considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. Priority 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, Priority 1 (P1) 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.
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Category Definition 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, Priority 2 (P2) 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. Taxa with several, poorly known populations, some on conservation lands. Taxa which are known from few specimens or sight records from several localities, Priority 3 (P3) 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. Taxa in need of monitoring. Taxa which are considered to have been adequately surveyed, or for which sufficient Priority 4 (P4) knowledge is available, and which are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection, but could if present circumstances change. These taxa are usually represented on conservation lands. Taxa in need of monitoring. Priority 5 (P5) 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 - DAILY WEATHER DATA DURING SURVEY
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Appendix 2.1 – Daily weather during current survey (BoM 2015)
Minimum temperature (oC) Maximum temperature (oC) Rainfall (mm) Date Leinster Yeelirrie Wiluna Leinster Yeelirrie Wiluna Leinster Yeelirrie Wiluna
17/03/2015 17.7 16.5 18.0 32.5 33.7 No data No data 0.0 0.0
18/03/2015 20.9 18.2 No data 35.7 36.0 37.0 No data 0.0 0.0
19/03/2015 21.3 19.0 24.0 32.8 34.0 No data No data 0.0 0.0
20/03/2015 22.3 20.5 No data 34.9 37.0 38.5 No data 0.0 0.0
21/03/2015 22.7 20.2 26.5 38.3 38.3 38.5 No data 0.0 0.0
22/03/2015 20.1 No data 24.5 29.0 29.5 31.0 No data No data 0.0
23/03/2015 15.3 15.5 19.0 24.1 25.0 26.5 No data 0.0 0.0
24/03/2015 16.4 17.5 18.0 23.1 25.2 25.0 No data 0.0 0.0
25/03/2015 13.4 14.5 16.0 26.7 27.5 28.5 No data 1.0 3.1
26/03/2015 17.2 19.0 19.2 24.7 26.0 No data No data 0.0 0.0
27/03/2015 18.5 17.0 No data 29.0 27.0 No data No data 0.0 No data
Note: Approximate distances from survey area: Leinster: 83 km SW Yeelirrie: 97 km W Wiluna: 105 km NW
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Appendix 3 - COMPLETE LISTING OF FAUNA SAMPLING LOCATIONS
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Appendix 3.1 – Survey site locations
Location Site Name Phase(s) Site type Easting Northing LM 01 1, 2 Systematic trapping and bird census 314915 6988189 LM 02 1, 2 Systematic trapping and bird census 312554 6998923 LM 03 1, 2 Systematic trapping and bird census 312691 6994795 LM 04 1, 2 Systematic trapping and bird census 309346 6997429 LM 05 1, 2 Systematic trapping and bird census 307433 6999091 Systematic trapping, bird census and LM S1 3 310196 6996838 SM2 bat recording Systematic trapping, bird census and LM S2 3 312695 6994754 SM2 bat recording Systematic trapping, bird census and LM S3 3 310782 6993944 SM2 bat recording Systematic trapping, bird census and LM S4 3 307448 6995514 SM2 bat recording Systematic trapping, bird census and LM S5 3 308642 6993171 SM2 bat recording Systematic trapping, bird census and LM S6 3 309996 6992202 SM2 bat recording Systematic trapping, bird census and LM S7 3 307823 6992100 SM2 bat recording Systematic trapping, bird census and LM S8 3 309464 6990640 SM2 bat recording Mulgara Grid 1, 2 Targeted Mulgara trapping 316614 6988432 Camera trap 1 3 Motion camera trap 307767 6997597 Camera trap 2 3 Motion camera trap 311820 6991607 Camera trap 3 3 Motion camera trap 311645 6990685 Camera trap 4 3 Motion camera trap 311902 6990986 Camera trap 5 3 Motion camera trap 311809 6992097 Camera trap 6 3 Motion camera trap 311032 6996064 Camera trap 7 3 Motion camera trap 312170 7001253 Camera trap 8 3 Motion camera trap 312327 7001387 Camera trap 9 3 Motion camera trap 312262 7001343 Camera trap 10 3 Motion camera trap 312323 7001244 Camera trap 11 3 Motion camera trap 311008 6996123 Camera trap 12 3 Motion camera trap 311015 6996116 Diurnal search 1 3 Diurnal opportunistic search 311820 6991880 Diurnal search 2 3 Diurnal opportunistic search 305102 6997282 Diurnal search 3 3 Diurnal opportunistic search 306725 6993434 Diurnal search 4 3 Diurnal opportunistic search 311754 6997188 Diurnal search 5 3 Diurnal opportunistic search 301339 6996834 Diurnal search 6 3 Diurnal opportunistic search 301743 6997057 Diurnal search 7 3 Diurnal opportunistic search 306093 6997381 Diurnal search 8 3 Diurnal opportunistic search 307261 6990868
Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 86
Location Site Name Phase(s) Site type Easting Northing Diurnal search 9 3 Diurnal opportunistic search 316416 7008248 Diurnal search 10 3 Diurnal opportunistic search 308341 6995970 Diurnal search 11 3 Diurnal opportunistic search 311281 6990144 Diurnal search 12 3 Diurnal opportunistic search 312314 7001383 Diurnal search 13 3 Diurnal opportunistic search 310954 6990787 Diurnal search 14 3 Diurnal opportunistic search 310829 6990270 Diurnal search 15 3 Diurnal opportunistic search 307827 6991388 Diurnal search 16 3 Diurnal opportunistic search 311432 6990250 Diurnal search 17 3 Diurnal opportunistic search 311411 6995921 Diurnal search 18 3 Diurnal opportunistic search 312972 7004679 Diurnal search 19 3 Diurnal opportunistic search 313687 7006946 Diurnal search 20 3 Diurnal opportunistic search 313985 7008086 Diurnal search 21 3 Diurnal opportunistic search 309118 6995980 Diurnal search 22 3 Diurnal opportunistic search 311845 6996838 Diurnal search 23 3 Diurnal opportunistic search 306830 6991909 Diurnal search 24 1, 2 Diurnal opportunistic search 307438 6997083 Diurnal search 25 1, 2 Diurnal opportunistic search 313126 6988346 Nocturnal search 1 3 Nocturnal opportunistic search 310133 6991833 Nocturnal search 2 3 Nocturnal opportunistic search 310231 6990442 Nocturnal search 3 3 Nocturnal opportunistic search 310034 6996657 Nocturnal search 4 3 Nocturnal opportunistic search 311792 6990226 Nocturnal search 5 3 Nocturnal opportunistic search 309957 6991484 Nocturnal search 6 3 Nocturnal opportunistic search 307780 6991371 Nocturnal search 7 3 Nocturnal opportunistic search 310794 6994829 Nocturnal search 8 3 Nocturnal opportunistic search 307655 6991478 Nocturnal search 9 3 Nocturnal opportunistic search 311259 6990190 Nocturnal road spot 1 3 Nocturnal road spotting Nocturnal road spot 2 3 Nocturnal road spotting Nocturnal road spot 3 3 Nocturnal road spotting Nocturnal road spot 4 3 Nocturnal road spotting Nocturnal road spot 5 3 Nocturnal road spotting N/A Nocturnal road spot 6 3 Nocturnal road spotting Nocturnal road spot 7 3 Nocturnal road spotting Nocturnal road spot 8 3 Nocturnal road spotting Nocturnal road spot 9 3 Nocturnal road spotting Nocturnal road spot 10 1, 2 Nocturnal road spotting Additional bird survey 1 3 Bird census 307005 6992228 Additional bird survey 2 3 Bird census 307869 6991394 Additional bird survey 3 3 Bird census 310816 6990328 Additional bird survey 4 3 Bird census 310462 6990547 Additional bird survey 5 3 Bird census 307420 6991975
Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 87
Location Site Name Phase(s) Site type Easting Northing Additional bird survey 6 3 Bird census 307826 6991394 Additional bird survey 7 3 Bird census 307005 6992234 Additional bird survey 8 3 Bird census 312977 7004679 Additional bird survey 9 3 Bird census 313681 7006946 Additional bird survey 10 3 Bird census 313985 7008086 Additional bird survey 11 3 Bird census 309119 6995981 Additional bird survey 12 3 Bird census 305002 6997325 Additional bird survey 13 3 Bird census 312376 6995607 Additional bird survey 14 3 Bird census 301671 6997026 Additional bird survey 15 3 Bird census 307066 6992285 Additional bird survey 16 1, 2 Bird census Unknown Targeted Night Parrot SM2 1 3 Automated recording unit 311780 6990578 Targeted Night Parrot SM2 2 3 Automated recording unit 307870 6997394 Targeted Night Parrot SM2 3 3 Automated recording unit 308283 6992078 Targeted Night Parrot SM2 4 3 Automated recording unit 304743 6993367 Targeted Night Parrot SM2 5 3 Automated recording unit 308469 6995756 Targeted Night Parrot SM2 6 3 Automated recording unit 308130 6997136 Targeted Night Parrot SM2 7 3 Automated recording unit 309935 6996841 Targeted Night Parrot SM2 8 3 Automated recording unit 308904 6995339 Targeted Night Parrot SM2 9 3 Automated recording unit 308338 6997036 Targeted Night Parrot SM2 10 3 Automated recording unit 310995 6996097 Targeted Night Parrot SM2 11 3 Automated recording unit 310272 6996409 Targeted Night Parrot SM2 12 3 Automated recording unit 312089 6991010 Targeted Night Parrot SM2 13 3 Automated recording unit 307565 6996396 Targeted Night Parrot SM2 14 3 Automated recording unit 305081 6993391 Bore 15 1, 2 Anabat bat recording 312410 7003497 Barwidgee Homestead 1 Anabat bat recording 293087 7007863 Lake Maitland Camp 1, 2 Anabat bat recording 311507 6997157
Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 88
Appendix 4 - LITERATURE REVIEW RESULTS
Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 89
Appendix 4.1 – Literature review mammal results
-
Internal Database Internal
(in prep) (in
Ecology (2002) Ecology
Family and Species Common name
EPBC Act EPBC Act WC DPaW (2010) OutbackEcology Habitat WilunaTerrestrial Fauna Uranium Assessment (2009) OutbackEcology Project Reconnaissancefor Uranium Wiluna (2008) OutbackEcology Fauna LakeSurvey Way Baseline Terrestrial Outback Studies LakeWay Baseline Fauna (2009) OutbackEcology LakeMaitland Baseline Areas Infrastructure TerrestrialFauna Surveys (2011) OutbackEcology Assessment TerrestrialFauna Habitat and Borefield,Access Camp Accomodation Route Engenium ecologia 2 MaitlandLevel MillipedeFauna Lake to Assessment NatureMap Protected DoE Search Matters 1This2) & (Phases Survey This3) (Phase Survey TACHYGLOSSIDAE Tachyglossus aculeatus Short-beaked Echidna ● ● ● ● ● ● ● DASYURIDAE Dasycercus blythi Brush-tailed Mulgara P4 ● ● ● Dasycercus blythi/cristicauda Mulgara sp. ● Ningaui ridei Wongai Ningaui ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Sminthopsis crassicaudata Fat-tailed Dunnart ● ● ● Sminthopsis dolichura Little Long-tailed Dunnart ● ● ● Sminthopsis hirtipes Hairy-footed Dunnart ● Sminthopsis macroura Stripe-faced Dunnart ● ● ● ● ● Sminthopsis ooldea Ooldea Dunnart ● ● ● ● ● NOTORYCTIDAE Notoryctes caurinus Northern Marsupial Mole EN S1 EN ● MACROPODIDAE Macropus fuliginosus Western Grey Kangaroo ● Macropus robustus Euro ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Petrogale lateralis lateralis Black-flanked Rock-wallaby VU S1 VU ●
Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 90
EMBALLONURIDAE Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat ● Taphozous hilli Hill's Sheathtail Bat ● ● VESPERTILIONIDAE Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat ● Vespadelus baverstocki Inland Forest Bat ● ● Vespadelus finlaysoni Finlayson's Cave Bat ● ● ● ● ● MOLOSSIDAE Mormopterus sp. 3 Inland Freetail Bat ● ● ● ● ● ● Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail Bat ● ● ● ● ● MURIDAE Notomys alexis Spinifex Hopping-mouse ● ● ● ● ● ● Pseudomys desertor Desert Mouse ● ● ● ● ● Pseudomys hermannsburgensis Sandy Inland Mouse ● ● ● ● ● ● ● CANIDAE Canis lupus dingo Dingo ● ● ● INTRODUCED MAMMALS *Mus musculus House Mouse ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● *Canis lupus Dog/Dingo ● ● ● ● ● *Felis catus Cat ● ● ● ● ● ● ● *Vulpes vulpes Fox ● ● ● ● ● *Capra hircus Goat ● ● *Ovis aries Sheep ● *Equus asinus Donkey ● ● *Equus caballus Horse ● ● ● *Camelus dromedarius Camel ● ● ● ● *Oryctolagus cuniculus Rabbit ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● *Bos taurus Cow ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 91
Appendix 4.2 – Literature review bird results
-
(in prep) (in
ay Baseline Fauna Studies Baseline Fauna ay
Family and Species Common name
EPBC Act EPBC Act WC DPaW (2010) OutbackEcology Habitat WilunaTerrestrial Fauna Uranium Assessment (2009) OutbackEcology Project Reconnaissancefor Uranium Wiluna (2008) OutbackEcology Fauna LakeSurvey Way Baseline Terrestrial (2002) OutbackEcology LakeW (2009) OutbackEcology LakeMaitland Baseline Areas Infrastructure TerrestrialFauna Surveys (2011) OutbackEcology Assessment TerrestrialFauna Habitat and Borefield,Access Camp Accomodation Route Engenium Internal Database ecologia 2 MaitlandLevel MillipedeFauna Lake to Assessment NatureMap Protected DoE Search Matters Birdata 1This2) & (Phases Survey This3) (Phase Survey
CASUARIIDAE ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Dromaius novaehollandiae Emu MEGAPODIIDAE ● ● Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S1 VU ANATIDAE ● Cygnus atratus Black Swan ● ● ● Tadorna tadornoides Australian Shelduck ● Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck Malacorhynchus ● ● membranaceus Pink-eared Duck ● Anas rhynchotis Australasian Shoveler ● ● Anas gracilis Grey Teal ● ● Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck PODICIPEDIDAE ● ● Poliocephalus poliocephalus Hoary-headed Grebe
Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 92
COLUMBIDAE ● *Columba livia Feral Pigeon (Rock Dove) ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon ● ● ● Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove PODARGIDAE ● ● Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth EUROSTOPODIDAE ● ● ● ● Eurostopodus argus Spotted Nightjar AEGOTHELIDAE ● ● ● ● ● ● Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar ARDEIDAE ● Ardea modesta Eastern Great Egret M S3 ● Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced Heron ACCIPITRIDAE ● ● Elanus axillaris Black-shouldered Kite ● Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed Kite ● ● ● ● Hamirostra melanosternon Black-breasted Buzzard ● ● ● ● ● Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite ● ● Milvus migrans Black Kite ● ● ● Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk ● ● ● Accipiter cirrocephalus Collared Sparrowhawk ● Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle ● Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle FALCONIDAE ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Falco berigora Brown Falcon
Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 93
● ● ● ● ● ● Falco longipennis Australian Hobby ● Falco hypoleucos Grey Falcon S1 VU ● ● ● Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon S4 Other RALLIDAE ● Tribonyx ventralis Black-tailed Native-hen ● Fulica atra Eurasian Coot OTIDIDAE ● ● S Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard P4 BURHINIDAE ● ● Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew RECURVIROSTRIDAE ● Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt Recurvirostra ● novaehollandiae Red-necked Avocet
CHARADRIIDAE ● Charadrius ruficapillus Red-capped Plover ● Charadrius veredus Oriental Plover M S3 ● Charadrius australis Inland Dotterel ● ● ● ● Elseyornis melanops Black-fronted Dotterel ● Erythrogonys cinctus Red-kneed Dotterel ● ● ● ● ● Vanellus tricolor Banded Lapwing SCOLOPACIDAE ● Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper M S3 TURNICIDAE ● Turnix velox Little Button-quail CACATUIDAE ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Eolophus roseicapillus Galah ● Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella ● ● ● ● Nymphicus hollandicus Cockatiel
Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 94
PSITTACIDAE ● Polytelis alexandrae Princess Parrot VU P4 ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Barnardius zonarius Australian Ringneck ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Psephotus varius Mulga Parrot ● ● ● ● ● ● Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar ● ● Neopsephotus bourkii Bourke's Parrot Pezoporus occidentalis* Night Parrot* EN S1 CR CUCULIDAE Horsfield's Bronze- ● ● Chalcites basalis Cuckoo ● Chalcites osculans Black-eared Cuckoo ● Chalcites lucidus Shining Bronze-cuckoo ● ● ● Cacomantis pallidus Pallid Cuckoo STRIGIDAE ● ● Ninox novaeseelandiae Southern Boobook TYTONIDAE ● Tyto javanica Eastern Barn Owl HALCYONIDAE ● ● ● Todiramphus pyrrhopygius Red-backed Kingfisher MEROPIDAE ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater M S3 PTILONORHYNCHIDAE ● ● ● ● ● ● Ptilonorhynchus guttatus Western Bowerbird MALURIDAE ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Malurus splendens Splendid Fairy-wren ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Malurus leucopterus White-winged Fairy-wren ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren Rufous-crowned Emu- ● Stipiturus ruficeps wren
Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 95
● Amytornis striatus Striated Grasswren ACANTHIZIDAE ● Calamanthus campestris Rufous Fieldwren ● ● ● ● ● Pyrrholaemus brunneus Redthroat ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill ● ● Gerygone fusca Western Gerygone ● ● ● ● ● ● Acanthiza robustirostris Slaty-backed Thornbill ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Yellow-rumped Thornbill Chestnut-rumped ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Acanthiza uropygialis Thornbill ● ● ● ● ● ● Acanthiza apicalis Inland Thornbill ● ● ● ● Aphelocephala leucopsis Southern Whiteface PARDALOTIDAE ● Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote MELIPHAGIDAE ● ● Certhionyx variegatus Pied Honeyeater ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater ● Lichenostomus leucotis White-eared Honeyeater ● Lichenostomus keartlandi Grey-headed Honeyeater ● Lichenostomus plumulus Grey-fronted Honeyeater Yellow-plumed ● Lichenostomus ornatus Honeyeater White-plumed ● ● ● ● ● Lichenostomus penicillatus Honeyeater ● ● ● ● ● Purnella albifrons White-fronted Honeyeater ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner Spiny-cheeked ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Acanthagenys rufogularis Honeyeater ● ● ● ● Epthianura tricolor Crimson Chat ● Epthianura aurifrons Orange Chat ● Sugomel niger Black Honeyeater
Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 96
● ● Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater POMATOSTOMIDAE ● ● ● ● ● Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler ● ● ● ● ● Pomatostomus superciliosus White-browed Babbler PSOPHODIDAE ● Cinclosoma castanotus Chestnut Quail-thrush ● ● ● Cinclosoma marginatum Western Quail-thrush ● ● ● Psophodes occidentalis Chiming Wedgebill NEOSITTIDAE ● Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sittella CAMPEPHAGIDAE ● ● ● ● Coracina maxima Ground Cuckoo-shrike Black-faced Cuckoo- ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Coracina novaehollandiae shrike ● ● ● ● ● ● Lalage sueurii White-winged Triller PACHYCEPHALIDAE ● ● ● ● ● ● Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler ● ● ● ● ● ● Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Oreoica gutturalis Crested Bellbird ARTAMIDAE ● ● Artamus personatus Masked Woodswallow Black-faced ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Artamus cinereus Woodswallow ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie ● Strepera versicolor Grey Currawong RHIPIDURIDAE ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail
Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 97
CORVIDAE ● Corvus coronoides Australian Raven ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Corvus bennetti Little Crow ● ● ● Corvus orru Torresian Crow MONARCHIDAE ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark PETROICIDAE ● Microeca fascinans Jacky Winter ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin ● ● Melanodryas cucullata Hooded Robin MEGALURIDAE ● Cincloramphus mathewsi Rufous Songlark ● Cincloramphus cruralis Brown Songlark ● ● Eremiornis carteri Spinifexbird HIRUNDINIDAE ● ● ● Cheramoeca leucosterna White-backed Swallow ● ● ● ● ● ● Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow ● ● ● Petrochelidon nigricans Tree Martin NECTARINIIDAE ● ● Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird ESTRILDIDAE ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch MOTACILLIDAE ● ● ● ● ● ● Anthus novaeseelandiae Australasian Pipit *Night Parrot not recorded in literature review, but included due to lack of records for this species and potential distribution based on field guides.
Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 98
Appendix 4.3 – Literature review reptile results
Borefield, Borefield,
-
Terrestrial Fauna Survey Fauna Terrestrial
on Camp and Access Route Access and Camp on
(in prep) (in
Family and Species Common name
EPBC EPBC Act Act WC DPaW (2010) Ecology Outback Habitat Fauna Terrestrial Uranium Wiluna Assessment (2009) Ecology Outback Project Uranium for Wiluna Reconnaissance (2008) Ecology Outback Baseline Way Lake (2002) Ecology Outback Studies Fauna Baseline Way Lake (2009) Ecology Outback Baseline Areas Infrastructure Maitland Lake Surveys Fauna Terrestrial (2011) Ecology Outback Assessment Habitat Fauna Terrestrial Accomodati Database Internal Engenium ecologia Fauna 2 Level Maitland to Lake Millipede Assessment NatureMap Search Matters Protected DoE 2) & 1 (Phases Survey This 3) (Phase Survey This CHELUIDAE ● ● ● Chelodina steindachneri Flat-shelled Turtle CARPHODACTYLIDAE
● ● Nephrurus laevissimus ● ● ● ● ● ● Nephrurus vertebralis ● ● ● Nephrurus wheeleri Underwoodisaurus milii ●
DIPLODACTYLIDAE
Diplodactylus conspicillatus [sensu ● stricto] Diplodactylus conspicillatus [sensu lato] ● ● ● ● Fat-tailed Gecko ● ● ● Diplodactylus granariensis ● Diplodactylus laevis ● ● ● ● ● Diplodactylus pulcher ● Lucasium damaeum ● Lucasium squarrosum Lucasium stenodactylum ● ● ● ● ●
● ● ● ● ● ● ● Rhynchoedura ornata Beaked Gecko ● ● ● ● ● ● Strophurus elderi
Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 99
● Strophurus sp. ● ● ● ● Strophurus strophurus ● ● ● Strophurus wellingtonae GEKKONIDAE
Gehyra purpurascens ● ● ● ● ●
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Gehyra variegata ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Heteronotia binoei Bynoe's Gecko PYGOPODIDAE
● Aprasia picturata Black-headed Worm-lizard ● ● ● Delma butleri ● ● Delma nasuta Lialis burtonis ● ● ●
Pygopus nigriceps ● ● ● ● ●
AGAMIDAE
● ● Caimanops amphiboluroides Mulga Dragon ● Ctenophorus caudicinctus Ring-tailed Dragon ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Ctenophorus isolepis Central Military Dragon Ctenophorus nuchalis ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Central Netted Dragon Ctenophorus reticulatus ● ● ● Western Netted Dragon ● ● ● Ctenophorus salinarum Claypan Dragon ● ● ● ● ● Ctenophorus scutulatus Lozenge-marked Dragon ● ● ● Moloch horridus Thorny Devil ● ● ● ● ● Pogona minor Dwarf Bearded Dragon Tympanocryptis cephalus ● Pebble Dragon EGERNIIDAE
● ● ● ● ● ● ● Egernia depressa Pygmy Spiny-tailed Skink ● Egernia formosa ● Liopholis inornata Desert Skink VU S1 VU ● Liopholis kintorei Great Desert Skink Tiliqua multifasciata ● ● ● Central Blue-tongue EUGONGYLIDAE
● Cryptoblepharus buchananii ● ● Cryptoblepharus plagiocephalus ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Menetia greyii ● ● ● Morethia butleri
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SPHENOMORPHIDAE ● ● Ctenotus ariadnae Ctenotus atlas ● ● ●
Ctenotus calurus ● ● ●
● ● ● Ctenotus grandis ● Ctenotus aff. grandis ● ● ● ● ● Ctenotus helenae [now C. inornatus] ● Ctenotus inornatus Ctenotus leonhardii ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Ctenotus pantherinus ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Leopard Ctenotus ● ● ● ● Ctenotus quattuordecimlineatus ● ● ● ● Ctenotus schomburgkii ● ● Ctenotus severus [now C. inornatus] ● ● Ctenotus uber Eremiascincus richardsonii ● ● ● ● Broad-banded Sand Swimmer Lerista bipes ● ● ● ● ● ●
● ● ● ● ● ● Lerista desertorum ● Lerista kingi ● ● ● ● Lerista muelleri [sensu lato] ● ● ● ● Lerista timida VARANIDAE
Varanus brevicauda ● ● ● ● Short-tailed Pygmy Monitor ● ● ● ● ● Varanus caudolineatus ● ● ● ● Varanus eremius Pygmy Desert Monitor ● ● Varanus giganteus Perentie ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Varanus gouldii Sand Monitor Varanus panoptes ● ● ● ● Yellow-spotted Monitor TYPHLOPIDAE
● ● ● Anilios hamatus ● Anilios waitii BOIDAE
● ● Antaresia stimsoni Stimson's Python ELAPIDAE
North-western Shovel-nosed Brachyurophis approximans ● Snake
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● Brachyurophis semifasciatus Southern Shovel-nosed Snake ● ● ● Demansia psammophis Yellow-faced Whipsnake ● Furina ornata Moon Snake ● ● ● Parasuta monachus Hooded Snake Pseudechis butleri ● Spotted Mulga Snake ● ● Pseudonaja mengdeni Western Brown Snake ● ● Pseudonaja modesta Ringed Brown Snake ● ● ● ● ● Simoselaps bertholdi Jan's Banded Snake ● ● ● ● ● Suta fasciata Rosen's Snake
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Appendix 4.3 – Literature review amphibian results
Fauna Habitat Habitat Fauna
Baseline Terrestrial Baseline
(in prep) (in
Family and Species Common name
EPBC Act EPBC Act WC DPaW (2010) OutbackEcology WilunaTerrestrial Uranium Assessment (2009) OutbackEcology Reconnaissancefor Uranium Wiluna Project (2008) OutbackEcology Fauna Lake Way Baseline Terrestrial Survey (2002) OutbackEcology Studies LakeWay Baseline Fauna (2008) OutbackEcology LakeMaitland Project FaunaSurveys Engenium Internal Database ecologia 2 MaitlandLevel MillipedeFauna Lake to Assessment NatureMap 1This2) & (Phases Survey This3) (Phase Survey HYLIDAE Cyclorana maini Sheep Frog ● ● ● Cyclorana platycephala Water-holding Frog ● ● Litoria rubella Little Red Tree Frog ● ● ● LIMNODYNASTIDAE Neobatrachus sutor Shoemaker Frog ● Neobatrachus wilsmorei Plonking Frog ● Notaden nichollsi Desert Spadefoot Toad ● Platyplectrum spenceri ●
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Appendix 5 - SITE DESCRIPTIONS (SYSTEMATIC SAMPLING SITES)
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Appendix 5.1 – Systematic fauna site descriptions
Fauna site description Site photo
Site: LM 01* Description: Triodia desertorum hummock grassland with an emergent, open, low scrub of Hakea lorea, Melaleuca lanceolata, and Acacia aneura Condition: Habitat type: Open spinifex sandplain
Site: LM 02* Description: Low forest of Acacia aneura, A. ayersiana, and Melaleuca interioris over a low scrub of Senna artemisioides and Cratystylis spinescens over a dwarf scrub of Eremophila latrobei and A. cuthbertsonii over an open, low grass of Aristida contorta and Enteropogon ramosus Condition: Habitat type: Mallee/mulga woodland over spinifex plain
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Fauna site description Site photo
Site: LM 03* Description: Low woodland of Eucalyptus eremicola and Acacia aneura over a low scrub of Hakea preissii, Eremophila oldfieldii, and Acacia ayersiana over hummock grasses Triodia basedowii and open, low grass of Enteropogon ramosus, Enneapogon caerulescens, and Aristida contorta Condition: Habitat type: Mallee/mulga woodland over spinifex plain
Site: LM 04* Description: Large and mature Triodia basedowii hummock grassland with very open, low grass of Eragrostis setifolia, Enneapogon caerulscens, with an emergent low scrub of Cratystylis subspinescens and Lycium australe Condition: Habitat type: Triodia plurinervata on lake edge
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Fauna site description Site photo
Site: LM 05* Description: Low woodland of Casuarina pauper over a low scrub of Acacia tetragonophylla and A. cuthbertsonii over very open herbs Sclerolaena cornishiana over very open, low grass of Enneapogon caerulescens Condition: Habitat type: Woodland on calcrete plain
Site: LM S1 Description: Mature Triodia plurinervata hummock grassland interspersed with low blue bush and emergent Grevillea and Acacia shrubs. Substrate sandy clay with some areas of calcrete. No wood litter, leaf litter present under trees and shrubs Condition: Good
Habitat type: Triodia plurinervata on lake edge
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Fauna site description Site photo Site: LM S2 Description: Low open woodland of mallee and mulga, with sparse understorey of Acacia sp. and ground cover of open Triodia basedowii hummock grassland. Substrate sandy clay. Leaf litter abundant under mallees; wood litter sparse. Condition: Very good Habitat type: Mallee/mulga woodland over spinifex sandplain
Site: LM S3 Description: Low samphire shrubland on lake bed, primarily comprising Tecticornia sp. and Maireana sp. Substrate clay. No leaf litter, and only sparse wood litter. Condition: Good Habitat type: Low halophytic shrubland
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Fauna site description Site photo Site: LM S4 Description: Sparse Allocasuarina woodland with scattered mulga, over an open shrub layer comprising a mixture of Acacia, Melaleuca, Eremophila, Ptilotus and Salanum spp. and blue bush. Substrate clay sand with areas of calcrete. Sparse wood litter throughout, with leaf litter under trees. Condition: Good Habitat type: Woodland on calcrete plain
Site: LM S5 Description: Open calcrete plain with low ground cover of native grasses and chenopods. Sparse shrubs including Cratystylis sp. and isolated trees present. Substrate clay sand with areas of calcrete. No wood litter, leaf litter present under shrubs and trees Condition: Good Habitat type: Open calcrete plain
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Fauna site description Site photo
Site: LM S6 Description: Low samphire shrubland on lake bed, primarily comprising Tecticornia sp. and Maireana sp. Substrate clay. No leaf litter, and only sparse wood litter. Condition: Good Habitat type: Low halophytic shrubland
Site: LM S7 Description: Triodia plurinervata hummock grassland with open shrubland of blue bush, Acacia, Eremophila, Melaleuca and Grevillea spp., and isolated mulga trees. Substrate fine-grain sand, without rocks. Wood litter sparse, with leaf litter present under trees and shrubs. Condition: Good Habitat type: Triodia plurinervata on lake edge
Engenium Pty Ltd Document No: 1632 Lake Maitland Revision No: 0 Level 2 Vertebrate Fauna & Targeted Reptile Survey Issue Date: 25/05/2015 Report Page No: 110
Fauna site description Site photo
Site: LM S8 Description: Low samphire shrubland on lake bed and low sand dune, comprising Tecticornia sp., Maireana sp. and Lawrencia helmsii. Isolated Allocasuarina trees present. Substrate firm clay sand. No leaf or wood litter. Condition: Good Habitat type: Low halophytic shrubland
* Site descriptions and site photographs for LM 01 to LM 05 taken from Outback Ecology (2009a)
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Appendix 6 - FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING CURRENT ASSESSMENT
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Appendix 6.1 – Mammal species recorded during the current survey
Phase 3
WC Act WC DPaW Ph 12 & LMS1 LMS2 LMS3 LMS4 LMS5 LMS6 LMS7 LMS8 LMOpp Total Family and Species Common Name Act EPBC TACHYGLOSSIDAE Tachyglossus aculeatus Short-beaked Echidna ● 1 1 DASYURIDAE Dasycercus blythi Brush-tailed Mulgara P4 ● 1 2 1 4 Ningaui ridei Wongai Ningaui ● 4 1 1 1 7 Sminthopsis crassicaudata Fat-tailed Dunnart 1 3 1 6 Sminthopsis macroura Stripe-faced Dunnart ● 1 1 Sminthopsis ooldea Ooldea Dunnart ● 1 1 MACROPODIDAE Macropus robustus Euro ● Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo ● 2 39 41 VESPERTILIONIDAE Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat ● Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Vespadelus finlaysoni Finlayson's Cave Bat ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● MOLOSSIDAE Mormopterus sp. 3 Inland Freetail Bat ● ● ● ● ● ● Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail Bat ● ● ● ● MURIDAE Notomys alexis Spinifex Hopping-mouse ● 8 1 3 5 17 Pseudomys desertor Desert Mouse ● 9 3 12 Pseudomys hermannsburgensis Sandy Inland Mouse ● 5 2 5 2 1 15 INTRODUCED MAMMALS *Bos taurus Cow ● 37 37 *Canis lupus Dog/Dingo ● 5 5 *Felis catus Cat ● 2 2
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Phase 3
WC Act WC DPaW Ph 12 & LMS1 LMS2 LMS3 LMS4 LMS5 LMS6 LMS7 LMS8 LMOpp Total Family and Species Common Name Act EPBC *Mus musculus House Mouse ● 1 *Oryctolagus cuniculus Rabbit ● 11 11 *Vulpes vulpes Red Fox ● 37
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Appendix 6.2 – Bird species recorded during the current survey
Phase 3
WC Act WC DPaW Ph 12 & LMS1 LMS2 LMS3 LMS4 LMS5 LMS6 LMS7 LMS8 LMOpp Total Family and Species Common Name Act EPBC CASUARIIDAE Dromaius novaehollandiae Emu ● 2 3 5 ANATIDAE Cygnus atratus Black Swan 2 2 Tadorna tadornoides Australian Shelduck 14 14 Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck 102 102 Malacorhynchus membranaceus Pink-eared Duck 42 42 Anas rhynchotis Australasian Shoveler 23 23 Anas gracilis Grey Teal 461 461 Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck 6 6 PODICIPEDIDAE Poliocephalus poliocephalus Hoary-headed Grebe 37 37 COLUMBIDAE Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing ● 1 1 Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon ● 7 9 1 5 22 Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove ● PODARGIDAE Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth ● EUROSTOPODIDAE Eurostopodus argus Spotted Nightjar ● AEGOTHELIDAE Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar ● 1 1 2 ACCIPITRIDAE Elanus axillaris Black-shouldered Kite ● Hamirostra melanosternon Black-breasted Buzzard 1 1 Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite 1 1 Accipiter cirrocephalus Collared Sparrowhawk ● Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk 2 2
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Phase 3
WC Act WC DPaW Ph 12 & LMS1 LMS2 LMS3 LMS4 LMS5 LMS6 LMS7 LMS8 LMOpp Total Family and Species Common Name Act EPBC Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle ● 1 1 3 5 Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle ● FALCONIDAE Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel ● 5 1 2 8 Falco berigora Brown Falcon ● 4 1 1 3 9 Falco longipennis Australian Hobby ● 1 3 4 Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon 1 1 RALLIDAE Fulica atra Eurasian Coot 5 5 OTIDIDAE Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard 1 3 4 BURHINIDAE Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew ● RECURVIROSTRIDAE Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt 3 3 Recurvirostra novaehollandiae Red-necked Avocet 4 4 CHARADRIIDAE Charadrius ruficapillus Red-capped Plover 48 48 Charadrius australis Inland Dotterel 1 60 61 Elseyornis melanops Black-fronted Dotterel ● 3 3 Vanellus tricolor Banded Lapwing 8 6 14 CACATUIDAE Eolophus roseicapillus Galah ● 38 2 11 51 Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella ● Nymphicus hollandicus Cockatiel ● 6 6 12 PSITTACIDAE Barnardius zonarius Australian Ringneck ● 2 2 4 Psephotus varius Mulga Parrot ● 2 2 Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar ● 2 2 CUCULIDAE
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Phase 3
WC Act WC DPaW Ph 12 & LMS1 LMS2 LMS3 LMS4 LMS5 LMS6 LMS7 LMS8 LMOpp Total Family and Species Common Name Act EPBC Chalcites basalis Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo 3 1 3 3 1 11 Cacomantis pallidus Pallid Cuckoo 1 1 2 TYTONIDAE Tyto javanica Eastern Barn Owl 1 1 PTILONORHYNCHIDAE Ptilonorhynchus guttatus Western Bowerbird ● 8 8 MALURIDAE Malurus splendens Splendid Fairy-wren ● 2 2 Malurus leucopterus White-winged Fairy-wren ● 41 8 20 12 18 9 23 131 Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren ● 2 2 Stipiturus ruficeps Rufous-crowned Emu-wren 5 6 9 20 ACANTHIZIDAE Calamanthus campestris Rufous Fieldwren 4 2 2 2 7 8 25 Pyrrholaemus brunneus Redthroat ● Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill ● 5 5 Gerygone fusca Western Gerygone 1 1 Acanthiza robustirostris Slaty-backed Thornbill ● Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Yellow-rumped Thornbill 21 21 Acanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill ● 2 55 3 60 Acanthiza apicalis Inland Thornbill 5 2 7 MELIPHAGIDAE Certhionyx variegatus Pied Honeyeater 2 2 Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater ● 11 10 11 2 11 45 Purnella albifrons White-fronted Honeyeater 5 6 1 3 39 54 Lichenostomus plumulus Grey-fronted Honeyeater ● Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater ● Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner ● 31 22 27 80 Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater ● 9 11 2 22 Epthianura tricolor Crimson Chat 9 5 8 22 Epthianura aurifrons Orange Chat ● 61 1 18 6 8 19 113
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Phase 3
WC Act WC DPaW Ph 12 & LMS1 LMS2 LMS3 LMS4 LMS5 LMS6 LMS7 LMS8 LMOpp Total Family and Species Common Name Act EPBC Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater ● POMATOSTOMIDAE Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler 3 1 4 8 Pomatostomus superciliosus White-browed Babbler ● PSOPHODIDAE Cinclosoma castanotum Chestnut Quail-thrush ● Psophodes occidentalis Chiming Wedgebill ● CAMPEPHAGIDAE Coracina maxima Ground Cuckoo-shrike 4 8 12 Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike ● 4 4 1 9 Lalage sueurii White-winged Triller ● 6 6 CAMPEPHAGIDAE Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler ● 1 1 Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush ● 1 6 1 8 Oreoica gutturalis Crested Bellbird ● 5 10 14 1 3 1 2 36 ARTAMIDAE Artamus personatus Masked Woodswallow 475 150 625 Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow ● 11 11 20 5 47 Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird ● 5 1 6 Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird ● 1 1 6 2 1 11 Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie ● 4 4 8 RHIPIDURIDAE Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail ● 2 3 16 21 CORVIDAE Corvus bennetti Little Crow ● 8 3 1 12 Corvus orru Torresian Crow 1 2 47 50 MONARCHIDAE Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark ● 7 7 PETROICIDAE Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin ● 6 2 8
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Phase 3
WC Act WC DPaW Ph 12 & LMS1 LMS2 LMS3 LMS4 LMS5 LMS6 LMS7 LMS8 LMOpp Total Family and Species Common Name Act EPBC MEGALURIDAE Cincloramphus cruralis Brown Songlark 3 1 3 7 Eremiornis carteri Spinifexbird 2 3 5 HIRUNDINIDAE Cheramoeca leucosterna White-backed Swallow ● Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow ● Petrochelidon nigricans Tree Martin 1 3 4 ESTRILDIDAE Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch ● 9 25 4 26 64 MOTACILLIDAE Anthus novaeseelandiae Australasian Pipit ● 15 7 2 7 3 9 7 50
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Appendix 6.3 – Reptile species recorded during the current survey
Phase 3
WC Act WC DPaW Ph 12 & LMS1 LMS2 LMS3 LMS4 LMS5 LMS6 LMS7 LMS8 LMOpp Total Family and Species Common Name Act EPBC CHELUIDAE Chelodina steindachneri Flat-shelled Turtle ● 7 7 CARPHODACTYLIDAE Nephrurus vertebralis ● 5 5 Nephrurus wheeleri ● ● Underwoodisaurus milii Barking Gecko 3 3 DIPLODACTYLIDAE Diplodactylus conspicillatus Fat-tailed Gecko ● 2 1 1 4 Diplodactylus laevis 1 1 2 Diplodactylus pulcher ● 4 1 5 Lucasium stenodactylum ● 1 2 7 Rhynchoedura ornata Beaked Gecko ● 1 3 4 Strophurus elderi ● 3 2 5 Strophurus strophurus 1 1 GEKKONIDAE Gehyra purpurascens ● 2 2 Gehyra variegata ● 7 3 4 14 Heteronotia binoei Bynoe's Gecko ● 2 2 PYGOPODIDAE Delma nasuta ● ● Lialis burtonis ● 1 1 1 3 Pygopus nigriceps 1 1 2 AGAMIDAE Ctenophorus isolepis Central Military Dragon ● 1 1 1 8 11 Ctenophorus nuchalis Central Netted Dragon ● 1 1 2 Ctenophorus salinarum Salt Pan Dragon ● 43 26 8 8 85 Ctenophorus scutulatus ● 1 4 5 Moloch horridus Thorny Devil ● 1 1
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Phase 3
WC Act WC DPaW Ph 12 & LMS1 LMS2 LMS3 LMS4 LMS5 LMS6 LMS7 LMS8 LMOpp Total Family and Species Common Name Act EPBC Pogona minor Dwarf Bearded Dragon ● 1 1 EGERNIIDAE Egernia depressa Pygmy Spiny-tailed Skink ● 1 1 Tiliqua multifasciata Central Blue-tongue ● 1 1 1 3 EUGONGYLIDAE Cryptoblepharus plagiocephalus ● ● Menetia greyii ● 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 Morethia butleri 1 1 2 SPHENOMORPHIDAE Ctenotus atlas ● 1 1 Ctenotus calurus 1 1 Ctenotus grandis ● 4 4 Ctenotus inornatus ● 10 5 8 23 Ctenotus leonhardii ● 2 4 1 1 8 Ctenotus pantherinus Leopard Ctenotus ● 11 13 3 27 Ctenotus quattuordecimlineatus 1 1 4 1 7 Ctenotus schomburgkii ● ● Eremiascincus richardsonii Broad-banded Sand Swimmer ● 8 9 Lerista bipes ● 1 1 3 1 6 Lerista desertorum ● 1 3 5 3 12 Lerista kingi 5 5 Lerista timida ● 4 4 VARANIDAE Varanus brevicauda Short-tailed Pygmy Monitor 2 2 Varanus caudolineatus 1 1 Varanus eremius Pygmy Desert Monitor ● 2 1 3 Varanus gouldii Sand Monitor ● 1 1 Varanus panoptes Yellow-spotted Monitor ● 1 1 1 8 11 TYPHLOPIDAE
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Phase 3
WC Act WC DPaW Ph 12 & LMS1 LMS2 LMS3 LMS4 LMS5 LMS6 LMS7 LMS8 LMOpp Total Family and Species Common Name Act EPBC Anilios hamatus 1 1 BOIDAE Antaresia stimsoni Stimson's Python 1 1 ELAPIDAE Brachyurophis semifasciatus Southern Shovel-nosed Snake 1 1 Furina ornata Moon Snake 2 2 1 5 Parasuta monachus Hooded Snake ● Pseudonaja mengdeni Western Brown Snake 1 1 2 Simoselaps bertholdi Jan's Banded Snake 1 1 1 1 4
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Appendix 6.4 – Amphibian species recorded during the current survey
Phase 3
WC Act WC DPaW Ph 12 & LMS1 LMS2 LMS3 LMS4 LMS5 LMS6 LMS7 LMS8 LMOpp Total Family and Species Common Name Act EPBC HYLIDAE Cyclorana maini Sheep Frog 1 5 6 Cyclorana platycephala Water-holding Frog 9 9 LIMNODYNASTIDAE Notaden nichollsi Desert Spadefoot Toad 1 1 2
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Appendix 7 - DETAILS OF WAM-VOUCHERED BRUSH-TAILED MULGARA
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WAM Voucher Number Species
M62899 Brush-tailed Mulgara (Dasycercus blythi)