Reptile Management Plan Cooma Non-Directional Beacon Upgrade

An ecological report prepared for Daly International

JANUARY 2011

Author:

Report No. ER 212

Citation

EnviroKey (2011) Reptile Management Plan: Cooma Non-Directional Beacon Upgrade. A report prepared by of EnviroKey for Daly International. Final Version. 28 h January 2011. Report No. ER 212.

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Disclaimer

The scope of work for this report was defined by time and budgetary constraints and the availability of other reports and data.

EnviroKey accept no liability or responsibility for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report and its supporting material in whole or in part by any third party. Information in this report is not intended to be a substitute for site specific assessment or legal advice in relation to any matter.

Front Cover Photos

Left to Right: Grassland Earless Dragon (Tympanocryptis pinguicolla). Photo by Peter Robertson (Sourced from National Recovery Plan (Robertson and Evans 2009)). Striped Legless Lizard (Delma impar). Photo courtesy and used with permission from .

PO Box 7231 Tathra NSW 2550 t 02 6494 5422 www.envirokey.com.au [email protected] ABN 35255478680

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Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 THE MANAGEMENT AREA ...... 1 1.2 METHODOLOGY FOR THE PREPERATION OF THIS RMP ...... 2 1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THIS RMP ...... 2

2 THREATENED REPTILE FAUNA ...... 3 2.1 GRASSLAND EARLESS DRAGON ...... 3 2.2 STRIPED LEGLESS LIZARD ...... 4 2.3 LITTLE WHIP SNAKE ...... 5

3 ONSITE MANAGEMENT DURING CONSTRUCTION...... 6 3.1 ENGAGEMENT OF HERPETOLOGIST ...... 6 3.2 CONTRACTOR INDUCTION ...... 6 3.3 PRE-CLEARANCE SURVEY ...... 6 3.4 PROCEDURES FOR WHEN OPEN EXCAVATIONS ARE PRESENT ...... 7 3.5 REPTILE RELOCATION PROCEDURES ...... 7 3.5.1 Venomous reptiles ...... 7 3.5.2 Hygiene protocols during relocation ...... 8 3.5.3 Relocation Procedure during Pre-clearance Survey ...... 8 3.5.4 Relocation Procedure outside of Pre-clearance Survey ...... 9 3.6 PROCEDURES FOR INJURED REPTILES ...... 10

4 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ...... 11

5 REFERENCES ...... 12

6 APPENDICES ...... I APPENDIX 1 – QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE OF AUTHOR ...... II

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Figures, Plates & Tables

Figure 1: Location of the Management Area (Image courtesy of Google Earth)...... 1

Plate 1: Grassland Earless Dragon. Left Image: Photo by Peter Robertson (Sourced from National Recovery Plan (Robertson and Evans 2009)). Right Image: Photo by ACT Government (Sourced from http://incp.environment.act.gov.au/Stats/CategoryResults.aspx?statid=24&name=Grassla nd%20Earless%20Dragon) ...... 3 Plate 2: Left: Striped Legless Lizard. Photo by Ross Bennett (Sourced from http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/tsprofile/profile.aspx?id=10211). Right: Striped Legless Lizard hiding in soil crack (indicated by arrow). Photo courtesy and used with Permission from Melissa Doherty...... 4 Plate 3: Little Whip Snakes. Photos courtesy and used with permission from Melissa Doherty...... 5

Table 1: Implementation timeframe for this RMP...... 11

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1 INTRODUCTION Airservices Australia (ASA) has initiated the Infrastructure Tower Replacement Project in order to provide towers that meet current Australian and ASA standards to support navigational aides known as Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) antenna. EnviroKey were engaged by Daly International to undertake a Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment (FFIA) for the proposed upgrade at the Cooma NDB (EnviroKey 2010). The FFIA provided a series of recommendations in order to limit disturbance and potential impacts to Matters of National Environmental Significance, threatened species and ecological communities. One of these recommendations was that a Reptile Management Plan (RMP) be produced for the Cooma NDB upgrade.

EnviroKey have been engaged by Daly International to prepare this RMP.

1.1 THE MANAGEMENT AREA

The Management Area is the Cooma NDB facility located south-west of the Cooma Airport (Figure 1). The Management Area is located within the Snowy River local government area (LGA), the Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authority region (Monaro sub-region) (DECCW 2010) and the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion (Thackway and Creswell 1995).

Figure 1: Location of the Management Area (Image courtesy of Google Earth).

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1.2 METHODOLOGY FOR THE PREPERATION OF THIS RMP

The preparation of this RMP has involved two main elements. These being:

• Analysis of data from the FFIA to refine the strategies and actions required to achieve the objectives of the RMP • Analysis of this data in the context of best-practice management principles.

The RMP has been pr epared by a s uitably qualified and experienced Herpetologist. Details of the author are provided (Appendix 1).

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THIS RMP

This RMP details actions to minimise potential impacts to threatened reptile fauna as a result of the NDB upgrade. This plan will:

• Outline details of a Preclearance Survey. This will detail the methods used for an active search of the works areas by an experienced herpetologist to remove any reptiles, including threatened reptile fauna and relocate any found to adjacent habitat prior to the direct commencement of site excavation works. • Outline details of how any reptiles including threatened reptile fauna, inadvertently trapped within open excavations for the new towers and other infrastructure will be managed during the entire construction period and decommissioning period. • An implementation plan.

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2 THREATENED REPTILE FAUNA

The FFIA identified that two species of threatened reptile fauna (Grassland Earless Dragon, Striped Legless Lizard) had the potential to occur within the Management Area based on the presence of potential habitat, the condition of and appropriate extent of potential habitat and known species occurrence in the wider locality (EnviroKey 2010). A third threatened reptile species, Little Whip Snake, has been recently recorded within 15kms of the Management Area, and is included in this section for completeness.

This section of the RMP provides general information on all three species.

2.1 GRASSLAND EARLESS DRAGON

The Grassland Earless Dragon (Tympanocryptis pinguicolla) is listed as Endangered under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, Endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and Critically Endangered under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (DECCW 2010; Wilson and Swan 2010).

The species was historically known to occur in native grasslands extending from Bathurst, NSW in the north (Osborne et al. 1993b) to Melbourne, Victoria in the south (Robertson and Evans 2009). However, more recent records indicate that the Grassland Earless Dragon has undergone a dramatic decrease in its geographic distribution (Robertson and Evans 2009) suggesting that any extant populations would be extremely important to the long-term survival of the species.

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Adult Grassland Earless Dragons vary in size between 5cm and 7cm snout-to-vent length (SVL) with a head to tail length of around 15cm (Robertson and Evans 2009). Individuals are light to dark brown dorsally, with three thin white lines traversing the length of the body. Grassland Earless Dragons are well known to make use of arthropod burrows as a shelter site, but can also be found sheltering beneath rocks and within grass tussocks (Osborne et al. 1993a; Robertson and Evans 2009).

2.2 STRIPED LEGLESS LIZARD

The Striped Legless Lizard (Delma impar) is listed as Vulnerable under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and Endangered under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (DECCW 2010; Wilson and Swan 2010).

Striped Legless Lizard as generally restricted to temperate grasslands of eastern Australia (Coulson 1990) where it is patchily distributed from south-eastern NSW including the Monaro region, central and south-western Victoria and south-eastern South Australia (Dorrough and Ash 1999; Dorrough et al. 1996; Koehler 2004; Lawler et al. 1999; Smith and Robertson 1999). While they are most often recorded in areas typically dominated by native grasses, Striped Legless Lizard are also known from grasslands which are either dominated by exotic flora species or have an exotic flora component (Daly et al. 2008; EcologyPartners 2007; Koehler 2004; Kutt 1992).

Plate 2: Left: Striped Legless Lizard. Photo by Ross Bennett (Sourced from http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/tsprofile/profile.aspx?id=10211). Right: Striped Legless Lizard hiding in soil crack (indicated by arrow). Photo courtesy and used with Permission from Melissa Doherty.

At first glance, the Striped Legless Lizard can be mistaken for a snake, but can be readily identified by the presence of external ear openings and a broad fleshy tongue (not forked). The species reaches a maximum total length of around 30cm with a maximum SVL of 12cm documented (Cogger 2000; Smith and Robertson 1999; Wilson and Swan 2010). It can

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Reptile Management Plan: Cooma Non-directional beacon upgrade. Report ER 212 exhibit dramatic colour variation, however, they are usually pale grey-brown dorsally, and cream on the ventral surface, with a distinctive pattern which is both prominent and linear (Wilson and Swan 2010). This comprises a broad olive brown vertebral stripe and narrow and dark lateral lines which tend to progress into bars or rows of spots on the tail (Wilson and Swan 2010).

2.3 LITTLE WHIP SNAKE

The Little Whip Snake (Parasuta flagellum – formerly Suta flagellum) is listed as Vulnerable under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (DECCW 2010).

Little Whip Snake occurs in woodlands, dry sclerophyll forests, granite outcrops and grasslands on basalt plains (DECCW 2010; Lemckert 1998; Wilson and Swan 2010). In many cases, adults have been found in pairs or small groups sheltering beneath rocks or logs either lying on the soil surface, or partially embedded within it.

A small, slender snake, Little Whip Snake reaches 45cm in total length with its most obvious feature being the black head blotch broken by a pale bar across the snout between the nostril and eyes (Wilson and Swan 2010). The body colour is generally tan to orange above, while each body scale has a fine dark edge giving the appearance of ‘netting’ (DECCW 2010; Wilson and Swan 2010).

Plate 3: Little Whip Snakes. Photos courtesy and used with permission from Melissa Doherty.

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3 ONSITE MANAGEMENT DURING CONSTRUCTION

3.1 ENGAGEMENT OF HERPETOLOGIST

An appropriately qualified and experienced Herpetologist is to be engaged to conduct the pre-clearance survey as outlined in section 3.3 of this RMP.

3.2 CONTRACTOR INDUCTION

All ASA personnel and contractors entering the Management Area should be made aware of this RMP which was triggered by the potential of the NDB upgrade to significantly impact threatened reptile fauna should they be present.

All Idec personnel and contractors will be made awate of the RMP during induction and any specific requirements will be highlight in ‘toolbox meetings’.

In the event of ASA, Idec personnel or contractors finding a reptile onsite, the protocols detailed in section 3.5 of this RMP should be followed.

3.3 PRE-CLEARANCE SURVEY

A pre-clearance survey is to be completed to remove any reptiles, including threatened reptile fauna and relocate any found to adjacent habitat prior to the direct commencement of the site excavation works.

The following methodology is provided to guide the pre-clearance survey:

1. Any pre-clearance survey should be conducted by an appropriately qualified and experienced herpetologist under the authority of a Scientific License issued under Clause 22 of the National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2002 and section 132C of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 by the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) and an Animal Research Authority approved by, and in accordance with, an Animal Care and Ethics Committee (ACEC). 2. A pre-clearance survey is to be conducted directly prior to any clearing of ground cover vegetation. This should also extend into a buffer area to include any area of direct disturbance by machinery, equipment and vehicles. The buffer area to be searched will be determined onsite by liaison between the Site Manager and the Herpetologist. 3. A pre-clearance survey must be conducted on the day of vegetation removal, and preferably within the early morning. 4. The following methods are to be employed for the pre-clearance survey: a. Active searches of all surface and partially imbedded rock.

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b. Endoscopic inspections of all arthropod holes c. Active searches of all grass tussocks, including removal of each tussock and searching within the tussock itself by ‘silhouettes’ survey. 5. Should any reptiles be found during the pre-clearance survey, procedures outlined within section 3.5 of this RMP must be followed.

3.4 PROCEDURES FOR WHEN OPEN EXCAVATIONS ARE PRESENT

Given the small size of the reptile fauna the subject of this RMP (eg., Grassland Earless Dragon ~ 5cm body length), there is a high potential for individuals of these species to become entrapped within open excavations (footings, fence holes etc) required for the NDB upgrade.

The following practices are to be implemented by Idec whenever excavations are undertaken:

1. At the completion of work each day, an open excavation of any kind deeper than 10cm that is not backfilled within the same day of the excavation being made must be completely covered with all edges blocked to ensure that reptiles cannot enter and become entrapped. 2. Each morning, site personnel should check the excavation for any reptiles that may have become entrapped prior to daily work commencing. 3. Should any reptiles be found, procedures outlined within section 3.5 of this RMP must be followed. 4. A final check of the open excavation must be undertaken by the Herpetologist prior to concrete being poured or the excavation being backfilled. All loose spoil within the excavation should be carefully moved and checked for reptiles. The Herpetologist must provide an ‘all clear’ to the Site Manager.

3.5 REPTILE RELOCATION PROCEDURES

3.5.1 Venomous reptiles

The Little Whip Snake is a member of the Elapidae family (venomous land snakes) (Wilson and Swan 2010). However, the species is generally regarded as ‘virtually harmless’ (Swan et al. 2004).

Under no circumstances should any site personnel attempt to handle or relocate a venomous snake, unless they have appropriate qualifications and/or experience. Only the engaged Herpetologist (or one of their representatives) or a member of the Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) (or other animal rescue group) who has received appropriate training, should attempt to handle or relocate a venomous snake.

All Idec site staff are trained in Senior First Aid.

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The nearest WIRES branch is at Adaminaby, approximately 50kms north of the Management Area. Their contact number, as listed on the WIRES webpage is (02) 6949 5999.

3.5.2 Hygiene protocols during relocation

Relocation of all reptiles in the RMP are guided by the principles developed by DECCW for hygiene protocols for the control of disease in captive snakes. The following procedures apply in this RMP:

1. Hands should be cleaned or disinfected in between handling individuals. 2. Cover cuts and other open wounds before handling reptiles. 3. If a reptile bite or scratch breaks the skin, wash the area thoroughly with warm water and an anti-bacterial soap, dry well and apply and antibacterial skin treatment. 4. Do not put your hands near or in your mouth, or eat, drink or smile while handling a reptile. 5. Do not allow reptile to reptile contact. Always apply the rule ‘one bag, one reptile’.

3.5.3 Relocation Procedure during Pre-clearance Survey

A predetermined release area should be decided upon prior to beginning a pre-clearance survey. For the Management Area, it is recommended that any individuals found should be relocated to the native grassland area to the north and west of the Management Area.

If reptiles need to be ‘bagged’, ensure there is only one reptile per bag and bags are not to be re-used for more than one individual.

Individuals, at any life stage, that are found on site should be relocated using the following relocation procedure:

1. The herpetologist will capture the reptile. If it is a Little Whip Snake, appropriate snake handling equipment must be used.

2. Once identified and photographed for reference, the reptile will be relocated to the previously agreed area (as outlined in section 3.5.3) after morphological data as outlined in point 4 is collected.

3. Reptiles should only be relocated prior to 3pm, to ensure a sufficient period of daylight hours for the individual to continue foraging and find a suitable refuge before nightfall. Otherwise, reptiles should be held overnight in a calico bag and released the following morning.

4. A record will be kept of any released individuals, detailing condition, life stage, sex identification (where possible), discovery location and release location. This record will be provided to DECCW and the relevant Threatened Species Recovery Coordinator.

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3.5.4 Relocation Procedure outside of Pre-clearance Survey

Should a reptile be observed within the Management Area and the Herpetologist is not present, then the following procedure should be followed:

1. The Site Manager will be notified of the reptile and where possible, inspect the reptile to confirm whether it is one of the species detailed within the RMP.

2. If the reptile is in immediate danger, the Site Manager shall place the reptile into a calico bag and store in a cool, dark place until the Herpetologist can make the identification. The Site Manager will follow the hygiene protocols outlined in section 3.5.2. If the reptile is a snake, then only the Herpetologist or other appropriate person as outlined in section 3.5.1, shall handle the animal.

3. If the Site Manager is unsure of the identification of the species of reptile, then the Herpetologist shall be called to identify the reptile. A series of photographs sent by email should be sufficient.

4. If the reptile is believed to be one of the detailed within the RMP (Grassland Earless Dragon, Striped Legless Lizard, Little Whip Snake – Photographs and descriptions provided in section 2 of this RMP), proceed to point 5. If the reptile is NOT one of these species, proceed to point 6.

5. The Herpetologist should be called to the site. The following procedures will then apply:

a. The Herpetologist will identify the reptile. If it is positively identified, the animal will be photographed for reference, the reptile will be relocated to the previously agreed area (as outlined in section 3.5.3) after morphological data as outlined in point c is collected.

b. Reptiles should only be relocated prior to 3pm, to ensure a sufficient period of daylight hours for the individual to continue foraging and find a suitable refuge before nightfall. Otherwise, reptiles should be held overnight in a calico bag and released the following morning.

c. A record will be kept of any released individuals, detailing condition, life stage, sex identification (where possible), discovery location and release location. This record will be provided to DECCW and the relevant Threatened Species Recovery Coordinator.

6. The Site Manager will contact the Herpetologist for direction.

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3.6 PROCEDURES FOR INJURED REPTILES

Should a reptile be found within the Management Area that appears injured in anyway, the Site Manager should contact the Herpetologist in first instance.

All efforts should be made to unite the reptile with Wildlife Carers such as WIRES. The nearest WIRES branch is at Adaminaby, approximately 50kms north of the Management Area. Their contact number, as listed on the WIRES webpage is (02) 6949 5999.

The Monaro Veterinary Clinic provides services to large and small animals. As listed in the Yellow Pages, their contact telephone number is (02) 6452 2292.

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4 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

Idec Solutions have been engaged by Airservices Australia as the contractor for the Cooma NDB upgrade.

A timeframe has been designed to indicate the timing of each action identified within this RMP. Table 1 provides details of each action identified within this RMP, and the timeframe for the implementation of each action.

Table 1: Implementation timeframe for this RMP.

Action Timeframe Relevant Section Actioned by: of RMP Engage appropriately Prior to commencement Section 3.1 Idec Solutions qualified Herpetologist of works Induct all contractors and At weekly ‘toolbox’ Section 3.2 Idec Solutions employees meetings Pre-clearance survey Directly prior to any Section 3.3 Idec Solutions and clearing of any ground Herpetologist cover vegetation Appropriate Whenever an open Section 3.5 Idec Solutions and management of open excavation of any kind Herpetologist excavations deeper than 10cm is not backfilled within same the day of the excavation being made

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5 REFERENCES

Cogger H. (2000) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Reed New Holland, Sydney.

Coulson G. (1990) Conservation Biology of the Striped Legless Lizard (Delma impar): An initial investigation. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research.

Daly G., Virtue B. & Stone G. (2008) Results of a survey for the Striped legless lizard Delma impar near Goulburn, New South Wales. Herpetofauna 38, 51-8.

DECCW. (2010) Threatened species, populations and ecological communities of NSW. Department of Environment, Climate Change & Water, Hurstville, N.S.W. www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au.

Dorrough J. & Ash J. E. (1999) Using past and present habitat to predict the current distribution and abundance of a rare cryptic lizard, Delma impar (Pygopodidae). Australian Journal of Ecology 24, 614-24.

Dorrough J., Close P. & Williams L. (1996) Rediscovery of the Striped Legless Lizard (Delma impar) on the Monaro Plains of NSW. Herpetofauna 26, 52-3.

EcologyPartners. (2007) Advice on the Striped Lizard Lizard Delma impar and Pink-tailed Worm-lizard Aprasia parapulchella as part of the proposed Hume Highway Duplication, New South Wales. Unpublished report to Roads and Traffic Authority.

EnviroKey. (2010) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment: Proposed Upgrade to the Air Services Australia Cooma Non-Directional Beacon (NDB). A report prepared by S. Sass of EnviroKey for Daly International. Report No. EcIA_0180. Final Version 22/09/2010.

Koehler L. (2004) The current distribution, status and habitat preferences for the Striped Legless Lizard (Delma impar) in south-western Victoria. Honours thesis, RMIT.

Kutt A. (1992) Microhabitat selection and mobility of the Striped legless lizard, Delma impar. honours Thesis, University of Melbourne.

Lawler I. R., Stapley J., Dennis S. & Cooper P. (1999) Survey for Delma impar and Tympanocryptis lineata pinguicolla in the Yass region. Report to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Queanbeyan.

Lemckert F. (1998) A survey of threatened herpetofauna of the south-west slopes of New South Wales. Australian Zoologist 30, 492-500.

Osborne W. S., Kukolic K., Davis M. S. & Blackburn R. (1993a) Recent records of the earless dragon Tympanocryptis lineata pinguicolla in the Canberra region and a description of its habitat. Herpetofauna 23, 16-25.

Osborne W. S., Kukolic K. & Williams K. D. (1993b) Conservation of reptiles in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. In: Herpetology in

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Australia: A diverse discipline (eds D. Lunney and D. Ayers). Transactions of the Royal Society of New South Wales, Surrey Beatty & Sons, Chipping Norton, NSW.

Robertson P. & Evans M. (2009) National Recovery Plan for the Grassland Earless Dragon Tympanocryptis pinguicolla. ACT Departmen of Territory and Muncipal Services, Canberra.

Smith W. & Robertson P. (1999) National Recovery Plan for the Striped Legless Lizard (Delma impar). NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service & Wildlife Profiles.

Swan G., Shea G. & Sadlier R. (2004) Field guide to the reptiles of New South Wales. Reed New Holland, Sydney.

Thackway R. & Creswell 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.

Wilson S. & Swan G. (2010) A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia, 3rd edition. Reed New Holland, Sydney.

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6 APPENDICES

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APPENDIX 1 – QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE OF AUTHOR

Name and Qualifications Experience is a h ighly experienced E cologist and H erpetologist, having undertaken hundreds of ecological surveys, Threatened B.App.Sci (Env.Sci) (Hons) Species A ssessments and pr ovided s pecialist ad vice on f rogs Certified Environmental and reptiles across eastern and central Australia for more than Practitioner, EIANZ 10 y ears. He i s w ell p ublished ac ross t he s cientific l iterature Practicing Member, Ecological including doc umenting s pecies r ange ex tensions, habi tat Consultants Association of requirements, c onservation m anagement and ecological Australia knowledge. His practical expertise ex tends ac ross t he w idest range of projects including landscape scale biodiversity surveys Member, Australian Society of and f lora a nd f auna impact as sessments i n s ensitive areas Herpetologists such as S ilverton Wind F arm, A ustralia’s l argest Wind F arm with 6 00 t urbines ( ~30,000 hec tares) ne ar B roken H ill i n f ar western N ew South Wales. was t he Senior Author an d Project Man ager f or t he B iodiversity Assessment an d l ed t he ecological t eam i n c ompleting t he on -ground s urveys, vegetation m apping an d t arget s urveys f or t hreatened s pecies which included three threatened reptile species and an endangered reptile population. has extensive experience in construction related projects across Australia including the specialist frog and reptile survey and m anagement f or t he c onstruction of a 380k m optic f ibre cable in Western Australia, a 650km gas pipeline from Queensland to Newcastle, the Silverton Wind Farm and several others in NSW and v arious other development projects across NSW including highway upgrades and residential developments. has an extensive scientific background and is an Adjunct Associate of the Ecology and Biodiversity Group within the Institute f or Land , Water and S ociety ( ILWS), a l eading research group at Charles Sturt University and he is accredited as a Certified Environmental Practitioner b y the Environmental Institute of Australia and New Zealand.

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