Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Prepared for Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd Final report - July 2014

Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Prepared for Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd. Final report

Authors: Guillaume Bouteloup, Jarrad Clark, Ryan Ellis Reviewers: Melanie White, Karen Crews Date: 23 July 2014 Submitted to: Gay Bradley and Ray Gerrard (Piacentini & Son) Chain of authorship and review Name Task Version Date R. Ellis Rev 1 to client 1.0 30/01/2012 G. Bouteloup 2014 update for editorial review 1.1 22/07/2014 K. Crews Final submitted to client 2.0 24/07/2014

©Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd 2014 The use of this report is solely for the Client for the purpose in which it was prepared. Phoenix Environmental Sciences accepts no responsibility for use beyond this purpose. All rights are reserved and no part of this report may be reproduced or copied in any form without the written permission of Phoenix Environmental Sciences of the Client. Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd 1/511 Wanneroo Rd BALCATTA WA 6021 P: 08 9345 1608 F: 08 6313 0680 E: [email protected] Project code: 1049-WON-AR-FAU

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... VI 1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 Background ...... 1 1.2 Scope of work and survey objectives ...... 1 2 LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT ...... 5 2.1 Commonwealth ...... 5 2.2 State ...... 6 3 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 7 3.1 Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia (IBRA) region ...... 7 3.2 Land systems ...... 9 3.3 Climate and weather ...... 11 3.4 Land use ...... 12 3.5 Biological context ...... 12 3.5.1 Vertebrate fauna ...... 12 3.5.2 Threatening processes ...... 13 4 METHODS ...... 15 4.1 Desktop review and database searches ...... 15 4.2 Habitat assessment and site selection ...... 16 4.3 Field survey ...... 16 4.3.1 Trapping for ground-dwelling mammals, reptiles and amphibians ...... 19 4.3.2 Avifauna surveys ...... 20 4.3.3 Bat echolocation recordings ...... 20 4.3.4 Spotlighting ...... 20 4.3.5 Motion camera trapping ...... 21 4.3.6 Active searches ...... 23 4.3.7 Opportunistic records ...... 23 4.3.8 Targeted searching ...... 23 4.3.9 Aquatic vertebrate trapping ...... 23 4.3.10 Targeted trapping for Northern Quoll ...... 23 4.3.11 Additional targeted survey...... 24 4.4 Statistical analysis ...... 24 4.5 Taxonomy and nomenclature ...... 25 4.6 Survey personnel...... 25 5 RESULTS ...... 26 5.1 Desktop review ...... 26 5.2 Field survey ...... 28 5.2.1 Habitat descriptions ...... 28 5.2.2 Summary of fauna records ...... 30 5.2.3 Fish ...... 32 5.2.4 Amphibians ...... 32

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

5.2.5 Mammals ...... 32 5.2.6 Reptiles ...... 34 5.2.7 Birds ...... 36 5.2.8 Statistical analysis ...... 40 5.3 Survey limitations...... 42 6 DISCUSSION ...... 44 6.1 Conservation significant species recorded ...... 44 6.1.1 Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) ...... 44 6.1.2 Australian Bustard (Ardeotis australis) ...... 46 6.1.3 Bush Stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius) ...... 46 6.1.4 Star Finch (Neochmia ruficauda subclarescens) ...... 47 6.1.5 Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus) ...... 48 6.1.6 Other significant species potentially occurring in the study area ...... 49 6.2 Important fauna habitats ...... 54 6.3 Impacts and recommendations ...... 55 6.3.1 Habitat loss and fragmentation ...... 55 6.3.2 Loss of individual fauna and strike mortalities ...... 56 6.3.3 Displacement of individuals ...... 56 6.3.4 Hydrological impacts ...... 57 6.3.5 Spread of introduced fauna and flora ...... 57 6.3.6 Pollution events ...... 57 6.3.7 Light spill ...... 58 6.3.8 Fire ...... 58 6.3.9 Dust ...... 58 6.3.10 Environmental awareness ...... 58 7 REFERENCES ...... 60

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

List of Figures Figure 1-1 Location of the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project ...... 3 Figure 1-2 Study area for the vertebrate fauna survey and proposed project layout (as at 9 July 2014) ...... 4 Figure 3-1 Location of the study area in relation to IBRA bioregions and subregions ...... 8 Figure 3-2 Land systems of the study area ...... 10 Figure 3-3 Climate and weather (January – October 2011) data for Newman Airport weather station (no. 7176) ...... 12 Figure 4-1 Location of systematic trapping sites, camera traps and opportunistic sites ...... 18 Figure 4-2 Phoenix systematic trapping design ...... 19 Figure 4-3 Sample images of some species recorded during the current survey using camera traps (top to bottom, left to right: Feral Cat, Felis catus; Western Bowerbird, Ptilonorhynchus guttatus; Common Rock-rat, Zyzomys argurus; Euros, Macropus robustus; Dingo, Canis lupus; Juvenile Nankeen Night-heron, Nycticorax caledonicus) ...... 22 Figure 5-1 Fauna habitats of the study area ...... 29 Figure 5-2 Location of conservation significant vertebrate fauna species recorded during the survey ...... 31 Figure 5-3 Species accumulation curves a) entire assemblage, b) mammals, c) birds and d) reptiles, fish and amphibians ...... 41 Figure 5-4 Hierarchical cluster analysis for data collected at the systematic sites (first number indicates the phase and the second number indicates the site number) ...... 41 Figure 6-1 Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) mound and individual recorded during the survey ...... 45 Figure 6-2 Pegged mound within 5 m of a newly created track ...... 45 Figure 6-3 Fauna habitats and significant species records relative to proposed area of disturbance ...... 59

List of Tables

Table 4-1 Summary of trapping effort for each systematic survey site ...... 20 Table 4-2 Summary of trapping effort and location of targeted Northern Quoll trapping sites in the study area ...... 24 Table 4-3 Survey personnel...... 25 Table 5-1 Conservation significant species identified through database searches as occurring or potentially occurring in the study area ...... 27 Table 5-2 Vertebrate taxa recorded during the Level 2 survey, and the total number of species potentially occurring within the study area ...... 30 Table 5-3 Fish species recorded during the survey ...... 32 Table 5-4 Amphibian species recorded during the survey ...... 32 Table 5-5 Mammal species recorded during the survey...... 33 Table 5-6 Reptile species recorded during the survey ...... 35 Table 5-7 Bird species recorded during the survey ...... 37 Table 5-8 Limitations of the Level 2 survey ...... 42 Table 6-1 Summary of conservation significant species, likelihood of occurrence and potential impacts ...... 50 Table 6-2 Fauna habitats impacted by the Wonnumna Iron Ore Project within the study area . 56

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

List of Appendices

Appendix 1 GPS coordinates for trapping sites, reconyx cameras and opportunistic searches for the Phase 1 survey Appendix 2 Habitat descriptions and site photos of systematic sites Appendix 3 Habitat descriptions and site photos of opportunistic sites Appendix 4 Habitat descriptions and site photos of the targeted Northern Quoll sites Appendix 5 Species recorded and potentially occurring in the study area Appendix 6 Vertebrate species recorded at the 10 systematic trapping sites

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd (WIO) is proposing to develop the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project (the Project) situated approximately 70 km west-northwest of Newman. The Project contains three distinct deposits of the Marra Mamba formation, referred to as North, Central and South Marra Mamba deposits (collectively the study area). Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd (Phoenix) was commissioned to undertake a Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey of the study area in 2011. This report documents the results of the survey conducted in May-June 2011 (Phase 1) and October 2011 (Phase 2). The scope of the work was to:  conduct a desktop review to determine potential vertebrate fauna species and habitats within the study area, with a focus on conservation significant species  conduct detailed field surveys for vertebrate fauna within the study area  undertake data analysis  prepare a technical report outlining survey methods, results, assessment of potential impacts on fauna from the proposed project and advice on management and mitigation of impacts. Ten systematic survey sites and two targeted Northern Quoll sites were installed. The systematic sites were surveyed in both Phase 1 and Phase 2. The targeted Northern Quoll trapping was only conducted during Phase 1. Other field techniques were also used to collect systematic data on vertebrate fauna within the study area, including opportunistic surveys, camera traps, bird surveys, bat recording devices and spotlighting. Survey work was undertaken at each of the 10 systematic strapping sites over seven nights. One site was only surveyed for six nights during Phase 1. The ten systematic fauna trapping sites sampled six of the seven fauna habitats found within the study area:  mallee woodland (36.5 % of study area)  spinifex steppe (34.5 %)  eucalypt woodland (12.3 %)  Acacia woodland (12.1 %)  major drainage line (2.2 %)  minor drainage line (2.2 %)  shrubland in brown clay (0.2 %, not sampled) The desktop study indicated that 275 vertebrate fauna species may potentially occur in the study area. These comprised 47 mammals (39 native and eight introduced), 118 birds, 95 reptiles, six amphibians and nine species of fish. A total of 23 species of conservation significance were identified from the desktop review. The field surveys recorded 169 vertebrate species representing five orders of vertebrate taxa. Five conservation significant fauna were recorded during the survey, as follows:  Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani); Priority 4, Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) Priority List  Australian Bustard (Ardeotis australis); Priority 4, DPaW

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

 Bush Stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius); Priority 4, DPaW  Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus); Migratory, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, Schedule 3, WC Act.  Star Finch (Neochmia ruficauda subclarescens); Priority 4, DPaW. A further 12 conservation significant species were assessed as having moderate potential to occur in the study area, and six species were identified as having low potential to occur. The major drainage lines, particularly Weeli Wolli Creek, are of high value for vertebrate fauna. The presence of gorges and semi-permanent water attract a number of conservation significant species. Survey sites associated with these habitats recorded the highest species richness of all the sampled habitats of the survey. The gorge and the habitat surrounding the semi-permanent pool have the potential to support the Pilbara Olive Python (Vulnerable, EPBC Act), Ghost Bat (P4), Pilbara Leaf- nosed Bat (Vulnerable, EPBC Act) and Northern Quoll (Endangered, EPBC Act). It is also likely this area is utilised by other conservation significant species at various times throughout the year as foraging and refugia habitat, primarily in drier times when water sources are restricted. Localised impacts that will potentially affect vertebrate fauna within the study area include:  habitat loss and fragmentation  loss of individual fauna and strike mortalities  displacement of individuals  hydrological impacts  spread of introduced fauna and flora  pollution events  light spill  fire  dust. The majority of impacts that may arise from construction and operation of the Project can be adequately managed through the development and implementation of a fauna management plan and standard operating procedures. The application of a 1 km Exclusion Zone encompassing Weeli Wolli Creek is proposed and will substantially reduce the scale of impacts to fauna from the Project. It is important that other impacts from the Project on the Weeli Wolli Creek system are understood, in particular the effects of altered surface or subsurface hydrology. The main recommendations to avoid, minimise and manage impacts to fauna during construction and operation of the Project are:  Ensure the Exclusion Zone is applied to the Project to avoid disturbance to the most important fauna habitats in the study are.  Develop a fauna management plan to manage impacts to fauna during construction and operation that includes but is not limited to management of high value fauna habitat; conservation significant species; management of risk (e.g. physical disturbance, fire, introduced fauna); and education and awareness.  Assess potential effects of the Project on the Weeli Wolli Creek system, including groundwater, surface water flows and discharges. Disruption to the natural hydrological regimes should be avoided as far as practicable.

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1 INTRODUCTION

In April 2011, Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd (Phoenix)was commissioned to undertake a Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project (the Project), located approximately 70 km west-northwest of Newman on leases M47/1423, M47/1424 and M47/1425 (Figure 1-1). This report documents the results of the Level 2 survey, which was undertaken in May- June (Phase 1) and October 2011 (Phase 2), as well as a follow up targeted survey undertaken in February 2012.

1.1 BACKGROUND

Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd (WIO) is proposing to develop the Project which contains three distinct deposits of the Marra Mamba formation referred to as North, Central and South Marra Mamba deposits. The Project involves the extraction of high-grade iron ore from the three deposits. The proponent is a 100% subsidiary of Ascot Resources Limited. The study area encompasses the three deposits containing five proposed pits, associated waste dumps and supporting infrastructure (Figure 1-2). The Project is expected to produce 5Mtpa iron ore for mainly export. Three operating iron ore mines, West Angelas, Area C and Hope Downs, are located within a 25 km radius of the Project. According to Guidance Statement No. 56: Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004), the Pilbara region is classified as a ‘Group 2’ area. A Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey is required for sites located within ‘Group 2’ areas, where ‘moderate’ or ‘high’ impact is anticipated or where an area greater than 50 ha may potentially be disturbed. Accordingly, a Level 2 survey of the study area was required, as proposed disturbance is greater than 50 ha.

1.2 SCOPE OF WORK AND SURVEY OBJECTIVES

The objective of the Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey was to collect sufficient baseline information to inform an environmental impact assessment for the Project. The scope of the work was to:  conduct a desktop review to determine potential vertebrate fauna species and habitats within the study area, with a focus on conservation significant species  conduct detailed field surveys for vertebrate fauna within the study area  undertake data analysis  prepare a technical report outlining survey methods, results, assessment of potential impacts on fauna from the proposed project and advice on management and mitigation of impacts. Where practicable, the survey design, methodology and report-writing aspects of the work adhered to appropriate principles and guidelines, including:  Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Position Statement No. 3: Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity Protection (EPA 2002).  EPA Guidance Statement No. 56: Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004).

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

 EPA & Department of Environment and Conservation Technical Guide - Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA & DEC 2010). The limitations of the survey with respect to Guidance Statement 56 (EPA 2004) are discussed in Section 4.6.

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Syncline A TOM Marandoo

￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ T ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ U PRICE Marillana AN Marillana ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿N ￿￿￿￿￿￿ Creek Phils ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ Creek ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ Tom Nyidinghu Price Western 4 Iron Valley Area C Yandi/HI JSE Karijini Mindy National MAC-E MAC-C Mindy Park Hope Jinidi Downs 1

GREAT West NORTH E RN HI GH We s te rn Paraburdoo Angelas WAY Newman HD4 Aus t r a l ia Western Orebody Range PARABURDOO Wonmunna 24-25 Channar Paraburdoo Iron Ore Project PERTH Eastern Orebody 18 Range Mt Whaleback Wheelarra NEWMAN 3-4 ￿￿ Orebody 35 Coobina ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ 705000 710000 715000 7442500 NMM Camp West Truck Dump Park Bay Road - Camp to Office Pit 1

Road - Haul ROM Pad Pit 7 Pit 6 Pit 5

Magazine Office NMM East Area Dump

Road -

Magazine 7440000

Road - CMM Dump CMM Haul

Pit 2

SMM

East 7437500 SMM West Dump Dump Road Pit 3 Pit 4 ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿

￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ We st er n A u s tr al ia

￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ PERTH ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

2 LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT

The protection of fauna in Western Australia is principally governed by three acts:  Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)  Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act)  Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act).

2.1 COMMONWEALTH

Under the EPBC Act, actions that have, or are likely to have, a significant impact on a matter of national environmental significance (NES), require approval from the Australian Government Minister for the Environment. The EPBC Act provides for the listing of threatened native fauna as matters of NES. Conservation categories applicable to threatened fauna species under the EPBC Act are as follows:  Extinct (EX)1 – there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died  Extinct in the Wild (EW) – taxa known to survive only in captivity  Critically Endangered (CR) – taxa facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future  Endangered (EN) – taxa facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future  Vulnerable (VU) – taxa facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term  Conservation Dependent1 – taxa whose survival depends upon ongoing conservation measures; without these measures, a conservation dependent taxon would be classified as Vulnerable or more severely threatened. Few invertebrate taxa from WA are listed as matters of NES and those that are mostly include species that have experienced significant range contractions and population declines due to habitat loss, for example the Margaret River Marron (Cherax tenuimanus) (CR) and the Shield-backed Trapdoor Spider (Idiosoma nigrum) (VU) (Department of the Environment 2014a). The EPBC Act is also the enabling legislation for protection of migratory species (Mig.) under a number of international agreements:  Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA)  China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA)  Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn)  Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Korea on the Protection of Migratory Birds (ROKAMBA).

1 Species listed as Extinct and Conservation Dependent are not matters of NES and therefore do not trigger the EPBC Act.

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

2.2 STATE

In Western Australia, the WC Act provides for the listing of native fauna (Threatened Fauna) species which are under identifiable threat of extinction. Threatened Fauna are assigned to one of four categories under the WC Act:  Schedule 1 (fauna that is rare or is likely to become extinct)  Schedule 2 (fauna presumed to be extinct)  Schedule 3 (Migratory birds protected under an international agreement)  Schedule 4 (other specially protected fauna). Assessments for listing of fauna are based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) threat categories. The Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) administers the WC Act and also maintains a non- statutory list of Priority fauna species which is updated annually . Priority species are still considered to be of conservation significance – that is they may be rare or threatened – but cannot be considered for listing under the WC Act until there is adequate understanding of their threat levels. Species on the Priority fauna lists are assigned to one of five priority (P) categories, P1 (highest) – P5 (lowest), based on level of knowledge/concern. Any activities that are deemed to have a significant impact on listed fauna species can trigger referral to the EPA for assessment under the EP Act.

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

3 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

3.1 INTERIM BIOGEOGRAPHIC REGIONALISATION OF AUSTRALIA (IBRA) REGION

The Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia (IBRA) defines ‘bioregions’ as large land areas characterised by broad, landscape-scale natural features and environmental processes that influence the functions of entire ecosystems (Department of the Environment 2014b; Thackway & Cresswell 1995). They categorise the large-scale geophysical patterns that occur across the Australian continent that are linked to fauna and flora assemblages and processes at the ecosystem scale (Thackway & Cresswell 1995). Western Australia contains 26 IBRA bioregions and 53 subregions. The study area falls within the Pilbara bioregion, which covers an area of 178,060 km2 (Thackway & Cresswell 1995) and is divided into four subregions (Department of the Environment 2014b): Chichester (PIL 1), Fortescue Plains (PIL 2), Hamersley (PIL 3) and Roebourne (PIL 4). The study area is situated within the Hamersley subregion (Figure 3-1) which is characterised by (Kendrick 2001):  mountainous areas of Proterozoic sedimentary ranges and plateaux dissected by gorges  fine-textured soils in valley floors supporting Mulga (Acacia aneura) low woodland over bunch grasses  skeletal soils of the ranges supporting Eucalyptus leucophloia over Triodia brizoides  a semi-desert tropical climate with an average rainfall of 300 mm, generally occurring in summer cyclonic or thunderstorm events Rare features within the subregion include deeply incised gorges containing extensive permanent spring-fed streams and pools which are protected from fire and provide refuge sites for many species within the area (Kendrick 2001).

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430000 610000 790000

Chichester Roebourne PIL01 PIL04 7600000

Cape Range CAR01

Fortescue Hamersley PIL02 PIL03 7450000

Ashburton Wonmunna Iron Ore Project GAS01

Augustus GAS03 ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿

￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ We st er n A u s tr al ia ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ PERTH

￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

3.2 LAND SYSTEMS

The Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (van Vreeswyk et al. 2004) has mapped the land systems of the Hamersley subregion from aerial photography. Land systems are grouped according to landform, soils, vegetation and drainage patterns (Payne & Leighton 2004; van Vreeswyk et al. 2004). The study area intersects four land systems (Figure 3-2):  Egerton – dissected hardpan plains supporting mulga shrublands and hard spinifex hummock grasslands.  Newman – rugged jaspilite plateaux, ridges and mountains supporting hard spinifex grasslands.  Rocklea – basalt hills, plateaux, lower slopes and minor stony plains supporting hard spinifex (and occasionally soft spinifex) grasslands.  Platform – dissected slopes and raised plains supporting hard spinifex grasslands, represents a very minor portion of the study area. The dominant land systems of the study area are the Egerton and Newman land systems. Each covers approximately 40% of the study area, with Egerton dominating the south-west and Newman dominating the north-east portions. The Rocklea land system comprises the remaining 20% of the study area to the north-east. Important fauna habitat contained within these land systems includes:  potential conservation significant vertebrate fauna habitat including rocky hills, spinifex grasslands and creeklines  rocky hill habitats providing potential roost caves for bats, nesting sites for birds of prey and habitat for ground dwelling species of small mammals  potential foraging habitat for conservation significant birds of prey and ground-dependant foraging birds such as the Australian Bustard within spinifex grasslands  scattered patches of larger vegetation such as Mulga woodland may provide habitat for the Bush Stone Curlew  major creeklines with sufficient riparian vegetation fringing may provide a water source and resting/feeding stopovers for any potentially-occurring conservation significant and migratory species  habitat for rock dwelling mammals and birds of prey for roosting, breeding and nesting spots at the base of plateaux and ridgelines  stony plains with sparse cover where small active mammals may occur.

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705000 710000 715000

￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ 7442500

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￿￿￿￿￿￿ 7440000

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￿￿￿￿￿￿ 7437500

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￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿

￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿

￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ We st er n A u s tr al ia

￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ PERTH

￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

3.3 CLIMATE AND WEATHER

The Pilbara bioregion has a semi-desert to tropical climate with highly variable, mostly summer rainfall (Leighton 2004; McKenzie et al. 2009). Rainfall is highly variable but is more prevalent in summer with cyclones and summer storms within the region. The average rainfall over the broader Pilbara region is about 290 mm, ranging from a monthly average of approximately 2 mm in September to 66 mm in February. Rainfall patterns are driven by highly variable year-to-year cyclonic activity that accounts for half of the yearly precipitation (McKenzie et al. 2009). The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) weather station nearest the study area is Newman Airport (no. 7176; 23.42°S 119.80°E) approx. 80 km east of the study area. Newman Airport has its highest mean maximum monthly temperature (39.5°C) in January and the lowest mean maximum temperature (23.0°C) in July (BOM 2014). The highest mean minimum temperature is recorded for January (25.0°C) and the lowest mean minimum temperature for July (6.0°C). The wettest months are January and February (Figure 3-3). Average annual (pan) evaporation in the area is approximately 3600 mm per year (Department of Agriculture 2003), which greatly exceeds annual rainfall and consequently contributes to the arid environment. Average daily maximum temperatures at Newman Airport were lower than average in the months preceding and during the May-June 2011 survey period (Figure 3-3) and close to historical averages for the months preceding and during the October 2011 survey. Average daily minimum temperatures at Newman Airport were close to historical averages in 2011 with the exception of a warmer than average July and August (Figure 3-3). Exceptionally high rainfall was recorded across the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions in February 2011 as a result of frequent thunderstorm activity, two tropical cyclones and a tropical low, with some localities receiving their highest rainfalls on record (BOM 2011). Higher-than-average rainfall (145.8 mm) occurred at Newman Airport during February, which was nearly twice the long-term February average (Figure 3-3).

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Figure 3-3 Climate and weather (January – October 2011) data for Newman Airport weather station (no. 7176)

3.4 LAND USE

The Pilbara region was historically dominated by native grazing and pastoral activities. While the region still embraces the pastoral industry, tourism and other land uses currently dominate the activities of this region. These include dedication of land to Crown Reserves such as the Jigalong Aboriginal Reserve, numerous conservation reserves such as Karijini National Park and Millstream National Park, and mineral exploration and mining activities which form the most dominant land use in the Pilbara region (van Vreeswyk et al. 2004). The Pilbara’s land uses are currently, approximately 60% pastoral lease, 10% conservation reserve, 5% Aboriginal Reserve and 25% unallocated Crown land (McKenzie et al. 2009).

3.5 BIOLOGICAL CONTEXT

3.5.1 Vertebrate fauna

The Pilbara has an expansive and rich species complex comprising a diverse array of vertebrate and invertebrate fauna as well as flora (van Vreeswyk et al. 2004). Fauna within the region have adapted to survive in the harsh Pilbara climatic regime. Many Pilbara fauna species are listed as threatened or priority species in need of protection or research. The Pilbara contains a very diverse flora and fauna; however, its biota remain poorly documented despite a considerable amount of localised surveys by government and tertiary institutions, as well as mining companies and their environmental consultants. A comprehensive biological survey of the Pilbara was conducted by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) from 2002–2007.

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

This survey provided a benchmark for environmental assessment studies in the Pilbara, as it comprehensively surveyed the biota and summarised faunistic and floristic data for the region for many groups of plants and animals. Survey data has provided substantial background information on the small mammal, bat and bird fauna of the region. (McKenzie et al. 2009) Within the Pilbara region there are 44 declared threatened (critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable) fauna (15 mammals, 16 birds, nine reptiles and four fish) and 34 listed Priority (P1-P4) species (10 mammals, eight birds, 15 reptiles and one fish). Of the declared threatened fauna, one is considered critically endangered (a bird species), six are endangered (four mammals, one bird and one reptile) and 28 are vulnerable (11 mammals, five birds, eight reptiles and four fish). The bioregional endemics of the Pilbara include Pilbara Ningaui (Ningaui timealeyi), Little Red Kaluta (Dasykaluta rosamondae), Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani), Rory’s Pseudantechinus (Pseudantechinus roryi), Northern Pilbara Beak-faced Gecko (Diplodactylus galaxias), Pilbara Ground Gecko (Lucasium wombeyi), Peace Delma (Delma pax), Ruddy Ctenotus (Ctenotus rubicundus), Pilbara Skink (Egernia pilbarensis), Pilbara Blue-tailed Slider (Lerista zietzi), Pilbara Flame-tailed Slider (Lerista flammicauda), Pilbara Rock Monitor (Varanus pilbaraensis), Pilbara Death Adder (Acanthophis wellsi), Rufous Whipsnake (Demansia rufescens), Pilbara Blind Snake (Ramphotyphlops pilbaraensis) and Gane’s Blind Snake (Ramphotyphlops ganei).

3.5.2 Threatening processes

Several threats confront the flora and fauna across the Pilbara bioregion, in particular:  Wildfire and alteration of fire regimes: over 72% of the Pilbara region was burnt between 1993 and 2006 (McKenzie et al. 2009). For example, the extent of mulga woodland in the Central Hamersley Range is decreasing as a consequence of too-frequent fires (van Leeuwen et al. 1995). These woodlands support assemblages of species that do not persist in the spinifex scrublands that are replacing the mulga.  Habitat alteration and degradation through grazing: livestock grazing started depleted the native grass cover along the main river channels in the early 1900s, resulting in increasingly occluded drainage systems with substantial bed loads. Simultaneously, the introduced Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) rapidly colonised alluvial surfaces via these river systems. It has subsequently displaced indigenous shrubs and grasses from a variety of Pilbara environments (McKenzie et al. 2009).  Spread of introduced fauna including unmanaged livestock: twelve introduced mammals compete with and/or prey on indigenous species in the Pilbara, including house mice, black rats, feral dogs and cats, red fox, European rabbit, brumbies, feral pigs and camels (McKenzie & Burbidge 2002).  Spread of weeds: a total of 103 weed species are currently established in the Pilbara comprising 6.3% of the region’s flora. Fourteen species are changing the region at a landscape scale by altering fire patterns, modifying soil characteristics or competing directly with native species. Another 15 species significantly modify particular habitats such as wetlands, six are major threats to islands, and a further 16 represent potential threats to Pilbara environments (Keighery 2010).  Habitat destruction through mining and associated infrastructure: several large-scale mining developments are present in the area. Concern is increasing over the cumulative effects of Pilbara mining projects (Paul Vogel, EPA Chairman, pers. comm, EIANZ seminar, May 2014), with specific concerns for fauna including cumulative habitat loss and fragmentation.

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

 Climate change: current predictions suggest that the Pilbara region will become warmer with more hot days and fewer cold nights, and may experience less annual rainfall, droughts will be more severe, and storm events will become more common (McKenzie et al. 2009). These effects may enhance the effects of other threatening processes, in particular the likelihood of fire and the introduction of species from the tropics.

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

4 METHODS

4.1 DESKTOP REVIEW AND DATABASE SEARCHES

Database searches and literature reviews of relevant publications were undertaken prior to the field survey to compile a list of potential conservation significant species that may occur in the study area. The following database searches were undertaken in 2011 and updated in June 2014 for currency:  EPBC Act Protected Matters database (Department of the Environment 2014c; DEWHA 2011) with a rectangle polygon with the diagonal coordinates of NW -22.896360° 118.746320° and SE -23.215548° 119.171030° , with a 1 km buffer  DPaW Threatened Fauna database for a rectangle polygon with the diagonal coordinates of NW -22.896360° 118.746320° and SE -23.215548° 119.171030°  DPaW NatureMap rectangle polygon search (DEC 2011; DPaW 2014) with the diagonal coordinates of NW -22.896360° 118.746320° and SE -23.215548° 119.171030°  Birdlife Australia Birdata database (Birdlife Australia 2014; Birds Australia 2011) search for a rectangle polygon search with the diagonal coordinates of NW -22.896360° 118.746320° and SE -23.215548° 119.171030°. Database searches currently lack records of aquatic vertebrates (fish). In light of this situation, the following three publications were reviewed to establish a list of aquatic vertebrate species that may occur within the study area:  Field guide to the freshwater fishes of Australia (Allen et al. 2002)  Fish fauna of inland waters of the Pilbara (Indian Ocean) Drainage Division of W.A. (Morgan & Gill 2004)  Fishes in groundwater dependant pools of the Fortescue and Yule Rivers; Pilbara W.A. (Morgan et al. 2009). Previous fauna surveys provide background data and context for the current survey. Where available these survey reports were reviewed to build on the database outputs. Previous vertebrate fauna surveys undertaken within and adjacent to the study area include:  Fauna survey of the proposed Hope Downs 4 mining area (Ninox 2009a).  Vertebrate fauna survey of the proposed Hope Downs 4 Infrastructure Corridor: option 1 (Ninox 2009b).  Vertebrate fauna survey of the proposed Hope Downs 4 option 6 Infrastructure Corridor (Ninox 2009c).  East Angelas Project fauna survey (Ecologia 2005).  Fauna habitats and fauna assemblage of the proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mindy Mindy, Christmas Creek, Mt Lewin and Mt Nicholas Mine Areas (Biota 2005).  Hope Downs IV targeted Northern Quoll survey (Biota 2009).

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

4.2 HABITAT ASSESSMENT AND SITE SELECTION

Initial habitat characterisation was undertaken using various remote geographical tools, including aerial photography, land system maps, topographic maps and vegetation community mapping conducted by G&G Environmental Pty Ltd (G&G Environmental 2014). Habitats with the potential to support conservation significant fauna were then identified based on known habitat preferences. Seven broad fauna habitat types were identified within the study area:  acacia woodland  eucalypt woodland  mallee woodland  minor drainage line  major drainage line  spinifex steppe  shrubland in brown clay. Ten systematic fauna survey sites were selected to represent the majority of fauna habitats and landscape changes in the study area (Appendix 1). In selecting sites, consideration was given to aspect, topography, land systems, proximity to water bodies (drainage lines and creeks), vegetation condition, relative cover, habitat representativeness, habitat connectivity and soil type (where known). Sites were primarily chosen to represent the best example of a distinct habitat within the broader habitat associations of the study area.

4.3 FIELD SURVEY

In Phase 1 of the survey, ten systematic survey sites and two targeted Northern Quoll sites were installed from 23–27 May 2011 (Figure 4-1; Appendix 1). Trapping was conducted until 2 June 2011. Phase 2 was conducted from 10–18 October 2011. No targeted Northern Quoll trapping was conducted during Phase 2 as trapping for this species is not recommended between September and April (breeding season) (DSEWPC 2010). Survey work was undertaken at each of the 10 systematic strapping sites over seven nights. One site was only surveyed for six nights during Phase 1 due to time constraints. The survey work consisted of:  systematic trapping for ground-dwelling mammals, reptiles and amphibians  systematic avifauna surveys at all trapping sites, plus additional opportunistic surveys  recording of bat echolocation calls using AnabatTM and Song Meter devices at all trapping sites, plus additional opportunistic recordings  spotlighting for nocturnal species at all trapping sites  camera trapping to observe vertebrate species at selected sites  active searching for all vertebrate species, particularly reptiles  opportunistic recordings of all vertebrate species (direct sightings and secondary evidence)  targeted searching for species of conservation significance

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 aquatic vertebrate (fish) trapping  targeted trapping for Northern Quoll. Detailed habitat descriptions and site photographs were collected at each site (Appendix 2–4).

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￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ We st er n ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ A u s tr al ia

￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿PERTH ￿￿￿￿￿￿

￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

4.3.1 Trapping for ground-dwelling mammals, reptiles and amphibians

Trapping surveys aim to catch small terrestrial mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Each systematic trapping site consisted of one trap line comprising the following (Figure 4-2):  Ten pit traps of five PVC pipes (15 cm diameter x 50 cm depth) and five buckets (20 L) installed at approximately 15 m intervals along a transect. Each pit was installed flush with the substrate, with a 6 m long and 30 cm high aluminium drift fence bisecting each pit. One drift fence with associated traps is referred to as a ‘trap line’. Traps were left open overnight and checked within three hours of sunrise.  Twenty funnel traps measuring 75 cm x 18 cm x 18 cm were placed at each end of the ten aluminium drift fences.  Twenty small type A Elliott traps (9 cm x 10 cm x 33 cm) were placed in pairs at each trap line, parallel to each of the ten pits.  Two Sheffield cage traps (60 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm) were positioned at the end of each 60 transect near trap line one and ten. Elliot and cage traps at the ten systematic trap sites were baited every second day with a universal bait mix consisting of rolled oats, peanut butter and sardines. Elliott, cage and funnel traps were shrouded with reflective closed cell insulation (R2.5 rated) to provide shade and protection for any captured animals. All traps were given as much shade as possible, including leaf litter cover if necessary. Styrofoam covers and leaf litter were used to provide shade in the bottom of pit traps and as a flotation device in the event of heavy rain or flooding.

Figure 4-2 Phoenix systematic trapping design Systematic trapping was conducted at each of the ten sites for six to seven nights during each survey phase. The total vertebrate trapping effort was therefore 7,228 trap nights (Table 4-1); where a trap- night is defined as one trap remaining open for one night. All systematic survey sites were characterised using a range of vegetative, geological and landscape attributes. Each systematic, opportunistic and targeted search site was also photographed, and the site location recorded (WGS84; UTMS) (Table 4-1; Appendices 2–4).

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Table 4-1 Summary of trapping effort for each systematic survey site Site and Trapping effort name Bucket Pipe Elliott (sml) Funnel Cage No. trap nights Total effort Vert01 5 5 20 20 2 14 728 Vert02 5 5 20 20 2 14 728 Vert03 5 5 20 20 2 14 728 Vert04 5 5 20 20 2 14 728 Vert05 5 5 20 20 2 14 728 Vert06 5 5 20 20 2 14 728 Vert07 5 5 20 20 2 14 728 Vert08 5 5 20 20 2 14 728 Vert09 5 5 20 20 2 14 728 Vert10 5 5 20 20 2 13 676 Total 7228

4.3.2 Avifauna surveys

Two independent 60 minute bird surveys were undertaken at each of the ten systematic trapping sites during each phase. In total, 240 min of bird surveys were undertaken at each site. Two observers conducted the work to limit potential single-observer bias. Surveys took place from sunrise to 10:30 am. The order in which sites were surveyed was rotated to maximise the number of species records. Sampling was conducted across the habitat extent of each trapping site. Individual 20 minute surveys were also undertaken at selected opportunistic sites. Surveys consisted of bird recordings from either visual sightings or call recognition. Opportunistic sightings were also recorded while other field work was being completed, including observations made during spotlighting, active searches and images captured by camera trapping (see Sections 4.3.4 and 4.3.5).

4.3.3 Bat echolocation recordings

AnabatTM detectors and Song Meter recorders were used to record bat echolocation calls at each systematic trapping site during each Phase, except for at Vert05 and Vert08 during Phase 1 where technical difficulties were encountered. These two sites were sampled in Phase 2. In total, 18 nights of surveying were conducted, recording between nine and 12 continuous hours per night. Detectors were aimed at a 45° angle to the ground, and were set to record overnight. Areas of habitat likely to have increased insect activity and to attract bats (i.e. semi-permanent water, creeklines and stands of trees) were targeted. The recorded data was analyzed by Dr Bob Bullen (Bat Call WA), an expert in the field.

4.3.4 Spotlighting

Spotlighting was undertaken to detect the presence of any nocturnal vertebrate species. The total time spent spotlighting at each site was a minimum of one person hour for the entire survey period with a total of six hours during Phase 1 and 10 hours during Phase 2. Nocturnal searches were undertaken between sunset and 9 pm when activity levels were highest for most nocturnal species. Each nocturnal survey consisted of searches using head torches to detect animal movement, eye shine, or other evidence of species presence. These searches particularly

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

targeted reptiles and amphibians, but also night birds. Opportunistic sightings of species on roads using car-mounted spotlights were also recorded. Nocturnal search results in June 2011 were relatively poor due to the cold overnight temperatures. Animals tended to be located for only the first site investigated each night, after which time the temperature was too low for reptile activity. Additional nocturnal searches were therefore conducted during Phase 2.

4.3.5 Motion camera trapping

Camera traps increase the chance of collecting evidence of animals that are not likely to be captured or sighted using the regular surveying techniques. They are particularly useful for detecting species that are difficult to trap or detect due to their shy or cryptic nature. Such animals include Northern Quoll, rock-wallabies and introduced foxes, cats and dogs. During Phase 1, six infrared motion-sensor camera traps (Reconyx HyperfireTM HC600) were deployed at six selected sites (Figure 4-1; Appendix 1). During Phase 2, four cameras were used to survey a gorge system, upstream of the semi-permanent water pool. Between the two phases three camera traps were set-up at the semi-permanent pool for a period of 110 days (23 June 2011 to 11 October 2011). Cameras were deployed for up to eight nights in areas that showed signs of animal movement or disturbance, or provided potential habitat for conservation significant species. These included areas with suitable Northern Quoll habitat, Western Pebble-mound Mouse mounds, rock-wallabies and pools of permanent or semi-permanent water for various species (see examples in Figure 4-3). Each camera was set to take between three and ten consecutive pictures (depending on where the camera was installed) every time a movement was detected, 24 hours a day. The cameras have no- glow infrared sensors and flashes to minimise disturbance to nocturnal species. Cameras were set up to get the greatest cover of a targeted area, varying at each site depending on the situation. For example, cameras set up around pools of water were set up to cover the entire pool whereas cameras targeting Western Pebble-mound Mouse were targeted directly on the area around the entrance to located burrows. Universal bait was scattered around some sites to attract animals into the camera view.

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Figure 4-3 Sample images of some species recorded during the current survey using camera traps (top to bottom, left to right: Feral Cat, Felis catus; Western Bowerbird, Ptilonorhynchus guttatus; Common Rock-rat, Zyzomys argurus; Euros, Macropus robustus; Dingo, Canis lupus; Juvenile Nankeen Night-heron, Nycticorax caledonicus)

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4.3.6 Active searches

Active surveys primarily targeted diurnal herpetofauna and mammals from direct sightings and secondary evidence of species occurrence. Active searching was undertaken at each site in the study area, as well opportunistic sites. Active surveys comprised searches of any observable microhabitats likely to support mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Techniques included: identification of active animals, raking leaf and bark litter, overturning logs and stones, searching beneath the bark of trees, investigating dead trees and logs, investigating overhangs and crevices, investigating burrows, and recording tracks, diggings, scats and other secondary evidence. Time spent on active searching totaled a minimum of one hour at each site during each phase, for a total 20 hours over the survey period.

4.3.7 Opportunistic records

To supplement systematic sampling, observations of all vertebrate species were recorded. Opportunistic or non-systematic sampling involved recording all sightings of vertebrate fauna species while working and travelling within the study area, day and night. Opportunistic records included species sighted:  before or just after the fixed-time active searches or bird censuses  during reconnaissance visits to the study sites  during trap line establishment  while travelling to and from the study sites.

4.3.8 Targeted searching

Targeted searches were undertaken in various parts of the study area for direct and secondary evidence (e.g. scats, tracks, mounds) of conservation significant species, including the Western Pebble-mound Mouse, Northern Quoll, Australian Bustard, rock-wallabies and the Pilbara Olive Python Activity and presence of Western Pebble-mound Mouse was determined primarily using the external mound structures as indicators (Anstee 1996).

4.3.9 Aquatic vertebrate trapping

Aquatic vertebrate trapping targeted fish species that may be present within the study area. Funnel fish traps were deployed where pools of water were present and checked on a daily basis to determine what species were present and utilizing the Weeli Wolli Creekline that flows through the study area.

4.3.10 Targeted trapping for Northern Quoll

Two targeted Northern Quoll trap sites were set up within the study area on 23 May 2011, within the gorge which separates to the two most easterly proposed pits. Each of the two trapping sites established to target (primarily) Northern Quolls comprised ten large type B Elliot traps (46 cm x 15.5 cm x 15 cm) and 15 Sheffield cage traps placed evenly along a transect, alternating between the two cage types. The trapping design attempted to adhere to the methods and sample size calculations provided in the recently published Northern Quoll Survey

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Guidelines (DSEWPC 2010). In some cases; however, the shape of the prospective habitat prevented adherence to the guidelines. In these circumstances traps were evenly spaced in transects and small grids to allow suitable coverage of areas providing suitable habitat for Northern Quolls. Elliot and cage traps set up at the targeted Northern Quoll sites were baited every second day with a bait mix consisting of rolled oats, peanut butter and a blend of sardines and non-fish based canned cat food. All traps were covered with reflective closed cell insulation (R2.5 rated) or a hessian cover to provide shade and protection for any captured animals. All traps were set up in areas providing as much shade as possible to reduce the chance of animals experiencing heat stress during capture. Trapping at the two Northern Quoll sites was conducted over a seven night period during Phase 1 only, to avoid trapping during the breeding season in Phase 2, in accordance with DSEWPC (2010). Traps were opened and left overnight to target the Quoll when it is most active. All traps at both sites were checked and cleared within three hours of sunrise. The total trapping effort for the two sites was 350 trap nights (Table 4-2), where a trap-night is defined as one trap open for one night. No suitable habitat for Northern Quolls was present within the impact areas of the study area; however potential habitat was located within close proximity to the impact areas. Targeted trap sites were established in these areas to confirm the presence of quolls. All survey sites were characterised using a range of vegetative, geological and landscape attributes. Each site was also photographed, and its location recorded (WGS84; UTMS) (Appendix 4). Table 4-2 Summary of trapping effort and location of targeted Northern Quoll trapping sites in the study area Trapping effort

Type b No. Site and Easting Northing Trap Trap Elliott trap Total name Habitat (50K) (50K) open closed (large) Cage nights effort Major 11- creekline, Quoll01 rocky gorge 710744 7441259 23/05/11 29/05/11 10 15 7 175 12- Major Quoll02 creekline 710128 7440396 23/05/11 29/05/11 10 15 7 175 Total 20 30 14 350

4.3.11 Additional targeted survey

On advice from DEC (now DPaW) (Norm McKenzie, pers. com. 2012) regarding the Level 2 survey results, a follow up targeted survey was conducted in February 2012 for Western Chestnut Mouse (see section 5.2.5) and Western Pebble-mound Mouse (see section 6.1.1). This comprised trapping grids for the Western Chestnut Mouse and active searches for Western Pebble-mound Mouse mounds.

4.4 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Species accumulation curves were generated from all systematically recorded data from both Phases of the survey (species captured at the vertebrate trapping sites, and the ornithological and bat records collected at the each trapping site) using PRIMER v5.0 software.

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Species accumulation curves provide a tool with which to gauge the completeness of a sampling event. A curve that reaches an asymptote indicates that the sample design and size were sufficient to inventory a majority of the expected target faunal assemblage. The data set was not transformed prior to calculations and was based on abundance data. The data was permutated 999 times as part of the calculation process. The total assemblage recorded at each site over the seven trapping nights formed the architecture of the analysis. The Chao1, Jacknife1 and Jacknife 2 methods were performed. The analysis was performed for the entire assemblage simultaneously and for each taxonomic group (birds, reptiles and frogs, and mammals).

4.5 TAXONOMY AND NOMENCLATURE

The taxonomy and nomenclature used in this report follows several sources, depending on the fauna group:  Mammals (Menkhorst & Knight 2011)  Birds (Christidis & Boles 2008)  Reptiles (Wilson & Swan 2013)  Amphibians (Tyler & Doughty 2009)  Fish (Allen et al. 2002).

Some taxonomy and nomenclature from previous reports for other surveys near the study area have been updated with current taxonomy from the publications above. Examples include the taxonomy of Cryptoblepharaus plagiocephalus (Snake-eyed Skink) or Lerista mulleri species complexes, which have recently been broken up and/or re-described. Currency of taxonomy and nomenclature was reviewed and updated in July 2014.

4.6 SURVEY PERSONNEL

The Level 2 survey was conducted by qualified zoologists (Table 4-3). Table 4-3 Survey personnel Name Position Qualifications / role Guillaume Bouteloup Ornithologist Field survey (Phase 1 and 2), reporting, GIS Adv. Dip. (Land Con. Man.) Jarrad Clark Senior Zoologist Project manager, field supervisor (Phase 1 and 2) BSc (Env. Mgt.) Ryan Ellis Zoologist Field survey (Phase 1), reporting, GIS BSc (Env. Sci, ongoing), Dip. (CALM) Ray Lloyd Zoologist Field survey (Phase 1) BSc (Hons) (Zoology) Julie Raines Senior Zoologist Field survey (Phase 1 and 2) BSc (Hons) (Zoology) Tom Parkin Zoologist Field survey (Phase 2) BSc (Env. Mgt.)

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Name Position Qualifications / role Dane Trembath Senior Zoologist Field survey (Phase 2) PhD (candidate) Alese Davies Zoologist Field survey (Phase 2) BSc (Env. Mgt.) Tim Frodsham Environmental Scientist Field survey (Phase 1) BSc (Env. Sci.)

5 RESULTS

5.1 DESKTOP REVIEW

In the desktop review 275 vertebrate fauna species were identified from the database searches and literature review. These comprised 47 mammals (39 native and eight introduced), 118 birds, 95 reptiles, six amphibians and nine species of fish (Appendix 5). As some of the database records are historical, the search results are likely to overestimate the number of vertebrate species that may currently use the study area. A total of 23 species of conservation significance were identified as potentially occurring in the study area comprising seven threatened species, nine priority species, seven Migratory species and eight listed as specially protected (S1) under the WC Act (Table 5-1).

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Table 5-1 Conservation significant species identified through database searches as occurring or potentially occurring in the study area WC Family & species Common name EPBC DPaW Act FISH Leiopotherapon aheneus Fortescue Grunter P4 MAMMALS Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll EN S1 EN Macrotis lagotis Bilby VU S1 VU Notoryctes caurinus Northern Marsupial Mole EN S1 EN Macroderma gigas Ghost Bat P4

Rhinonicteris aurantius Orange Leafnosed-bat VU S1 VU Leggadina lakedownensis Short-tailed Mouse P4

Pseudomys chapmani Western Pebble-mound Mouse P4 REPTILES Underwoodisaurus seorsus Pilbara Barking Gecko P1 Ramphotyphlops ganei Gane’s Blind Snake P1 Liasis olivaceus barroni Pilbara Olive Python VU S1 VU BIRDS

Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift Migr S3 Ardea modesta Eastern Great Egret Migr S3 Ardea ibis Cattle Egret Migr S3 Falco hypoleucos Grey Falcon S1 VU Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon S4 SP Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard P4

Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew P4

Charadrius veredus Oriental Plover Migr S3

EN, S1/S3 EN Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe Migr Pezoporus occidentalis Night Parrot EN S1 CR Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater Migr S3

Neochmia ruficauda subclarescens Star Finch P4

See section 2 for guide to conservation codes.

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5.2 FIELD SURVEY

5.2.1 Habitat descriptions

The ten systematic trapping sites sampled six of the seven fauna habitats identified within the study area (section 4.2; Appendix 2). The habitats of the study area were described as (highest to lowest percentage representation; Figure 5-1):  Mallee woodland (36.5%): found across a broad transversal section of the study area. They are mostly comprised of dense to widely scattered mallee trees over very scattered grass hummocks on rocky and clay-loam soils.  Spinifex steppe (34.5%): the study area comprises two large spinifex steppes. The western steppe is a vast field of dense spinifex hummocks over alternating boulder field on rolling hills and gravel flats. The eastern steppe is a succession of hills and plateaux over small gravels with some patches of large rocks.  Eucalypt woodland (12.3%): a large fringe of this habitat runs along the northern boundary of the study area with a narrowing corridor extending south, towards the centre. Most of these woodlands are dominated by very widely scattered large to very large eucalypts over dense to scattered spinifex hummocks on red rocky soil.  Acacia woodland (12.1%): most of these woodlands are largely dominated by dense to semi- dense mulga trees over scattered grass hummocks. The leaf litter is usually thick and concentrated under trees. This habitat has, to a lesser extent, the same distribution as the mallee woodlands among which it is usually embedded.  Major drainage line (2.2%): two gorge systems are found in the study area. One is an arm of the main Weeli Wolli Creek and one is the main creek bed. Both run parallel to the south across the eastern section of the study area. Further south, Weeli Wolli Creek runs westbound along the foothills of Ophthalmia Range. In this section the creek is bordered with mallee and acacia woodlands on flats.  Minor drainage line (2.2%): in total, 11 minor drainage lines are recorded in the study area. Most are upstream tributaries of Weeli Wolli Creek and run southward.  Shrubland in brown clay (0.2%): a very small amount of this habitat is present across the central part of the study area as well as in the southern section. No trapping was conducted in this habitat. Disturbed area (0.1%): A single patch of cleared habitat (truck activity and laydown area for drilling) is located in the north-west corner of the study area. No trapping was conducted in this habitat. A site visit was undertaken in 2008 as part of the initial scoping study for the Project. At that time the study area had recently experienced a large-scale, intense wildfire. When the field survey was conducted in 2011 considerable regrowth was noted in both understorey and canopy cover.

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705000 710000 715000 7442500

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￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿

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￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ 7440000 7437500 ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ This drawing is subject to COPYRIGHT and is property of Phoenix Environmental Sciences

Client: Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿Project: Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Author: G. Bouteloup Date: 24/07/2014 ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 50 Study area Mallee woodland Projection: Transverse Mercator ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿Datum: GDA 1994 Acacia woodland Disturbed area Minor drainage line We st er n A u s tr al ia

0 0.4 0.8 1.6 Kilometres Eucalypt woodland Systematic trapping site Shrubland in brown clay PERTH

1:52,000 Major drainage line Spinifex steppe Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

5.2.2 Summary of fauna records

The Level 2 systematic field survey recorded 169 vertebrate species representing five orders of vertebrate taxa, of a potential 275 species (Table 5-2) identified through the database searches and literature reviews (Appendix 5 and 6). The field surveys added two species of birds and one species of reptile not returned from the desktop review. Five conservation significant species were recorded during the survey, including one migratory species (Sections 5.2.3 and 5.2.7; Figure 5-2Figure 5-2). The conservation significant species recorded were:  Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani; Priority 4, DPaW)  Australian Bustard (Ardeotis australis; Priority 4, DPaW)  Bush Stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius, Priority 4, DPaW)  Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus; Migratory, EPBC; Schedule 3, WC Act)  Star Finch (Neochmia ruficauda subclarescens; Priority 4, DPAW). Cold temperatures experienced during Phase 1 are believed to have resulted in the reduced capture rate of reptile species (Table 5-2). These reduced temperatures resulted in less movement from many species, primarily reptiles and frogs. Reduced activity in mammal species was also expected with the cooler weather. Higher temperatures during Phase 2 resulted in higher species diversity and abundance with an additional 37 species recorded compared to Phase 1. Table 5-2 Vertebrate taxa recorded during the Level 2 survey, and the total number of species potentially occurring within the study area No. of species recorded during Total no. of species potentially Taxa this survey occurring in study area1,2 Mammals 30 47 Birds 77 118 Reptiles 58 95 Amphibians 2 6 Fish 2 9 Total fauna species 169 275 1 data derived from relevant literature, published and unpublished reports and various databases. 2 database searches and reviewed reports do not include aquatic vertebrates within their results.

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705000 710000 715000 7442500 7440000 7437500 This drawing is subject to COPYRIGHT and is property of Phoenix Environmental Sciences

Client: Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd Project: Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Author: G. Bouteloup Date: 24/07/2014 ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿Study area Bush Stone-curlew Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 50 ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: GDA 1994 Rainbow Bee-eater ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ We st er n A u s tr al ia Star Finch 0 0.4 0.8 1.6 Kilometres PERTH Western Pebble mound Mouse 1:52,000 Australian Bustard Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

5.2.3 Fish

Two species of fish were recorded during the survey of a potential nine species that may occur within the study area. The species recorded were the Spangled Perch (Leiopotherapon unicolor) and Western Rainbow Perch (Melanotaenia australis), both at the pool near Vert03. No conservation significant species were recorded during the survey; however, there is potential for the Fortescue Grunter (Leiopotherapon ahenus; DPaW Priority 4) to occur in the Weeli Wolli creekline when flowing and in the semi-permanent pools of water when the creek line is not flowing and the pool still holds water (Allen et al. 2002; Morgan & Gill 2004). Table 5-3 Fish species recorded during the survey Family and species Common name Melanotaeniidae Melanotaenia australis Western Rainbowfish Terapontidae Leiopotherapom unicolor Spangled Perth

5.2.4 Amphibians

The desktop review indicated that six species of amphibian could potentially occur in the study area; two were recorded during the survey (Sheep Frog , Cyclorana maini and Little Red Tree Frog, Litoria rubella). Low temperatures during Phase 1 resulted in minimal activity for amphibians, with only tow species recorded (Table 5-4). Temperatures during Phase 2 were more suitable despite the lack of humidity. The Little Red Tree Frog was recorded only at Vert03, around the pools. The Sheep Frog was recorded only at Vert06 while spotlighting.

Table 5-4 Amphibian species recorded during the survey Family & species Common name Hylidae Cyclorana maini Sheep Frog Litoria rubella Little Red Tree Frog

5.2.5 Mammals

A total of 30 mammal species were recorded from 221 records in the study area, including nine species of bats and seven introduced species (Table 5-5). Only one listed conservation significant mammal species, the Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani; DEC Priority 4), was recorded in the study area during the survey. Selected areas of suitable habitat were searched for evidence of the species. A total of 37 pebble mounds were located. Of the 37 mounds, 12 were inactive, 17 active and the condition of the remaining eight was inconclusive. (Figure 5-2). Camera traps deployed at three mounds recorded images of Western Pebble-mound mice at two sites (see section 6.1.1). The presence of mounds located throughout areas of suitable habitat within the study area indicates a strong presence of the species

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within the area. The search effort to date is considered non-exhaustive and there are likely to be many more active mounds present. The Western Chesnut Mouse record is also noteworthy. A single individual was captured in a pipe at Vert01 in acacia woodland habitat during phase 2 of the survey. This habitat extends well outside the proposed impact areas of the Project. At the time of the survey the speciment record was located 304 km south of the known range. A targeted survey was conducted following consultation with DPaW to increase knowledge of this population. No further specimens were captured during that survey and the 2014 review of records from the NatureMap database indicated that this finding was not as significant as previously thought with more recent records from only 165 km north of the Wonnmuna record. Areas providing suitable habitat for Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus; EPBC Act Endangered, WC Act Schedule 1) were investigated using two targeted trapping sites; none were captured and there was no secondary evidence recorded during the survey. Bioregional endemic mammal species recorded during the survey include the Little Red Kaluta (Dasykaluta rosamondae), Pilbara Ningaui (Ningaui timealeyi), an undescribed Planigale species and the Western Pebble-mound Mouse. The Planigale species in the Pilbara region are likely to comprise more than one species and taxonomic revisions are currently being completed (Gibson & McKenzie 2009). No conservation significant bat species were recorded. Caves present within a section along the Weeli Wolli creekline within the study area that may provide potential roost sites for Pilbara Leaf- nosed Bat (Rhinonicteris aurantius; EPBC Act Vulnerable, WC Act Schedule 1, DEC Vulnerable) were identified. Targeted surveys and echolocation recordings were undertaken, with no positive results. For small ground-dwelling mammals (<50 gr) the survey recorded, on average, 3.5 species of small ground-dwelling mammals per site, which is slightly higher than the 3.4 species per site recorded during the PBS (Gibson & McKenzie 2009). The trapping method was different; however, with Gibson & McKenzie (2009) not using Elliott traps and employing a different pitfall trap set up (two 50 m continuous fence lines as opposed to 10 individual 6 m fence lines for the current survey). Table 5-5 Mammal species recorded during the survey Family & species Common name Dasyuridae Dasykaluta rosamondae Little Red Kaluta Ningaui timealeyi Pilbara Ningaui Planigale sp. Planigale sp. Sminthopsis macroura Stripe-faced Dunnart Macropodidae Macropus robustus erubescens Euro Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo Petrogale rothschildi Rothschilds's Rock Wallaby Emballonuridae Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat Taphozous georgianus Common Sheathtail-bat Taphozous hilli Hill's Sheathtail-bat Vespertilionidae Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat

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Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat Vespadelus finlaysoni Finlayson's Cave Bat Molossidae Chaerephon jobensis Northern Freetail-bat Mormopterus beccarii Beccari's Freetail-bat Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail-bat Muridae Mus musculus* House Mouse Notomys alexis Spinifex Hopping-mouse Pseudomys chapmani Western Pebble-mound Mouse Pseudomys delicatulus Delicate Mouse Pseudomys desertor Desert Mouse Pseudomys hermannsburgensis Sandy Inland Mouse Peudomys nanus Western Chestnut Mouse Zyzomys argurus Common Rock-rat Leporidae Oryctolagus cuniculus* Rabbit Canidae Canis lupus Dingo/Dog Felidae Felis catus* Cat Equidae Equus asinus* Donkey Camelidae Camelus dromedarius* Camel Bovidae Bos taurus* European Cattle *Introduced species

5.2.6 Reptiles

A total of 58 reptile species were recorded during the survey from a total of 500 individuals (Table 5-6). No species of conservation significance were recorded. Bioregional endemic species recorded include the Pilbara Rock Monitor (Varanus pilbarensis), Lerista zietzi and Ctenotus rubicundus. The desktop survey indicated a potential list 96 reptile species for the study area. The survey recorded 60% of them (58). During the Phase 1 survey the average daily maximum temperature reached 24.8°C, with an average minimum temperature of 8.8°C (BOM 2011). These relatively low temperatures probably resulted in reduced movement of reptile species. Warmer temperatures during the Phase 2 survey potentially resulted in more species being recorded (36 vs. 45) with 13 species added to the reptile list for the survey. The average number of species per site is 14.9 with highest numbers recorded at Vert01 (21 species, acacia woodland), Vert08 (19 species, spinifex steppe) and Vert04 (18 species, minor drainage line).

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If Vert08 presents interesting landscape features for reptiles (dense spinifex clumps, large numbers of cavities available across a vast boulder field), Vert01 has habitat features common to other trap sites where reptile richness is much lower (e.g. Vert07 has only 12 species with a similar understorey cover, leaf litter and dead wood). It is therefore not clear why this site produced the longest reptile list of the survey. Habitat that may potentially support the Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceus barroni; EPBC Act Vulnerable, WC Act Schedule 1) was present within the study area; however, no activity or secondary evidence was identified. Table 5-6 Reptile species recorded during the survey Family & species Common name Agamidae Amphibolurus longirostris Diporiphora amphiboluroides Ctenophorus caudicinctus caudicinctus Ring -tailed Dragon Ctenophorus isolepis isolepis Crested Dragon Diporiphora valens Southern Pilbara Tree Dragon Diporiphora vescus / paraconvergens Blue-lined Dragon Pogona minor minor Western Bearded Dragon Diplodactylidae Diplodactylus conspicillatus Fat -tailed Gecko Diplodactylus pulcher Diplodactylus savagei Southern Pilbara Beak-faced Gecko Lucasium stenodactylum Box-patterned Gecko Lucasium wombeyi Pilbara Ground Gecko Oedura marmorata Marbled Velvet Gecko Rhynchoedura ornata Western Beaked Gecko Strophurus elderi Strophurus wellingtonae Gekkonidae Gehyra pilbara Gehyra punctata Gehyra variegata Heteronotia binoei Bynoe's Gecko Heteronotia spelea Desert Cave Gecko Pygopodidae Delma haroldi Delma nasuta Lialis burtonis Burtons Legless Lizard Scincidae Carlia munda Striped Rainbow Skink Cryptoblepharus buchananii Buchanan's Snake-eyed Skink Cryptoblepharus plagiocephalus Cryptoblepharus ustulatus Russet Snake-eyed Skink Ctenotus duricola

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Family & species Common name Ctenotus helenae Ctenotus leonhardi Ctenotus pantherinus ocellifer Leopard Ctenotus Ctenotus rubicundus Ctenotus saxatilis Rock Ctenotus Ctenotus schomburgkii Egernia cygnitos Pygmy Spiny-tailed Skink Egernia formosa Goldfields Crevice-skink Lerista muelleri (may include other species) Lerista neander Lerista zietzi Menetia greyii Morethia ruficauda exquisita Varanidae Varanus acanthurus Spiny -tailed Monitor Varanus brevicauda Short-tailed Pygmy Monitor Varanus bushi Pilbara Mulga Monitor Varanus caudolineatus Stripe-tailed Pygmy Monitor Varanus gouldii Sand Monitor Varanus panoptes rubidus Yellow-spotted Monitor Varanus pilbarensis Pilbara Rock Monitor Varanus tristis tristis Racehorse Monitor Typhlopidae Ramphotyphlops pilbarensis Boidae Antaresia perthensis Pygmy Python Antaresia stimsoni Stimson's Python Elapidae Brachyurophis approximans North -western Shovel-nosed Snake Demansia psammophis cupreiceps Yellow-faced Whipsnake Parasuta monachus Pseudechis australis Mulga Snake Pseudonaja mengdeni Western Brown Snake Pseudonaja modesta Ringed Brown Snake

5.2.7 Birds

A total of 77 species of birds were recorded from systematic surveys, opportunistic records and remote sensor cameras during the survey (Table 5-7). A total of 118 species have the potential to occur within the area (Appendix 5) of which 64% (75) were recorded during the survey. Two additional species which were not identified by the database searches and previous report lists were also recorded.

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Four birds of conservation significance were recorded; the Australian Bustard (Ardeotis australis; DEC Priority 4), the Bush Stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius; DEC Priority 4), Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus; EPBC Act Migratory) and the Star Finch (Neochmia ruficauda subclarescens; DEC Priority 4). One Australian Bustard was recorded in the south-west of the study area in a flat, low-lying spinifex sand plain, fringing a section of the Weeli Wolli Creek, near site Vert04. Two other individuals were seen together between Vert01 and Vert03 at the base of a small slope in a spinifex steppe. The Bush Stone-curlew was recorded at Vert07. An individual was flushed on two occasions at the exact same location, during the day. No sign of breeding activity was recorded. The habitat is a dense to semi-open acacia woodland, producing a thick leaf litter. The Rainbow Bee-eater was recorded once from an opportunistic sighting (site Northern Quoll02). This site provided suitable potential nesting habitat. Star Finches were recorded at two sites, once at Northern Quoll02 and three times at site Vert03. Both sites were associated with the Weeli Wolli creekline. Two species were recorded that were not returned through the database searches, the Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) and the Little Pied Cormorant (Microcarbo melanoleucos). In total, six species occurred at all sites: Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulates), Pied Butcherbird (Cracticus nigrogularis), Rufous Whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris), Singing Honeyeater (Lichenostomus virescens), Weebill (Smicrornis brevirostris) and Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata). Of these, four are listed among the 10 most common bird species recorded during the PBS (Burbidge et al. 2010). On average, the survey recorded 29.2 species of birds per site, which is higher than that of the PBS with 19.1 bird species per site. The results are; however, consistent with Burbidge et al. (2010) with riparian habitats recording the highest species richness (Vert03: 42 species, major drainage line; Vert04: 34 species, minor drainage line). The presence of water at Vert03 also attracted species from other habitats. Sites located in woodlands (mallee, acacia, and eucalypt) recorded an average of 27.1 species of birds. The spinifex steppe had the lowest bird diversity (22 species). This is a very open habitat type, with very widely scattered trees and shrubs that offer reduced structure to support breeding and sheltering. Overall, the bird species assemblages and characteristic species are very similar to those recorded by the PBS in the same broad habitat types (Burbidge et al. 2010). However, some species typical of some habitats in the Pilbara have not been recorded (e.g. Blue-winged Kookaburra, Dacelo leachii, in riparian habitats). Table 5-7 Bird species recorded during the survey Family & species Common name Casuariidae

Dromaius novaehollandiae Emu Columbidae Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon Geophaps plumifera Spinifex Pigeon Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove Geopelia striata Peaceful Dove

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Family & species Common name Podargidae Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth Eurostopodidae Eurostopodus argus Spotted Nightjar Aegothelidae Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar Phalacrocoracidae Microcarbo melanoleucos Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Little Black Cormorant Ardeidae Nycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night-heron Accipitridae Hamirostra melanosternon Black -breasted Buzzard Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk Accipiter cirrocephalus Collared Sparrowhawk Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle Falconidae Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel Falco berigora Brown Falcon Otididae Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard Burhinidae Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew Charadriidae Elseyornis melanops Black -fronted Dotterel Turnicidae Turnix velox Little Button-quail Cacatuidae Eolophus roseicapillus Galah Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella Nymphicus hollandicus Cockatiel Psittacidae Barnardius zonarius Australian Ringneck Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar Cuculidae Chalcites basalis Ho rsfield's Bronze-cuckoo Cacomantis pallidus Pallid Cuckoo Strigidae Ninox novaeseelandiae Southern Boobook Halcyonidae Todiramphus pyrrhopygius Red -backed Kingfisher

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Family & species Common name Meropidae Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater Ptilonorhynchidae Ptilonorhynchus guttatus Western Bowerbird Maluridae Malurus splendens Splendid Fairy-wren Malurus leucopterus White-winged Fairy-wren Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren Stipiturus ruficeps Rufous-crowned Emu-wren Amytornis striatus whitei Striated Grasswren (Pilbara) Acanthizidae Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill Gerygone fusca Western Gerygone Acanthiza robustirostris Slaty-backed Thornbill Acanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza apicalis Inland Thornbill Pardalotidae Pardalotus rubricatus Red -browed Pardalote Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote Meliphagidae Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater Lichenostomus keartlandi Grey-headed Honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Epthianura tricolor Crimson Chat Pomatostomatidae Pomatostomus temporalis Grey -crowned Babbler Pomatostomus superciliosus White-browed Babbler Campephagidae Coracina novaehollandiae Bl ack-faced Cuckoo-shrike Lalage sueurii White-winged Triller Pachycephalidae Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush Oreoica gutturalis pallescens Crested Bellbird Artamidae Artamus cinereus Black -faced Woodswallow Artamus minor Little Woodswallow Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie Rhipiduridae

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Family & species Common name Rhipidura albiscapa Grey Fantail Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail Corvidae Corvus bennetti Little Crow Corvus orru Torresian Crow Monarchidae Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie -lark Petroicidae Melanodryas cucullata Hooded Robin Megaluridae Cincloramphus mathewsi Rufous Songlark Eremiornis carteri Spinifexbird Nectariniidae Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird Estrildidae Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch Neochmia ruficauda subclarescens Star Finch Emblema pictum Painted Finch

5.2.8 Statistical analysis

Two statistical analyses were conducted on the species-level data collected during both phases of the survey; species accumulation curves and hierarchical cluster analyses. The species accumulation curves used the Chao1, Jackknife1 and Jackknife2 methods for the total faunal assemblages and for each vertebrate class (Figure 5-3a-d). The species accumulation curves for the entire faunal assemblage (Figure 5-3a) did not quite reach asymptotes, indicating that not all species were recorded; however, the curves have flattened out sufficiently to suggest the survey effort was adequate. Separate species accumulation curves for different vertebrate groups were also generated. The accumulation curves for mammals (Figure 5-3b) and birds (Figure 5-3c) suggested a few more species could have been recorded. The species accumulation curves for reptiles-fish-amphibians (Figure 5-3d) indicated that an almost complete inventory of expected fauna was recorded. The records from Phase 2 were critical to collecting adequate fauna assemblage data for the study area. The results highlight the importance of undertaking a second seasonal survey when the first is conducted in a sub-optimal sampling period.

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Figure 5-3 Species accumulation curves a) entire assemblage, b) mammals, c) birds and d) reptiles, fish and amphibians The hierarchical cluster analysis (Figure 5-4) included data from both survey phases and produced only one interesting result highlighting the distinctiveness of the assemblage recorded at site Vert03. This site was positioned alongside a section of Weeli Wolli Creek near an area of semi-permanent water. No other trends or points of interest may be extrapolated.

Figure 5-4 Hierarchical cluster analysis for data collected at the systematic sites (first number indicates the phase and the second number indicates the site number)

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5.3 SURVEY LIMITATIONS

The limitations of the surveys with respect to Guidance Statement 56 (EPA 2004) are outlined (Table 5-8) Table 5-8 Limitations of the Level 2 survey Relevant? Limitations Yes/No Comments Competency/experience of the No Phoenix has extensive experience in undertaking consultant carrying out the fauna surveys throughout the Pilbara, Midwest, survey. South-west and Goldfields regions of Western Australia. Scope (what faunal groups Yes During the surveys, weather conditions were not were sampled and were some suitable for all vertebrate groups. Cooler weather sampling methods not able to during Phase 1 reduced the number of species be employed because of captured and recorded during nocturnal work, constraints such as weather especially herpetofauna. There was an obvious conditions, e.g. pitfall trapping increase in the number of trapped animals in the in waterlogged soils or inability middle of the Phase 1 survey, when minimum to use pitfall traps.) temperatures increased. Proportion of fauna identified, Yes All of the animals collected were identified to recorded and/or collected. species level, except for a Planigale sp., as the group is currently undergoing taxonomic revision. The number of potential species recorded was reduced due to the cooler weather during the survey period, particularly during Phase 1. Sources of information No Numerous other surveys of similar scope have (previously available been undertaken within close proximity to the information as distinct from study area. new data). Timing/weather/season/cycle. Yes Weather had a moderate impact on the number of species and abundance of individual reptiles captured during Phase 1. Cooler weather during reduced the movement and activity of many species, especially reptiles and frogs. The proportion of the task No The desktop review and Phase 1 and Phase 2 of achieved and further work the survey have been completed as planned. which might be needed. Further potential work is discussed in Section 5.3.

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Relevant? Limitations Yes/No Comments Disturbances (e.g. fire, flood, Partially As expected grazing from introduced cattle and accidental human intervention previous fires have had a minor impact on the etc.) which affected results of habitat within the study area. survey. Between Phase 1 and Phase 2 (but also during Phase 2) further drilling was conducted, in a number of cases, in the middle of some trap lines. The traps remained intact but the habitat was significantly altered (ground disturbance, vegetation clearing, fragmentation, see photo below).

Intensity (in retrospect, was the No Trapping and opportunistic survey sites were intensity adequate?) distributed throughout representative habitats found within the study area. Completeness (e.g. was No All major habitat types within the study area were relevant area fully surveyed). surveyed. Bat surveys were not completed at Vert05 and Vert08 during Phase 1; however a number of similar habitats were surveyed across the study area. Remoteness and/or access No All sites were readily accessible using existing problems. tracks within the study area. Availability of contextual (e.g. No Vertebrate fauna assemblages of the Pilbara are biogeographic) information on fairly well recorded, and previous survey reports the region. are available.

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6 DISCUSSION

The study area supports a rich and diverse faunal assemblage, with 169 vertebrate fauna species having been recorded. Birds dominated the fauna assemblage, followed by reptiles. Two of the recorded species were not returned in the database and literature searches. Five species of conservation significance were recorded during the survey. The study area supports potential habitat for a number of additional conservation significant species that were not recorded in the survey but could potentially occur (Table 6-1).

6.1 CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT SPECIES RECORDED

This section discusses the conservation significant species relevant to the study area, assesses their likelihood of occurrence and identifies potential impacts to these species from the Project.

6.1.1 Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani)

Status: Priority 4 (DPaW) Distribution and ecology: The Western Pebble-mound Mouse or Ngadji as it is known to the Panyjima people of the Hamersley Range is a small specialised and cryptic rodent. Although suitable habitat is patchy, the species is relatively widespread in the ranges of central and southern Pilbara. Defunct mounds located in adjacent Gascoyne and Murchison regions show the species was possibly once widespread across a larger area of WA. (Van Dyck & Strahan 2008). The species prefers habitat consisting of gentle slopes of rocky ranges where ground is covered by a stony or pebble layer, (with which to construct their mounds) and vegetated by hard spinifex with scattered eucalypts and shrubs. The Western Pebble-mound Mouse is often identified by its ‘pebble mound’ which are constructed with up to thousands of evenly-sized pebbles averaging 3.5 grams which can vary in size from 0.5–9 m squared (Dunlop & Pound 1981). Mound features include complex underground burrow systems and nest chambers up to 0.6 m deep with entrance holes at the base of cones which are often blocked by pebbles (Anstee et al. 1997b; Start et al. 2000). Mounds are believed to help insulate the nests from extreme temperatures where shallow soils prevent deep burrows (Anstee 1994). They are also thought to provide protection from other threatening processes such as fire and predators. A mound can host individuals or large social groups of mice, which are known to utilize and re build old mound and burrow systems no longer being used. The estimated home range of the Western Pebble-mound Mouse is up 14.4 ha for males and 4.67 ha for females, with established core areas of around 0.93 ha for males and 0.29 ha for females (surrounding a mound). Considerable overlap in home ranges has been recorded between individuals from the same and different mounds; however overlap at the core area around the mound only occurred between individuals from the same mound (Anstee et al. 1997a). Breeding occurs throughout the year where several litters of four young are produced. Records and likely distribution within the study area: A total of 37 pebble mounds were located with 17 recorded as active mounds, 12 as currently inactive and eight in inconslusive condition (Figure 5-2).One individual was caught at site Vert03. The records suggest a fairly active population is located across the north-east section of the study area. Camera traps deployed at three mounds recorded images of Western Pebble-mound mice at two sites (Figure 6-1).

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Figure 6-1 Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) mound and individual recorded during the survey Activity and presence of the Western Pebble-mound Mouse was determined using the external mound structures as indicators (Anstee 1996). Mounds were located across the study area however the majority of mounds were located in the low rolling, stony hills of the northern portion of the study area. Suitable habitat also exists within the central and southern portion of the study area. There is a strong presence of the species within the study area. Potential impacts: The Project is likely to have a number of impacts on the Western Pebble-mound Mouse, including habitat loss, habitat degradation, direct mortality and displacement of individuals. There is also the potential for increased predation or competition by introduced species if the Project results in increased abundance of cats, foxes and/or house mice. Habitat loss due to clearing for the mine and associated infrastructure poses a threat to the population in the study area as suitable habitat is located within proposed impact areas. Direct mortality and displacement of individuals is likely in some areas close to construction, particularly near NMM West, NMM West Dump and NMM East Dump. Movement of vehicles off designated tracks and roads may increase potential for habitat degradation and destruction of mounds and result in the displacement or mortality of individuals or family groups. Predation from introduced cats and foxes, and competition with introduced house mice pose threats to the species if adequate pest management procedures are not put in place. Impacts are likely to be at the local scale only; regional scale impacts are not likely as the Western Pebble-mound Mouse is distributed widely across the Pilbara. However, the combined impacts during construction and operation may lead to a decline in the species abundance locally. Exploration activity was noted directly adjacent to some mounds (Figure 6-2).

Figure 6-2 Pegged mound within 5 m of a newly created track

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Recommendations: Active pebble mound areas should be protected where possible with buffers established around the mounds to reduce disturbance. Existing tracks and roads should be utilised where possible; movement off designated tracks should be strictly controlled in potential habitat areas. For mounds located within impact areas, where impacts cannot be avoided, translocations to areas with available, preferred habitat is a possible option, although DPaW should be consulted regarding management measures relevant to this species. Successful translocation of this species has been undertaken previously (Anstee & Armstrong 2001; Start et al. 2000). A management plan for introduced fauna should be developed or incorporated into the fauna management plan for the Project. Feral predators (dogs, cats and foxes) and omnivorous (house mice) species are known to increase in abundance where developments occur. Standard Operating Procedures for the camp and minesite should include measures to limit access to food supplies, scraps and other wastes (see Section 6.3.5).

6.1.2 Australian Bustard (Ardeotis australis)

Status: Priority 4 (DPaW) Distribution and Ecology: The Australian Bustard or Rankurrji as it is referred to in the local Aboriginal language (Ziembicki 2010) is the heaviest flying bird in Australia. It is a nomadic species that is distributed across much of the northern arid areas of the state and may be found singly, in pairs or family parties or in leks. Abundance will vary seasonally according to rainfall and food availability (Johnstone & Storr 1998). It has a broad preference for open habitats, ranging from open grassland plains to low shrub lands and grassy open woodlands. They tend to avoid densely vegetated areas and favour flat terrain over hilly areas. They may also be associated with watercourses, particularly in more arid regions (Ziembicki 2010). Bustards have a broad omnivorous diet that includes seeds, fruits, leaves, flowers, green shoots, various invertebrates and small vertebrates. Bustards are highly opportunistic, and will gorge on favoured food items when available (Ziembicki 2009). Breeding takes place from March to September (mainly March-April and July- August). One to three (commonly one) eggs are laid on bare, preferably stony ground, by a bush or tussock (Johnstone & Storr 1998). Records and likely distribution within the study area: Australian Bustards were recorded on two occasions during the survey. One record (1 individual) was made in very open mallee woodland near a drainage line and the other record (2 individuals) in a spinifex steppe (Figure 5-2). It is likely the species utilises the creek line for foraging and source of water, when present. There are also large areas, primarily to the south of the study area, likely to support the species. Potential impacts: Possible impacts on the Australian Bustard from the Project are habitat loss, displacement of individuals, pairs or family groups, and mortalities from vehicle strike due to increased vehicle movement through the area. Impacts are likely to be minor on this species and at a local scale only; the species has a large home range and wide distribution. Recommendations: Precautions should be taken to prevent mortalities from vehicle strike, such as restricting speed limits within the study area to 50 km/hr.

6.1.3 Bush Stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius)

Status: Priority 4 (DPaW)

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Distribution and ecology: The Bush Stone-curlew is a relatively large bird that prefers lightly wooded country near daytime shelter such as thickets or long grass. It can be found across much of Australia except the arid interior and southern coast. In Western Australia, the species is considered to be uncommon to common in the northern subhumid and semiarid zones, and rare to uncommon and locally extinct further south (Johnstone & Storr 1998). The species is considered sedentary (stable home range and non-migratory) (Garnett & Crowley 2000). The Bush Stone-curlew is a ground-dwelling species and therefore susceptible to predation and local disturbance by humans. Records and likely distribution in the study area: One individual was recorded on two occasions in October 2011 at Vert07 in semi-open mulga woodland over dense leaf litter (Figure 5-2). The individual was flushed during the day and no nocturnal activity was observed.. Potential impacts: Possible impacts on the species from the Project are habitat loss, displacement of individuals, habitat fragmentation, and noise and light disturbance. There is also a risk of road strike as individuals sometimes rest on the road at night. The species seems to be sensitive to predation by introduced species, such as the Red Fox (Garnett & Crowley 2000). Human activities can potentially facilitate the spread of introduced predators (e.g. indirectly via habitat clearing, new access tracks and roads, human waste). Impacts are likely to be at a local scale only. Garnett et al. (2011) consider the populations of Bush Stone-curlew “in northern Australia is large with no suggestion of decline”. Recommendations: Clearing of preferred habitats in the study area should be minimised as far as practicable. Restricted (50 km/hr) speed limits should be applied within the study area to minimise the risk of collision. Adequate signage and staff inductions should also be provided in order to improve environmental awareness and limit the collision risk of birds with vehicles.

6.1.4 Star Finch (Neochmia ruficauda subclarescens)

Status: Priority 4 (DPaW) Distribution and ecology: A small colourful bird found across northern parts of Australia. It may be locally common in some areas, but generally is uncommon and patchily distributed. Usually seen in pairs or small flocks (up to 30) with larger flocks recorded around water sources during drier periods (Johnstone & Storr 2004). The distribution of the Star Finch is disjunct in well-watered northern and central semi-arid to arid flatlands in northern WA. It is often associated with areas near water such as creeklines, permanent pools, swamps and around lagoons mainly with long grasses, rushes and shrubs. The Star Finch’s diet consists primarily of grass seeds from various species, flying ants, termites and other small insects and spiders preferring to feed amongst lush, dense vegetation (Johnstone & Storr 2004). Females lay three to seven (mostly four or five) eggs from February to October. Eggs are laid in a globular shaped nest with a side entrance, amongst tall grass, rushes or dense vegetation. Records and likely distribution within the study area: The Star Finch was recorded three times at site Vert03 and once from site Northern Quoll02 (Figure 5-2). A small flock was recorded at site Vert03 consisting of six individuals. The number of individuals at site Northern Quoll02 could not be determined as the birds were just heard. Both areas where the Star Finch was recorded were along the Weeli Wolli creekline in areas where water was present and riparian vegetation was abundant, consisting of various grasses, small shrubs and tall eucalypts. The creek line dissects the northern portion of the study area from the eastern and southern sections of the southern half. It is likely the Star Finch will be present at all areas along the creekline with suitable vegetation and water present, and potentially other densely vegetated creeklines. No individuals were recorded during Phase 2.

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The large pool found during Phase 1 had dried significantly resulting in two small pools left on rock holes. Potential impacts: The proposed mine site and associated infrastructure comes into contact with some creeklines including Weeli Wolli Creek. As this species has a close association with water (and adjacent dense vegetation), any hydrological changes that impact groundwater quality and/or quantity, which in turn affects riparian habitats, may impact the Star Finch. Construction of the mine may have localised impacts on the Star Finch but these will be limited to small areas of creeklines occuring within the proposed disturbance areas. Temporary displacement of individuals may occur during construction. Mortalities from vehicle strike and predation from introduced species are likely to be rare, except in the event that introduced predator abundance increases dramatically. Recommendations: Changes to surface and groundwater regimes in the Weeli Wolli Creek system should be minimised as far as practicable to minimise risk of degradation of riparian fauna habitats. Clearing, movement and disturbance around creeklines and pooled water should be strictly limited. Where clearing is unavoidable, rehabilitation of disturbed riparian habitats should be commenced as soon as possible. Appropriate management of risk of introduced animal spread is also relevant to this species. Cattle impacts are evident at site vert03 where the Star Finches were recorded in the greatest numbers. Removal of Cattle from the riparian habitats would reduce degradation of Star Finch habitat.

6.1.5 Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus)

Status: Migratory (EPBC Act), Schedule 3 (WC Act) Distribution and ecology: The Rainbow Bee-eater is a migratory bird that moves between Australia and Asia commonly seen singly or in pairs. It can be found across Australia, with complex seasonal movements depending on location and rainfall, preferring the more watered areas of the country. In Western Australia, the Rainbow Bee-eater can be found in lightly wooded, preferably sandy country, near water. Occurring as a resident, breeding visitor, postnuptial nomad, passage migrant or winter visitor, and being highly mobile, they can be scarce to common locally. They are often associated with creeklines supporting sandy banks in which burrows can be created (Johnstone & Storr 1998). Its diet consists primarily of bees (especially hive bees) and flies, but is known to predate on other invertebrates. Breeding occurs from August to November; however breeding can occur at other times of year if environmental conditions are suitable. Four to six eggs are laid in a open chamber at the end of a burrow dug into sandy banks, angled ground and occasionally creeklines themselves (Johnstone & Storr 1998). Records and likely distribution within the study area: The Rainbow Bee-eater was recorded once during the Phase 1 survey at site Northern Quoll02 (Figure 5-2). The record was associated with a creekline supporting a sandy bank and riparian vegetation. Although it wasn’t recorded at site Vert03 the area is considered highly prospective for the Bee-eater. It is likely the species is present along other areas of the major creeklines that support sandy banks. Potential impacts: Development and construction of the mine and infrastructure may have local- scale, temporal impacts on Rainbow Bee-eaters in the creek crossings. Displacement of individuals and pairs may occur if habitats are frequently disturbed especially if this takes place during the

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breeding season. Excessive vibrations, noise and disturbance from regular activity may cause displacement of nesting individuals. Mortalities from vehicle strike are possible. Recommendations: Recommendations to minimise impacts to the Rainbow Bee-eater are the same as for the Star Finch (section 6.1.4). 6.1.6 Other significant species potentially occurring in the study area A further 12 conservation significant species identified during the desktop review were assessed as having moderate potential to occur in the study area (Table 6-1). Six conservation significant species from the desktop review were considered to have low potential to occur in the study area (Table 6-1).

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Table 6-1 Summary of conservation significant species, likelihood of occurrence and potential impacts

Conservation Likelihood of Common name Records Potential impacts status occurrence

FISH

Fortescue Grunter P4 (DPaW) Low Not recorded but potential habitat is available in areas Any hydrological impacts may have significant effects on this species providing semi-permanent water. The species was also if it occurs within the study area. not returned from the database searches. The nearest record is 118 km to the north-west.

MAMMALS

Northern Quoll EN (EPBC) Moderate Potential habitat is located within the study area; Possible further population fragmentation, vehicle mortalities and S1 (WC Act) however, two targeted trapping sites and active increased predation by introduced predators if Project results in EN (DPaW) searches during the Phase 1 survey failed to record any increased feral animal abundance. evidence of the presence of Northern Quolls. Recorded at Hope Downs IV mine located approximately 20km to the north of the study area.

Bilby VU (EPBC) Low Not recorded, no potential habitat. Direct loss of habitat. Some displacement of individuals during S1 (WC Act) construction and possible long-term displacement due to increased VU (DPaW) activity in the area. Potential vehicle strike mortalities and increased predation from introduced species if Project results in increased feral animal abundance. Northern Marsupial EN (EPBC) Low Not recorded, no potential habitat. Direct loss of habitat. Some displacement of individuals during Mole S1 (WC Act) construction and possible long-term displacement due to increased EN (DPaW) activity in the area. Potential vehicle strike mortalities and increased predation from introduced species if Project results in increased feral animal abundance. Ghost Bat P4 (DPaW) Moderate Limited habitat suited to this species was recorded None, if the gorges remain undisturbed. during the survey; however, it has been recorded three times within 30 km of the study area to the north west. Orange Leafnosed- VU (EPBC) Moderate Semi-permanent water present within 3 km of a few None, if the gorges remain undisturbed. bat S1 (WC Act) deep caves in Weeli Wolli Gorge; however, VU (DPaW) echolocation recordings failed to identify the species.

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Conservation Likelihood of Common name Records Potential impacts status occurrence

Short-tailed Mouse P4 (DPaW) Moderate Nearby records and potential habitat indicate a Direct loss of habitat. Localised population disturbance. Increased possible presence in the study area. It has been competition with and predation by introduced species if Project recorded approximately 19 km to the west of the results in increased feral animal abundance. study area at West Angelas. Western Pebble- P4 (DPaW) Recorded Active, inactive and defunct mounds recorded, Direct loss of habitat. Localised population displacement and habitat mound Mouse particularly in the northern half of the study area. Also degradation during construction and operation. Vehicle associated recorded from various surrounding surveys. mortalities during construction. Increased competition and predation from introduced species if Project results in increased feral animal abundance.

REPTILES

Pilbara Barking P1 (DPaW) Moderate The nearest record is located approximately 12 km Habitat loss, displacement of individuals, predation by introduced Gecko north of the study area. Previous specimens have been predators and loss of individuals. recorded from rocky habitat associated with gullies, gorges and stony hills. Similar habitat the species has been recorded in is present within the study area; however, it habitat is only known from limited records. Gane’s Blind Snake P1 (DPaW) Moderate Potential habitat in major creeklines and gullies across Habitat loss, loss of individual fauna the study area that have moist soil available. Previously recorded 13 km to the north west of study area. Pilbara Olive Python VU (EPBC) Moderate Rocky areas around semi-permanent water provide Habitat loss, displacement of individuals, predation by introduced S1 (WC Act) suitable habitat. predators and loss of individuals from road mortalities. VU (DPaW) Recorded at Area C Mine approximately 23 km to the north west.

BIRDS

Fork-tailed Swift Migratory Moderate May occur in the study area in small numbers. None likely (EPBC) S3 (WC Act) Eastern Great Egret Migratory Moderate May occur in area in small numbers primarily around Some displacement of visiting individuals or groups, loss of foraging (EPBC) sources of water such as site Vert03 and around habitat. S3 (WC Act) flowing and flooded creeklines. Cattle Egret Migratory Moderate May occur in small numbers primarily around sources Some displacement of visiting individuals or groups, loss of foraging (EPBC) of water such as at site Vert03 and around flowing and habitat.

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Conservation Likelihood of Common name Records Potential impacts status occurrence

S3 (WC Act) flooded creeklines.

Grey Falcon S1 (WC Act) Moderate Potential breeding habitat along the major creeklines. Loss of potential foraging and breeding habitat. VU (DPaW) Recorded at Area C, located approximately 23 km north west of study area. Peregrine Falcon S4 (WC Act) Moderate Not recorded during the survey; however, there are Possible disturbance to foraging habitat during construction. No SP (DPaW) areas within the study area this species may nest in major impact to nesting habitat likely. and there is a likelihood the species forages across the study area. Australian Bustard P4 (DPaW) Recorded Recorded close to site Vert04 and Vert03 in the study Direct loss of habitat. Some displacement of individuals during area. Recorded a number of times during surveys construction and possible long-term displacement due to increased surrounding study area. activity in the area. Potential vehicle strike mortalities. Increased predation from introduced species if Project results in increased feral animal abundance. Bush Stone-curlew P4 (DPaW) Recorded Was observed during the survey. Suitable habitat is Direct loss of habitat. Some displacement of individuals during present at several locations within the study area. construction and possible long-term displacement due to increased activity in the area. Potential vehicle strike mortalities and increased predation from introduced species if Project results in increased feral animal abundance. Oriental Plover Migratory Low Unlikely to occur, prefers low lying plains and shallow None likely (EPBC) water. Sufficient habitat not present within study area. S3 (WC Act) Australian Painted EN (EPBC) Low A rare summer visitor in the region with some Loss of potential foraging habitat. Snipe S1/S3 (WC Act) historical records from Ophthalmia Range (Johnstone EN (DPaW) & Storr 1998). May occur in well vegetated creekline or ponds. Night Parrot EN (EPBC) Low Very rare in the region, scattered records. Loss of potential foraging and breeding habitat. S1 (WC Act) Uncertainities about species habitat preferences. CR (DPaW) Nearest record 92 km to the north.

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Conservation Likelihood of Common name Records Potential impacts status occurrence

Rainbow Bee-eater Migratory Recorded Recorded at the gorge (site Northern Quoll02). Potential disturbance to breeding activity along major creeklines if (EPBC) construction takes place during breeding season. Mortality if S3 (WC Act) breeding habitat is impacted while individuals are nesting.

Star Finch P4 (DPaW) Recorded Recorded at sites Vert03 and Northern Quoll02. Some displacement of individuals during construction. Potential vehicle strike mortalities of individuals or groups.

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6.2 IMPORTANT FAUNA HABITATS

Seven fauna habitat types occur within the study area:  acacia woodland  eucalypt woodland  mallee woodland  minor drainage line  major drainage line  spinifex steppe  shrubland in brown clay. The fauna habitat mapping method (section 4.2) was largely based on the flora survey conducted at the same time as the vertebrate fauna survey (G&G Environmental 2014) which showed that the vegetation ressembles widespead communities from the region. Similarly, the fauna habitats within the study area are representative of typical Pilbara habitats. Based on the survey results, the most important habitat in the study area for vertebrate fauna is Weeli Wolli Creek and associated riparian habitat (major drainage line) for Star Finch, Rainbow Bee-eater and several additional potential conservation significant species. Habitats of secondary importance are:  mallee woodland for Western Pebble-mound Mouse  acacia woodland for Bush Stone-curlew  spinifex steppe for Australian Bustard and Western Pebble-mound Mouse. Weeli Wolli spring, located 30 km north of the study area, is a refugia, and a wetland of subregional significance considered an ecosystem at risk (Kendrick 2001). The spring is associated with Weeli Wolli Creek. According to topographical maps, the spring flows northward, towards and into the Fortescue Marsh, but also towards the south, to the foothills of the Ophthalmia Range through the study area. The environmental values and functions of Weeli Wolli Creek are currently facing several pressures and threats, mostly associated with introduced species (cattle, donkey, camel, weeds) and mining activities (altered hydrological regimes )(Wetland Research & Management 2010). There is currently a project of Reserve creation that would include the spring and a portion of downstream creek (Van Leeuwen 2009). Due to the arid environment of the Pilbara bioregion, permanent water is rare and of significant value at a regional scale. One of the outcomes of the PBS, for birds in particular, was the value of numerous Pilbara creek systems. Many of these are located in conservation estates but some are afforded no protection. Specific mention is made of Weeli Wolli Creek (Burbidge et al. 2010). The same authors highlight the potential threat of hydrological changes inherent to mining activities for this habitat type specifically. The current survey highlighted the value of this major regional creek to the vertebrate fauna assemblage, with the presence of semi-permanent water attracting a number of conservation significant species, in addition to supporting the highest species richness of all the sampled sites of the survey. The gorge and the habitat surrounding the semi- permanent pool have the potential to support the Pilbara Olive Python, Ghost Bat, Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat and Northern Quoll).This area is

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also likely utilised by other conservation significant species at various times throughout the year as foraging and refugia habitat, primarily in drier times when water is not as easily accessible. In addition to these findings, the study area supports an active population of Western Pebble-mound Mouse. The results suggest that most of this population is located across the proposed NMM deposit, in the north-east section of the study area and intersect with NMM West, NMM West Dump and NMM East Dump. The species mostly occurs in mallee woodland and spinfex steppe but could also be potentially be found in other open and semi-open habitats where the substrate is adequate for the species (e.g. eucalypt woodland). Such habitats are found across most of the study area and beyond it, with several records of the species in the vicinity of the study area, particularly from the north-east to the west.

6.3 IMPACTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The Project may have the following localised impacts on vertebrate fauna within the study area:  displacement of individuals  habitat loss and fragmentation  loss of individual fauna and strike mortalities  hydrological impacts  spread of introduced fauna and flora  pollution events  light spill  fire  dust. These impacts are discussed below. The majority can be managed and mitigated using Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) designed to minimise the risk of disturbance or occurrence. These SOPs should be made available to all construction and operational contractors and personnel and be incorporated into induction packages, toolbox meetings and annual environmental reporting. A fauna management plan should be developed to manage impacts to fauna during construction and operation. The management plan should include management measures for all recorded and potential conservation significant species. 6.3.1 Habitat loss and fragmentation Vegetation clearance will lead to the loss of fauna habitat and may also cause direct fauna deaths. Infrastructure connecting pits and dumps across the study area may also create a physical barrier for some species, leading to habitat fragmentation. Based on the proposed area of disturbance, clearing will occur in all habitats but predominantly in mallee woodland and acacia woodland (Table 6-2; Figure 6-3). One SMM resource pit partially overlaps small sections of major and minor drainage lines (Table 6-2).

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Table 6-2 Fauna habitats impacted by the Wonnumna Iron Ore Project within the study area Extent within Proportion of habitat to be Total mapped Fauna habitat type disturbance area disturbed relative to total extent (ha) (ha) mapped extent Mallee woodland 1762 258 48% Spinifex steppe 1667 28 5% Eucalypt woodland 592 49 9% Acacia woodland 584 190 35% Major drainage line 104 4 1% Minor drainage line 106 9 2% Shrubland in brown clay 9 5 1% TOTAL 4823 541 100%

The large NMM East Dump covers four habitats (minor drainage line, spinifex plain, eucalypt woodland and mallee woodland) but a large portion of this proposed waste dump has already been degraded by previous drilling activities. Both NMM (West and East)pits and dumps are located on recorded populations of Western Pebble-mound Mouse and on a local-scale impacts on this species are likely. A 1 km Exclusion Zone encompassing Weeli Wolli Creek (and including the gorge) is proposed to avoid disturbance to the creekline and associated habitats. This will substantially reduce the loss of the most significant fauna habitat from the Project. A crossing of Weeli Wolli Creek is proposed south of the Exclusion Zone to connect the NMM (West) and NMM (East pits) at a relatively flat section of the creek. Controls should be implemented to minimise risk of disturbance to fauna habitat outside of approved clearance areas. 6.3.2 Loss of individual fauna and strike mortalities Land clearing may result in the direct death of individuals from all fauna groups (including birds, e.g. broods at the nest). Road mortality is of concern for nocturnal species foraging or travelling near roads at night and species that tend to be active on roads (e.g. basking, foraging) during daylight hours. The Northern Quoll, Bush Stone-Curlew and the Pilbara Olive Python are all active at night and vulnerable to road mortality. Restricted speed limits (40 km/hr) should be imposed in important habitat areas as well as after dark. Loss of Western Pebble-mound Mouse individuals is likely where clearing cannot be avoided in area containing mounds. Translocation to areas with available, preferred habitat is a possible option. Successful translocation of this species has been undertaken previously (Anstee & Armstrong 2001; Start et al. 2000) however, consultation with DPaW is recommend on appropriate management measures for this species. Pre-clearance fauna surveys should be considered to relocate fauna out of disturbance areas.

6.3.3 Displacement of individuals

The Project is likely to result in displacement of individual fauna during construction and operation. Human activities and disturbances such as noise, odours, light and movements from machinery and people can force species to abandon an area to a less disturbed area. Animals are likely to move

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away from these disturbed areas. Indirect effects of mining can also lead to species leaving the area due to local environmental modifications.

6.3.4 Hydrological impacts

The Project is situated adjacent to Weeli Wolli Creek, which contains areas of semi-permanent pooling water, which is of high value for fauna generally. Construction of the mine and related infrastructure around Weeli Wolli Creek and other drainage lines in the area has the potential to affect groundwater tables, creekline flows, water quality and pooling water quantity and quality. As the study area supports riparian habitats of regional significance (Burbidge et al. 2010), decline in water quality or quantity could have larger scale impacts than just within the study area. Any changes to the surface and/or subsurface hydrological functions of the creek system from the Project may impact important fauna habitat. Modelling of any proposed groundwater drawdown, proposed discharges or any other actions that may alter hydrological regimes would be required to assess potential effects dependent fauna habitats assiociated with the Weeli Wolli Creek system.

6.3.5 Spread of introduced fauna and flora

Introduced fauna are present within the study area; seven species were recorded during the Level 2 survey. The development of new access networks for activities such as mining can facilitate the spread and increase in abundance of introduced fauna and flora through (e.g. animals directly accessing new areas or flora introduced via vehicle and machinery previously used in other areas). Introduced species are often highly adaptable and will utilize areas of human activity and disturbance. Feral animals such as mice, rats, cats and foxes are often attracted to an area that provides an additional food source , such as a mine camp were food scraps may often be present. As such these species may breed more regularly and successfully therefore becoming more abundant. Native species can also be affected by local food increase, especially opportunistic species and scavengers (e.g. Australian Magpie Cracticus tibicen). Abundance of introduced species is likely to increase during the establishment and ongoing operation of the Project if management is not undertaken. The introduction and increase of introduced animal populations can reduce native fauna species richness and abundance due primarily to predation, competition and habitat destruction. Some examples can include predation of Australian Bustards and Olive Pythons by feral dogs and cats and impacts on habitat such as damage (grazing) and contamination to water sources by cattle. Precautions should be taken during the life of the Project for any vehicles regularly moving between the study area and other places which may provide transport for introduced species. Regular management and monitoring of introduced species should be undertaken. The fauna management plan for the project should include a management framework for introduced flora and fauna, with particular emphasis on species likely to have a significant impact on any conservation significant fauna (i.e. cats, foxes, cattle).

6.3.6 Pollution events

Pollution events have the potential in any project to contaminate the water table and underlying aquifers, causing significant impacts on the subterranean and epigean riparian environments. Areas most at risk in the study area are the habitats around the semi-permanent water pools.

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Pollution events, such as hydrocarbon spills, can be minimised and mitigated by implementing Standard Operating Procedures for prevention and response.

6.3.7 Light spill

Light spill can impact bats by creating a barrier to movement, delaying foraging activity, or ultimately causing individuals to abandon their roosts. Light spill can also benefit certain species by increasing nocturnal insect activity. Light spill is most relevant to the Ghost Bat and Pilbara leaf-nosed Bat in the study area. These species may be at risk if caves identified within the study area support or have the potential to support these species. While no roost caves for either species were identified during the survey a number of areas were noted as potential roost sites that may be used on an irregular basis. Ghost bats have been known to abandon roost sites during unfavourable periods or due to mining related disturbance, and later return to the the site. The species is also known to use caves at West Angelas, located 20 km west of the study area, on an intermittent basis (Armstrong & Anstee 2000). Given the size of caves identified in the gorge and the close proximity to semi-permanent water it is considered likely that the area is suitable for both species and that subsequent surveying is likely to record these species in the future. (Duncan et al. 1999) Precautions should be taken to avoid or minimise lighting effects near creeklines (which may be regular flight paths for bats) and potential roosts sites. 6.3.8 Fire Construction and mining operations may increase the risk of accidental fire in the study area for the life of the Project. Fire risk should be managed through the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures and include:  risk management and fire management training for all staff  creation of firebreaks around infrastructure sites  installation of appropriate fire fighting equipment on all heavy and light machinery. 6.3.9 Dust Dust represents a potential indirect impact on fauna habitat and conservation significant species within the study area. Dust can reduce vegetation cover by smothering leaves and therefore preventing photosynthesis. Similarly dust can affect fauna species that rely on flowering or fruiting flora species. Dust can therefore slowly reduce the condition and value of fauna habitat. Tracks and areas of regular vehicle movement should be prepared appropriately and dust suppression techniques undertaken throughout the life of the Project. 6.3.10 Environmental awareness General environmental information and species-specific information (conservation significant species) should be made available to all site personnel via inductions, posters and toolbox meetings. Particular attention should be given to management measures applying to Weeli Wolli Creek and the associated gorge and semi-permanent pool. Preventing staff from accessing these areas should be considered.

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705000 710000 715000 0 0 5 2 4 4 7 NMM Camp West Truck Dump Park Bay Road - Camp to Office Pit 1

Road - Haul ROM Pad Pit 7 Pit 6 Pit 5

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Client: Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd Project: Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Author: G. Bouteloup Date: 24/07/2014 ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ Study area Bush Stone-curlew ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ Mallee woodland Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 50 ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ Projection: Transverse Mercator Acacia woodland Datum: GDA 1994 Mine Layout (as at 9 July 2014) Rainbow Bee-eater Minor drainage line ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ We st er n Eucalypt woodland A u s tr al ia ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ Star Finch Shrubland in brown clay 0 0.4 0.8 1.6 Kilometres Major drainage line PERTH Western Pebble mound Mouse Spinifex steppe 1:52,000 Australian Bustard Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

7 REFERENCES

Allen, G. R., Midgley, S. H. & Allen, M. 2002. Field guide to the freshwater fishes of Australia. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Vic. Anstee, S. 1994. A study of the movement patterns and social structure of the Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani). Batchelor of Science Honors Degree thesis. University of Western Australia. Anstee, S. D. 1996. Use of external mound structures as indicators of the presence of the Pebble- mound Mouse, Pseudomys chapmani, in mound systems. Wildlife Research 23: 429–434. Anstee, S. D. & Armstrong, K. 2001. The effect of familiarity and mound condition in translocations of the western pebble-mound mouse, Pseudomys chapmani, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Wildlife Research 28: 135–140. Anstee, S. D., Roberts, J. D. & O'Shea, J. E. 1997a. Social structure and patterns of movement of the Western Pebble-mound Mouse, Pseudomys chapmani, at Marandoo, Western Australia. Wildlife Research 24: 295–305. Anstee, S. D., Start, A. N. & Morris, K. D. 1997b. Mound builders of the Pilbara. Landscope. Department of Conservation and Land Management. Armstrong, K. N. & Anstee, S. D. 2000. The Ghost Bat in the Pilbara: 100 years on. Australian Mammalogy 22: 93–101. Biota. 2005. Fauna habitats and fauna assemblage of the proposed FMG Stage B rail corridor and Mindy Mindy, Christmas Creek, Mt Lewin and Mt Nicholas mine areas. Biota Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd. Unpublished report prepared for Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. Biota. 2009. Hope Downs IV targeted Northern Quoll survey. Biota Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd. Unpublished report for prepared for Rio Tinto Iron Ore Pty Ltd. Birdlife Australia. 2014. Birdata. Birdlife Australia, Carlton, Vic. Birds Australia. 2011. Birdata Australian Bird Database. Birds Australia. Available at: http://www.birdata.com.au (accessed 2010). BOM. 2011. Climate Statistics for Australian locations: Newman. Commonwealth of Australia, Bureau of Meteorology. Available at: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/data/ (accessed 1 June 2011). BOM. 2014. Climate statistics for Australian locations. Commonwealth of Australia, Bureau of Meterology. Available at: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/data/ Burbidge, A. H., Johnstone, R. E. & Pearson, D. J. 2010. Birds in a vast arid upland: avian biogeographical patterns in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum, Supplement 78: 247–270. Christidis, L. & Boles, W. E. 2008. Systematics and taxonomy of Australian birds. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Vic. DEC. 2011. NatureMap. Department of Environment and Conservation. Available at: http://naturemap.dec.wa.gov.au/default.aspx (accessed 2011). Department of Agriculture. 2003. Evaporation data for Western Australia. Department of Agriculture. Resource Management Technical Report No. 65. Department of the Environment. 2014a. EPBC Act list of threatened fauna. Australian Government, Department of the Envrionment. Available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi- bin/sprat/public/publicthreatenedlist.pl#other_animals_vulnerable (accessed 13 May 2014). Department of the Environment. 2014b. Maps: Australia's bioregions (IBRA). Department of the Environment. Available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/land/national-reserve- system/science-maps-and-data/australias-bioregions-ibra (accessed 24 April 2014). Department of the Environment. 2014c. Protected matters search tool. Australian Government Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. Available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/pmst/index.html

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Menkhorst, P. W. & Knight, F. 2011. A field guide to the mammals of Australia. 3rd edition. Oxford University Press, Oxford (UK). Morgan, D. L., Ebner, B. & Beatty, S. 2009. Fishes in groundwater dependant pools of the Fortescue and Yule Rivers; Pilbara, Western Australia. Freshwater Fish Group, Centre for Fish & Fisheries Research, Murdoch University. Morgan, D. L. & Gill, H. S. 2004. Fish fauna in inland waters of the Pilbara (Indian Ocean) drainage division of Western Australia- evidence of three subprovinces. Zootaxa 636: 1–43. Ninox. 2009a. A Fauna Survey of the Proposed Hope Downs 4 Mining Area Near Newman, Western Australia, prepared for Mattiske Consulting on behalf of Pilbara Iron Company, Rio Tinto. Ninox Wildlife Consulting. Ninox. 2009b. A vertebrate fauna survey of the Proposed Hope Downs 4: Option 1 Infrastructure Corridor, near Newman, Western Australia. Ninox Wildlife Consulting. Unpublished report prepared for Mattiske Consulting on behalf of Pilbara Iron Company (Services) Pty Ltd. Ninox. 2009c. A vertebrate fauna survey of the proposed Hope Downs 4: Option 6 Infrastructure Corridor, near Newman, Western Australia. Ninox Wildlife Consulting. Unpublished report prepared for Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd on behalf of Pilbara Iron Company (Services) Pty Ltd. Payne, A. L. & Leighton, K. A. 2004. Land systems. In: van Vreeswyk, A. M. E., Payne, A. L., Leighton, K. A.&Hennig, P. (eds) Technical Bulletin 9. An inventory and condition survey of the Pilbara region, Western Australia. Department of Agriculture, Government of Western Australia, South Perth, WA, pp. 175–384. Start, A. N., Anstee, S. D. & Endersby, M. 2000. A review of the biology and conservation status of the Ngadji, Pseudomys chapmanio Kitchener, 1980 (Rodentia: Muridae). CALMScience 3: 23. Thackway, R. & Cresswell, I. D. 1995. An Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia: a framework for establishing the national system of reserves, Version 4.0. Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra, ACT. Tyler, M. J. & Doughty, P. 2009. Field guide to frogs of Western Australia. 4th edition. Western Australian Museum, Perth, WA. Van Dyck, S. & Strahan, R. 2008. The mammals of Australia. New Holland Publishers, Sydney, NSW. Van Leeuwen, S. 2009. Biordiversity values of the Weeli Wolli spring: a priority ecological community. Information sheet 3/2009, Science division in Conservation, D. o. E. a., ed. van Leeuwen, S. J., Start, A. N., Bromilow, R. B. & Fuller, P. J. 1995. Fire and floristics of Mulga woodlands in the Hamersley Ranges, Western Australia. In: Page, M. J.&Beutel, T. S. (eds) Ecological research and management in the mulga lands. Gatton College, University of Queensland, Lawes, Qld, pp. 169–175. van Vreeswyk, A. M. E., Payne, A. L., Leighton, K. A. & Hennig, P. 2004. An inventory and condition survey of the Pilbara region, Western Australia. Department of Agriculture, Government of Australia, Technical Bulletin 92: 1–424. Wetland Research & Management. 2010. Cumulative impacts of RTIO mining on the Weeli Wolli Creek system. Dry08 & Wet09 sampling. Final report. Wetland Research & Management. Unpublished report prepared for Rio Tinto Hamersley Hope Management Services. Wilson, S. & Swan, G. 2013. A complete guide to reptiles of Australia. New Holland, Sydney, NSW. Ziembicki, M. 2009. Ecology and movements of the Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis in a dynamic landscape. PhD thesis. School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA. Ziembicki, M. 2010. The Australian Bustard. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Vic.

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Appendix 1 GPS coordinates for trapping sites, reconyx cameras and opportunistic searches for the Phase 1 survey GPS coordinates for systematic trapping and targeted Northern Quoll sites Site Easting Northing Zone Vert01 712234 7441113 50K Vert02 710036 7441316 50K Vert03 709942 7440047 50K Vert04 703705 7436995 50K Vert05 705128 7436986 50K Vert06 712848 7440812 50K Vert07 707344 7439828 50K Vert08 707094 7440494 50K Vert09 709656 7441975 50K Vert10 709904 7441493 50K Northern Quoll01 (11) 710744 7441259 50K Northern Quoll02 (12) 710128 7440396 50K

GPS coordinates for Reconyx camera trap sites from the survey Site Easting Northing Zone Reconyx1 709979 7440197 50K Reconyx2 709949 7440182 50K Reconyx3 709927 7440054 50K Reconyx4 710174 7441190 50K Reconyx5 709539 7441842 50K Reconyx6 710498 7441635 50K CamtrapGorge x5 711185 7441453 50K

GPS coordinates for opportunistic searches from the survey NAME Easting Northing Zone Opp01gb16oct11 702197 7436935 50K Opp01jc16oct11 702197 7436935 50K Opp1-JC-16102011 702599 7436931 50K Opp 703690 7436729 50K Opp 705052 7439460 50K Opp16 705549 7436594 50K Opp17 705686 7438425 50K Opp22 706558 7437109 50K Pmm-p2-13102011 707065 7440259 50K Opp gps 707436 7439585 50K Transect hills 709352 7439196 50K Transect hills 709502 7439614 50K Transect hills 709553 7439904 50K

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

NAME Easting Northing Zone Transect hills 709558 7439663 50K Transect hills 709818 7439663 50K Opp13 709965 7440166 50K Transect hills 710153 7440494 50K Opp2-JC-15102011 710167 7441986 50K Transect hills 710283 7440103 50K Opp 710957 7440318 50K Opp1-jc13102011 710998 7441417 50K Opp1-JC-12102011 711092 7441403 50K Opp18 711160 7441496 50K Opp nq 711164 7441606 50K Opp1-JC-11102011 711174 7441490 50K Opp1-jc13102011 711184 7441497 50K Opp3-JC-15102011 711438 7441868 50K Opp3-JC-15102011 711440 7441876 50K Camp 712288 7441095 50K Opp01gb14oct11 712812 7440199 50K OppNQ01gb15oct11 713286 7440292 50K OppNQ01gb15oct11 713299 7440308 50K Opp01gb16oct11 714063 7440723 50K Opp01gb16oct11 714065 7440719 50K Opp1-JC-15102011 714120 7440749 50K Opp03gb15oct11 704811 7439297 50K Opp04gb15oct11 704953 7439456 50K Opp02gb16oct11 713691 7440780 50K Trans01gb16oct11 710254 7439963 50K Opp05gb15oct11 705809 7439450 50K Opp02gb15oct11 705601 7439166 50K Opp2-JC-14102011 712767 7440360 50K Opp2-JC-16102011 702141 7436903 50K op3-JC-14102011 711743 7440544 50K

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Appendix 2 Habitat descriptions and site photos of systematic sites Site Vert01 (712234; 7441113 50K) Mulga woodland- Open mulga woodland to 5 m over Acacia and Eremophila shrubs to 1.5 m over semi mature spinifex hummocks and other grasses Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Mulga (26-50) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (26-50) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Spinifex (26-50) Slope: Negligible Soil Texture: Sandy Clay Soil Colour: Red/Brown Surface: Fine and coarse gravel Rock Cover (%): <5 Dead Wood: Moderate Disturbance Details: Grazing – Low; Vehicle Tracks Fire History and intensity: None evident

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Site Vert02 (710036; 7441316 50K) Breakaway and spinifex grassland: Minor drainage line below small breakaway. Sparse Eucalyptus to 6m over sparse Acacia and mixed shrubs to 2m over immature spinifex to 0.25m. Regrowth present throughout area along drainage line. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Eucalyptus/Corymbia (0-25) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (0-25) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Spinifex (26-50) Slope: Gentle Soil Texture: Sandy Clay Soil Colour: Red/Brown Surface: Coarse Gravel Rock Cover (%): 5-30 Dead Wood: Sparse Disturbance Details: None evident Fire History and intensity:1-5 Years; Medium

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Site Vert03 (709942; 7440047 50K) Major creek: Weeli Wolli Creek riparian zone. Eucalyptus to over 8m over dense Acacia shrubs to 2.5m over sparse spinifex hummocks, low shrubs and other grasses. Water pools present in creekline. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Eucalyptus/Corymbia (26-50) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (0-25) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Spinifex (26-50) Slope: Negligible Soil Texture: Sand Soil Colour: Brown Surface: Surface crust; Fine gravel; Coarse gravel Rock Cover (%): <5 Dead Wood: Sparse Disturbance Details: Grazing-Medium; Livestock Tracks Fire History and intensity: 1-5 Years; High

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Site Vert04 (703705; 7436995 50K) Minor Creek/Drainage Line: Open woodland of scattered mallee Eucalyptus and she-oak to 3.5mover Acacia shrubs to 2m over mature spinifex hummocks to 1.5m and mixed low shrubs, herbs and grasses. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Eucalyptus/Corymbia (0-25) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (26-50) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Spinifex (51-75) Slope: Gentle Soil Texture: Sandy Clay Soil Colour: Red/Brown Surface: Coarse gravel; Stones Rock Cover (%): <5 Dead Wood: Sparse Disturbance Details: None evident Fire History and intensity:>5 Years; Medium

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Site Vert05 (705128; 7436986 50K) Gully- Dense mulga woodland surrounded with breakaway that opens to dense spinifex plain. Mulga to 5m over Acacia shrubs to 2m over mature spinifex hummocks. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Mulga (51-75) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (26-50) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Spinifex (26-50) Slope: Moderate to Gentle Soil Texture: Sandy Clay Soil Colour: Red/Brown Surface: Coarse gravel; Stones Rock Cover (%): 30-50 Dead Wood: Dense Disturbance Details: None evident Fire History and intensity:>5 Years; High

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Site Vert06 (712848; 7440812 50K) Woodland: Open woodland of Acacia, Eucalypts and mulga to 6m over mixed Acacia and other shrubs to 2.5m over mature spinifex hummocks to 0.6m. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Acacia (Not Mulga) (0-25) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (26-50) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Spinifex (51-75) Slope: Negligible Soil Texture: Sandy Clay Soil Colour: Red Surface: Fine gravel; Coarse gravel Rock Cover (%):<5 Dead Wood: Dense Disturbance Details: None evident Fire History and intensity:>5 Years; High

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Site Vert07 (707344; 7439828 50K) Woodland: Dense mulga woodland with mulga to 5m over moderately dense Eremophila to 1.5m and mixed Acacia shrubs to 2m over low spinifex hummocks. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Mulga (51-75) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (26-50) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Spinifex (0-25) Slope: None Soil Texture: Sandy Clay Soil Colour: Red/Brown Surface: Fine gravel; Coarse gravel; Stones Rock Cover (%): 5-30 Dead Wood: Dense Disturbance Details: None evident Fire History and intensity: None evident

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Site Vert08 (707094; 7440494 50K) Spinifex Grassland- Upland spinifex grassland adjoining large boulder field on deep cracking clays. Sparse mallee Eucalyptus over sparse Acacia shrubs, over semi-mature spinifex hummocks and mixed herbs. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Eucalyptus/Corymbia (0-25) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (0-25) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Spinifex (51-75) Slope: Gentle Soil Texture: Clay Soil Colour: Brown Surface: Deeply cracked; Stones Rock Cover (%): 5-30 Dead Wood: Sparse Disturbance Details: Drill pads; Vehicle tracks Fire History and intensity: 1-5 Years; Medium

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Site Vert09 (709656; 7441975 50K) Spinifex Grassland- Spinifex grassland amongst rolling stony hills. Sparse Eucalypts and mulga to 4m over Acacia shrubs to 1.5m over mature spinifex hummocks to 1m. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Eucalyptus/Corymbia (0-25) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (0-25) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Spinifex (51-75) Slope: Moderate Soil Texture: Sandy Clay Soil Colour: Red/Brown Surface: Coarse gravel; Stones Rock Cover (%): 50-90 Dead Wood: Sparse Disturbance Details: Vehicle Tracks Fire History and intensity: 1-5 Years; High

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Site Vert10 (709904; 7441493 50K) Minor Creek/Drainage Line – Densely vegetated minor drainage line with thick mallee to over 3m over acacia shrubs to 2m over dense mixed shrubs and spinifex hummocks to 1m. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Eucalyptus/Corymbia (51-75) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (26-50) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Spinifex (51-75) Slope: Negligible Soil Texture: Sandy clay Soil Colour: Red/Brown Surface: Coarse gravel; Stones Rock Cover (%): 5-30 Dead Wood: Dense Disturbance Details: Vehicle tracks; Drill pads Fire History and intensity:>5 Years; High

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Appendix 3 Habitat descriptions and site photos of opportunistic sites Site Opp13 (709965; 7440167 50K) Semi -permanent Pool- Weeli Wolli Creek, section of semi-permanent pooling water. Rocky sides to small open gorge like area. Riparian vegetation at either end of rocky section supporting tall eucalypts to 6m over dense small to medium shrubs and grasses. Dominant Tree and Cover (%):Eucalyptus/Corymbia (26-50) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (26-50) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Other grasses (26-50) Slope: Gentle to Steep Soil Texture: Sandy Clay Soil Colour: Red/Brown Surface: Rock Cover (%): <5 to 50-90 Dead Wood: Moderate Disturbance Details: Grazing – Medium Fire History and intensity: None evident

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Site Opp16 (705549; 7436594 50K) Minor Creek/Drainage Line: Creek bed with scattered eucalyptus over scattered acacia shrubs over dense grasses Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Eucalyptus/Corymbia (0-25) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (26-50) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Other grasses (26-50) Slope: Steep Soil Texture: Sandy Clay Soil Colour: Red/Brown Surface: Coarse gravel; Stones Rock Cover (%): 50-90 Dead Wood: Dense Disturbance Details: None evident Fire History and intensity: None evident

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Site Opp17 (705686; 7438425 50K) Gully- Small gully above moderate drainage line. Riparian vegetation with Eucalypts to 6m over patchy areas of dense medium to tall shrubs and dense grasses. No water present in creekline. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Eucalyptus/Corymbia (0-25) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (26-50) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Other grasses (26-50) Slope: Gentle to Steep Soil Texture: Sandy Clay Soil Colour: Red/Brown Surface: Coarse gravel; Stones Rock Cover (%): 50-90 Dead Wood: Dense Disturbance Details: None evident Fire History and intensity: 1-5 Years; High

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Site Opp18 (711160; 7441496 50K) Gully/Gorge- Weeli Wolli creekline. Steep rocky sides with scattered Eucalypts to 6m with scattered acacias and medium shrubs to 2m, over dense patches of spinifex hummocks and other small shrubs and grasses. Dense riparian vegetation at base of gorge. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Eucalyptus/Corymbia (0-25) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (51-75) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Other grasses (0-25) Slope: Steep Soil Texture: Sandy Clay Soil Colour: Red/Brown Surface: Coarse gravel; Stones; Boulders Rock Cover (%): 50-90 Dead Wood: Moderate Disturbance Details: None evident Fire History and intensity: >5 Years; Medium

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Site Opp22 (706558; 7437109 50K) Major Creekline- Weeli Wolli creekline with riparian vegetation. Tall eucalypt species with scattered patches of medium to tall shrubs over dense tall grasses. No water present. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Eucalyptus/Corymbia (0-25) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (0-25) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Other grasses (51-75) Slope: None Soil Texture: Sandy Clay Soil Colour: Red/Brown Surface: Fine Gravel Rock Cover (%): None evident Dead Wood: Sparse Disturbance Details: Vehicle Tracks Fire History and intensity: None evident

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Opp01gb14oct11 (712807, 7440200, 50K) Plateau with spinifex grassland covered of scattered young eucalyptus over sparse acacia shrubs over dense low spinifex on hard rock soil with patches of boulders and rare stands of mulga. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Eucalyptus/Corymbia (0-25) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%):Acacia (0-25) Dominant Grass and Cover (%):Spinifex (76-100) Slope: Moderate Soil Texture: Loam Soil Colour: Red/Orange Surface: Coarse Gravel; Boulders; Stones; Rock Cover (%):>90% cover Dead Wood: Disturbance Details: Fire History and intensity: None evident

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Opp03gb15oct11 (704811, 7439297, 50K) Plateau, open woodland with breakaways over mulga trees over acacia shrubs over spinifex on gravels. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Mulga (26-50) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (0-25) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Spinifex (26-50) Slope: Soil Texture: Soil Colour: Red / Orange Surface: Fine gravel Rock Cover (%): Dead Wood: Sparse Disturbance Details: Fire History and intensity: >5 years NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Opp04gb15oct11 (704953, 7439456, 50K) Spinifex Grassland, hard clay plateau with very scattered acacia trees over scattered spinifex on hard clay breakaway. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Acacia (not Mulga) (0-25) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (0-25) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Buffel grass (0-25) Slope: Soil Texture: Clay Soil Colour: Red / Orange Surface: Surface crust Rock Cover (%): <5% cover Dead Wood: Sparse Disturbance Details: Fire History and intensity: >5 years

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Opp02gb16oct11 (713691, 7440780, 50K) Plateau of mulga woodland dominated by large scattered eucalyptus over moderately dense mulga trees over scattered acacia shrubs over dense spinifex on dark red brown loamy clay. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Eucalyptus/Corymbia (0-25) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (26-50) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Spinifex (76-100) Slope: Soil Texture: Soil Colour: Red / Orange Surface: Fine gravel Rock Cover (%): Dead Wood: Disturbance Details: Fire History and intensity: >5 years

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Opp01gb16oct11 (714050, 7440721, 50K) Gorge with open mulga woodland on slope and on top over scattered acacia shrubs over dense spinifex (top) on black rocky soil. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Mulga (51-75) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (0-25) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Spinifex (0-25) Slope: Moderate Soil Texture: Clay Soil Colour: Black Surface: Fine gravel; Coarse Gravel; Boulders; Stones Rock Cover (%): >90% cover Dead Wood: Disturbance Details: Fire History and intensity: None evident

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Transect01gb16oct11 (710254, 7439963, 50K) Drainage line between rocky hills with small scattered eucalyptus over scattered acacia shrubs over mixed Buffel grass and spinifex patches on gravels. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Eucalyptus/Corymbia (0-25) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (0-25) Dominant Grass and Cover (%):Spinifex (76-100) Slope: Soil Texture: Clay Loam Soil Colour: Brown Surface: Coarse Gravel Rock Cover (%): Dead Wood: Disturbance Details: Fire History and intensity: 1-5 Years

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Opp05gb15oct11 (705809, 7439450, 50K) Plateau of mulga woodland over dense spinifex with sections of open gravel bare ground. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Mulga (26-50) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (51-75) Dominant Grass and Cover (%):Spinifex (51-75) Slope: Soil Texture: Clay Loam Soil Colour: Red / Orange Surface: Coarse Gravel Rock Cover (%): Dead Wood: Disturbance Details: Fire History and intensity: >5 years

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Opp02gb15oct11 (705601, 7439166, 50K) Plateau, open woodland with breakaways over mulga woodland over moderately dense acacia shrubs over moderately dense spinifex on red clay. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Mulga (51-75) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (26-50) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Spinifex (51-75) Slope: Soil Texture: Sandy Clay Soil Colour: Red / Orange Surface: Rock Cover (%): Dead Wood: Moderate Disturbance Details: Fire History and intensity: >5 years

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Opp1-JC-15102011 (714077, 7440694, 50K) Gorge, open woodland, minor gully. Well vegetated with eucalyptus to 5m over Mulga to 3.5m over mixed shrubs over Spinifex and herbs. Good rock boulders for quolls. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Eucalyptus/Corymbia (26-50) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (26-50) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Spinifex (26-50) Slope: Moderate Soil Texture: Sandy Clay Soil Colour: Red / Orange Surface: Coarse Gravel; Boulders; Stones Rock Cover (%):>90% cover Dead Wood: Moderate Disturbance Details: None evident; Fire History and intensity: >5 years

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Opp2-JC-15102011 (713851, 7440286, 50K) Breakaway, spinifex grassland, boulder pile on moderate slope. Fire has taken out most mulgas. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): - Dominant Shrub and Cover (%):Acacia (0-25) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Other grasses (26-50) Slope: Moderate Soil Texture: Sand Soil Colour: Red / Orange Surface: Boulders Rock Cover (%):>90% cover Dead Wood: Sparse Disturbance Details: None evident; Fire History and intensity: 1-5 Years NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Opp1-JC-16102011 (702598, 7436926, 50K) Plain, spinifex grassland, rolling open plains of low regrowth spinifex. Intense fire has killed majority of mulga. Eucalyptus mallee trees to 3.5m over mixed shrubs to 2m over immature spinifex hummocks to 0.4m. Small patches of open mulga woodland. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Eucalyptus/Corymbia (0-25) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (0-25) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Spinifex Slope: Gentle Soil Texture: Sandy Clay Soil Colour: Yellow Surface: Coarse Gravel; Stones Rock Cover (%): <5% cover Dead Wood: Sparse Disturbance Details: Drill Pads and Tracks; Fire History and intensity: 1-5 Years

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Opp2-JC-14102011 (712767, 7440360, 50K) Breakaway, spinifex grassland, broad drainage basin. South of Opp1-JC-14102011. No disturbance here and to the end of the proposed waste dump. Low level fire in 2008 has taken out acacia shrubs but not trees. Spinifex regrowing. Some good rocky area, but not large enough to support any conservation significant reptile or lathe mammal species, e.g. Northern quoll. Lower slopes may support western pebble mound mouse. Small patches of mulga woodland present in deeper soil pockets. Dominant Tree and Cover (%):Eucalyptus/Corymbia (0-25) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (0-25) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Spinifex (26-50) Slope: Moderate Soil Texture: Sandy Clay Soil Colour: Red / Orange Surface: Coarse Gravel; Boulders; Stones; Rock Cover (%):30-50% cover Dead Wood: Sparse Disturbance Details: Fire History and intensity: 1-5 Years

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Opp2-JC-16102011 (702141, 7436903, 50K) Dense spinifex and shrub cover. All mulga burnt. Soft friable soils, with areas of cracking clays. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Eucalyptus/Corymbia (0-25) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (0-25) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Spinifex Slope: Gentle Soil Texture: Sandy Clay Soil Colour: Yellow Surface: Coarse Gravel; Stones Rock Cover (%): <5% cover Dead Wood: Sparse Disturbance Details: Drill Pads and Tracks; Fire History and intensity: 1-5 Years

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op3-JC-14102011 (711743, 7440544, 50K) Drainage line, spinifex grassland, broad drainage basin. Heavily degraded and heavily burnt, many excavations present. Lots of regrowth but in very poor condition Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Eucalyptus/Corymbia (0-25) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (0-25) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Other grasses (0-25) Slope: Gentle Soil Texture: Sandy Clay Soil Colour: Red / Orange Surface: Coarse Gravel; Boulders; Stones Rock Cover (%):5-30% cover Dead Wood: Sparse Disturbance Details: Drill pads and tracks; vehicle tracks; erosion channels; large-scale clearing; Fire History and intensity: NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Opp3-JC-15102011 (711435, 7441871, 50K) Gorge, open woodland, south facing gully/gorge slope. A nice boulder field across slope. Large eucalyptus to 5m over mulga to 3m over mixes shrubs, over spinifex and herbs. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Slope: Steep Soil Texture: Sandy Clay Soil Colour: Red / Orange Surface: Boulders; Stones Rock Cover (%):>90% cover Dead Wood: Moderate Disturbance Details: None evident Fire History and intensity: >5 years

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Appendix 4 Habitat descriptions and site photos of the targeted Northern Quoll sites Site Northern Quoll01 (710744; 7441259 50K) Gully/Gorge- Weeli Wolli creekline. Steep rocky sides with scattered Eucalypts to 6m with scattered acacias and medium shrubs to 2m, over dense patches of spinifex hummocks and other small shrubs and grasses. Dense riparian vegetation at base of gorge. Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Eucalyptus/Corymbia (0-25) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (51-75) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Spinifex (26-50) Slope: Steep Soil Texture: Sandy Clay Soil Colour: Red/Brown Surface: Coarse gravel; Stones; Boulders Rock Cover (%): 50-90 Dead Wood: Moderate Disturbance Details: None evident Fire History and intensity: >5 Years; Medium

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Site Northern Quoll02 (710128; 7440396 50K) Major Creekline- Weeli Wolli creekline with dense riparian vegetation. Eucalypts to 6m over dense acacia and other shrubs to 2.5m, over dense shrubs and other grasses. Further afield, Scattered Eucalypts to 4m and shrubs to 2m with dense mixed grasses and spinifex hummocks Dense areas of large boulders and rocks present in open grass land areas Dominant Tree and Cover (%): Eucalyptus/Corymbia (26-50) Dominant Shrub and Cover (%): Acacia (26-50) Dominant Grass and Cover (%): Other grasses (51-75) Slope: Gentle Soil Texture: Sandy Clay Soil Colour: Red/Brown Surface: Fine gravel; Coarse gravel; Boulders; Stones Rock Cover (%): 5-30 Dead Wood: Moderate Disturbance Details: Grazing – Medium; Livestock tracks Fire History and intensity: >5 Years; Medium

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Appendix 5 Species recorded and potentially occurring in the study area

Family & species Common name

Threatened species

EPBC EPBC Migr WC Act DPaW Introduced NatureMap Protected Matter Database DEC Threatened Fauna Database Birdata et (2003) Allen al Morgan et (2004) al Ninox (2009a) Ninox (2009b) Ninox (2009c) Current survey

FISH Clupeidae Nematalosa erebi Bony Bream ● ● Ariidae Arius graeffei Lesser Salmon Catfish ● Plotosidae Neosilurus hyrtlii Hyrtl's Tandan ● ● Atherinidae Craterocephalus cuneiceps Murchison River Hardyhead ● Melanotaeniidae Melanotaenia australis Western Rainbowfish ● ● ● Terapontidae Amniataba percoides Barred Grunter ● ● Leiopotherapon aheneus Fortescue Grunter P4 ● ● Leiopotherapom unicolor Spangled Perth ● ● ● Gobidae Glossogobius giurus Flathead Goby ●

AMPHIBIANS

Hylidae

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Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Family & species Common name

Threatened species

EPBC EPBC Migr WC Act DPaW Introduced NatureMap Protected Matter Database DEC Threatened Fauna Database Birdata et (2003) Allen al Morgan et (2004) al Ninox (2009a) Ninox (2009b) Ninox (2009c) Current survey Cyclorana maini Sheep Frog ● ● ● ● Cyclorana platycephala Water-holding Frog ● Litoria rubella Little Red Tree Frog ● ● Limnodynastidae Neobatrachus aquilonius Northern Burrowing Frog ● Neobatrachus sutor Shoemaker Frog ● Myobatrachidae Uperoleia russelli Northwest Toadlet ●

MAMMALS Dasyuridae Dasykaluta rosamondae Little Red Kaluta ● ● ● ● ● Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll EN S1 EN ● ● ● Ningaui timealeyi Pilbara Ningaui ● ● ● ● Planigale sp. Planigale sp. ● ● ● ● Pseudantechinus roryi Rory's Pseudantechinus ● Pseudantechinus woolleyae Woolley's Pseudantechinus ● Sminthopsis dolichura Little long-tailed Dunnart ● Sminthopsis macroura Stripe-faced Dunnart ● ● Sminthopsis ooldea Ooldea Dunnart ● ● Sminthopsis youngsoni Lesser Hairy-footed Dunnart ● Thylacomyidae Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd

Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Family & species Common name

Threatened species

EPBC EPBC Migr WC Act DPaW Introduced NatureMap Protected Matter Database DEC Threatened Fauna Database Birdata et (2003) Allen al Morgan et (2004) al Ninox (2009a) Ninox (2009b) Ninox (2009c) Current survey Macrotis lagotis Bilby VU S1 VU ● Notoryctidae Notoryctes caurinus Northern Marsupial Mole EN S1 EN ● Macropodidae Macropus robustus erubescens Euro ● ● ● Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo ● ● ● Petrogale rothschildi Rothschilds's Rock Wallaby ● ● Megadermatidae Macroderma gigas Ghost Bat P4 ● ● Hipposideridae Rhinonicteris aurantius Orange Leafnosed-bat VU S1 VU ● ● ● Emballonuridae Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat ● ● ● ● ● Taphozous georgianus Common Sheathtail-bat ● ● ● ● ● Taphozous hilli Hill's Sheathtail-bat ● Vespertilionidae Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat ● ● ● ● ● Chalinolobus mario Chocolate Wattled Bat ● Nyctophilus daedalus Northwestern Long-eared Bat ● Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat ● ● Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat ● ● ● ● Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd

Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Family & species Common name

Threatened species

EPBC EPBC Migr WC Act DPaW Introduced NatureMap Protected Matter Database DEC Threatened Fauna Database Birdata et (2003) Allen al Morgan et (2004) al Ninox (2009a) Ninox (2009b) Ninox (2009c) Current survey Vespadelus finlaysoni Finlayson's Cave Bat ● ● ● ● ● Molossidae Chaerephon jobensis Northern Freetail-bat ● ● ● Mormopterus beccarii Beccari's Freetail-bat ● ● Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail-bat ● ● Muridae Leggadina lakedownensis Short-tailed Mouse P4 ● ● Mus musculus* House Mouse ● ● ● Notomys alexis Spinifex Hopping-mouse ● ● Pseudomys chapmani Western Pebble-mound Mouse P4 ● ● ● ● ● ● Pseudomys delicatulus Delicate Mouse ● ● ● Pseudomys desertor Desert Mouse ● ● ● Pseudomys hermannsburgensis Sandy Inland Mouse ● ● ● Peudomys nanus Western Chestnut Mouse ● ● Zyzomys argurus Common Rock-rat ● ● ● Leporidae Oryctolagus cuniculus* Rabbit ● ● ● ● Canidae Canis lupus Dingo/Dog ● ● ● ● ● Canis lupus subsp. dingo Dingo ● Vulpes vulpes* Red Fox ● ● Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd

Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Family & species Common name

Threatened species

EPBC EPBC Migr WC Act DPaW Introduced NatureMap Protected Matter Database DEC Threatened Fauna Database Birdata et (2003) Allen al Morgan et (2004) al Ninox (2009a) Ninox (2009b) Ninox (2009c) Current survey Felidae Felis catus* Cat ● ● ● ● Equidae Equus asinus* Donkey ● ● ● ● Equus caballus* Horse ● ● Camelidae Camelus dromedarius* Camel ● ● ● ● Bovidae Bos taurus* European Cattle ● ● ●

REPTILES Agamidae Amphibolurus longirostris ● ● ● ● ● Diporiphora amphiboluroides ● ● ● ● Ctenophorus caudicinctus caudicinctus Ring-tailed Dragon ● ● ● ● ● Ctenophorus isolepis isolepis Crested Dragon ● ● Ctenophorus reticulatus Western Netted Dragon ● ● Diporiphora valens Southern Pilbara Tree Dragon ● ● Diporiphora vescus / paraconvergens Blue-lined Dragon ● Pogona minor minor Western Bearded Dragon ● ● ● ● ● Tympanocryptis cephalus Pebble Dragon ● Diplodactylidae Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd

Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Family & species Common name

Threatened species

EPBC EPBC Migr WC Act DPaW Introduced NatureMap Protected Matter Database DEC Threatened Fauna Database Birdata et (2003) Allen al Morgan et (2004) al Ninox (2009a) Ninox (2009b) Ninox (2009c) Current survey Crenadactylus ocellatus horni Clawless Gecko ● Diplodactylus conspicillatus Fat-tailed Gecko ● ● Diplodactylus pulcher ● ● ● Southern Pilbara Beak-faced ● ● ● ● Diplodactylus savagei Gecko Lucasium stenodactylum Box-patterned Gecko ● ● ● ● Lucasium wombeyi Pilbara Ground Gecko ● ● Oedura marmorata Marbled Velvet Gecko ● ● Rhynchoedura ornata Western Beaked Gecko ● ● ● Strophurus elderi ● ● Strophurus wellingtonae ● ● ● ● Carphodactylidae Nephrurus levis pilbarensis Smooth Knob-tailed Gecko ● Nephrurus wheeleri cinctus Banded Knob-tailed Gecko ● ● Underwoodisaurus milii Barking Gecko ● Underwoodisaurus seorsus Pilbara Barking Gecko P1 ● ● Gekkonidae Gehyra pilbara ● ● Gehyra punctata ● ● ● Gehyra variegata ● ● ● ● ● Heteronotia binoei Bynoe's Gecko ● ● ● ●

Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd

Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Family & species Common name

Threatened species

EPBC EPBC Migr WC Act DPaW Introduced NatureMap Protected Matter Database DEC Threatened Fauna Database Birdata et (2003) Allen al Morgan et (2004) al Ninox (2009a) Ninox (2009b) Ninox (2009c) Current survey Heteronotia spelea Desert Cave Gecko ● ● Pygopodidae Delma elegans ● Delma haroldi ● ● ● Delma nasuta ● ● ● ● Delma pax ● ● ● Delma tincta ● ● ● Lialis burtonis Burtons Legless Lizard ● ● ● ● Pygopus nigriceps ● ● Scincidae Carlia munda Striped Rainbow Skink ● ● ● ● ● Carlia triacantha Desert Rainbow Skink ● ● Cryptoblepharus buchananii Buchanan's Snake-eyed Skink ● ● ● Cryptoblepharus plagiocephalus ● ● Cryptoblepharus ustulatus Russet Snake-eyed Skink ● ● ● Ctenotus duricola ● ● ● ● ● Ctenotus grandis grandis Grand Ctenotus ● Ctenotus helenae ● ● ● ● ● Ctenotus leonhardi ● ● Ctenotus pantherinus ocellifer Leopard Ctenotus ● ● ● ● ● Ctenotus rubicundus ● ● Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd

Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Family & species Common name

Threatened species

EPBC EPBC Migr WC Act DPaW Introduced NatureMap Protected Matter Database DEC Threatened Fauna Database Birdata et (2003) Allen al Morgan et (2004) al Ninox (2009a) Ninox (2009b) Ninox (2009c) Current survey Ctenotus rutilans ● ● ● ● Ctenotus saxatilis Rock Ctenotus ● ● ● ● ● Ctenotus schomburgkii ● ● ● ● ● Ctenotus serventyi ● Cyclodomorphus melanops melanops Slender Blue-tongue ● ● ● Egernia cygnitos Pygmy Spiny-tailed Skink ● ● Egernia formosa Goldfields Crevice-skink ● ● Eremiascincus fasciolatus Narrow-banded Sand Swimmer ● Eremiascincus pallidus Western Narrow-banded Skink ● Eremiascincus richardsonii Broad-banded Sand Swimmer ● Lerista macropisthopus ● Lerista muelleri (may include other ● ● ● ● ● species) Lerista neander ● ● Lerista timida ● Lerista verhmens ● Lerista zietzi ● ● ● Menetia greyii ● ● ● Menetia surda suda ● ● Morethia ruficauda exquisita ● ● ● Tiliqua multifasciata Central Blue-tongue ● ● ● ●

Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd

Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Family & species Common name

Threatened species

EPBC EPBC Migr WC Act DPaW Introduced NatureMap Protected Matter Database DEC Threatened Fauna Database Birdata et (2003) Allen al Morgan et (2004) al Ninox (2009a) Ninox (2009b) Ninox (2009c) Current survey Varanidae Varanus acanthurus Spiny-tailed Monitor ● ● ● ● Varanus brevicauda Short-tailed Pygmy Monitor ● ● Varanus bushi Pilbara Mulga Monitor ● ● ● Varanus caudolineatus Stripe-tailed Pygmy Monitor ● ● Varanus giganteus Perentie ● Varanus gouldii Sand Monitor ● ● Varanus panoptes rubidus Yellow-spotted Monitor ● ● Varanus pilbarensis Pilbara Rock Monitor ● ● Varanus tristis tristis Racehorse Monitor ● ● ● Typhlopidae Ramphotyphlops ammodytes ● Ramphotyphlops ganei P1 ● ● Ramphotyphlops grypus ● Ramphotyphlops hamatus ● ● Ramphotyphlops pilbarensis ● ● Boidae Antaresia perthensis Pygmy Python ● ● Antaresia stimsoni Stimson's Python ● Aspidites melanocephalus Black-headed Python ● ● Liasis olivaceus barroni Pilbara Olive Python VU S1 VU ● ● ● Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd

Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Family & species Common name

Threatened species

EPBC EPBC Migr WC Act DPaW Introduced NatureMap Protected Matter Database DEC Threatened Fauna Database Birdata et (2003) Allen al Morgan et (2004) al Ninox (2009a) Ninox (2009b) Ninox (2009c) Current survey Elapidae Acanthophis wellsi Pilbara Death Adder ● ● ● North-western Shovel-nosed ● ● Brachyurophis approximans Snake Demansia psammophis cupreiceps Yellow-faced Whipsnake ● ● ● Demansia rufescens Rufous Whipsnake ● Furina ornata Moon Snake ● Parasuta monachus ● ● ● Pseudechis australis Mulga Snake ● ● ● Pseudonaja mengdeni Western Brown Snake ● ● Pseudonaja modesta Ringed Brown Snake ● ● Suta fasciata Rosen's Snake ● Suta punctata Spotted Snake ● Vermicella snelli ● ●

BIRDS

Casuariidae Dromaius novaehollandiae Emu ● ● Phasianidae Coturnix ypsilophora Brown Quail ● Anatidae Dendrocygna eytoni Plumed Whistling-duck ● ●

Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd

Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Family & species Common name

Threatened species

EPBC EPBC Migr WC Act DPaW Introduced NatureMap Protected Matter Database DEC Threatened Fauna Database Birdata et (2003) Allen al Morgan et (2004) al Ninox (2009a) Ninox (2009b) Ninox (2009c) Current survey Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck ● ● Columbidae Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing ● ● ● ● ● Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon ● ● ● ● ● Geophaps plumifera Spinifex Pigeon ● ● ● ● Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove ● ● ● ● ● ● Geopelia striata Peaceful Dove ● ● ● Podargidae Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth ● ● ● Eurostopodidae Eurostopodus argus Spotted Nightjar ● ● ● ● Aegothelidae Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar ● ● ● ● Apodidae Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift ● S3 ● ● ● Anhingidae Anhinga novaehollandiae Australasian Darter ● ● Phalacrocoracidae Microcarbo melanoleucos Little Pied Cormorant ● Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Little Black Cormorant ● ● Ardeidae Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd

Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Family & species Common name

Threatened species

EPBC EPBC Migr WC Act DPaW Introduced NatureMap Protected Matter Database DEC Threatened Fauna Database Birdata et (2003) Allen al Morgan et (2004) al Ninox (2009a) Ninox (2009b) Ninox (2009c) Current survey Ardea pacifica White-necked Heron ● ● ● Ardea modesta Eastern Great Egret ● S3 ● Ardea ibis Cattle Egret ● S3 ● Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced Heron ● ● Nycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night-heron ● Threskiornithidae Threskiornis spinicollis Straw-necked Ibis ● ● 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 ● ● ● ● ● ● Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd

Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Family & species Common name

Threatened species

EPBC EPBC Migr WC Act DPaW Introduced NatureMap Protected Matter Database DEC Threatened Fauna Database Birdata et (2003) Allen al Morgan et (2004) al Ninox (2009a) Ninox (2009b) Ninox (2009c) Current survey Falco longipennis Australian Hobby ● Falco hypoleucos Grey Falcon S1 VU ● ● Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon S4 SP ● Otididae Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard P4 ● ● ● ● ● Burhinidae Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew P4 ● ● ● Recurvirostridae Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt ● ● Charadriidae Charadrius veredus Oriental Plover ● S3 ● Elseyornis melanops Black-fronted Dotterel ● ● ● Rostratulidae Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe EN ● S1/S3 EN ● Turnicidae Turnix velox Little Button-quail ● ● ● ● Cacatuidae Eolophus roseicapillus Galah ● ● ● ● ● ● Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella ● ● ● ● ● Nymphicus hollandicus Cockatiel ● ● Psittacidae Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd

Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Family & species Common name

Threatened species

EPBC EPBC Migr WC Act DPaW Introduced NatureMap Protected Matter Database DEC Threatened Fauna Database Birdata et (2003) Allen al Morgan et (2004) al Ninox (2009a) Ninox (2009b) Ninox (2009c) Current survey Barnardius zonarius Australian Ringneck ● ● ● ● ● ● Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar ● ● ● ● ● ● Neopsephotus bourkii Bourke's Parrot ● ● Pezoporus occidentalis Night Parrot EN S1 CR ● Cuculidae Chalcites basalis Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo ● ● ● ● ● ● Chalcites osculans Black-eared Cuckoo ● ● Cacomantis pallidus Pallid Cuckoo ● ● ● ● ● Strigidae Ninox connivens peninsularis Barking Owl (Pilbara) ● Ninox novaeseelandiae Southern Boobook ● ● ● ● Tytonidae Tyto javanica Eastern Barn Owl ● Halcyonidae Dacelo leachii Blue-winged Kookaburra ● ● ● Todiramphus pyrrhopygius Red-backed Kingfisher ● ● ● ● ● Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher ● ● ● ● Meropidae Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater ● S3 ● ● ● ● ● ● Ptilonorhynchidae Ptilonorhynchus guttatus Western Bowerbird ● ● ● ● Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd

Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Family & species Common name

Threatened species

EPBC EPBC Migr WC Act DPaW Introduced NatureMap Protected Matter Database DEC Threatened Fauna Database Birdata et (2003) Allen al Morgan et (2004) al Ninox (2009a) Ninox (2009b) Ninox (2009c) Current survey Maluridae Malurus splendens Splendid Fairy-wren ● ● ● ● Malurus leucopterus White-winged Fairy-wren ● ● ● ● ● Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren ● ● ● ● ● ● Stipiturus ruficeps Rufous-crowned Emu-wren ● ● ● ● ● Amytornis striatus whitei Striated Grasswren (Pilbara) ● ● ● ● ● Acanthizidae Pyrrholaemus brunneus Redthroat ● ● ● Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill ● ● ● ● ● ● Gerygone fusca Western Gerygone ● ● ● ● ● ● Acanthiza robustirostris Slaty-backed Thornbill ● ● ● Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Yellow-rumped Thornbill ● Acanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill ● ● ● ● ● ● Acanthiza apicalis Inland Thornbill ● ● ● ● ● ● Pardalotidae Pardalotus rubricatus Red-browed Pardalote ● ● Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote ● ● ● ● ● Meliphagidae Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater ● ● ● ● ● Lichenostomus keartlandi Grey-headed Honeyeater ● ● ● ● Lichenostomus plumulus Grey-fronted Honeyeater ● ● Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd

Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Family & species Common name

Threatened species

EPBC EPBC Migr WC Act DPaW Introduced NatureMap Protected Matter Database DEC Threatened Fauna Database Birdata et (2003) Allen al Morgan et (2004) al Ninox (2009a) Ninox (2009b) Ninox (2009c) Current survey Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater ● ● ● ● ● Purnella albifrons White-fronted Honeyeater ● Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner ● ● ● ● ● ● Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater ● ● ● ● ● ● Conopophila whitei Grey Honeyeater ● Epthianura tricolor Crimson Chat ● ● ● Sugomel niger Black Honeyeater ● Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater ● ● ● Melithreptus gularis Black-chinned Honeyeater ● ● Pomatostomatidae Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler ● ● ● ● ● ● Pomatostomus superciliosus White-browed Babbler ● ● ● ● Neosittidae Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sittella ● ● Campephagidae Coracina maxima Ground Cuckoo-shrike ● Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike ● ● ● ● ● ● Lalage sueurii White-winged Triller ● ● ● ● Pachycephalidae Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler ● ● ● ● ● ● Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush ● ● ● ● ● ● Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd

Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Family & species Common name

Threatened species

EPBC EPBC Migr WC Act DPaW Introduced NatureMap Protected Matter Database DEC Threatened Fauna Database Birdata et (2003) Allen al Morgan et (2004) al Ninox (2009a) Ninox (2009b) Ninox (2009c) Current survey Oreoica gutturalis pallescens Crested Bellbird ● ● ● ● ● ● Artamidae Artamus personatus Masked Woodswallow ● ● Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow ● ● ● ● ● ● Artamus minor Little Woodswallow ● ● ● ● Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird ● ● ● ● ● ● Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird ● ● ● ● ● ● Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie ● ● ● ● ● Rhipiduridae Rhipidura albiscapa Grey Fantail ● ● ● ● ● ● Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail ● ● ● ● ● ● Corvidae Corvus bennetti Little Crow ● ● ● ● Corvus orru Torresian Crow ● ● ● ● ● Monarchidae Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark ● ● ● ● ● ● Petroicidae Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin ● ● ● ● Melanodryas cucullata Hooded Robin ● ● ● ● ● Megaluridae Cincloramphus mathewsi Rufous Songlark ● ● ● Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd

Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Family & species Common name

Threatened species

EPBC EPBC Migr WC Act DPaW Introduced NatureMap Protected Matter Database DEC Threatened Fauna Database Birdata et (2003) Allen al Morgan et (2004) al Ninox (2009a) Ninox (2009b) Ninox (2009c) Current survey Cincloramphus cruralis Brown Songlark ● Eremiornis carteri Spinifexbird ● ● ● ● ● Hirundinidae Petrochelidon ariel Fairy Martin ● ● Petrochelidon nigricans Tree Martin ● ● ● Nectariniidae Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird ● ● Estrildidae Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch ● ● ● ● ● Neochmia ruficauda subclarescens Star Finch P4 ● ● ● ● Emblema pictum Painted Finch ● ● ● ● Motacillidae Anthus novaeseelandiae Australasian Pipit ● ●

Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd

Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Appendix 6 Vertebrate species recorded at the 10 systematic trapping sites

Birds Common names \ sites Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4 Site 5 Site 6 Site 7 Site 8 Site 9 Site 10 Australian Magpie 2 4 1 1 Australian Owlet-nightjar 2 1 1 Australian Ringneck 1 1 1 2 Black Breasted Buzzard 1 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 9 4 9 3 5 1 6 7 2 Black-faced Woodswallow 6 3 1 16 1 Black-fronted Dotterel 1 Brown Falcon 5 2 Brown Goshawk 1 Budgerigar 9 18 99 15 3 7 14 14 38 17 Bush Stone-curlew 1 2 Chestnut-rumped Thornbill 11 2 4 Cockatiel 12 2 136 17 4 6 4 2 Collared Sparrowhawk 1 Common Bronzewing 2 2 1 2 1 Crested Bellbird 7 5 10 Crested Pigeon 2 52 1 18 4 6 Crimson Chat 2 3 Diamond Dove 13 2 1 3 6 Galah 29 Grey Butcherbird 1 2 1 Grey Fantail 2 Grey Shrike-thrush 3 1 8 9 1 14 4 3 Grey-crowned Babbler 2 3 5 Grey-headed Honeyeater 2 7 4 4 2 Hooded Robin 10 1 1 10 4 1 Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo 1 3 Inland Thornbill 16 1 2 4 11 1 2 Little Black Cormorant 5 Little Button Quail 2 1 1 2 4 Little Button-quail 1 Little Corella 8 4 2 Little Crow 3 1 2 2 1 Little Eagle 1 2 Magpie-lark 5 4 Mistletoebird 2 2 Painted Finch 8 8 20 2 2 15 10 7 Pallid Cuckoo 1 Peaceful Dove 1 Pied Butcherbird 4 1 2 2 5 5 4 1 4 5 Red-backed Kingfisher 1 2 3 2 4 2 4

Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd

Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Birds Common names \ sites Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4 Site 5 Site 6 Site 7 Site 8 Site 9 Site 10 Red-browed Pardalote 1 13 7 5 1 Rufous Songlark 5 5 2 2 Rufous Whistler 13 9 7 4 2 10 17 1 11 8 Rufous-crowned Emu-wren 3 2 2 2 Singing Honeyeater 1 6 3 11 8 8 10 3 5 9 Slaty-backed Thornbill 4 12 2 Southern Boobook 1 1 Spinifex Pigeon 2 8 Spinifexbird 6 4 1 2 2 Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater 5 5 2 9 5 7 2 1 Splendid Fairy-wren 2 Spotted Nightjar 1 1 1 1 Star Finch 5 Striated Grasswren 6 Striated Pardalote 2 2 3 Tawny Frogmouth 1 Torresian Crow 4 5 1 8 4 5 1 Variegated Fairy-wren 2 3 9 2 2 Wedge-tailed Eagle 2 Weebill 27 22 22 13 17 26 24 11 24 26 Western Bowerbird 3 2 1 Western Gerygone 5 4 1 6 2 12 Whistling Kite 1 2 White-browed Babbler 2 8 White-winged Fairy-wren 3 White-winged Triller 9 7 2 1 Willie Wagtail 5 6 3 3 6 1 11 5 10 Yellow-throated Miner 11 7 3 8 2 7 7 21 6 Zebra Finch 5 19 84 25 1 11 11 11 4 9 Total 163 169 576 189 116 138 195 117 162 146

Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd

Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Reptiles Scientific names \ sites Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4 Site 5 Site 6 Site 7 Site 8 Site 9 Site 10 Amphibolurus longirostris 2 6 68 15 10 2 2 2 2 Antaresia perthensis 1 Brachyurophis approximans 1 Diporiphora amphiboluroides 1 Carlia munda 1 2 2 2 4 Cryptoblepharus buchananii 1 Cryptoblepharus plagiocephalus 1 1 Cryptoblepharus ustulatus 1 Ctenophorus caudicinctus 5 7 6 4 5 10 1 17 6 2 Ctenophorus isolepis 1 Ctenotus duricola 2 1 1 Ctenotus helenae 2 4 3 4 1 2 3 4 Ctenotus leonhardii 1 Ctenotus pantherinus ocellifer 11 1 6 7 12 5 9 2 Ctenotus rubicundus 1 Ctenotus saxatilis 3 8 1 7 Ctenotus schomburgkii 3 1 Delma haroldi 1 Delma nasuta 4 1 Demansia psammophis cupreiceps 1 1 Diplodactylus conspicillatus 1 Diplodactylus pulcher 2 Diplodactylus savagei 1 Diporiphora valens 1 1 2 3 2 2 Diporiphora vescus / paraconvergens 1 1 Egernia cygnitos 1 1 Gehyra pilbara 1 Gehyra punctata 20 2 2 1 Gehyra variegata 2 1 1 3 2 3 2 Heteronotia binoei 1 1 2 1 2 Lerista muelleri 1 1 1 Lerista neander 1 1 1 Lerista zietzi 1 Lialis burtonis 1 Lucasium stenodactylum 1 6 1 5 Lucasium wombeyi 1 1 1 Menetia greyii 2 1 Morethia ruficauda exquisita 2 4 1 1 Oedura marmorata 1 3 Parasuta monachus 2 1 2 2 2 Pogona minor minor 1 2 1 Pseudechis australis 1 1

Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd

Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Reptiles Scientific names \ sites Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4 Site 5 Site 6 Site 7 Site 8 Site 9 Site 10 Pseudonaja mengdeni 1 Pseudonaja modesta 1 Ramphotyphlops pilbarensis 1 Rhynchoedura ornata 1 12 3 Strophurus elderi 1 2 3 2 Strophurus wellingtonae 1 3 Varanus acanthurus 3 Varanus brevicauda 2 1 Varanus bushi 1 Varanus caudolineatus 1 1 Varanus gouldii 2 Varanus panoptes rubidus 1 Varanus Pilbarensis 1 Varanus tristis tristis 2 Total 43 33 132 48 40 50 16 53 33 22

Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd

Level 2 vertebrate fauna survey for the Wonmunna Iron Ore Project Wonmunna Iron Ore Ltd

Mammals Common names \ sites Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4 Site 5 Site 6 Site 7 Site 8 Site 9 Site 10 Beccari's Freetail-bat 1 1 1 Camel 2 1 4 Cat 1 Common Rock-rat 1 Common Sheathtail-bat 1 2 1 1 2 Delicate Mouse 1 Desert Mouse 1 1 Dingo/Dog 1 Donkey 1 Euro, Biggada 2 1 2 1 2 4 1 European Cattle 2 1 Finlayson's Cave Bat 1 2 2 2 1 Gould's Wattled Bat 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 House Mouse 10 3 Lesser Long-eared Bat 2 1 Little Broad-nosed Bat 1 2 1 1 Little Red Kaluta 3 6 2 3 2 Northern Freetail-bat 2 2 Pilbara Ningaui 1 2 1 1 5 Planigale sp. 1 3 6 1 1 3 2 Rabbit 1 2 2 Sandy Inland Mouse 3 2 2 3 Stripe-faced Dunnart 2 3 1 2 5 Western Chestnut Mouse 1 Western Pebble mound Mouse 1 White-striped Freetail-bat 2 1 1 1 Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat 1 2 1 1 1 Total 5 16 36 15 19 11 10 16 21 19

Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd