Appendix C-20 Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment James Price Point WA Browse LNG SEA

Browse LNG Precinct ©WOODSIDE Browse Liqueﬁed Natural Gas Precinct Strategic Assessment Report (Draft for Public Review) December 2010

Department of State Development

4 August 2010

Document No. 60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002 Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

James Price Point, WA Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment James Price Point, WA

Prepared for Department of State Development

Prepared by

AECOM Australia Pty Ltd 3 Forrest Place, Perth WA 6000, GPO Box B59, Perth WA 6849, Australia T +61 8 6430 2000 F +61 8 6430 2999 www.aecom.com ABN 20 093 846 925

4 August 2010

60103995

The information contained in this document produced by AECOM Australia Pty Ltd is solely for the use of the Client identified on the cover sheet for the purpose for which it has been prepared and AECOM Australia Pty Ltd undertakes no duty to or accepts any responsibility to any third party who may rely upon this document.

All rights reserved. No section or element of this document may be removed from this document, reproduced, electronically stored or transmitted in any form without the written permission of AECOM Australia Pty Ltd.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Quality Information

Document Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Ref 60103995

Date 4 August 2010

Prepared by Sarah Cohen, William Riddell, Kellie Honczar

Reviewed by Dr Sandy Griffin, Dr Mike Bamford, Abe Francis

Revision History

Authorised Revision Revision Details Date Name/Position Signature

A 27 Nov 2009 Internal Review Dr Bill Gorham Project Manager B 30 Nov 2009 Internal Review Dr Bill Gorham Project Manager C 15 Dec 2009 Client Review Dr Bill Gorham Project Manager 0 25 Jan 2010 For Issue Dr Bill Gorham Project Manager Revision 1 28-Jan-2010 Final Issue Revised Dr Bill Gorham Project Manager Revision 3 9 –Mar-2010 Final Issue Revised Dr Bill Gorham Project Manager Revision 4 25-May - Final Issue Revised Dr Bill Gorham 2010 Project Manager Revision 5 16-July-2010 Final Issue Revised Dr Bill Gorham Project Manager Revision 6 04-Aug-2010 Final Issue Revised Troy Collie Technical Director Environment

This page has been left blank intentionally.

Table of Contents Executive Summary i 1.0 Introduction 1 1.1 Objectives and Scope 1 1.2 Context 1 2.0 Regional Context of the Precinct Project Area 3 2.1 Geology and Landforms 3 2.2 Bioregion and Subregions 3 2.3 Biodiversity Hotspots 4 2.4 Regional Broadscale Vegetation Mapping 4 2.5 Flora and Vegetation 5 3.0 Methods 7 3.1 Desktop Studies 7 3.2 Fauna Assessment Timing and Weather 7 3.3 Fauna Assessment Team 8 3.4 Sampling Methodology 8 3.4.1 Vegetation Condition Mapping 8 3.4.2 Fauna Transects 10 3.4.3 Migratory Bird Surveys 12 3.5 Limitations and Constraints 13 4.0 Results 15 4.1 Mapping 15 4.1.1 Condition Mapping 15 4.2 Fauna Transects 16 4.2.1 Reptiles 17 4.2.2 Mammals 18 4.2.3 Terrestrial Birds 20 4.3 Migratory Bird Surveys 32 5.0 Conservation Significance 33 5.1 Threatened Fauna Statutory Framework 33 5.1.1 Nationally Protected Species 33 5.1.2 State Protected Species 34 5.1.3 IUCN Red List Species 35 5.2 Protected Fauna 36 5.2.1 Fauna Species Protected Under the EPBC Act 40 5.2.2 Fauna Species Protected Under Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 41 5.2.3 DEC Priority Listed Fauna Species 41 5.2.4 IUCN Red List Species 42 5.2.5 Migratory Species 43 6.0 Conclusions 45 6.1 Terrestrial Fauna Species 45 6.2 Migratory Birds 45 7.0 Figures 47 8.0 References 71 Plates 74 Appendix A DEWHA Summary of Matters of National Environmental Significance at James Price Point and Its Surrounds A Appendix B Fauna Assessment Field Observations B Appendix C Aerial Survey of Coastal Birds Data and Field Observations C Appendix D Fauna Assessment Species List November 2009 and Comparison Tables D

List of Tables Table 1: Timing of Activities for Late Dry Season Fauna Assessment, November 2009 7 Table 2: Fauna Assessment Team 8 Table 3: Vegetation Condition Scales 9 Table 4: Fauna Transect Location 11 Table 5: Area of Each Condition Class 15 Table 6: Area of Each Condition Class within Each Vegetation Type 16 Table 7: Proportion of Each Condition Class within Each Vegetation Type 16 Table 8: Number of Fauna Species Observed during the Late Dry Fauna Assessment November 2009 17 Table 9: Reptile Species Recorded in November 2009 17 Table 10: Recorded Mammal Species and Recorded Evidence of Presence of Mammal Species in November 2009 19 Table 11: Terrestrial Bird Species Recorded in November 2009 22 Table 12: Coastal Bird Counts from High and Low Tide Aerial Surveys 32 Table 13: Categories of Listed Species under the EPBC Act 33 Table 14: Schedules of Protected Fauna Species under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 34 Table 15: Priority Codes as Classified by DEC 34 Table 16: IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria 35 Table 17: Recorded Fauna Species of Conservation Significant November 2009 36 Table 18: Fauna habitat availability and likelihood of occurrence of these conservation significant fauna species within the Precinct Project Area. 37 Table 19: DEC Priority Listed Vertebrate Fauna Species Recorded in November 2009 or that may possibly occur in the Precinct Area 41

List of Figures Figure 1 Fauna Survey Area 49 Figure 2 IBRA Bioregions of the Kimberley Region 51 Figure 3 Australian National Biodiversity Hotspots 53 Figure 4 Temperature and Rainfall Data for Broome prior to the Assessment Period November 2009 55 Figure 5 Temperature and Rainfall Data for Broome Long Term Average Over the Last 70 Years 55 Figure 6 Fauna Transect Locations North and Vegetation Types 57 Figure 7 Fauna Transect Locations South and Vegetation Types 59 Figure 8 Vegetation Types 61 Figure 9 Vegetation Condition 63 Figure 10 High Tide Aerial Survey of Coastal Birds, 10 November 2009, Precinct Project Area 67 Figure 11 Low Tide Aerial Survey of Coastal Birds, 13 November 2009, Precinct Project Area 69

Executive Summary The Western Australian Department of State Development (DSD) is undertaking a Strategic Assessment for a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Precinct in the vicinity of James Price Point. This Precinct Project Area encompasses the construction and operation of LNG facilities and associated infrastructure on the Dampier Peninsula coast for the processing of hydrocarbons from the Browse Basin gas fields. The AECOM-Strategen team (AECOM Pty Ltd and Strategen Pty Ltd) was commissioned by DSD to undertake a supplementary dry season fauna and faunal habitat assessment (fauna assessment) in November 2009, to complement previous wet and dry season surveys. The intention of the supplementary terrestrial fauna and habitat assessment was to resolve uncertainty surrounding: what is known about faunal habitat present at the Precinct Project Area; to undertake a targeted search of coastal limestone and watercourse habitat areas for species of conservation significance, including migratory birds, and to produce a fauna habitat map of sufficient resolution to manage on-ground environmental impacts and provide predictive ability for species that may occur there. Study Methodology and Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment Timing The fauna assessment was undertaken across an area approximately 15 kilometres (km) north and south of James Price Point and 10 km inland, with the assistance of representatives of the Kimberley Land Council. Field work commenced on 9 November and concluded on 13 November, 2009. This assessment included aerial vegetation condition and fauna habitat mapping, an on-ground assessment of signs of targeted fauna species over 39 transects, and one high tide and one low tide aerial survey for coastal birds. The Vegetation Condition mapping and fauna assessment were undertaken by the lead zoologist, lead botanist and lead spatial analyst, by helicopter and mobile Graphic Information System (GIS) capability. The Bush Forever (Keighery 1994) Vegetation Condition scale was used for the field assessment, and converted to the comparable Trudgen scale (1988) for presentation in this report, to be consistent with other assessments undertaken for this project. Condition ranges were discussed with the lead botanist throughout the supplementary fauna and habitat assessment. Biota’s (2009a) vegetation mapping of vegetation type was used for mapping and assessment of fauna habitat as it represented the basis of preceding mapping to date and supplementary Biota data from 2010 were also used in this report. Fourteen species listed as threatened under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) were targeted for the late dry season fauna assessment. The on-ground fauna transects were approximately two and half hectares (ha) in area each (500 by 50 metres (m)) and were representative of the different habitat types present, especially targeting areas of potential habitat for the above EPBC Act species and other areas of high quality habitat. Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates were recorded at the beginning and end of each transect and to mark distinctive changes in habitat or vegetation type (including between burnt and unburnt areas). Direct sightings of fauna were recorded and birds were additionally identified by their calls. Indirect faunal evidence, including burrows, scats, tracks and scratches, were also recorded. GPS coordinates and photographs were taken to document evidence of occurrence of targeted threatened species. Outside transects, direct sightings and indirect evidence of fauna found within the Precinct Project Area were recorded. Aerial surveys for coastal birds were conducted along the coastline north, within and south of the Precinct Project Area site at both low and high tide. The aim was to provide general information on the diversity, abundance and spatial distribution of coastal birds, focussing on large congregations of water birds and how they utilised the Precinct Project Area (for example for roosting, foraging and breeding). The aerial surveys were conducted from helicopter at approximately 50 to 100 m, with occasional lower forays particularly around the mouths of Barred and Willie Creeks and near the rock platforms at James Price, Coulomb and Quondong Points (where larger congregations of shorebirds were present). Coastal bird observations, including species, abundance and location, were recorded directly to a dictaphone for later analysis and summary.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 i Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Habitat Mapping and Fauna Assessment Results Vegetation types were mapped and assessed by Biota (2009a) and this mapping is the at the most appropriate scale and therefore most suitable to be used as a basis for subsequent assessments. Vegetation condition and fauna habitat were analysed against this mapping to identify relationships between vegetation type, condition and fauna habitat quality. The fauna assessment recorded or recorded evidence for a total of 113 vertebrate species, comprised of 20 reptile species, five native mammal species, three introduced mammal species and 85 terrestrial bird species. Amphibian and bat species were not recorded. Of the 20 reptile species recorded either by targeted searches or by opportunistic sightings in the Precinct Project Area eighty five percent had been previously recorded. Three species (representing 15 percent) had not been recorded by either ENV (2008a) or Biota (2009b). Three of the five native mammal species recorded or evidence of mammal species recorded (representing 43 percent) had previously been recorded by both ENV (2008a) and Biota (2009b). Two species (representing 57 percent) were not previously recorded by either ENV (2008a) or Biota (2009b). Of the birds recorded, 70 bird species representing 82 percent of recorded bird species were either recorded or identified as potentially occurring within the Precinct Project Area by Biota (2009b). Fifteen bird species representing 12 percent of recorded bird species had not been previously recorded by Biota (2009b). There was no confirmed direct or indirect evidence of the Golden-backed Tree-rat (Mesembriomys macrurus) from the fauna assessment; however, this species may occur within the Precinct Project Area, although this is unlikely, due to the fact that this inference is based on potential historic records from the Dampier Peninsula. Similarly, there was no evidence, such as tracks or distinctive burrows, observed for the Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagotis); however, some foraging holes were suggestive of this species. At best, observations suggest a few vagrant individuals present in the Precinct Project Area rather than a resident colony. There have been some records of Greater Bilby presence from the Broome hinterland during the last 10 to 15 years. During the high tide and low tide surveys a total of 40 bird species was recorded that are listed as marine or migratory bird species under the EPBC Act. A total of 561 individual coastal birds were observed during the high tide aerial survey and 1,277 individual coastal birds were sighted during the low tide survey. Large congregations of terns (especially Common Terns) were recorded south of the project area on sandy spits associated with the mouths of Barred and Willie Creeks. Conclusions Three species of conservation significance, which were either listed by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) for protection or listed under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act) were confirmed to occur within the Precinct Project Area during the late dry fauna assessment, including: Chestnut-backed Button-quail (Turnix castanota) (DEC Priority 4) Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis) (DEC Priority 4) Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) (WC Act Schedule 4). These three species recorded in the Precinct Project Area also occur in other regions. The Chestnut-backed Button-quail has been recorded in the Kimberley region and the Northern Territory. The Eastern Curlew is widespread around coastal Australia and the Peregrine Falcon is widespread throughout Australia. The Golden-backed Tree-rat (Mesembriomys macrurus), which is listed vulnerable under the EBPC Act and classified as a Priority 4 listed species by the DEC, was identified as possibly occurring within the Precinct Project Area due to the presence of suitable habitat. This species is known to occur in coastal areas of the Northern Kimberley, with records from Derby, 160 km east of James Price Point, extending north up to the Mitchell Plateau. There is also a record of the species in the Broome area (DEC 2009a).

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 ii Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

It is concluded that if the Greater Bilby, which is listed vulnerable under the EBPC Act and listed as a Schedule 1 species under the WC Act, occurs in the Precinct Project Area it would probably only occur as a few vagrant individuals rather than a resident colony. The Greater Bilby is not restricted to the Precinct Project Area or the Northern Kimberley region. This species also occurs in the Triodia hummock grassland and Acacia scrub across the deserts of central Australia with satellite populations in the Kimberley and Warburton regions of Western Australia and in south-west Queensland. The Greater Bilby and the Golden-backed Tree-Rat (and some other mammals such as Golden Bandicoot) would previously have occurred in the Precinct Project Area and the former two may persist in small numbers. The Precinct Project Area provides habitat for a range of migratory bird species, including migratory waders and terns that breed in the northern hemisphere. However, in comparison with other sites on or near the Dampier Peninsula, and in other parts of north-western Australia (for example Roebuck Bay, Eighty Mile Beach, Bidyadanga, Dessault Bay), the coastline between Coulomb Point south to Quondong Beach has relatively low numbers of migratory shorebirds, compared with other parts of north-western Australia. The lack of large shorebird assemblages is most probably due to the lack of intertidal mudflats and extensive sandflats, which are optimal foraging habitat for shorebirds in this region.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 iii Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

This page has been left blank intentionally.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 iv Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

1.0 Introduction The Department of State Development (DSD) is undertaking a Strategic Assessment for the Browse Liquefied Natural Gas (BLNG) Precinct in the vicinity of James Price Point, WA. The Precinct Project Area encompasses the construction and operation of LNG facilities and associated infrastructure on the Dampier Peninsula for the processing of hydrocarbons from the Browse Basin gas fields. The BLNG Precinct site is located in the vicinity of James Price Point, situated approximately 60 km north of Broome, WA (Figure 1). AECOM-Strategen (AECOM Australia Pty Ltd and Strategen Pty Ltd) was commissioned by DSD to identify the extent of further work required in relation to faunal habitat assessments of the Precinct site and surrounds for the purpose of contributing to the Strategic Assessment. DSD conducted a review of previous detailed wet and dry season fauna surveys of the Precinct Project Area and James Price Point area and identified that a supplementary fauna and habitat assessment was required to provide further certainty about the presence or absence of key protected fauna species, and the condition and extent of fauna habitat. A late dry season supplementary terrestrial fauna and habitat assessment (referred to herewith as the fauna assessment) was carried out in November 2009, focusing on an area including the Precinct Project Area and a buffer zone extending along the WA coastline from Coulomb Point to Cape Boileau and inland approximately 10 km, as shown in Figure 1. The expanded study area allowed regional comparisons to be drawn in relation to species of conservation significance and habitat availability.

1.1 Objectives and Scope The objectives and scope of the late dry season fauna assessment were to: answer uncertainly surrounding what is known about faunal habitat present at the Precinct site, specifically the extent of monsoon vine thickets; undertake targeted searches of coastal limestone and watercourse habitat areas for species of conservation significance (including migratory birds) protected under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and the WA Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act); assess the extent of the monsoon vine thicket as a potential habitat for the Short-Range Endemic (SRE) millipede spirobolid habitat to further identify the potential for their distribution across the Precinct Project Area; and produce a fauna habitat map with sufficient resolution to manage on-ground environmental impacts and provide predictive ability for species that may occur within the Precinct Project Area. The fauna assessment was conducted in accordance with the principles of EPA Guidance Statement No. 56 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia. Discussions in relation to the conservation significance of fauna habitats in the Precinct Project Area are not included in this report but will be included in the existing environment section of the Strategic Assessment.

1.2 Context Two previous terrestrial fauna surveys have been undertaken within the James Price Point area: Perpendicular Head – North Head, Packer Island, Gourdon Bay and Coulomb – Quondong Vertebrate Fauna Assessment (ENV 2008a), and James Price Point Terrestrial Fauna Survey: Wet Season (draft) (Biota 2009b). DSD conducted a review and gap analysis of these previous surveys to evaluate the adequacy of the previous fauna and habitat assessments in terms of spatial extent, technical voracity and representation of species expected to occur in the region.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 1 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

DSD proposed that a single additional field assessment be undertaken for the Precinct Project Area that would: target coastal limestone and watercourse habitat areas; not include trapping, but would instead focus on other direct and indirect evidence of specific faunal groups, such as migratory birds and birds associated with the coastline and watercourses; answer uncertainty surrounding faunal habitat, specifically the extent of monsoon vine thickets and suitability of habitat for other especially protected fauna; allow for production of a fauna habitat map with sufficient resolution to manage on-ground environmental impacts, and when combined with the previous wet and dry season fauna surveys, represent comprehensive fauna surveys across two seasons, as expected by regulators when assessing significant projects. The Australasian Wader Studies Group (AWSG) recently surveyed shorebirds from Barred Creek, north to Coulomb Point as part of the Yellow Sea Migrant surveys of north-west Australia (Rogers, et al. 2009). Woodside Petroleum Ltd also commissioned a desktop assessment of migratory birds at James Price Point (Coleman 2009). These studies provided data on shorebird diversity and abundance for the Precinct Project Area, which was also reviewed and used in conjunction with results from this late dry fauna assessment.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 2 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

2.0 Regional Context of the Precinct Project Area The Kimberley Region extends from sub-humid to semi-arid areas and covers a variety of different geological basements. These differences are reflected in the distinctive geomorphologies, soil, landscapes and biotas of the north, central, south, west and eastern Kimberley (DEC 2009). The Precinct Project Area occurs on the Dampier Peninsula which is characterised by vast, gently undulating Pindan sandplains. The Dampier Peninsula is at the south-western end of what is considered to be the Kimberley region, between the townships of Broome and Derby. The gorges, rivers and islands often associated with the Kimberley region occur to the north, within the Kimberley Plateau. James Price Point occurs 60 km north of Broome, on the western coastline of the Dampier Peninsula. The climate of the Dampier Peninsula is tropical, with hot and humid summers and warm winters. The wet season typically runs from December to March and the dry season from April to November.

2.1 Geology and Landforms The Dampier Peninsula is located within the geological area known as the Fitzroy Trough; a major subdivision of the Canning Sedimentary Basin. The Dampier Peninsula is underlain by Jurassic marine sediments (sandstone and mudstone), with occasional outcrops of Early Cretaceous and Cainozoic rocks in some locations, including calcrete in coastal situations on Waterbank Station (McKenzie & Kenneally 1983). Important surfaces of the Dampier Peninsula in the vicinity of the Precinct Project Area were outlined by Biota (2009a) and comprise: coastal saline mudflats Holocene coastal beach sand and sand dunes, with some lime-indurated beach-rock local exposures of Broome sandstone at Quondong Point and James Price Point widespread pindan red earths of Quaternary sandplains of mixed alluvial and aeolian origin, exposed as pindan cliffs at places along the coastline scattered seasonal fresh-water swamps, which are poorly developed (McKenzie & Kenneally 1983; DoIR 2008). Sheet flooding is the most widespread pattern of surface water drainage as the gently sloping plains have few abrupt rises (Biota 2009b).

2.2 Bioregion and Subregions The Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) recognises 85 distinct bioregions (Environment Australia 2000). The Precinct Project Area is located within the Dampierland Bioregion which covers approximately 83,700 kilometres squared; extending from south of Pardoo, northwards along Eighty Mile Beach to the north of Derby (Figure 2). This region is divided into two distinct subregions: Fitzroy Trough and Pindanland (DEC 2009). The Precinct Project Area is located within the Pindanland subregion. The Pindanland subregion comprises gently undulating sandplain landscapes with wooded shrublands dominated by wattles and occasional low hills with hummock grasslands. The region’s extensive coastal plains comprise mudflats supporting mangal, samphire and couch grasslands fringed by low paperbark forest, as well as beach strand and coastal limestone outcrops with shrub-Spinifex communities (DEC 2009). The Pindanland subregion covers an area of approximately 51,989 kilometres squared. Three basic components of the subregion were outlined by Graham (2001) and comprise: Quaternary sandplain overlying Jurassic and Mesozoic sandstones with Pindan with hummock grasslands on hills Quaternary marine deposits on coastal plains, with mangal, samphire (Sporobolus spp.) grasslands, Melaleuca alsophila low forests, and Spinifex spp. - Crotalaria spp. strand communities Quaternary alluvial plains associated with the Permian and Mesozoic sediments of Fitzroy Trough support tree savannahs of Ribbon Grass (Chrysopogon spp.) - Bluegrass (Dichanthium spp.) grasses with scattered Coolibah (Eucalyptus microtheca) - Bauhinia cunninghamii, with riparian forests of River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and Cadjeput (Melaleuca spp.) fringe drainages.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 3 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

2.3 Biodiversity Hotspots Australia is one of seventeen countries described as being megadiverse. The megadiverse countries cover less than 10 percent of the global surface but support more than 70 percent of the biological diversity on earth (DEWHA 2009). Australia is home to between 600,000 and 700,000 species, many of which are endemic. Endemic species account for 84 percent of plants, 83 percent of mammals and 45 percent of bird species found in Australia. Australia's biodiversity is threatened from the impacts of many human activities, with more than 50 fauna species and 60 flora species having gone extinct since European settlement (DEWHA 2009). The Precinct Project site is in the vicinity of located between two areas considered to be extremely biodiverse ("biodiversity hotspots"). This includes the North Kimberley hotspot, which is located approximately 250 kilometres to the north of the precinct site, and the Hamersley-Pilbara hotspot, located 350 kilometres to the south (Figure 3). The North Kimberley hotspot has a variety of rare features including mound springs, swamp rainforests and the Airfield Swamp, which is a large wetland and paperbark forest. The North Kimberley hotspot supports populations of the endangered Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae) as well as endemic and threatened mammals, including the Golden Bandicoot (Isoodon auratus), Scaly-tailed Possum (Wyulda squamicaudata) and Monjon (Petrogale burbidgei) (DEWHA 2009). The Hamersley-Pilbara hotspot provides habitat for a number of threatened, endemic and fire-sensitive species and communities. The Hamersley Range provides relatively protected habitats for many species, including the Ghost Bat (Macroderma gigas), Crest-tailed Mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda), Brush-tailed Mulgara (D. blythi) and Spectacled Hare-wallaby (Lagorchestes conspicillatus). Aquifers support endemic cave-dwelling animals. The Pilbara is home to small mammals such as the Little Red Antechinus (Dasykaluta rosamondae) and the Pebble- mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani). The arid climate favours endemic reptiles, including gecko and goanna species, and the coastal islands are refuges for vulnerable species that are rare or extinct on the mainland, such as the Western Chestnut Mouse (P. nanus). Coastal islands also provide breeding sites for marine turtles and seabirds (DEWHA 2009). The Precinct Project Area is not ecologically similar to these biodiversity hotspots as the site is located on the Dampier Peninsula, which, for example, does not have the same ecological features and landforms as either of the hotspots (Section 2.2).

2.4 Regional Broadscale Vegetation Mapping Beard (1979) mapped the vegetation of Western Australia at a broad scale (1:1,000,000). The Precinct Project Area locality lies within the Dampier Botanical District, which broadly corresponds with the Dampierland IBRA bioregion (Environment Australia 2000). The vegetation is typically Pindan on sandplains, more or less densely wooded according to rainfall, consisting of tall-grass savanna with or without scattered trees on clay plains and spinifex steppe on sandstone and limestone outcrops (Beard 1979). The area surrounding the Precinct site was mapped by Beard (1979) as two units: Pindan woodland on monotonous sandplain comprising Eucalyptus tectifica and Corymbia grandifolia woodland over Acacia tumida shrubland over Chrysopogon and Triodia grasslands (Beard’s unit 750), dominating the sandy plains, and bare areas of drift sand (Beard’s unit 129), mapped in narrow bands along the coast. Given the necessarily broad scale of Beard’s mapping these units are of only general relevance to the Precinct Project Area. The vegetation of the Dampier Peninsula was also described by McKenzie & Kenneally (1983). Vegetation types described within the Land Systems and habitats occurring within the Precinct Project Area comprised: Coastal dune and beach communities of the Carpenteria Land System, Sub-coastal vine thickets to closed vine forests of the Carpenteria Land System, and Sandplain communities of the Yeeda and Wanganut Land Systems.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 4 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

The most detailed vegetation mapping and vegetation descriptions specific to the Precinct Project Area were developed by ENV (2008b), which were further resolved by Biota (2009a). These are discussed further in Biota’s wet season flora survey report (2009b).

2.5 Flora and Vegetation Twelve vegetation types were identified by Biota (2000a) for the Precinct Project Area. These vegetation types broadly comprise: bare (unvegetated) areas on eroded coastal plains; low wind-pruned coastal heaths dominated by Acacia tumida var. kulparn on exposed coastal cliffs; coastal communities of Beach Spinifex (Spinifex longifolius), sedges and mixed shrubs on dunes and in blow-out areas; introduced Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) tussock grassland on areas of sandy plain between coastal sand dunes and the inland pindan plain; monsoon vine thickets (evergreen and deciduous) occurring in patches in sheltered areas along the coastal dune system; tall closed scrubs of mixed wattles, principally Acacia monticola and A. colei, mainly near James Price Point; pindan shrubland comprising scattered Eucalypts (mainly Corymbia dampieri, C. zygophylla, C. flavescens, Eucalyptus tectifica and E. miniata) over a variably dense shrub cover of wattle species (particularly Acacia eriopoda, A. monticola and A. tumida) over Soft Spinifex (Triodia schinzii) and various tussock grasses on the inland plain; open woodland of Eucalyptus miniata, Corymbia polycarpa (only along Kundandu Creek) with Eucalyptus jensenii occurring between Quondong Point and James Price Point within 5 km of the coast; open forest dominated by Eucalyptus miniata over mixed wattles (particularly Acacia tumida and A. platycarpa) over mixed tussock grasses; woodlands dominated by Lardik (Lophostemon grandiflorus) in drainage basins; and sandstone outcrops, typically not large enough to support a distinct vegetation community. Of the vegetation types identified by Biota (2009b) at James Price Point, the following are considered to be of particular conservation significance: Monsoon vine thickets on coastal sand dunes of the Dampier Peninsula: Monsoon vine thickets are identified as a Threatened Ecological Community (TEC) by DEC. This community is well developed in the Precinct Project Area, supporting flora restricted to this habitat type. It is at risk from fragmentation, weed invasion and changed fire regimes and has high conservation value. Drainage basin vegetation: This community supports flora restricted to this habitat type, is at risk from fragmentation, weed invasion and changed fire regimes, and has high conservation value. Coastal heath vegetation: This community is identified as a Priority 1 Ecological Community and has moderate conservation value. Coastal communities: These communities have a small area of representation within the Precinct Project Area, are susceptible to erosion and weed invasion, and have moderate conservation value.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 5 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

This page has been left blank intentionally.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 6 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

3.0 Methods The dry season fauna assessment was undertaken in November 2009 and consisted of vegetation condition mapping, habitat analysis and the surveying of transect areas (fauna transects). A desktop study was conducted prior to the fauna assessment.

3.1 Desktop Studies AECOM-Strategen conducted a desktop study to compile existing information on fauna and faunal habitat availability within the James Price Point coastal area and the surrounding Kimberley region. This study included searches of the EPBC Act Protected Matters database and the DEC Threatened Fauna Database for species of environmental significance within the Precinct Project Area. AECOM-Strategen reviewed previous fauna surveys undertaken in the Precinct Project Area.

3.2 Fauna Assessment Timing and Weather The fauna assessment commenced on November 9 and finished on November 13, 2009. Table 1 outlines activities undertaken during the supplementary terrestrial fauna and habitat assessment.

Table 1: Timing of Activities for Late Dry Season Fauna Assessment, November 2009 Date Activity Time Details 9/11/09 Aerial survey for 8:00 A.M. to Helicopter survey conducted by lead zoologist, habitat mapping 10:30 A.M. lead botanist and lead spatial analyst and vegetation condition 10/11/09 High tide shorebird 3:15 P.M. to Helicopter survey of coastline from James Price survey 4:45 P.M. Point north to Coulomb Point and then south to Willie Creek. 10/11/09 Fauna transects 1 8:00 A.M. to Fauna transects in drainage basin, coastal to 8 4:00 P.M. communities, evergreen vine thicket and pindan shrubland. 11/11/09 Fauna transects 9 9:30 A.M. to Fauna transects in low woodland, open Corymbia to 20 5:00 P.M. woodland and pindan. 11/11/09 Nocturnal fauna 6:30 A.M. to Night drive (Manari Road) for opportunistic fauna search 7:45 P.M. observations. 12/11/09 Fauna transects 8:30 A.M. to Fauna transects in evergreen and deciduous Vine 21 to 36 5:00 P.M. Thicket, low woodland, open Corymbia and eucalypt woodland and pindan. 12/11/09 Nocturnal fauna 6:30 A.M. to Night drive (Manari Road) and brief spotlighting search 7:30 P.M. periods for opportunistic fauna observations. 13/11/09 Fauna transects 9:00 A.M. to Fauna transect in coastal heath and pindan. 37 to 39 11:00 A.M. 13/11/09 Low tide shorebird 2:30 P.M. to Helicopter survey of coastline from Barred Creek survey 4:00 P.M. north to Coulomb Point and inland for overview of habitat and searches for unusual landforms (for example rocky outcrops).

Maximum daily temperatures at Broom airport averaged 35.7 °C and ranged from 34.1 to 39.1 °C, while minimum daily temperatures averaged 26.1 °C and ranged from 24.2 to 27.3 °C. The week prior to the assessment, 44.8 millimetres (mm) of rainfall was recorded at Broome airport (BoM 2009a). Showers occurred within the Project Precinct Area during the assessment, though no rainfall was recorded at Broome airport in the corresponding period.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 7 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Late dry seasons in the Broome area are typically characterised by high temperatures and low rainfall. Compared with previous years’ data, the months leading up to the 2009 late dry season fauna assessment were relatively warm and wet, with increased rainfall between June and November (52.8 mm compared with the long term average of 36.4 mm) (Figure 4and Figure 5). The fauna assessment was therefore conducted under hot conditions with above average rainfall. Much of the proposed Precinct Project Area was recently burnt, with approximately 80 to 90 percent of the area burnt within the last six months. It is likely that all of the Precinct Project Area was burnt within the last five years.

3.3 Fauna Assessment Team The primary fauna assessment team consisted of three AECOM-Strategen ecologists/zoologists and Dr Mike Bamford, a fauna specialist contracted from M.J. & A.R. Bamford, Consulting Ecologists (Table 2). Traditional Owners and members of the Kimberley Land Council (KLC) provided local knowledge and assisted the primary fauna team in undertaking assessments. Additionally Russell Barrett, the lead botanist from the flora team and expert in the Kimberley region, recorded opportunistic fauna sightings within the Precinct Project Area.

Table 2: Fauna Assessment Team Name Qualifications Involvement As head zoologist Mike Bamford was Bachelor of Science in Biology responsible for leading the project team and Dr Mike Bamford Honours in Biology (Hons) refining assessment methodologies. He was Doctor of Philosophy involved in all components of the assessment. Master of Science Candidate Abe Francis was responsible for undertaking Abe Francis (Natural Resource Management) habitat and vegetation condition mapping. Bachelor of Science (Hons) As an experienced ornithologist Jamie Bachelor of Agricultural Science Dr Jamie Matthew Matthew was primarily involved in aerial bird Doctor of Philosophy surveying and fauna transects Martha Rees was involved in all aspects of Bachelor of Resource & Martha Rees the fauna assessment except for habitat and Environmental Science (Hons) vegetation condition assessment Master of Environment (Conservation and Landscape William Riddell was involved in all aspects of William Riddell Management) the fauna assessment except for habitat and Bachelor of Science (Earth vegetation condition assessment Sciences)

3.4 Sampling Methodology The fauna assessment was conducted through a number of different mechanisms. Observations were made from a helicopter to assist in the mapping of vegetation condition and to survey marine and migratory birds. Fauna searches were conducted by groups of people walking transects through the various different habitats. Data acquired from these searches was used to analyse habitat quality. Additional fauna observations were made while driving in the Precinct Project Area, including observations made while driving at night. 3.4.1 Vegetation Condition Mapping Vegetation condition is useful when assessing fauna habitat, as habitat quality is often related to vegetation condition. The results of the assessment were used to infer overall fauna habitat quality. The vegetation condition mapping is presented in Figure 9. Vegetation condition mapping was conducted from a helicopter using mobile GIS. The elevated viewpoint allowed rapid delineation of vegetation condition boundaries with reasonable accuracy. In areas where canopy density was high and it was more difficult to assess the understorey, it was necessary to infer condition which was then confirmed from ground assessments. Canopy density was not used as an indicator of vegetation condition.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 8 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Sharp boundaries between different condition classes are rare and there is a certain amount of subjectivity inherent with using such scales. There are a number of Vegetation Condition scales in existence and the Bush Forever (Keighery 1994) Vegetation Condition scale was used for the field assessment, then converted to the comparable Trudgen scale (1988)for presentation in this report, to be consistent with other assessments undertaken for the project.. These scales are presented in Table 3.

Table 3: Vegetation Condition Scales

Keighery, 1994 Condition Scale Trudgen, 1988 Condition Scale Pristine (1) Excellent (1) Pristine or nearly so, no obvious signs of Pristine or nearly so, no obvious signs of disturbance caused disturbance. by the activities of European man. Excellent (2) Very Good (2) Vegetation structure intact, disturbance affecting Vegetation structure intact, some relatively slight signs of individual species and weeds are non- damage caused by the activities of European man. aggressive species. Disturbance affecting individual species, for example, some signs of damage to tree trunks caused by repeated fire, the presence of relatively non-aggressive weeds such as Ursinia anthemoides or Briza spp. or occasional vehicle tracks. Very Good (3) Good (3) Vegetation structure altered, obvious signs of Vegetation structure altered, obvious signs of disturbance. disturbance. For example, disturbance to More obvious signs of damage caused by the activities of vegetation structure caused by repeated fires, European man, including some obvious impact on the the presence of some more aggressive weeds, vegetation structure such as that caused by low levels of dieback, logging and grazing. grazing, repeated fire or by selective logging. Disturbance to vegetation structure caused by the presence of some more aggressive weeds such as Ehrharta spp. Good (4) Poor (4) Vegetation structure significantly altered by very Vegetation structure significantly altered by very obvious signs obvious signs of multiple disturbance. Retains of multiple disturbance. Still retains basic vegetation structure basic vegetation structure or ability to or ability to regenerate to it after very obvious impacts of regenerate it. For example, disturbance to activities of European man, such as grazing, partial clearing vegetation structure caused by very frequent (chaining), dieback or frequent fires. Weeds as above, fires, the presence of some very aggressive probably plus some ore aggressive ones such as Ehrharta weeds at high density, partial clearing, dieback spp. and grazing. Degraded (5) Very Poor (5) Basic vegetation structure severely impacted by Basic vegetation structure severely impacted by disturbance. disturbance. Scope for regeneration but not to Scope for regeneration but not to a state approaching good a state approaching good condition without condition without intensive management. For example, intensive management. For example, disturbance to vegetation structure caused by very frequent disturbance to vegetation structure caused by fires, the presence of very aggressive weeds, partial clearing, very frequent fires, the presence of very dieback and grazing. Usually with a number of weed species aggressive weeds, partial clearing, dieback and including very aggressive species. grazing. Completely Degraded (6) Completely Degraded (6) The structure of the vegetation is no longer The structure of the vegetation is no longer intact and the area intact and the area is completely or almost is completely or almost completely without native species. completely without native species. These areas These areas are often described as ‘parkland cleared’ with the are often described as ‘parkland cleared’ with flora comprising weed or crop species with isolated native the flora comprising weed or crop species with trees or shrubs. isolated native trees or shrubs.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 9 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Assessing vegetation condition by helicopter, while effective for large areas, is of limited value where vegetation changes rapidly, such as occurs along coastal areas. For this reason, condition assessments at ground level were used within a 100 m buffer area from cliff lines or hind dunes along the coastal section of the Study Area. Due to the nature of ground assessments, this could not be extrapolated to provide ‘areas’ of condition, however including it in the mapping helps to build up a picture of condition within the coastal zone. Vegetation condition at both scales is presented in Figure 9. Altered vegetation structure as a result of changes in fire frequency was the main determinant of vegetation condition. Weeds, predominantly Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) were not a significant feature of the majority of the Precinct Project Area, apart from within the coastal zone. In these coastal areas in many cases, Buffel Grass would also be expected to appear inland in areas of open vegetation however, much of the site had been recently burnt and so this was not evident. Areas where Buffel Grass had replaced native dune-binding vegetation were usually classified as ”Very Poor” and were found to be visually representative of this vegetation condition class. Areas identified as "Excellent" in the Precinct Project Area are therefore pockets of vegetation that essentially have no obvious signs of disturbance. It should be noted that areas of low fire frequency vegetation are not uncommon in the Kimberley, particularly in areas that have been sheltered from fire such as wetter, low-lying areas. Such areas are likely to form habitat refuges for fire sensitive fauna species. 3.4.2 Fauna Transects As advised by the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) summary of matters of National Environmental Significance at James Price Point and its surrounds report, (Appendix A) the following EPBC Act listed threatened fauna species were targeted for the late dry season terrestrial fauna assessment to further understand the likely presence of these species of their habitats within the Precinct Project Area: Airlie Island Ctenotus Ctenotus angusticeps, Australian Painted Snipe Rostratula australis, Brush-tailed Mulgara Dasycercus blythi, Brush-tailed Rabbit Rat Conilurus penicillatus, Crest-tailed Mulgara Dasycercus cristicauda, Golden-backed Tree-rat Mesembriomys macrurus, Golden Bandicoot Isoodon auratus, Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae, Great Desert Skink Egernia kintorei, Greater Bilby Macrotis lagotis, Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae kimberli, Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus, Princess Parrot Polytelis alexandrae, and Red Goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiatus.

A total of 39 fauna transects were selected to be representative of the different habitat types, especially targeting areas of potential habitat for the above EPBC Act species and other areas of high quality habitat. Transects were typically 500 m in length; however, there was some variation due to time and topographical constraints. The average width of transects was 50 m; however, this width varied depending on the number of people walking each transect (ranged between two and seven) and the terrain. Locations and numbers of transects for each habitat type are presented in Figure 6, Figure 7 and Table 4. Field observations, including transects searched, habitat type and species sighted and a reference to plates showing an example of the habitat for each transect, are included in Appendix B. Fauna assessment team members recorded GPS coordinates at the beginning and end of each transect and to mark any distinctive change in habitat or vegetation type (including between burnt and unburnt areas). Team members recorded sightings of fauna and some bird species were identified by their calls. Indirect faunal evidence, including burrows, scats, tracks and scratches were recorded. GPS coordinates and photographs were taken for any potential evidence of occurrence of targeted threatened species.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 10 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

The fauna assessment team continued to record fauna observations, both direct and indirect, that were made outside of designated transects but within the Precinct Project Area. This included fauna observed while driving within the project area, including observations made while driving at night. Each habitat type was assessed for its suitability to support targeted threatened species.

Table 4: Fauna Transect Location Transect GPS Start GPS End Habitat Type Plate Number Reference 1 E: 409962 E: 409517 Started in drainage basin heading west Plate P1 N: 8062826 N: 8062911 towards coast. Drainage basin consisted of Acacia tall shrubland and scattered Eucalypts, moving into monsoon vine thicket (evergreen). The western end of transect consisted of coastal communities (dunes and spinifex) 2 E: 409507 E: 409344 Sand dunes and vine thicket Plate P2 N: 8062911 N: 8062973 3 E: 409553 E: 409780 Monsoon vine thicket (evergreen) Plate P3 N: 8063360 N: 8063490 4 E: 409644 E: 409938 Deciduous vine thicket and dense, low Plate P4 N: 8064107 N: 8064229 pindan

5 E: 409938 E: 409878 Dense unburnt pindan shrubland Plate P5 N: 8064229 N: 8064295 6 E: 409878 E: 409650 Dense pindan and deciduous vine thicket Plate P6 N: 8064295 N: 8064231 7 E: 409979 E: 410282 Small amount of monsoon vine thicket Plate P7 N: 8067130 N: 8067141 (deciduous) and tall closed shrub, unburnt 8 E: 410282 E: 409979 Mostly tall closed shrub and pindan Plate P8 N: 8067141 N: 8067400 shrubland, unburnt 9 E: 411528 E: 411540 Burnt and unburnt pindan shrubland, low Plate P9 N: 8063829 N: 8063376 woodland with Calytrix understorey 10 E: 411540 E: 411986 Recently burnt pindan shrubland Plate P10 N: 8063376 N: 8063434 11 E: 411986 E: 412020 Burnt and unburnt pindan Plate P11 N: 8063434 N: 8064092 12 E:411549 N: E: 411486 Grevillea pindan shrubland and recently Plate P12 8063842 N: 8064365 burnt pindan 13 E: 411549 N: E: 411944 Recently burnt pindan Plate P13 8064365 N: 8064423 14 E: 411944 E: 412080 Grevillea pindan shrubland and recently Plate P14 N: 8064423 N: 8064132 burnt pindan 15 E: 415010 E: 414706 Recently burnt Eucalypt woodland Plate P15 N: 8068130 N: 8068150 16 414700, E: 415040 Recently burnt Eucalypt woodland Plate P16 8068200 N: 8068200 17 E: 415000 E: 415291 Burnt open Eucalypt woodland Plate P17 N: 8068070 N: 8067983 18 E: 415269 E: 415012 Burnt open Eucalypt woodland Plate P18 N: 8068068 N: 8068123 19 E: 0414997 E: 0414697 Burnt open Eucalypt woodland N: 8068070 N: 8068071 20 E: 0414697 E: 0414700 Burnt open Eucalypt woodland N: 8068071 N: 8068017

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 11 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Transect GPS Start GPS End Habitat Type Plate Number Reference 21 E: 414973 E: 414492 Open Eucalypt woodland with a diverse Plate P19 N: 8047741 N: 8047757 grassy and shrubby understorey 22 E: 414489 E: 414452 Open Eucalypt woodland with a diverse Plate P20 N: 8047757 N: 8048260 grassy and shrubby understorey, scattered Eucalypt, unburnt 23 E: 414452 E: 414732 Open Eucalypt woodland with a diverse Plate P21 N: 8048254 N: 8048223 grassy and shrubby understorey 24 E: 411211 E: 410731 Unburnt (for 2 to 3 years) Pindan and Plate P22 N: 8057692 N: 8057651 deciduous vine thicket. Parallel to drainage line 25 E: 410731 E: 410735 Pindan, deciduous vine thicket and Plate P23 N: 8057651 N: 8057151 evergreen vine thicket 26 E: 410733 E: 411580 Recently-burnt pindan shrubland Plate P24 N: 8057146 N: 8057164 27 E: 410534 E: 411047 Eucalypt woodland and forest, burnt Plate P25 N: 8061555 N: 8061569 recently 28 E: 411044 E: 411060 Eucalypt woodland and forest, burnt Plate P26 N: 8061569 N: 8061250 recently 29 E: 411060 E: 410670 Eucalypt woodland and forest, burnt Plate P27 N: 8061250 N: 8061240 recently 30 E; 409 540 E: 409200 Deciduous and evergreen vine thicket N: 8064050 N: 8064050 extending just into coastal dunal vegetation 31 E: 409200, E: 409300 Mainly evergreen vine thicket along edge N: 8064050 N: 8063700 of dunes, moving towards deciduous vine thicket 32 E: 409300 E: 409750 Deciduous and evergreen vine thicket N: 8063700 N: 8063700 33 E; 409500 E; 409400 Monsoon vine thicket N: 8065000 N: 8065200 34 E: 409400 E: 409400 Monsoon vine thicket N: 8065200 N: 8064700 35 E: 409400 E: 409600 Monsoon vine thicket, Lophostemon N: 8064700 N: 8064700 thicket 36 E: 409480 E: 409480 Started in Buffel Grass grassland moving N: 8066420 N: 8066000 into deciduous vine thicket and along edge of tall Pindan shrubland 37 E: 410026 E: 410427 Coastal heath and Pindan, unburnt Plate P28 N: 8067809 N: 8067805 38 E: 410430 E: 410433 Pindan shrubland, unburnt Plate P29 N: 8067807 N: 8067401 39 E: 410433 E: 409996 Pindan shrubland and coastal heath, Plate P30 N: 8067401 N: 8067368 unburnt 3.4.3 Migratory Bird Surveys Aerial surveys of coastal bird were conducted along the coastline north, within and south of the Precinct Project Area at both low and high tide. The aim was to provide general information on the diversity, abundance and spatial distribution of coastal birds, focussing on large congregations of water birds and how they utilised the Precinct Project Area (for example for roosting, foraging and breeding). To ensure assessment results were considered in a regional context the high tide survey extended along the coastline north of the Precinct Project Area and as far south as Broome.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 12 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

The fauna assessment encompassed the following habitats: littoral habitat comprising intertidal habitat (between spring high and low tides), including: - sandy beaches on low gradients, including the upper intertidal zone, - beach ridges, supra-tidal flats and low dunes to the landward side, and - rock platforms and reefs and associated rocky shoreline exposed during both high tide and low tide surveys, low-lying cliffs and associated rocky shorelines (splash zone), and mouth of Barred Creek, including sand spits and beaches. The surveys were conducted from helicopter at heights of approximately 50 to 100 m, with occasional lower forays particularly around the mouths of Barred and Willie Creeks and near the rock platforms at James Price, Coulomb and Quondong Points (where larger congregations of shorebirds were present). Coastal bird observations, including species, abundance and location, were recorded directly to a dictaphone for later analysis and summary. 3.4.3.1 High Tide Survey The high tide coastal bird survey aimed to assess bird diversity, abundance and distribution during the high tide period, with an emphasis on searching for high tide roosts, particularly for waders and terns listed under the migratory provisions of the EPBC Act. The survey was undertaken on Tuesday 10 November 2009, commencing at 3:15 P.M. at James Price Point and finishing at 4:45 P.M. at Cable Beach (via Coulomb Point). The high tide (6.99 m; classified as an intermediate tide) at Broome was at 3:37 P.M. (BoM 2009b). 3.4.3.2 Low Tide Survey The low tide coastal bird survey aimed to assess bird diversity, abundance and distribution during the low tide period, particularly focussing on key foraging areas for shorebirds. The survey was undertaken on Friday 13 November 2009, commencing at 2:30 P.M. at Cape Boileau (near the mouth of Barred Creek) and finishing at 3:15 P.M. at Coulomb Point. Low tide (3.61 m) at Broome was at 1:56 P.M. (BoM 2009b).

3.5 Limitations and Constraints The main limitations of this James Price Point late dry-season fauna assessment are as follows. Targeted Searches and Migratory Bird Surveys 1) As advised by the DEWHA summary of matters of National Environmental Significance at James Price Point and its surrounds report (Appendix A), targeted searches were undertaken for species listed under the EPBC Act which were of interest to DEWHA that have potential to occur in the Precinct Project Area but that have not been previously recorded. 2) The fauna assessment included a five day field study undertaken in November 2009. Time constraints imposed by the study design means that results do not reflect temporal or seasonal variability in species detectability or habitat quality. However, this information will be supplemented with previous fauna studies of the James Price Point area and summarised in this report. 3) The large size of the Project Precinct Area, and the fact that much of it is inaccessible by vehicle or helicopter, means that only representative sections of the area could be traversed on foot. Despite this limitation all representative habitat types were assessed. 4) Recent fires and accessibility of terrain made it hard to get access some areas within transect. However, the relatively high number of transects searched in each habitat type, combined with opportunistic observations, ensured adequate sampling of each habitat type. 5) A trapping and bat detection program was not conducted and therefore fauna records were limited to observations made during fauna transects and opportunistically at other sites. These observations were limited given that most assessment work was conducted during day-light hours in very hot and humid conditions, which is not ideal for detecting many species. However, the AECOM-Strategen late dry season fauna assessment did not aim to produce a comprehensive list of vertebrate fauna present within the Precinct Project Area at the time. Rather, the assessment was intended to address data gaps not addressed

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 13 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

in previous fauna assessments, including to provide a better overview of faunal habitat in the Precinct Project Area and to assess faunal diversity (including from indirect evidence) at a range of locations that were not previously surveyed in the wet season survey (Biota 2009b). These objectives were able to be met using the 2009 assessment methods. 6) A couple of short-lived rain events over the duration of the fauna assessment meant that scats and tracks were often difficult to find. A small amount of rain generally increases insect activity and subsequent decomposition of scats and can also wash scats into surrounding debris, making locating them more difficult. In firm, dry sand, tracks can last weeks if sheltered from the wind, allowing a record of animal movement through an area, thus greatly increasing the likelihood of locating tracks. Similarly, in dry sand, determining the age of tracks is more accurate (e.g. observing whether it is the same animal going back and forth or a one-off movement through an area). Conversely, after rain, tracks from only one or two nights are able to be observed, and therefore tracks of commonly occurring animals are more likely to be observed than those with a lower population size or density (i.e. those animals that are more rarely observed or trapped). Additionally, many sighted burrows were old and deformed making it difficult to identify the species to which they belonged. 7) The observations made in November 2009 contribute to our understanding of faunal diversity on the project area and provide ecological information from just prior to the wet season. The timing of the aerial coastal bird surveys was suitable for the assessment of certain migratory birds, including waterbirds such as waders and terns as well as other “spring” migrants. The methods used to assess bird abundance during this aerial coastal bird surveys are probably not highly repeatable as the number of observers, time spent and area surveyed differed from transect to transect. However, the data does provide useful additional information on avian diversity at a time of the year not previously sampled and it would be possible to repeat certain transects for comparative purposes. 8) The aerial coastal bird surveys did not aim to provide a detailed assessment of bird diversity along the coastline. Such an assessment would require more detailed on-ground observations, as has been undertaken previously within the Precinct Project Area (Rogers, et al. 2009). The aerial bird survey did however provide useful data on shorebirds in the Precinct Project Area. 9) It is likely that additional waterbird species (such as undetected by the aerial coastal bird surveys), especially migratory waders, are present in the Precinct Project Area. However, waterbird abundance may vary considerably with time and tidal conditions. For a more comprehensive understanding of the utilisation of the Precinct Project Area by coastal birds, surveys would need to be conducted across different months and tidal regimes, particularly in the period September to April when high numbers of migratory shorebirds are present in north-western Australia.The survey did not include invertebrate sampling; however invertebrates have mostly been adequately addressed by previous surveying of the James Price Point area. The DSD identified that further investigation of habitat for an undescribed taxon of millipede (collected by Biota 2009b) was required. This limitation was addressed by assessment of monsoon vine thicket extent within the Precinct Project Area. Vegetation Condition Assessment: 1) When undertaking vegetation condition mapping, sharp boundaries between different condition classes are rare and there is a certain amount of subjectivity inherent with using such scales. Much of the area had also been burnt three months prior to the assessment, which may have affected the accuracy of assessment in the burnt areas. 2) Fire data is derived from the North Australian Fire Information program, This data is captured by satellite and is only accurate to within 1.5 km. Boundaries derived from this dataset should therefore be interpreted with caution. 3) When analysing or comparing vegetation mapping with condition mapping, it should be noted that some vegetation types are susceptible to boundary errors, particularly coastal vegetation types that are linear in shape and located close to the margin of the Precinct Project Area. Condition mapping of the coastal areas that are subject to rapid fluctuations in vegetation condition over short distances have relied on ground- truthed point data (Biota, 2009) rather than broad-scale aerial interpretation (AECOM, 2009), for these areas. 4) Due to differences in the scale of the assessments, consolidation of detailed quadrat data with broad scale vegetation condition mapping conducted during aerial surveys can result in misleading discrepancies. For this reason, no attempt has been made to extrapolate ground-based condition mapping to surrounding areas within the coastal zone.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 14 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

4.0 Results The following section provides the results from vegetation condition mapping, fauna transects and aerial surveys for migratory and marine birds.

4.1 Mapping Vegetation types were mapped and assessed by Biota (2009b) and are provided in Figure 8. This information represents mapping at the most appropriate scale and therefore is most suitable to be used as a basis for subsequent assessments, although this will be updated at a later stage of this project. Vegetation condition and fauna habitat were analysed against this mapping to identify relationships between vegetation type, condition and fauna habitat quality. 4.1.1 Condition Mapping The majority of the vegetation of the James Price Point area was considered to be in Good condition, however specific areas are subject to disturbance as a result of weed invasion and altered fire regimes. Vegetation communities where there was no road access or they were difficult to penetrate showed little evidence of weed invasion or physical disturbance as a result of human activities Biota (2009a). Apart from Buffel Grass invasion along the coastal strip south of Quondong Point, weed infestations were relatively localised to some dunes spread along the coast and roadside areas. Species such as Passiflora foetida var. hispida (Wild Passionfruit) and Macroptilium atropurpureum (Siratro) were widespread and abundant in some areas of monsoon vine thicket, on their fringes. The presence of these weeds reduced the condition ranking of such areas from Excellent to Good (Biota, 2009a). Along with introduced species, vegetation condition within some areas of James Price Point been reduced as a result of more frequent fires The results of the vegetation condition mapping are shown in Figure 9. Much of the Precinct Project Area had been burnt three months prior to the assessment, which may have affected the accuracy of the vegetation condition mapping in the burnt areas. Areas burnt by this fire are also shown in Figure 9 based on the Northern Australian Fire Information (NAFI) ‘hotspots’ data. This data is only accurate to within 1.5 km and therefore mapped boundaries should be interpreted with caution. The area of each condition class within the Precinct Project Area is shown in Table 5 and the area of each condition class within each vegetation type is shown in Tables 6 and 7. The areas calculated do not account for the vegetation condition in the coastal zone, in terms of areas, as this has not been spatially mapped in detail on the ground. Figure 9 however, shows the condition in point form, as ground truthed by Biota (2009 and 2010).

Table 5: Area of Each Condition Class Condition Class Area (ha) Proportion (%) Excellent 907.8 3.3 Very Good 3,004.7 10.8 Good 11,895 42.9 Poor 11,905.8 42.8 Very Poor 37.6 1.4000 Completely Degraded 0.0 0.0 Total 27,751.6 100

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 15 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Table 6: Area of Each Condition Class within Each Vegetation Type

Condition Class Vegetation Type Very Very Excellent Good Poor Total Good Poor Coastal communities 1.7 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.0 2.1 Coastal heath 0.0 0.0 3.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 Drainage basin 16.7 3.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 20.0 Monsoon vine thicket deciduous 62.9 38.4 69.4 15.9 0.0 186.6 Monsoon vine thicket evergreen 6.0 9.7 4.3 0.0 0.0 20.0 Open forrest 0.0 96.3 1769.5 754.9 0.0 2620.7 Open woodland 48.4 0.0 297.7 673.3 0.0 1019.3 Pindan shrubland 604.6 1229.6 4338.9 3861.1 37.6 10071.7 Sandstone outcrops 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 Tall closed scrub 146.4 89.9 24.4 0.8 0.0 261.6 Total 886.7 1467.3 6507.5 5306.0 37.6 14205.0

Table 7: Proportion of Each Condition Class within Each Vegetation Type Condition Class Vegetation Type Very Very Excellent Good Poor Total Good Poor Coastal communities 81.0% 7.2% 11.4% 0.4% 0.0% 100 Coastal heath 0.0% 0.1% 99.9% 0.0% 0.0% 100 Drainage basin 83.7% 16.1% 0.2% 0.0% 0.0% 100 Monsoon vine thicket deciduous 33.7% 20.6% 37.2% 8.5% 0.0% 100 Monsoon vine thicket evergreen 29.9% 48.8% 21.3% 0.0% 0.0% 100 Open forrest 0.0% 3.7% 67.5% 28.8% 0.0% 100 Open woodland 4.7% 0.0% 29.2% 66.0% 0.0% 100 Pindan shrubland 6.0% 12.2% 43.1% 38.3% 0.4% 100 Sandstone outcrops 0.0% 0.0% 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 100 Tall closed scrub 56.0% 34.4% 9.3% 0.3% 0.0% 100 Total 6.2% 10.3% 45.8% 37.4% 0.3% 100

Comparing vegetation type with condition revealed that certain vegetation types had a characteristic range of conditions. This is likely to be due to the mapped vegetation types being influenced, in part, by fire frequency. Fire sensitive vegetation types such as Monsoon Vine Thicket and Drainage basin vegetation, generally recorded more area in better condition than fire tolerant vegetation types such as Pindan Shrubland and Open Woodland Vegetation. Areas of remaining fire sensitive vegetation are likely to form habitat refuges for short-range or fire sensitive fauna species.

4.2 Fauna Transects The fauna assessment recorded or recorded evidence of presence for a combined total of 115 vertebrate species within the Precinct Project Area. Table 8 provides a summary of the number of species recorded or evidence of species presence recorded from each major vertebrate group during the fauna assessment. The following sections provide details of fauna species recorded in each vegetation type during November 2009. No information is provided for amphibians or bat species as these were not recorded during the fauna assessment. Introduced mammal species recorded by the fauna assessment included Cattle (Bos taurus), the Feral Cat (Felis catus) and the Black Rat (Rattus rattus).

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 16 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Table 8: Number of Fauna Species Observed during the Late Dry Fauna Assessment November 2009 Fauna Group Number of Species Recorded Number of Species where Evidence of Presence was Recorded Reptiles 20 0 Mammals 3 2 Introduced species 3 0 Birds 85 0 Total 111 2 4.2.1 Reptiles The targeted fauna searches recorded eight reptile species across eight transects in five vegetation types. There were also 12 reptile species which were identified by opportunistic sightings of species or indirect evidence of species present in the Precinct Project Area which were not include in the targeted search transects. A total of 20 reptile species were observed during the fauna assessment (Table 9). None of the reptile species recorded is listed for special protection under State or Commonwealth legislation.

Table 9: Reptile Species Recorded in November 2009

Habitat Type PS OF OW DVT DB

Common Scientific Name T6** T10 T11 T12 T38 T16 T21 T25 T1 Total Name

Stimson’s Antaresia # Python stimsoni Carlia sp. 1 1

Frill-necked Chlamydosaurus # Lizard kingii Ctenotus sp. 1 1

Ctenotus # inornatus Fat-tailed Diplodactylus 1 1 Gecko conspicillatus Diporiphora 112 pindan Gehyra sp. 1 1

Gehyra variegata #

Glaphyromorphus # isolepis Burton’s Lialis burtonis 2 2 Legless Lizard

Gilbert’s Lophognathus 11 2 Dragon gilberti

Zigzag Oedura rhombifer # Velvet Gecko

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 17 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Habitat Type PS OF OW DVT DB

Common Scientific Name T6** T10 T11 T12 T38 T16 T21 T25 T1 Total Name Dwarf Pogona minor # Bearded mitchelli Dragon Northern Strophurus ciliaris # Spiny-tailed Gecko Common Tiliqua scincoides # Blue-tongue Spiny-tailed Varanus 1 1 Monitor acanthurus

Sand Varanus gouldii # Goanna

Yellow- Varanus # spotted panoptes Monitor

Black- Varanus tristes # headed Monitor, Freckled Monitor *Habitat Type: PS - Pindan Shrubland, OF – Open Forest, OW – Open Woodland, DVT - Deciduous Vine Thicket, DB – Drainage Basin

** T = Transect Number

# = Species observed opportunistically within the Precinct Project Area outside of transects Eight reptile species were recorded in nine of the 39 transects across five vegetation types, including Pindan Shrubland, Open Forest, Open Woodland, Deciduous Vine Thicket and Drainage Basin. The highest number of reptiles was recorded in Pindan Shrubland, with four species in the Precinct Project Area compared to one reptile species recorded in each of Open Woodland, Deciduous Vine Thicket and Drainage Basin vegetation. The highest number of individual reptiles (six) was recorded in the Pindan Shrubland vegetation type compared to two individuals recorded within the Deciduous Vine Thicket vegetation type and one individual in each of the Open Woodland, Open Forest and Drainage Basin vegetation types. Appendix D provides a table that compares the species recorded by AECOM-Strategen to those recorded in recent surveys undertaken by ENV (2008a) and Biota (2009b). Two species were observed that had not been recorded by either ENV (2008a) or Biota (2009a). These species were the: Ring-tailed Dragon (Ctenophorus caudicinctus), and Zigzag Velvet Gecko (Oedura rhombifer).

4.2.2 Mammals The targeted fauna assessment recorded two mammal species and found evidence of presence for five mammal species across eight transects in four different habitat types. Evidence of presence of one mammal species listed under the EPBC Act was recorded within the Precinct Project Area. Table 10 provides details of the recorded evidence of presence of mammal species and recorded mammal species within the Precinct Project Area.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 18 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Table 10: Recorded Mammal Species and Recorded Evidence of Presence of Mammal Species in November 2009

Habitat Type PS OW EVT DVT

Common Scientific T8** T9 T24 T22 T23 T29 T3 T25 Total Conservation Name Name Significance (International/ EPBC/WC/DEC) Cattle Bos taurus # Dingo Canis lupus 1 1 IUCN (VU) Feral Cat Felis catus #

Agile Macropus agilis 11 13 Wallaby

Greater Macrotis lagotis 1*** 1*** 1*** 1*** 1*** 5*** IUCN (VU), EPBC Bilby (VU), WC (SC1)

Delicate Pseudomys *** Mouse delicatulus Black Rat Rattus rattus # Echidna Tachyglossus 1*** 1*** aculeatus

*Habitat Type: PS - Pindan Shrubland, OW – Open Woodland, EVT – Evergreen Vine Thicket, DVT - Deciduous Vine Thicket ** T = Transect Number *** = Species possibly present in Precinct Project Area due to indirect evidence (tracks, burrows, suitable habitat) # = Species observed opportunistically within the Precinct Project Area outside of transects Table 10 shows that three mammal species where evidence of presence was recorded are considered to be conservation significant. The Greater Bilby, possibly present due to observed indirect evidence, and the Golden- backed Tree-rat are both listed under the EPBC Act. The Greater Bilby is also listed under the WA Wildlife Conservation Act and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. The Golden-backed Tree-rat is considered by the DEC as Specially Protected Fauna and the Dingo is listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Evidence of presence for five fauna species were recorded via sightings, indirect or direct evidence identified during targeted transect searched. The highest number of mammal species recorded and evidence of mammal presences was in the Deciduous Vine Thicket vegetation type with three species identified along two transects. Two mammal species were recorded in each of the Pindan Shrubland, Open Woodland and Evergreen Vine Thicket vegetation types. The species that were recorded in the Precinct Project Area via indirect evidence included the Delicate Mouse, Echidna and the Greater Bilby. The presence of Delicate Mouse was positively identified via indirect evidence of numerous tracks and burrows in the Precinct Project Area. The Echidna was identified as being present within the Precinct Project Area by the positive identification of tracks. There was no confirmed direct or indirect evidence of the Golden-backed Tree-rat from the fauna assessment. Suitable habitat for the species, such as evergreen and deciduous vine thicket and pandanus scrub, does occur within the Precinct Project Area and the species presence is a possibility.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 19 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

There was no distinctive evidence observed for the Greater Bilby; however, some foraging holes were indicative of this species. The Greater Bilby creates numerous pock-marked shallow holes whilst foraging for food. These diggings were often observed in burnt areas on margins of unburnt areas and were close to circular, relatively vertical and were observed in groups of burrows consistent in size. These diggings had spoil heaps that were neat on either one or two sides with no tail drags, as is often observed in diggings by varanid species. The holes were deep (often 15 to 20 cm) and not noticeably conical, also suggesting ownership by varanid species. One digging recorded in Transect 25 (Plate P31) provided an exception. This digging was more indicative of a Greater Bilby as it had a spoil heap to one side and was shallow, though it appeared to have been filled by ant activity. A small cluster of shallow holes on Transect 24 also suggested possible Greater Bilby activity (Plate P32). Possible evidence of Greater Bilby presence within the Precinct Project Area was also record along Transect 9, Transect 22 and Transect 29. Most of the foraging holes found could belong to a small varanid species and the lack of distinctive tracks due to rainfall during the assessment meant that only very fresh tracks would be found. Greater Bilby tracks along roadsides often give away its presence and no such tracks were observed. At best, burrow hole observations suggest a few vagrant Greater Bilby individuals present in area rather than a resident colony. There have been a few records from the last 10 to 15 years from the Broome hinterland. Appendix D provides species recorded or evidence of presence recorded by AECOM-Strategen compared to recent surveys undertaken by ENV (2008a) and Biota (2009a). Three species recorded during this assessment have been recorded by both ENV (2008a) and Biota (2009a). Three species were not identified by either ENV (2008a) or Biota (2009a) however evidence of presence or suitable habitat was identified for the Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagotis), Golden-backed Tree-rat (Mesembriomys macrurus), and Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus). 4.2.3 Terrestrial Birds Terrestrial birds were observed via a number of different methods. These methods included targeted searches, opportunistic sightings and the aerial survey for coastal bird species, 85 terrestrial bird species were recorded. Forty-six terrestrial bird species was recorded through targeted searches across 39 transects in eight vegetation types. Details of the terrestrial bird species recorded, including transect locations and vegetation types, are summarised in Table 11. A further 39 species of birds were species observed opportunistically or during the aerial surveys for costal birds which are also listed in Table 11. Table 11 shows that three of the fauna species recorded are considered to be conservation significant as they are either listed for special protection under the WA Wildlife Conservation Act or are considered by the DEC, as Specially Protected Fauna. Twenty-four terrestrial bird species were recorded in the Open Woodlands vegetation type and 23 species were recorded in the Open Forest vegetation type. Seventeen species were recorded in Pindan Shrubland vegetation type, 15 species in Deciduous Vine Thicket, 11 species in the Evergreen Vine Thickets and 11 species Buffel Grasslands vegetation type. There were only four species recorded in Drainage Basin and Coastal Heath vegetation types. The highest number of terrestrial bird individuals (100) was recorded within the Open Woodland habitat. Eighty- eight individuals were recorded in the Pindan Shrubland, 78 individuals were recorded within the Open Forest vegetation types. Fifty-nine individuals were recorded in Evergreen Vine Thicket and 49 individuals recorded in the Deciduous Vine Thicket. Ten individuals were recorded in the Drainage Basin vegetation type and eight individuals were recorded in the Coastal Heath. The most commonly recorded bird species across all transects included: Singing Honeyeater (Lichenostomus virescens) with 85 individuals recorded, Grey-crowned Babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis) with 48 individuals recorded, Little Friarbird (Philemon citreogularis) with 43 individuals recorded, and Red-backed Fairy-wren (Malurus melanocephalus) with 36 individuals recorded.

Nineteen terrestrial bird species were recorded once or twice during the assessment and are detailed in Table 11.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 20 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

ENV (2008a) did not record terrestrial bird species when surveying the Precinct Project Area Coulomb – Quondong Point. Appendix D provides comparison table of species recorded by AECOM-Strategen against recent surveys undertaken by Biota (2009a).Of the birds recorded in this survey 53 species were recorded within the Precinct Project Area by Biota (2009b). Thirty-one bird species recorded by AECOM-Strategen had not previously been recorded by Biota (2009b). The species which have not been recorded in past surveys include: Owlet Nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus), Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii), Black-fronted Dotterel (Charadrius melanops), Pallid Cuckoo (Cuculus pallidus), Oriental Cuckoo (Cuculus saturatus), Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris), Spotted Nightjar (Eurostopodus argus), White-winged Triller (Lalage sueurii), White-throated Honeyeater (Melithreptus albogularis), Silver-crowned Friarbird (Philemon argenticeps), Channel-billed Cuckoo (Scythrops novahollandiae), Masked Lapwing (Vanellus miles), Australian Hobby (Falco longipennis), Little Correla (Cacatua sanguine), Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata), Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis), Mistletoebird (Dicaeum hirundinaceum), Fork-tailed Swift (Apus pacificus), Grey-tailed Tattler (Tringa brevipes), Chestnut-backed Button-quail (Turnix castanotus), Red-chested Button-quail (Turnix pyrrhothorax), Yellow White-eye (Zosterops luteus), Mangrove Gerygone (Gerygone levigaster), Magpie Lark (Grallina cyanoleuca), Brahminy Kite (Haliastur Indus), Whistling Kite (Haliastur sphenurus), Black Kite (Milvus migrans), Red-headed Honeyeater (Myzomela erythrocephala), and Olive-backed Oriole (Oriolus sagittatus)

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 21 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Table 11: Terrestrial Bird Species Recorded in November 2009

Habitat Type PS OF OW DVT EVT DB CH BG

Common Scientific Name T** T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T Total Conservation Name 5- 7- 9- 13- 24 26 38- 15- 18- 21- 27- 4 25 33- 2- 30- 35 1 37 36 Significance 6 8 12 14 39 17 20 23 29 34 3 32 Brown Accipiter 11 2 Goshawk fasciatus Owlet Aegotheles # Nightjar cristatus Australian Anthus australis # Pipit Red-winged Aprosmictus 3 3 Parrot erythropterus

Fork-tailed Apus pacificus # Swift

Ruddy Arenaria *** Turnstone interpres

Black-faced Artamus cinereus 1 1 Woodswallow

White- Artamus 21 47 breasted leucorynchus Woodswallow Little Artamus minor 11 1 3 Woodswallow

Little Corella Cacatua 12 12 sanguinea

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 22 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Habitat Type PS OF OW DVT EVT DB CH BG

Common Scientific Name T** T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T Total Conservation Name 5- 7- 9- 13- 24 26 38- 15- 18- 21- 27- 4 25 33- 2- 30- 35 1 37 36 Significance 6 8 12 14 39 17 20 23 29 34 3 32 Brush Cacomantis 11 1 # Cuckoo variolosus

Sharp-tailed Calidris # Sandpiper acuminata Sanderling Calidris alba ***

Red-necked Calidris ruficollis *** Stint

Red-tailed Calyptorhynchus # Black- banksii Cockatoo

Pheasant Centropus 11 1 1 1 16 Coucal phasianinus

Greater Charadrius # Sand-plover leschenaultii *** Lesser Sand- Charadrius # plover mongolus

Horsfield’s Chrysococcyx 1 1 1 3 Bronze- basalis Cuckoo

Black-eared Chrysococcyx 1 1 Cuckoo osculans

Grey Shrike- Colluricincla 22 1 2 3121 14 thrush harmonica

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 23 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Habitat Type PS OF OW DVT EVT DB CH BG

Common Scientific Name T** T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T Total Conservation Name 5- 7- 9- 13- 24 26 38- 15- 18- 21- 27- 4 25 33- 2- 30- 35 1 37 36 Significance 6 8 12 14 39 17 20 23 29 34 3 32

Rufous- Conopophila # throated rufogularis Honeyeater

Black-faced Coracina 1 2 31 7 Cuckoo- novaehollandiae shrike

Torresian Corvus orru 1 1 2 Crow Brown Quail Coturnix 4 4 ypsilophora Pied Cracticus 13 4 Butcherbird nigrogularis Pallid Cuckoo Cuculus pallidus 11 2

Oriental Cuculus 1 1 Cuckoo saturatus Blue-winged Dacelo leachii # Kookaburra Varied Sittella Daphoenositta 24 3 9 chrysoptera Mistletoebird Dicaeum 11114 hirundinaceum White-faced Egretta *** Heron novaehollandiae

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 24 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Habitat Type PS OF OW DVT EVT DB CH BG

Black- Elanus axillaris # shouldered Kite

Black-fronted Elseyornis # Dotterel melanops

Beach-stone Esacus neglectus *** Curlew

Spotted Eurostopodus # Nightjar argus Dollarbird Eurystomus # orientalis Brown Falcon Falco berigora #

Nankeen Falco # Kestrel cenchroides

Australian Falco longipennis # Hobby Peregrine Falco peregrinus *** WC (SC4) Falcon Lesser Fregata ariel # Frigatebird ***

Bar- Geopelia 3 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 2 16 shouldered humeralis Dove

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 25 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Habitat Type PS OF OW DVT EVT DB CH BG

Common Scientific Name T** T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T Total Conservation Name 5- 7- 9- 13- 24 26 38- 15- 18- 21- 27- 4 25 33- 2- 30- 35 1 37 36 Significance 6 8 12 14 39 17 20 23 29 34 3 32 Peaceful Geopelia placida 211 1 5 Dove

Mangrove Gerygone # Gerygone levigaster

White- Gerygone 1 1 throated olivacea Gerygone Magpie Lark Grallina # cyanoleuca Sooty Haematopus *** Oystercatcher fuliginosus Pied Haematopus *** Oystercatcher longirostris White-bellied Haliaeetus # Sea-Eagle leucogaster *** Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus # *** Whistling Kite Haliastur # sphenurus White-winged Lalage sueurii 1 1 Triller Silver Gull Larus *** novaehollandiae

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 26 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Habitat Type PS OF OW DVT EVT DB CH BG

Brown Lichmera 212 128 Honeyeater indistincta White-plumed Lichenostomus 2 2 Honeyeater penicillatus

White-gaped Lichenostomus 1 1 3 5 10 Honeyeater unicolor

Singing Lichenostomus 2 9 3 2 1 2 1 6 11 1 3 16 5 10 4 4 4 1 85 Honeyeater virescens Bar-tailed Limosa lapponica *** Godwit

Variegated Malurus lamberti 23 44 4 2 19 Fairy-wren Red-backed Malurus 927215 136 Fairy-wren melanocephalus White- Melithreptus 1 1 throated albogularis Honeyeater

Black- Melithreptus 1 1 chinned gularis Honeyeater

Rainbow Merops ornatus 161 8 Bee-eater

Jacky Winter Microeca # fascinans

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 27 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Habitat Type PS OF OW DVT EVT DB CH BG

Common Scientific Name T** T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T Total Conservation Name 5- 7- 9- 13- 24 26 38- 15- 18- 21- 27- 4 25 33- 2- 30- 35 1 37 36 Significance 6 8 12 14 39 17 20 23 29 34 3 32 Black Kite Milvus migrans #

Restless Myiagra inquieta # Flycatcher

Leaden Myiagra rubecula 1 1 Flycatcher

Red-headed Myzomela # Honeyeater erythrocephala

Eastern Numenius *** DEC( P4) Curlew madagascarensis Whimbrel Numenius *** phaeopus

Crested Ocyphaps # Pigeon lophotes

Olive-backed Oriolus sagittatus 121 4 Oriole Rufous Pachycephala 311 1 1 3 2 2 1 1 16 Whistler rufiventris Osprey Pandion # haliaetus ***

Red-browed Pardalotus 1 1 Pardalote rubricatus

Australian Pelecanus *** Pelican conspicillatus

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 28 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Habitat Type PS OF OW DVT EVT DB CH BG

Pied Phalacrocorax *** Cormorant varius

Silver- Philemon 1 1 crowned argenticeps Friarbird Little Friarbird Philemon 11484671243 citreogularis

Long-tailed Poephila 1 1 Finch acuticauda Tawny Podargus 1 1 Frogmouth strigoides Grey- Pomatostomus 5 5 8 4 4 2 9 3 2 6 48 crowned temporalis Babbler

Great Ptilonorhynchus 1 4 2 2 4 2 15 Bowerbird nuchalis Willie Wagtail Rhipidura 1 1 leucophrys Northern Rhipidura # Fantail rufiventris

Channel- Scythrops 1 1 billed Cuckoo novahollandiae Little Tern Sterna albifrons ***

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 29 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Habitat Type PS OF OW DVT EVT DB CH BG

Lesser Sterna *** Crested Tern bengalensis Crested Tern Sterna bergii ***

Common Sterna hirundo *** Tern

Gull-billed Sterna nilotica *** Tern

Straw-necked Threskiornis *** Ibis spinicollis

Red-backed Todiramphus # Kingfisher pyrrhopygius

Sacred Todiramphus 21 1 1 5 Kingfisher sanctus

Rainbow Trichoglossus # (red-collared) haematodus Lorikeet Grey-tailed Tringa brevipes # Tattler Wood Tringa glareola # Sandpiper Common Tringa nebularia *** Greenshank

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 30 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Habitat Type PS OF OW DVT EVT DB CH BG

Chestnut- Turnix 2 2 backed castanotus Button-quail

Red-chested Turnix # DEC( P4) Button- quail pyrrhothorax

Masked Vanellus miles # Lapwing

Yellow White- Zosterops luteus # eye *Habitat Type: PS - Pindan Shrubland, OF – Open Forrest, OW – Open Woodland, DVT - Deciduous Vine Thicket, EVT – Evergreen Vine Thicket, DB – Drainage Basin, CH – Coastal Heath, BG – Buffel Grassland

** T = Transect Number

*** = Species observed during aerial survey

# = Species observed opportunistically within the Precinct Project Area

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 31 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

4.3 Migratory Bird Surveys During the high tide and low tide surveys, 40 bird species were recorded that are listed as marine or migratory bird species under the EPBC Act (Appendix C). A total of 561 individual birds were observed during the high tide aerial survey and 1,277 individual coastal birds were sighted during the low tide survey (Table 12). In addition during the high tide survey large congregations of terns (especially Common Terns) were recorded south of the Precinct Project Area on sandy spits associated with the mouths of Barred and Willie Creeks. A sea-eagle nest was also observed along the coast within the Precinct Project Area (Figure 10). Results of the high and low tide coastal bird surveys are presented in Figure 10 and Figure 11. Detailed coastal bird observations are provided in Appendix C.

Table 12: Coastal Bird Counts from High and Low Tide Aerial Surveys Bird Group High Tide Low Tide Waders 364 42 Terns 180 1,205 Other 15 23 Raptors 2 7 Total 561 1,277

Marine and migratory bird species listed under the EPBC Act provisions and recorded during the coastal bird surveys include: Lesser Frigatebird (Fregata ariel), Straw-necked Ibis (Threskiornis spinicollis), Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), White-bellied Sea-eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indicus), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), Crested Tern (Sterna bergiia), Lesser Crested Tern (S. benghalensis), Crested Tern and Lesser Crested Tern combined, Common Tern (Sterna hirundo), Gull-billed Tern(Sterna nilotica), Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius leschenaultia) (possibly including some Lesser Sand Plover (C. mongolus), Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres), Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica), Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus), Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia), Silver Gull (Larus novaehollandiae), Little Tern (Sterna albifrons) (possibly including Fairy Tern S. nereis), Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris), Sooty Oystercatcher (Haematopus fuliginosus), Beach Stone-curlew (Esacus neglectus), Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis), Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus), and Sanderling (Calidris alba).

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 32 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

5.0 Conservation Significance The following section provides information on species observed during the fauna searches, or deemed to possibly occur within the Precinct Project Area, which are listed under a statutory framework. Statutory frameworks exist for threatened fauna species at International, National and State levels.

5.1 Threatened Fauna Statutory Framework Native fauna that are considered to be of conservation significance, or are rare or threatened with extinction, are protected under both State and Commonwealth legislation and International Agreements. DEWHA protects fauna species of national significance that are considered endangered, vulnerable or are presumed extinct under the EPBC Act. The EPBC Act also lists migratory bird species that are recognised under international treaties such as the China Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA), the Japanese Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA) and the Bonn Convention (The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals). In Western Australia, fauna species of particular significance are listed by DEC under the WC Act. DEC has produced a supplementary list of Priority Fauna, being species that are not considered threatened under the WC Act, but for which the Department feels there is cause for concern. 5.1.1 Nationally Protected Species The EPBC Act protects threatened species which are listed in the following categories summarised in Table 13.

Table 13: Categories of Listed Species under the EPBC Act Category Description Extinct A native species is eligible to be included in the extinct category at a particular time if, at that time, there is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died. Extinct in the wild A native species is eligible to be included in the extinct in the wild category at a particular time if, at that time: it is known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside its past range; or it has not been recorded in its known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate seasons, anywhere in its past range, despite exhaustive surveys over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form. Critically endangered A native species is eligible to be included in the critically endangered category at a particular time if, at that time, it is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria. Endangered A native species is eligible to be included in the endangered category at a particular time if, at that time it is not critically endangered; and it is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria. Vulnerable A native species is eligible to be included in the vulnerable category at a particular time if, at that time: it is not critically endangered or endangered; and it is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria. Conservation dependent A native species is eligible to be included in the conservation dependent category at a particular time if, at that time, the species is the focus of a specific conservation program, the cessation of which would result in the species becoming vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered within a period of five years.

Migratory wader species are also protected under the EPBC Act. The national List of Migratory Species consists of those species listed under the following International Conventions: Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA), China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA), and Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention).

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 33 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

5.1.2 State Protected Species The WC Act protects native fauna because they are under identifiable threat of extinction, are rare, or otherwise in need of special protection. Classification of rare and endangered fauna under the WA Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice 2005 recognises four Schedules for protection of assigned species which are summarised in Table 14 below.

Table 14: Schedules of Protected Fauna Species under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 Schedule Description Schedule 1 (Sc1) Taxa are fauna which are rare or likely to become extinct and are declared to be fauna in need of special protection. Schedule 2 (Sc2) Taxa are fauna which are presumed to be extinct and are declared to be fauna in need of special protection. Schedule 3 (Sc3) Taxa are birds which are subject to an agreement between the governments of Australia and Japan relating to the protection of migratory birds and birds in danger of extinction, which are declared to be fauna in need of special protection. Schedule 4 (Sc4) Taxa are fauna that are in need of special protection, otherwise than for the reason mentioned in Schedules (1), (2) and (3).

There are a number of threatened fauna species that do not meet the criteria to be listed under Schedules 1 to 4 of the WC Act. These species are considered, by DEC, as Specially Protected Fauna and recognised on a Priority basis. Categories of specially protected species are summarised in Table 15.

Table 15: Priority Codes as Classified by DEC Priority Code Description Priority One (P1) Taxa with few, poorly known populations on threatened lands. Taxa which are known from a few specimens or sight records from one or a few localities on lands not managed for conservation. The taxon needs urgent survey and evaluation of conservation status before consideration can be given to declaration as threatened fauna. Priority Two (P2) Taxa with few, poorly known populations on conservation lands, or taxa with several, poorly known populations not on conservation lands. Taxa which are known from few specimens or sight records from one or a few localities on lands not under immediate threat of habitat destruction or degradation. The taxon needs urgent survey and evaluation of conservation status before consideration can be given to declaration as threatened fauna. Priority Three (P3) Taxa with several, poorly known populations, some on conservation lands. Taxa which are known from few specimens or sight records from several localities, some of which are on lands not under immediate threat of habitat destruction or degradation. The taxon needs urgent survey and evaluation of conservation status before consideration can be given to declaration as threatened fauna. Priority Four (P4) Taxa in need of monitoring. Taxa which are considered to have been adequately surveyed or for which sufficient knowledge is available and which are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection, but could be if present circumstances change. These taxa are usually represented on conservation lands. Taxa which are declining significantly but are not yet threatened. Priority Five (P5) Taxa in need of monitoring. Taxa which are not considered threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program, the cessation of which would result in the species becoming threatened within five years

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 34 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

5.1.3 IUCN Red List Species The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species is global approach for evaluating the conservation status of plant and animal species (IUCN 2009). The goals of the IUCN Red List are to: identify and document those species most in need of conservation attention if global extinction rates are to be reduced, and provide a global index of the state of change of biodiversity. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is essentially a checklist of taxa that have undergone an extinction risk assessment using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria which are detailed in Table 16 below (IUCN 2009).

Table 16: IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria Categories Description Extinct (EX) A taxon is Extinct when there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died. A taxon is presumed Extinct when exhaustive surveys in known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate times (diurnal, seasonal, annual), throughout its historic range have failed to record an individual. Surveys should be over a time frame appropriate to the taxon's life cycle and life form. Extinct in the Wild (EW) A taxon is Extinct in the Wild when it is known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalized population (or populations) well outside the past range. A taxon is presumed Extinct in the Wild when exhaustive surveys in known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate times (diurnal, seasonal, annual), throughout its historic range have failed to record an individual. Surveys should be over a time frame appropriate to the taxon's life cycle and life form. Critically Endangered (CR) A taxon is Critically Endangered when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Critically Endangered (see Section V), and it is therefore considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Endangered (EN) A taxon is Endangered when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Endangered (see Section V), and it is therefore considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Vulnerable (VU) A taxon is Vulnerable when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Vulnerable (see Section V), and it is therefore considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. Near Threatened (NT) A taxon is Near Threatened when it has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable now, but is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future. Least Concern (LC) A taxon is Least Concern when it has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category. Data Deficient (DD) A taxon is Data Deficient when there is inadequate information to make a direct, or indirect, assessment of its risk of extinction based on its distribution and/or population status. A taxon in this category may be well studied, and its biology well known, but appropriate data on abundance and/or distribution are lacking. Data Deficient is therefore not a category of threat. Listing of taxa in this category indicates that more information is required and acknowledges the possibility that future research will show that threatened classification is appropriate. It is important to make positive use of whatever data are available. In many cases great care should be exercised in choosing between DD and a threatened status. If the range of a taxon is suspected to be relatively circumscribed, and a considerable period of time has elapsed since the last record of the taxon, threatened status may well be justified. Not Evaluated (NE) A taxon is Not Evaluated when it is has not yet been evaluated against the criteria

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 35 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

5.2 Protected Fauna No conclusive evidence was found to indicate individuals of the 14 targeted species protected under the EPBC Act occur within the Precinct Project Area. Table 18 provides a summary on the habitat availability and likelihood of occurrence of these 14 targeted species protected under the EPBC that may occur within the Precinct Project Area. More detailed discussions on the fauna species of conservation significant which were recorded or evidence of presence recorded by this assessment are provided in the following sections. The possibility remains that some of the observed burrows belonged to the Greater Bilby (M. lagotis); however, if so, evidence suggests they represent only a few vagrant individuals rather than a resident colony. Extensive deciduous and evergreen vine thicket provides suitable habitat for the Golden-backed Tree-rat (M. macrurus); however, there was no evidence of the occurrence of this species. All species of conservation significance recorded or evidence of presence recorded by this assessment with an IUCN Red List rating of Vulnerable or higher that occur or may possibly occur within the Precinct Project Area are presented in Table 17.

Table 17: Recorded Fauna Species of Conservation Significant November 2009 Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Significance (International/EPBC/WC/DEC) Chestnut-backed Button-quail * Turnix castanota DEC( P4) Dingo * Canis lupus dingo IUCN (VU) Eastern Curlew * Numenius madagascarensis DEC( P4) Greater Bilby *** Macrotis lagotis IUCN (VU), EPBC (VU), WC (SC1) Peregrine Falcon * Falco peregrinus WC (SC4) * Species confirmed from within the Precinct Project Area.

** Species identified as being possible to occur within the Precinct Project Area.

*** Species may occur in the Precinct Project Area as a few vagrant individuals present in an area rather than a resident colony.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 36 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Table 18: Fauna habitat availability and likelihood of occurrence of these conservation significant fauna species within the Precinct Project Area.

Species Status Known Habitat Requirements Habitat Potential of the James Price Point Likelihood of coastal area Occurrence Gouldian Finch Endangered, The Gouldian Finch has been observed by Traditional Owners While the species is known from the northern Unlikely (Erythrura gouldiae) Migratory (EPBC at Packer Island approximately 210 km north of the Precinct Dampier Peninsula it is unlikely that the Act), Vulnerable Project Area (Galaxia 2009). ENV (2008c) recorded that the James Price Point would represent an (IUCN), Gouldian Finch may occur in low densities across the Dampier important area of habitat owing to the Schedule 1 (WC Peninsula, wherever suitable grasslands occur. Known absence of breeding habitat and permanent Act) breeding habitats occur in association with rocky hills, hollow freshwater for much of the dry season. bearing eucalypts and permanent fresh water. Red Goshawk Vulnerable Species is widely distributed across Australia, preferring taller Woodland and open forest habitats may Some (Erythrotriorchis (EPBC Act) woodlands and open forests. The species nests in tall trees, represent potential foraging habitat; however, foraging radiatus) often near permanent water. nesting habitat is unlikely to occur. habitat may occur. Australian Painted Vulnerable The Australian Painted Snipe generally inhabits shallow Not recorded in the study area. This species Possible Snipe (EPBC Act) terrestrial freshwater (occasionally brackish) wetlands, including prefers shallow freshwater swamps, and is (Rostratula australis) temporary and permanent lakes, swamps and claypans. most active at night, dawn and dusk. This species was recorded from the Dampier Peninsula and in the vicinity of the project area. It may also occur in the current survey area (Biota 2009). Princess Parrot Vulnerable The Princess Parrot generally inhabits arid areas and lightly It is considered the species may periodically Unlikely (Polytelis alexandrae) (EPBC Act), wooded country. The species core range appears to be within occur within the James Price Point coastal Priority 4 (DEC) the Great Sandy Desert area; however, the area is unlikely to represent important habitat. Brush-tailed Rabbit- Vulnerable In Western Australia the Brush-tailed Rabbit-rat is restricted to Based on the species known range within WA Unlikely rat (EPBC Act) the northern Kimberley where its distribution is both patchy and it is considered unlikely that the species (Conilurus large, with several known populations. Most records are from would occur within the James Price Point penicillatus) the Mitchell Plateau and nearby Prince Regent Nature Reserve coastal area. Further to this is unlikely that (DEWHA 2008). The species is identified as preferring eucalypt areas of preferred habitat would occur. woodland where it nest sin tree hollows (NRETA 2007).

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 37 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Species Status Known Habitat Requirements Habitat Potential of the James Price Point Likelihood of coastal area Occurrence Northern Quoll Endangered The Northern Quoll occurs in tropical savannas of northern Based on habitats contained within the Unlikely (Dasyurus hallucatus) (EPBC Act) Australia, where it mostly occurs in rocky areas and eucalypt James Price Point coastal area it is forests rests in caves, hollow logs and rock crevices (WWF considered unlikely that this species would 2008). occur. Rocky habitats were not present while the absence of eucalypt forest habitats over much of the local area is likely to preclude the presence of denning habitat. It is believed that Greater Bilbies are regularly spotted by locals Pindan woodland and shrubland habitats of Possible in the Gourdon Bay area, south of Broome, while there is a the LNG Precinct site are considered to Vulnerable(EPB Greater Bilby population known to exist in the Beagle Bay area, to the North provide the most likely habitat types for this C Act) Schedule (Macrotis lagotis) of the Precinct Project Area (ENV 2008c). species. There are some anecdotal reports 1 (WC Act) of the species and as such its potential presence cannot be discounted. Vulnerable Once widespread in arid and semi arid habitats of central and While there are no recent records of the Possible Golden bandicoot (EPBC Act) north western WA, the Golden Bandicoot is now is now species, woodland, grassland and vine (Isodoon auratus) Schedule 1 (WC confined to grasslands, grassy woodlands and vine thickets of thicket communities may provide some Act) the Kimberley (Menkhorst and Knight 2001). potential habitat for this species. Masked Owl This subspecies typically occurs in the north and north western While roosting habitat is unlikely to occur it is Potential (northern) Vulnerable Kimberley coast where they usually occur in heavier forested possible that the James Price Point coastal foraging (Tyto novaehollandiae (EPBC Act) eucalypt country, roosting in large tree hollows or crevices in area may represent part of the home range of habitat. kimberli) cliffs and occasionally caves (Biota 2009b). a local population of this species. The Golden-backed Tree-rat is semi arboreal, inhabiting tropical Most records of the species are from the Possible woodland and adjacent vine thickets, rainforest and beaches. It north-west Kimberley; however, there are Golden-backed Tree- Vulnerable roosts in tree hollows and less commonly in loosely woven records from the Dampier Peninsula and rat (EPBC Act), nests under Pandanus crowns (Biota 2009b). south of Broome. While the species may (Mesembriomys Priority 4 (DEC) occur within the James Price Point coastal macrurus) area it is considered to be uncommon on the Dampier Peninsula. While distributed across much of inland WA, the species occurs Based on current habitat descriptions it is Unlikely in low densities, inhabiting the Spinifex clumps across the arid considered unlikely that the species would Crest-tailed Mulgara Vulnerable EPBC sandy region (http://mulgara.info/information/distribution.asp). occur within the James Price Point coastal (Dasycercus Act, Schedule 1 They are found in a range of vegetation communities but Crest- area. cristicauda) (WC Act) tailed Mulgaras may prefer sand dunes with Sand Hill Cane- grass (Zygochloa paradoxa).

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 38 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Species Status Known Habitat Requirements Habitat Potential of the James Price Point Likelihood of coastal area Occurrence Now considered to be a separate species to D. cristicauda It is considered unlikely that the species Unlikely (Vulnerable EPBC Act, WC Act), there is some confusion would occur within the James Price Point around existing database records as they do not distinguish coastal area based on species preferred Brush-tailed Mulgara Priority 4 (DEC) between the two species. Once common throughout the central habitat range. (Dasycercus blythi) deserts region of Australia the species is now known from at least the western and central deserts.

Airlie Island Ctenotus Occurs on Airlie Island, 35 km north-north-east of Onslow, The species known range does not extent to Unlikely Vulnerable (Ctenotus north-western WA (SPRAT). There are also records from south James Price Point. (EPBC Act) angusticeps) of Roebuck Bay. The species generally occurs on red sandplains and sand Unlikely as preferred desert habitats are not Unlikely ridges in the eastern interior of WA (Environment Australia present. Great Desert Skink Vulnerable 2000). There are no records of the Species from the Precinct (Egernia kintorei) (EPBC Act) Project Area and the species preferred desert habitats were not recorded. This species occupies a diverse range of habitats which would All vegetation types within the site and Likely Peregrine Falcon Schedule 4 (WC include most areas of the Dampier Peninsula and Precinct construction camp are likely to provide (Falco peregrinus) Act) Project Area.. potential habitat for this species. Chestnut-backed This species is known to occur on the Dampier Peninsula with The species is considered to have the Yes Button-quail core habitat consisting of savanna woodlands. potential to occur within the James Price Priority 4 (DEC) (Turnix castanota Point coastal area magnifica) Eastern Curlew Priority 4 (DEC) This species occurs along the coastal waters of WA where its The species may periodically occur along Yes (Numenius Migratory (EPBC preferred habitat includes tidal mudflats and sandy beaches. coastal beaches of the James Price Point madagascariensis) Act) coastal area. Dingo The Dingo was recorded within the Coloumb-Quondong point Habitat likely to comprise all vegetation types Yes Vulnerable (Canis lupus dingo) study area by ENV (2008c) and is likely to occur over much of within the James Price Point coastal area. (IUCN) the Dampier Peninsula.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 39 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

5.2.1 Fauna Species Protected Under the EPBC Act Two fauna species listed under the EPBC Act (apart from species listed under marine and migratory provisions) which were identified as possibly occurring within the Precinct Project Area included the Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagotis) and the Golden-backed Tree-rat (Mesembriomys macrurus). The Greater Bilby and the Golden-backed Tree-rat (and some other mammals such as Golden Bandicoot) would have occurred in area and the former two may persist in small numbers.

5.2.1.1 Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagotis) Distribution: The former range of the Greater Bilby included most of the semi-arid areas of mainland Australia. It is now confined to Spinifex (Triodia spp.) hummock grassland and Acacia scrub across the deserts of central Australia, with satellite populations in the Kimberley and Warburton regions of Western Australia and in south- west Queensland. Ecology: The Greater Bilby is a medium-sized ground mammal, ranging in weight from 1.0 to 2.5 kilograms (kg). The species is apparently strictly nocturnal and constructs a substantial burrow system, which may be up to 3 m long and 2 m deep. The entrance is usually at the base of a termite mound, Spinifex tussock or small shrub and is kept open. One individual may have over a dozen burrows within its home range that it regularly uses (Strahan 1983). The species has been documented as holding temporary home ranges that can suddenly shift in response to the availability of food. Various direct and indirect effects on food availability, such as changing fire regimes and grazing of habitats by rabbits and livestock, and introduced predators are thought to have contributed to the alarming decline of the Greater Bilby. Predation by the introduced European fox as well as feral cats and dingoes are significant threats. Competition with rabbits is an important threat that has declined since the introduction of the Calicivirus. Changed fire regimes may have restricted breeding and impeded dispersal into unoccupied areas as well as reducing food availability (Woinarski, et al. 2007). Likelihood of Occurrence: There was direct evidence of Greater Bilby presence during this assessment, though some diggings may have belonged to the species. Given the lack of direct evidence and the absence of burrow systems found in any of the three surveys conducted, at most a few vagrant individuals rather than a resident colony may occur within the Precinct Project Area. The Greater Bilby is historically known to occur in the nearby Gourdon Bay area and is occasionally seen as roadkill on an adjacent section of the Great Northern Highway (Welsh, et al. 2008). The latest DEC record was at Roebuck on the Dampier Peninsula in 2001.

5.2.1.2 Golden-backed Tree-rat (Mesembriomys macrurus) Distribution: Historical records suggest that the Golden-backed Tree-rat was once found in drier inland woodlands in the Kimberley, though it is now restricted to areas near the coast in the Northern Kimberley. There are only three records of the species in the Northern Territory (Menkhorst & Knight 2004). Ecology: The Golden-backed Tree-rat is semi arboreal, inhabiting tropical woodland and adjacent vine thickets, rainforest and beaches. It has been found to roost mostly in hollows and occasionally in loosely woven nests underneath Pandanus crowns. It forages on the ground as well as in trees. Radio-tracking showed of Golden- backed Tree-rats showed them to be a relatively solitary animal with a large home range of about 500 m in length (Kerle 1992). Its diet consists of mostly fruit, flowers and termites as well as ants, beetles, grass and dicotyledon leaves (Morton 1992). The patchy nature of fruit probably requires individuals to be highly mobile and require a large home range. Likelihood of Occurrence: There are 77 records of Golden-backed Tree-rats in the Kimberley region (Nature Map database), with the vast majority of these records located north of Derby extending up to the Mitchell Plateau. The species has been recorded south of Broome, so it is possible that it could be present within the Precinct Project Area. No evidence of Golden-backed Tree-rat presence was found within the Precinct Project Area; however, appropriate habitat for the species, such as evergreen and deciduous vine thicket and Pandanus scrub, was identified. The patchy nature of food resources means that suitable habitats are likely to have low population densities, as the species has never been recorded commonly in any habitat. Given the limited amount of trapping to have been conducted in vine thicket habitats no conclusive statements can be made about the presence or absence of Golden-backed Tree-rat within the vicinity of the Precinct Project Area. Based on the presence of suitable habitat there is a chance that the species does occur in the area in very small numbers.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 40 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

5.2.2 Fauna Species Protected Under Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 The Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagotis) was identified as potentially occurring within the Precinct Project Area and is listed under the WC Act. The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) was recorded during the late dry season fauna assessment and is also listed under the WC Act.

5.2.2.1 Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagotis) See Section 5.2.1.1 for details on the Greater Bilby.

5.2.2.2 Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) Distribution: The Peregrine Falcon is distributed throughout the world, occurring in all continents other than Antarctica. Australian populations are generally higher than elsewhere in the world, aided by a lack of natural predators and the fact that it is not restricted to a particular habitat. The species is absent from most deserts and the Nullarbor Plain (Johnstone & Storr 1998). Ecology: The Peregrine Falcon, like other birds of prey, is a long-lived species, with low reproductive rates and low population density. It requires abundant prey and secure nest sites. These factors make them particularly vulnerable to human impact. This species inhabits a wide range of habitats including forest, woodlands, wetlands and open country (Pizzey & Knight 1997). Likelihood of Occurrence: A single Peregrine Falcon was recorded within the Precinct Project Area during the recent aerial survey over coastal cliffs near James price Point. The coastal cliff habitat along James Price Point is suitable for Peregrine Falcon nesting.

5.2.3 DEC Priority Listed Fauna Species Two DEC Priority listed fauna species were recorded within the Precinct Project Area during the late dry season fauna assessment, while one was deemed to possibly occur due to suitable habitat being present (Golden-backed Tree-rat). These species are listed in Table 19.

Table 19: DEC Priority Listed Vertebrate Fauna Species Recorded in November 2009 or that may possibly occur in the Precinct Area Common Name Scientific Name DEC Priority Listing Chestnut-backed Button-quail Turnix castanota Priority 4 Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascarensis Priority 4 Golden-backed Tree-rat Mesembriomys macrurus Priority 4

5.2.3.1 Chestnut-backed Button-quail (Turnix castanota magnifica) Distribution: The Chestnut-backed Button-quail has a disjunct distribution in the Top End of the Northern Territory and the Kimberley region of Western Australia (IUCN 2009). Ecology: The core habitat of this species comprises savannah woodlands in sandstone and lateritic country (Johnstone & Storr 1998). The species feeds on seeds and insects. Its nest is a dome of grass on the ground. Large scale habitat change may have affected populations of the species. Possible threats include grazing by introduced herbivores and inappropriate fire regimes. The spread of annual Sorghum spp. and exotic pasture grasses may be particularly detrimental to ground-dwelling granivores (BirdLife International 2008). Likelihood of Occurrence: The Chestnut-backed Button-quail was recorded in 2000 at Roebuck Plains, approximately 25 km east of Broome (Biota 2009b), suggesting that the species has potential to occur within the Precinct Project Area. A pair was recorded during this fauna assessment while walking transects (Transect 21) as they burst out of the scrub after being disturbed.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 41 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

5.2.3.2 Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis) Distribution: The Eastern Curlew occurs throughout coastal Western Australia, south to Bunbury (Johnstone & Storr 1998). There were numerous records of this species from coastal areas extending from south-west WA around the coast to west of Adelaide (Barrett, et al. 2003). Ecology: This species occurs mainly on tidal mudflats, and also on sandy beaches and occasionally near coastal lakes, including saltfield ponds (Johnstone & Storr 1998). The Eastern Curlew breeds in northern Asia and is a summer migrant to Australia. It is common in the Kimberley during passage, with flocks of hundreds of individuals in September, October and March (Johnstone & Storr 1998). Likelihood of Occurrence: Although there is no core habitat (tidal mudflats) for the Eastern Curlew within the Precinct Project Area, there are mudflats in the vicinity, and areas of beachfront are present. This species therefore has the potential to occur within the Precinct Project Area. A small number (fewer than 10) of the species was observed during the high tide aerial survey. A number of records exist for south of Broome and Roebuck Bay.

5.2.3.3 Golden-backed Tree-rat (Mesembriomys macrurus) See Section 5.2.1.2 for details on the Golden-backed Tree-rat.

5.2.4 IUCN Red List Species The Dingo (C. lupus dingo) was recorded and evidence of presence of the Greater Bilby (M. lagotis) was recorded during the fauna assessment in November 2009. Both these fauna species have an IUCN Red List rating of Vulnerable or higher.

5.2.4.1 Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagotis) See Section 5.2.1.1 for details on the Greater Bilby.

5.2.4.2 Dingo (Canis lupus dingo) As discussed by ENV (2008a) the Dingo (Canis lupus dingo) is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List because the proportion of pure Dingoes is declining through hybridisation with domestic dogs (IUCN 2008). However, FaunaBase (WAM 2008) states that Dingoes exist throughout Western Australia, and its wide distribution is likely to be attributable at least in part to its opportunistic carnivory (Menkhorst & Knight 2004). Distribution: The Dingo is distributed throughout mainland Australia, being absent only from Tasmania. Ecology: Dingoes live in all kinds of habitats, including the snow-covered mountain forests of Eastern Australia, dry hot deserts of Central Australia, and Northern Australia's tropical forest wetlands.In the arid and semi-arid regions of northern Australia the distribution of dingoes is restricted by its need for access to drinking water. Dingoes interbreed freely with domestic dogs and there are many wild populations of hybrids. The species is mainly active at night and shelters by day in a cave or shady spot. Likelihood of Occurrence: The species was frequently sighted at the southern end of Manari Road and several tracks were sighted in the Precinct Project Area. Previous surveys by ENV (2008a) and Biota (2009a) found the species to occur within the Precinct Project Area and it is safe to assume that the species is resident in the area. It is likely that populations in the Precinct Project Area are Dingo/Dog hybrids.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 42 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

5.2.5 Migratory Species The coastal region in the vicinity of the south of Broome is extremely important for migratory shorebirds, particularly waders and terns which breed in the northern hemisphere during the austral winter. Roebuck Bay, which lies immediately east of Broome, is an internationally important non-breeding area for migratory shorebirds and supports over 190,000 migratory waders of at least 35 species (Watkins 1993). As the Precinct Project Area is relatively close (approximately 60km) to this internationally important shorebird site, it is important to understand its significance for migratory birds. A number of bird species listed under the marine and migratory provisions of the EPBC Act were recorded during the 2009 coastal bird surveys (listed in Section 4.3). Other EPBC Act listed migratory bird species, such as the Oriental Cuckoo and Rainbow Bee-eater were also recorded in the project area (Appendix C), as well as a small number of migratory waders that were recorded in non-coastal areas, including: Lesser Sand Plover: One foraging on insects on Manari Road, near James Price Point, at night, Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola: Two recorded at Bream Billabong, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata: Four recorded at Bream Billabong, and Grey-tailed Tattler Tringa brevipes: At least one recorded near the old mango farm. The low number of migratory birds observed in the two aerial surveys is consistent with the findings of Rogers et al. (2009) and other migratory bird surveys (Galaxia 2010) which found that the project area has relatively low numbers of migratory birds in comparison with other coastal areas on or near the Dampier Peninsula. Galaxia (2010) found that a total of 39 migratory bird species has been recorded from Coulomb Point to about 5 km south of Quondong Point (not including Barred Creek) with a total of 897 individuals from three combined data sources. Galaxia (2010) found that the ten most common migratory bird species (from combined data sources) in the project area were: Common Tern (Sterna hirundo), Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius leschenaultii), Lesser Crested Tern (Sterna bengalensis), Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis), Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus), Little Tern (Sterna albifrons), Grey-tailed Tattler (Heteroscelus brevipes), Red Knot (Calidris canutus), Sanderling (Calidris alba), and Lesser Frigatebird (Fregata ariel). Although a number of these species were not recorded in the November 2009 fauna assessment it is possible that they were present but unable to be identified by helicopter. A comparison of the high tide versus low tide aerial survey results indicates that less migratory and marine birds were present at high tide (total of 561 birds, including 364 waders and 180 terns) compared with low tide (total of 1,277 birds including 42 waders and 1,205 terns). At low tide, terns were more widely distributed with moderate numbers (hundreds) of Lesser Crested, Crested and Common Terns at Coulomb Point. It is possible that terns disperse over a wider zone of coastline in the Precinct Project Area during low tide as rocky ledges and platforms become increasingly exposed whereas during high tide only certain rocky areas and the upper littoral zone (particularly Quondong Beach) are suitable as perching sites. At high tide, small numbers of waders were recorded throughout the project area, with over 300 migratory waders recorded north of James Price Point. However, at low tide very few waders were recorded from the project area (see Figure 11). The Precinct Project Area does not include intertidal mudflats which are important foraging areas for migratory shorebirds in the region (Rogers, et al. 2009). It is possible that small to moderate (hundreds) numbers of waders roost on rocky platforms and other suitable sites during high tide, but then disperse to suitable foraging sites (probably the intertidal mudflats south of the project area) during low tide.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 43 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

No significant high tide shorebird roosts were noted in the project area during the aerial surveys and no large congregations of waders were noted foraging in the Precinct Project Area. The absence of extensive exposed mudflats or sand-flats during low tide is most likely the reason for low numbers of shorebirds observed during the low tide aerial survey. Rogers et al. (2006) found that major factors influencing high tide roost selection by shorebirds in the Roebuck Bay area near the south of Broome included distance to foraging areas, proximity to tall cover (which contains predators such as raptors), substrate colour (pale substrates preferred) and micro- climate (cool, wet substrates preferred by many shorebirds). The coastal regions of the project area comprise bright sandy beaches, are close to tall cover and cliff faces, are home to numerous raptors and apparently contain no major shorebird foraging areas in close vicinity. Given these factors, it is not surprising that significant congregations of shorebirds were not found roosting within the Precinct Project Area. Large congregations of terns (especially Common Terns) were recorded during the high tide survey south of the project area on sandy spits associated with the mouths of Barred and Willie Creeks. It is possible that Barred Creek supports large congregations of waders and terns at certain times of the year. These congregations occur because the sand spits and beaches around the Barred Creek mouth, as well as mangal habitat associated with the area, potentially provide important habitat for migratory birds (especially waders and terns). High numbers of terns observed during the low tide survey may be reflective of the favourability of this habitat. Owing to its location just outside the project area, Barred Creek will not be directly impacted by the development. The rocky platforms and adjacent beaches and sandflats around Coulomb Point, James Price Point and Quondong Point may provide important roosting sites for shorebirds; however, these are not deemed to significant areas.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 44 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

6.0 Conclusions

6.1 Terrestrial Fauna Species Three species of conservation significance were confirmed from within the Precinct Project Area during the late dry terrestrial fauna and habitat assessment: Chestnut-backed Button-quail (Turnix castanota) (Priority 4), Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascarensis) (Priority 4), and Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrines) (Schedule 4). These species of conservation significance were confirmed to be present in the Precinct Project Area but also occur more widely throughout the Northern Kimberley region and throughout coastal Western Australia. The Golden-backed Tree-rat (Mesembriomys macrurus), which is listed vulnerable under the EBPC Act and is classified as a Priority 4 listed species by the DEC, was regarded as being possible to occur within the Precinct Project Area due to the presence suitable habitat (vegetation type). This species is known to occur in coastal areas of the Northern Kimberley with a few records in the Northern Territory. If the Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagotis), which is listed vulnerable under the EBPC Act and listed as a Schedule 1 species under the WC Act, is present at James Price Point it would only occur as a few vagrant individuals within the area rather than a resident colony. The Greater Bilby is not restricted to the Precinct Project Area north the Northern Kimberley region. This species also occurs in the Spinifex (Triodia sp.) hummock grassland and Acacia scrub across the deserts of central Australia with satellite populations in the Kimberley and Warburton regions of Western Australia and in south-west Queensland.

6.2 Migratory Birds No significant high tide shorebird roosts were noted in the Precinct Project Area during the aerial surveys and no large congregations of waders were noted foraging in the project area. The absence of extensive exposed mudflats or sand-flats during low tide is most likely the reason for low numbers of shorebirds observed during the low tide aerial survey. Rogers et al. (2006) found that major factors influencing high tide roost selection by shorebirds in the Roebuck Bay area near the south of Broome included distance to foraging areas, proximity to tall cover (which contains predators such as raptors), substrate colour (pale substrates preferred) and micro-climate (cool, wet substrates preferred by many shorebirds). The coastal regions of the project area comprise bright sandy beaches, are relatively close to tall cover and cliff faces (with numerous raptors) and apparently contain no major shorebird foraging areas in close vicinity. Given these factors, it is not surprising that significant congregations of shorebirds were not found roosting within the Precinct Project Area.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 45 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

This page has been left blank intentionally.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 46 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

7.0 Figures

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 47 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

This page has been left blank intentionally.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 48 °

Coulomb Point

8080000 !( Broome 8080000

!( Port Hedland 8075000 8075000 8070000 8070000

James Price Point 8065000 8065000 8060000 8060000

Quondong Point 8055000 8055000 8050000 8050000

Cape Boileau

405000 410000 415000 420000 425000 430000

AECOM does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information displayed in this map and any person using it does so at their own risk. AECOM shall bear no responsibility or liability for any errors, faults, defects, or omissions in the information. LEGEND Fauna Survey Base Map data supplied by Map Data Sciences Area © Copyright 2009, MapData Sciences Pty Ltd, PSMA. Proposed Infrastructure Boundary © 2009 AECOM Australia Pty Ltd Figure 1 Fauna Survey Area

01234

Kilometres Linework extracted from Worley Parsons drawing 'JP CI DSK 0050' 1:165,000

Date Modified: 20/01/2010 Author: KEJ J:\Client_Data\Dept_of_State_Development\60103995_Kimberley_LNG_SEA\Workspaces\2009_11_18_Terrestrial_Fauna_Report\Fig1_StudyAreas.mxd Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

This page has been left blank intentionally.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 50 IBRA Subregions

Figure 2 Northern Kimberley ° Victoria 0 50 100 150 200 Bonaparte Kilometres 1:6,000,000

! Derby Central Kimberley !James Price Point

!Broome Dampierland ! 8000000 8000000 Fitzroy Crossing ! Halls Creek

Ord Victoria Plain

Tanami

!Port Hedland

!Karratha Great Sandy Desert

AECOM does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information displayed in this map and any person using it does so at their own risk. AECOM shall bear no responsibility or liability for any errors, faults, defects, or omissions in the information. Pilbara Base Map data supplied by Map Data Sciences © Copyright 2009, MapData Sciences Pty Ltd, PSMA.

Gibson Desert Gascoyne Little Sandy Desert

200000 700000

Date Modified: 20/01/2010 Author: KEJ J:\Client_Data\Dept_of_State_Development\60103995_Kimberley_LNG_SEA\Workspaces\2009_11_18_Terrestrial_Fauna_Report\Fig2_IBRA_Bioregions.mxd Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

This page has been left blank intentionally.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 52 Australian National Biodiversity Hotspots

Figure 3

James Price Point

LEGEND

1. Einasleigh and Desert Uplands (Queensland) 2. Brigalow North and South (Queensland and New South Wales) 3. Border Ranges North and South (Queensland and New South Wales) 4. Midlands of Tasmania 5. Victorian Volcanic Plain 6. South Australia's South-East/ Victoria's South-West 7. Mt Lofty/Kangaroo Island (South Australia) 8. Fitzgerald River Ravensthorpe (Western Australia) 9. Busselton Augusta (Western Australia) 10. Central and Eastern Avon Wheatbelt (Western Australia) 11. Mount Lesueur-Eneabba (Western Australia) 12. Geraldton to Shark Bay sand plains (Western Australia) 13. Carnarvon Basin (Western Australia) 14. Hamersley-Pilbara (Western Australia) 15. North Kimberley (Western Australia)

! ' #$$% ! & ' &!

'#$$% & '

Adapted from DEWHA Australia's 15 National Biodiversity Hotspots http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/hotspots/national-hotspots.html

Date Modified: 23/11/2009 Author: TC G:\M70015 Kimberley Gas Hub\GIS_DOCS\TEMP_WORKING Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

This page has been left blank intentionally.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 54 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Figure 4 Temperature and Rainfall Data for Broome prior to the Assessment Period November 2009 Source: Bureau of Meteorology (BoM 2009)

Figure 5 Temperature and Rainfall Data for Broome Long Term Average Over the Last 70 Years Source: Bureau of Meteorology (BoM 2009)

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 55 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

This page has been left blank intentionally.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 56 ° Coastal heath

Open forest

Monsoon vine thicket deciduous " )16 )"15 )"20 )" )"18 17 19 )"37 )"38

)"39

Buffel grassland )"7 )" 8

Eroded coastal pindan

)"36 Monsoon vine thicket deciduous

Tall closed scrub

Pindan shrubland )"34 )"33 8065000 8065000

)"35

Monsoon vine )"14 6 )"13 thicket evergreen)")" )" 5 )"31 )" 4 30 )")" 12 9 )"32

)"11 )" 3 )"10 Coastal communities Open woodland Drainage )"2 basin )" 1

Monsoon vine ")")") ")") thicket evergreen ") ") ") ")") ")")") ") ")") ")") ")") Open forest ")") Monsoon vine thicket deciduous)"27 )"28 Open forest )"29 Open woodland ")")

410000 415000

AECOM does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information displayed in this map and any person using it does so at their own risk. LEGEND AECOM shall bear no responsibility or liability for any errors, faults, defects, Fauna Transect or omissions in the information.

Locations North Biota 2009 Wet Season Vegetation Survey Base Map data supplied by Map Data Sciences Monsoon vine thicket evergreen © Copyright 2009, MapData Sciences Pty Ltd, PSMA. Buffel grassland Open forest and Vegetation Types © 2009 AECOM Australia Pty Ltd Coastal communities Open woodland Figure 6 Coastal heath Pindan shrubland Drainage basin Sandstone outcrops 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 Eroded coastal pindan Tall closed scrub Kilometres Monsoon vine thicket deciduous 1:40,000

Date Modified: 29/01/2010 Author: KEJ J:\Client_Data\Dept_of_State_Development\60103995_Kimberley_LNG_SEA\Workspaces\2009_11_18_Terrestrial_Fauna_Report\Updated maps 2010_01_29\Fig6_TransectLocations_North.mxd Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

This page has been left blank intentionally.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 58 )" ° )"25 24 Open forest Drainage basin

Sandstone outcrops Coastal )"26 communities

Monsoon vine thicket deciduous Open woodland

Open woodland Monsoon vine thicket evergreen

Pindan shrubland

8055000 Buffel 8055000 grassland

Coastal communities

Monsoon vine thicket deciduous 8050000 8050000 ")")") ")") ") ") ") ")") ")")") ") ")") ")") ")")

")")

)"23 ")")

)"22 )"21

410000 415000

Locations South Biota 2009 Wet Season Vegetation Survey Base Map data supplied by Map Data Sciences Monsoon vine thicket evergreen © Copyright 2009, MapData Sciences Pty Ltd, PSMA. Buffel grassland Open forrest and Vegetation Types © 2009 AECOM Australia Pty Ltd Coastal communities Open woodland Figure 7 Coastal heath Pindan shrubland Drainage basin Sandstone outcrops 0 0.5 1 1.5 Eroded coastal pindan Tall closed scrub Kilometres Monsoon vine thicket deciduous 1:45,000

Date Modified: 29/01/2010 Author: KEJ J:\Client_Data\Dept_of_State_Development\60103995_Kimberley_LNG_SEA\Workspaces\2009_11_18_Terrestrial_Fauna_Report\Updated maps 2010_01_29\Fig7_TransectLocations_South.mxd Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

This page has been left blank intentionally.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 60 °

LEGEND AECOM does not warrant the accurancy or completeness of information displayed in this map and any person using it does so at their own risk. AECOM shall bear no responsibility or liability for any errors, faults, defects, Vegetation Types Precinct Project Area Monsoon vine thicket deciduous or omissions in the information. Biota 2009 Wet Season Vegetation Survey • Monsoon vine thicket evergreen Vegetation Survey 2009 © Biota, 2010. © 2010 AECOM Buffel grassland • Open forrest Figure 8 • Coastal communities • Open woodland • Coastal heath • Pindan shrubland 0 0.75 1.5 2.25 3 3.75 Drainage basin Kilometres • • Sandstone outcrops ~COM 1:80,000 • Eroded coastal pindan • Tall closed scrub Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

This page has been left blank intentionally.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 62 (!!( Map 1 Map!(!( 2 Good James Price Point !( Excellent Vegetation !( !( Good Condition Poor Good !( 8080000 8080000 !(!(

Very Good Very Good Figure 9.1 !( Good ° Good !( 0123

Kilometres Poor 1:100,000 (A4)

8060000 !( !( 8060000 Good Very Good Datum: GDA94 Projection: MGA z51 !( LEGEND Good !( Excellent !( Good Ground-based Condition Assessment !( (Biota, 2010, Wet Season Survey) 8075000 8075000 !( Excellent Poor !( Very Good !( !( Good !( !( Poor Good Very Good !( Excellent Very Poor 8055000 Very Good 8055000 !( !(!( Good !( Completely Degraded Poor Aerial-based Condition Assessment (AECOM, 2009, Dry Season Survey) Very Good Excellent !(

8070000 8070000 Very Good Good Good

Poor !( Map 1 !( Very Poor Good Very Good Poor AECOM does not warrant the accuracy or 8050000 8050000 Good completeness of information displayed in this map !( and any person using it does so at their own risk. AECOM shall bear no responsibility or liability for any errors, faults, defects, or omissions in the information. !( Good Poor © 2010 AECOM Australia Pty Ltd Good !( Map 2 8065000 8065000 !(!( !(!( !( Excellent !( Good 410000 415000 410000 415000

Date Modified: 4/08/2010 Author: KEJ J:\Client_Data\Dept_of_State_Development\60103995_Kimberley_LNG_SEA\Workspaces\2010_08_04__Condition_Maps\9_1_Vegetation_Condition.mxd Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

This page has been left blank intentionally.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 64 !( Excellent Map 1 Map 2 Map 3 Map 4 Map 5 Good !( James Price Point Vegetation Condition Good Poor Very Good (Coastal Enlargement) !( Map 1 !( Figure 9.2

Good 0 0.5 1 1.5 !( Map 2 !( Kilometres

Very Good Very Good !(!( Excellent 1:45,000 (A4)

Map 3 Datum: GDA94 Projection: MGA z51 !( LEGEND !( Map 4 Poor !( Ground-based !( Condition Assessment (Biota, 2010, Wet Season Survey) Map 5 !( !( Excellent !( !( !( !( Very Good

Good !( !( Good !( !( Poor

!( !( Very Poor !( !( !( Completely Degraded Good Good Aerial-based Good !( Condition Assessment (AECOM, 2009, Dry Season Survey) !( Excellent

Good !( Very Good Very Good !( Good !( Poor !( !( Poor Very Poor

AECOM does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information displayed in this map and any person using it does so at their own risk. Very Good AECOM shall bear no responsibility or liability for any Good errors, faults, defects, or omissions in the information. Good !( © 2010 AECOM Australia Pty Ltd Excellent Good !( !(

!( Excellent Very Good Good °°Very Good ° ° Good °

Date Modified: 4/08/2010 Author: KEJ J:\Client_Data\Dept_of_State_Development\60103995_Kimberley_LNG_SEA\Workspaces\2010_08_04__Condition_Maps\9_2_Vegetation_Condition.mxd Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

This page has been left blank intentionally.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 66 8082500 ° 8082500 Waders: 200 (! Other Waterbirds: 3 Raptors: 1 8075000 8075000

Waders: 1 (!(! Waders: 102

Sea-Eagle Nest: 1 (!

(! Other Waterbirds: 1 8067500 8067500 Waders: 22 (!

Te rns : 2 (! Other Waterbirds: 1 (! Waders: 2

(! Waders: 12 Terns: 30 (! Raptors: 1

8060000 (! 8060000 Waders: 11

Terns: 40 (! (! Other Waterbirds: 8 (! Other Waterbirds: 2

Terns: 7 (! Waders: 4 (!

8052500 (! 8052500 Terns: 60 (! Te rns : 30 Waders: 10 (!

Te rns : 11

Waders: 160 Terns: 40 (!

402500 410000 417500 425000

AECOM does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information displayed in this map and any person using it does so at their own risk. High Tide Aerial Survey AECOM shall bear no responsibility or liability for any errors, faults, defects, of Coastal Birds or omissions in the information. Base Map data supplied by Map Data Sciences 10 November 2009 Waders © Copyright 2009, MapData Sciences Pty Ltd, PSMA. Terns © 2009 AECOM Australia Pty Ltd Figure 10 Other Waterbirds Raptors 012345 Sea-Eagle Nest Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna Kilometres 1:165,000 and Habitat Assessment Area

Date Modified: 29/01/2010 Author: KEJ J:\Client_Data\Dept_of_State_Development\60103995_Kimberley_LNG_SEA\Workspaces\2009_11_18_Terrestrial_Fauna_Report\Updated maps 2010_01_29\Fig11_HighTide_BirdSurvey.mxd Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

This page has been left blank intentionally.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 68 8082500 Te rns : 120 ° 8082500 Waders: 13 (! Other Waterbirds: 1 (! Te rns : 11 Other Waterbirds: 10 Waders: 1 Raptors: 1 8075000 8075000

Other Waterbirds: 3 (!

Waders: 2 (! Te rns : 2 Other Waterbirds: 1 (! Waders: 2

Waders: 5 (! Raptors: 3 Other Waterbirds: 5 Sea-Eagle Nest: 1 8067500 (! 8067500 (! Terns: 40 (! Waders: 1 Terns: 17 Raptors: 1

Other Waterbirds: 1 Raptors: 1 (! Terns: 60

8060000 (! 8060000 (! Terns: 20 Terns: 85 (! (! Waders: 6 Raptors: 1 (!

Waders: 10 8052500 8052500

Terns: 50 Other Waterbirds: 1 (! Terns: 800 Waders: 2 Other Waterbirds: 1 (!

402500 410000 417500 425000

AECOM does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information displayed in this map and any person using it does so at their own risk. Low Tide Aerial Survey AECOM shall bear no responsibility or liability for any errors, faults, defects, of Coastal Birds or omissions in the information. Base Map data supplied by Map Data Sciences © Copyright 2009, MapData Sciences Pty Ltd, PSMA. 13 November 2009 Waders Terns © 2009 AECOM Australia Pty Ltd Figure 11 Other Waterbirds Raptors 012345 Sea-Eagle Nest Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna Kilometres 1:165,000 and Habitat Assessment Area

Date Modified: 29/01/2010 Author: KEJ J:\Client_Data\Dept_of_State_Development\60103995_Kimberley_LNG_SEA\Workspaces\2009_11_18_Terrestrial_Fauna_Report\Updated maps 2010_01_29\Fig12_LowTide_BirdSurvey.mxd Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

This page has been left blank intentionally.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 70 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

8.0 References Biota Environmental Services. A Vegetation and Flora Survey of James Price Point: Wet Season 2009. Prepared for Department of State Development. 2009a. Biota Environmental Services. James Price Point Terrestrial Fauna Survey: Wet Season. Prepared for Department of State Development. 2009b. Bureau of Meteorology. Broome, Western Australia November 2009 Daily Weather Observations, Accessed 16/11/2009 http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/IDCJDW6015.latest.shtml. 2009a. Bureau of Meteorology. Tide Predictions for Western Australia. Online at: http://www.bom.gov.au/oceanography/tides/MAPS/wa.shtml. 2009b. Coleman, J. Migratory Bird Study: James Price Point. Report prepared for Woodside Petroleum Ltd by Galaxia Marine Consulting. 2009. Department of Environment and Conservation. A synthesis of scientific knowledge to support conservation management in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. 2009a. Department of Environment and Conservation. Nature Map. 2009. Online at: http://naturemap.dec.wa.gov.au/default.aspx. 2009b. Department of Industry and Resources. Final Site Evaluation Report. Northern Development Taskforce. December 2008. DEWHA. Biodiversity Hotspots Accessed 17 November 2009. http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/hotspots/index.html. 2009. ENV Australia. Perpendicular Head-North Head, Packer Island, Gourdon Bay and Coulomb- Quondong Vertebrate Fauna Assessment. 2008a. ENV Australia. Perpendicula Head-North Head, Packer Island, Gourdon Bay and Coulomb- Quondong Vegetation Assessment. Prepared for Department of Industry and Resources. 2008b. Environment Australia. Revision of the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) and Development of Version 5.1, Summary Report. November 2000. Environment Protection Authority. EPA Position Statement No.3 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity Protection. Environmental Protection Authority. March 2002. Environment Protection Authority. EPA Guidance Statement No. 56 Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia. June 2004. Galaxia. Migratory Bird Study: James Price Point. Report prepared for Woodside Energy Ltd by Galaxia Marine Environmental Consulting. May 2010. Graham, G. Dampierland 2 (DL2- Pindanland Subregion). In: A biodiversity Audit of Western Australia’s 53 Bogeographical Subregions. Department of Conservation and Land Management, WA. 2001. IUCN. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2009.2. Online: http://www.iucnredlist.org/. 2009. Johnstone, RE & Storr, GM. Handbook of Western Australian Birds: Volume 1 – Non-passerines (Emu to Dollarbird). Western Australian Museum, Perth, Western Australia. 1998. Kerle, J.A. Rats of the Treetops. Landscope 8:10-15. 1992. Keighery, B.J. Bushland Plant Survey. A Guide to Plant Community Survey for the Community. Wildflower Society of WA (Inc.), Western Australia. 1994. Menkhorst, P & F. Knight. A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia.(2nd ed.) Oxford University Press, South Melbourne. 2004. Morton, C.M. Diets of three species of Tree-rat, Mesembriomys gouldii (Gray), M. macrurus (Peters) and Conilurus penicillatus (Gould) from the Mitchell Plateau, Western Australia. B. App. Sc. Honours Thesis, University of Canberra, Canberra. 1992.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 71 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

McKenzie, N.L. & K.F. Kenneally. Part I: Background and Environment. pp. 5-23 in McKenzie, N.L., A.N. Start, A.A. Burbidge, K.F. Kenneally & N.D. Burrows, 2009. Protecting the Kimberley. A synthesis of scientific knowledge to support conservation management in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. 1983. Pizzey, G. & F. Knight. Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Harper Collins, Sydney. 1997. Rogers, D.I., P.I. Battley, T. Piersma, J.A. van Gils, & K.G. Rogers. High-tide habitat choice: insights from modeling roost selection by shorebirds around a tropical bay. Animal Behaviour 72:563–575. 2006. Rogers, D., C. Hassell, R. Clemens, A. Boyle & K. Rogers. Monitoring Yellow Sea Migrants in Australia (MYSMA): North-western Australian shorebird surveys and workshops. December 2008. Strahan, R (ed.). Complete Book of Australian Mammals. Cornstalk Publishing, North Ryde. 1988. Woniarski J., C. Pavey, R. Kerrigan, I. Cowie & S. Ward, (eds.). Lost from our Landscape: Threatened Species of the Northern Territory. Northern Territory Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts, Palmerston. 2007. Watkins, D. Roebuck Bay: Background information for the conservation of a wetland of international importance. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth. 1993.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 72 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Plates

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 74 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

This page has been left blank intentionally.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 75 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Plate P1: Transect 1

Plate P2: Transect 2

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 76 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Plate P3: Transect 3

Plate P4: Transect 4

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 77 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Plate P5: Transect 5

Plate P6: Transect 6

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 78 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Plate P7: Transect 7

Plate P8: Transect 8

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 79 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Plate P9: Transect 9

Plate P10: Transect 10

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 80 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Plate P11: Transect 11

Plate P12: Transect 12

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 81 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Plate P13: Transect 13

Plate P14: Transect 14

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 82 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Plate P15: Transect 15

Plate P16: Transect 16

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 83 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Plate P17: Transect 17

Plate P18: Transect 18

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 84 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Plate P19: Transect 21

Plate P20: Transect 22

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 85 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Plate P21: Transect 23

Plate P22: Transect 24

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 86 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Plate P23: Transect 25

Plate P24: Transect 26

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 87 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Plate P25: Transect 27

Plate P26: Transect 28

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 88 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Plate P27: Transect 29

Plate P28: Transect 37

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 89 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Plate P29: Transect 38

Plate P30: Transect 39

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 90 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Plate P31: Possible Greater Bilby Burrow Transect 25

Plate P32: Possible Greater Bilby Activity Transect 24

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 91 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Appendix A

DEWHA Summary of Matters of National Environmental Significance at James Price Point and Its Surrounds

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 A Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

This page has been left blank intentionally.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 A Provided to Strategen & AECOM on 14 October 2009 Compiled 12 October 2009

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) summary of matters of National Environmental Significance (mNES) at James Price Point and its surrounds.

In relation to the EPBC Act strategic assessment of a Browse Basin common-user liquefied natural gas (LNG) precinct and associated activities, the known Matters of National Environmental Significance (mNES) to be considered as part of this assessment are: Listed threatened species and ecological communities Migratory species protected under international agreements Ramsar wetlands of international importance The Commonwealth marine environment (National Heritage List)

DEWHA has complied a list of species under the EPBC Act that are known to or may occur in the vicinity of the proposed site at James Price Point. As such, all of the matters detailed in the attached table are relevant to environmental impact assessment of an LNG precinct at the proposed site. We note however that this is a draft list of species and is not intended to be exhaustive. DEWHA DRAFT Table: Matters of National Environmental Significance compiled for Strategic Assessment (as of 12 Oct 09)

* Taxa is abbreviated as follows, bird (B), fish (F), mammal (M), reptile (R). Shore Birds are also identified

**EPBC Act Status abbreviated as follows, Endangered (E), Vulnerable (V) Migratory (M), Cetacean (Cet) Marine (Mar)

Environmental Reporting Tool Taxa* Name Common Name EPBC Status** (ERT) result Recovery Plan Recorded Source (within 50 km of JPP) yes (to be na Roebuck Bay Ramsar Wetland Ramsar occurs considered)

The following 24 EPBC Act listed threatened species are known to, or may occur, within 50 km of James Price Point. If species is also listed migratory or marine then this is noted.

Blue, Fin and Sei Whale Recovery Plan DEWHA Aug/Dec advice 2008 (North-west Balaenoptera 2005 - 2010 Industry Guidelines on the M Pygmy Blue Whale E/Mig/Cet may occur yes Marine Bioregional Plan, Bioregional Profile musculus brevicauda Interaction between offshore seismic (DEWHA 2008)). exploration and whales.

Blue, Fin and Sei Whale Recovery Plan DEWHA Aug/Dec advice 2008 (North-west Balaenoptera 2005 - 2010 Industry Guidelines on the M Southern Blue Whale E/Mig/Cet may occur yes Marine Bioregional Plan, Bioregional Profile musculus intermedia Interaction between offshore seismic (DEWHA 2008)). exploration and whales.

Recovery Plan for Marine Turtles in Australia - July 2003 Threat Abatement DEWHA Aug/Dec advice 2008 (North-west Plan for Predation, Habitat Degradation, Marine Bioregional Plan, Bioregional Profile Competition and Disease Transmission (DEWHA 2008)). Advice from marine turtle R Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle E/Mig/Mar may occur by Feral Pigs Threat abatement plan for yes experts at the DEWHA marine turtle workshop the impacts of marine debris on (Mar 09) and preliminary results from Woodside vertebrate marine life Threat Abatement 09 surveys. Plan for Predation by the European Red Fox Environmental Reporting Tool Taxa* Name Common Name EPBC Status** (ERT) result Recovery Plan Recorded Source (within 50 km of JPP)

Commonwealth Conservation Advice on Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) M Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll E may occur Draft Workshop outcomes (2009). Draft DEWHA workshop outcomes (2009).

Recovery Plan for Marine Turtles in Australia - July 2003 Threat Abatement Plan for Predation, Habitat Degradation, E/Mig/Mar (E Competition and Disease Transmission Dermochelys Advice from marine turtle experts at the DEWHA R Leatherback Turtle upgraded in may occur by Feral Pigs Threat abatement plan for yes coriacea marine turtle workshop (Mar 09). 2009) the impacts of marine debris on vertebrate marine life Threat Abatement Plan for Predation by the European Red Fox

National Recovery Plan for the Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae) Appendix to the National Recovery Plan for the Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae) Background Information Recovery Plan B Erythrura gouldiae Gouldian Finch E/Mig may occur for the Golden-shouldered Parrot Psephotus chrysopterygius 2003-2007 Threat Abatement Plan for Reduction in Impacts of Tramp Ants on Biodiversity in Australia and its Territories

Commonwealth Listing Advice on DEWHA Aug/Dec advice 2008 may occur (records F Glyphis sp. C Northern River shark E/Mar not in ERT Glyphis sp. C (Northern River Shark) south of Broome) SPRAT

Recovery Plan for Marine Turtles in DEWHA Aug/Dec advice 2008. Advice from Lepidochelys Australia - July 2003 Threat abatement R Olive Ridley Turtle E/Mig/Mar not in ERT yes marine turtle experts at the DEWHA marine turtle olivacea plan for the impacts of marine debris on workshop (Mar 09). vertebrate marine life Environmental Reporting Tool Taxa* Name Common Name EPBC Status** (ERT) result Recovery Plan Recorded Source (within 50 km of JPP) Recovery Plan for Marine Turtles in Australia - July 2003 Threat Abatement DEWHA Aug/Dec advice 2008 (North-west Plan for Predation, Habitat Degradation, Marine Bioregional Plan, Bioregional Profile Competition and Disease Transmission (DEWHA 2008)). Advice from marine turtle R Chelonia mydas Green Turtle V/Mig/Mar may occur by Feral Pigs Threat abatement plan for yes experts at the DEWHA marine turtle workshop the impacts of marine debris on (Mar 09) and preliminary results from Woodside vertebrate marine life Threat Abatement 09 surveys. Plan for Predation by the European Red Fox

Brush-tailed Rabbit- Commonwealth Conservation Advice on M Conilurus penicillatus V (new listing) may occur 2009 new listing, not previously considered. rat Conilurus penicillatus

Threat Abatement Plan for Predation by the European Red FoxThreat Abatement Dasycercus M Mulgara V likely to occur Plan for Predation by Feral Cats Threat cristicauda Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Feral Rabbits

Recovery Plan for Marine Turtles in Australia - July 2003 Threat Abatement Plan for Predation, Habitat Degradation, Competition and Disease Transmission Eretmochelys Advice from marine turtle experts at the DEWHA R Hawksbill Turtle V/Mig/Mar may occur by Feral Pigs Threat abatement plan for yes imbricata marine turtle workshop (Mar 09). the impacts of marine debris on vertebrate marine life Threat Abatement Plan for Predation by the European Red Fox

Erythrotriorchis DEWHA Aug/Dec advice 2008 - may occur B Red Goshawk V not in ERT Draft Recovery Plan (NPWS 2003) radiatus (recorded within 50 km of Broome)

Recovery plan for the Golden Bandicoot Isoodon auratus and Golden-backed Isoodon auratus DEWHA Aug/Dec advice 2008 - may occur M Golden Bandicoot V not in ERT Tree-rat Mesembriomys macrurus 2004 - auratus (recorded within 25 km of JPP) 2009 Threat Abatement Plan for Predation by Feral Cats Environmental Reporting Tool Taxa* Name Common Name EPBC Status** (ERT) result Recovery Plan Recorded Source (within 50 km of JPP)

National Recovery Plan for the Greater Bilby Macrotis lagotis Threat Abatement Plan for Predation by the European Red M Macrotis lagotis Greater Bilby V may occur FoxThreat Abatement Plan for Predation by Feral Cats Threat Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Feral Rabbits

Humpback Whale Recovery Plan 2005 - 2010 Industry Guidelines on the Interaction between offshore seismic Megaptera M Humpback Whale V/Mig/Cet recorded (breeding) exploration and whales. Australian yes Environmental Reporting Tool result. novaeangliae National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching Information Sheet - Harmful marine Debris.

Recovery plan for the Golden Bandicoot Isoodon auratus and Golden-backed Mesembriomys Golden Backed Tree DEWHA Aug/Dec advice 2008 - may occur M V not in ERT Tree-rat Mesembriomys macrurus 2004 - macrurus Rat (recorded near Broome). 2009 Threat Abatement Plan for Predation by Feral Cats

Recovery Plan for Marine Turtles in Australia - July 2003 Threat Abatement Plan for Predation, Habitat Degradation, DEWHA Aug/Dec advice 2008 (North-west Marine Competition and Disease Transmission Bioregional Plan, Bioregional Profile (DEWHA R Natator depressus Flatback Turtle V/Mig/Mar may occur by Feral Pigs Threat abatement plan for yes 2008)). Advice from marine turtle experts at the the impacts of marine debris on DEWHA marine turtle workshop (Mar 09) and vertebrate marine life Threat Abatement preliminary results from Woodside 09 surveys. Plan for Predation by the European Red Fox

Commonwealth Conservation Advice on Polytelis alexandrae (Princess Parrot) DEWHA Aug/Dec advice 2008 - may occur B Polytelis alexandrae Princess Parrot V Not in ERT Threat Abatement Plan for Beak and recorded near Broome. Feather Disease Affecting Endangered Psittacine Species Environmental Reporting Tool Taxa* Name Common Name EPBC Status** (ERT) result Recovery Plan Recorded Source (within 50 km of JPP)

F Pristis microdon Freshwater Sawfish V/Mar likely to occur SPRAT

Green Sawfish, Approved Conservation Advice for Pristis F Pristis zijsron Dindagubba, V/Mar may occur zijsron (Green Sawfish) Narrowsnout Sawfish

Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) F Rhincodon typus Whale Shark V/Mig/Mar may occur Recovery Plan 2005–2010 B (Shore Australian Painted Bird Rostratula australis V/Mig may occur Info sheet and Listing Advice SPRAT Snipe resident)

National Multi-species Recovery Plan for the Partridge Pigeon Geophaps smithii smithii, Crested Shrike-tit, Falcunculus Tyto novaehollandiae Masked Owl B V may occur frontatus whitei, Masked Owl Tyto kimberli (northern) novaehollandiae kimberli and Masked Owl Tiwi Islands Tyto novaehollandiae melvillensis 2004-2009

Species below include only those listed as Migratory (Mig), Cetaceans (Cet) and Marine (Mar)

B (Shore Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper Mig/Mar likely to occur Bird) Shorebirds

Anseranas B Magpie Goose Mar (overfly) may occur SPRAT semipalmata Mig/Mar B Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift may occur SPRAT (overfly)

Great Egret, White Mig/Mar B Ardea alba known roosting SPRAT Egret (overfly)

Mig/Mar B Ardea ibis Cattle Egret may occur SPRAT (overfly) Environmental Reporting Tool Taxa* Name Common Name EPBC Status** (ERT) result Recovery Plan Recorded Source (within 50 km of JPP)

B (Shore Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone Mig/Mar likely to occur Bird) Shorebirds

B (Shore Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Calidris alba Sanderling Mig/Mar likely to occur Bird) Shorebirds

B (Shore Mig/Mar Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Calidris canutus Red Knot, Knot likely to occur Bird) (overfly) Shorebirds

B (Shore Mig/Mar Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper likely to occur Bird) (overfly) Shorebirds

B (Shore Mig/Mar Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper known roosting Bird) (overfly) Shorebirds

B (Shore Mig/Mar Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint likely to occur Bird) (overfly) Shorebirds

B (Shore Mig/Mar Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Calidris subminuta Long-toed Stint known roosting Bird) (overfly) Shorebirds

B (Shore Mig/Mar Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot likely to occur Bird) (overfly) Shorebirds

Calonectris B Streaked Shearwater Mig/Mar may occur SPRAT leucomelas

B (Shore Mig/Mar Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Charadrius dubius Little Ringed Plover known roosting Bird) (overfly) Shorebirds

B (Shore Charadrius Greater Sand Plover, Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Mig/Mar likely to occur Bird) leschenaultii Large Sand Plover Shorebirds

B (Shore Lesser Sand Plover, Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Charadrius mongolus Mig/Mar likely to occur Bird) Mongolian Plover Shorebirds Environmental Reporting Tool Taxa* Name Common Name EPBC Status** (ERT) result Recovery Plan Recorded Source (within 50 km of JPP) B (Shore Charadrius Red-capped Plover Mar (overfly) known roosting SPRAT Bird ruficapillus id t) B (Shore Oriental Plover, Mig/Mar Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Charadrius veredus may occur Bird) Oriental Dotterel (overfly) Shorebirds

B Fregata ariel Lesser Frigate Bird Mig/Mar not in ERT SPRAT yes DEWHA Aug/Dec advice 2008.

B (Shore Mig/Mar Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Gallinago stenura Pin-tailed Snipe known roosting Bird) (overfly) Shorebirds

B (Shore Mig/Mar Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Glareola maldivarum Oriental Pratincole may occur Bird) (overfly) Shorebirds

Haliaeetus White-bellied Sea- Wet season terrestrial surveys (recorded 8 B Mig/Mar likely to occur SPRAT yes leucogaster Eagle occasions).

B (Shore Heteroscelus Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Grey-tailed Tattler Mig/Mar likely to occur Bird) brevipes Shorebirds

B (Shore Himantopus Bird Black-winged Stilt Mar (overfly) known roosting SPRAT himantopus resident) Mig/Mar B Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow may occur SPRAT (overfly) B (Shore Broad-billed Mig/Mar Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Limicola falcinellus known roosting Bird) Sandpiper (overfly) Shorebirds B (Shore Limnodromus Mig/Mar Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Asian Dowitcher known roosting Bird) semipalmatus (overfly) Shorebirds B (Shore Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit Mig/Mar likely to occur Bird) Shorebirds

B (Shore Mig/Mar Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit known roosting Bird) (overfly) Shorebirds Environmental Reporting Tool Taxa* Name Common Name EPBC Status** (ERT) result Recovery Plan Recorded Source (within 50 km of JPP) Mig/Mar Wet season terrestrial surveys (recorded 59 B Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater may occur SPRAT yes (overfly) occasions). B (Shore Numenius Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Eastern Curlew Mig/Mar likely to occur Bird) madagascariensis Shorebirds

B (Shore Little Curlew, Little Mig/Mar Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Numenius minutus may occur Bird) Whimbrel (overfly) Shorebirds

B (Shore Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel Mig/Mar likely to occur Bird) Shorebirds

B (Shore Red-necked Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Phalaropus lobatus Mig/Mar known roosting Bird) Phalarope Shorebirds

B (Shore Mig/Mar Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Philomachus pugnax Ruff (Reeve) known roosting Bird) (overfly) Shorebirds B (Shore Mig/Mar Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover likely to occur Bird) (overfly) Shorebirds Poecilodryas Derby White-browed mentioned in the Wet Seaon terrestrial survey B superciliosa Mig not in ERT but DEC SPRAT Robin report - needs clarification. cerviniventris

B Puffinus leucomelas Streaked Shearwater Mig/Mar may occur SPRAT

Wedgetailed B Puffinus pacificus Mig/Mar not in ERT SPRAT yes DEWHA Aug/Dec advice 2008. Shearwater

B (Shore Recurvirostra Bird Red-necked Avocet Mar (overfly) known roosting SPRAT novaehollandiae resident) Threat Abatement Plan for Predation by B Sterna albifrons Little Tern Mig/Mar may occur the European Red Fox

B Sterna dougallii Roseate Tern Mig/Mar not in ERT SPRAT yes DEWHA Aug/Dec advice 2008. Environmental Reporting Tool Taxa* Name Common Name EPBC Status** (ERT) result Recovery Plan Recorded Source (within 50 km of JPP) B (Shore Bird Stiltia isabella Australian Pratincole Mar (overfly) known roosting SPRAT resident)

B Sula leucogaster Brown Booby Mig/Mar not in ERT SPRAT yes DEWHA Aug/Dec advice 2008.

B (Shore Thinornis rubricollis Hooded Plover Mar (overfly) known roosting SPRAT Bird res)

Common B (Shore Mig/Mar Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Tringa nebularia Greenshank, known roosting Bird) (overfly) Shorebirds Greenshank B (Shore Common Redshank, Mig/Mar Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Tringa totanus known roosting Bird) Redshank (overfly) Shorebirds B (Shore Mig/Mar Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper likely to occur Bird) (overfly) Shorebirds Campichthys F Three-keel Pipefish Mar may occur SPRAT tricarinatus Pacific Short-bodied Choeroichthys F Pipefish, Short- Mar may occur SPRAT brachysoma bodied Pipefish

F Choeroichthys suillus Pig-snouted Pipefish Mar may occur SPRAT

Yellow-banded Corythoichthys F Pipefish, Network Mar may occur SPRAT flavofasciatus Pipefish Cosmocampus F Roughridge Pipefish Mar may occur SPRAT banneri Doryrhamphus F Ringed Pipefish Mar may occur SPRAT dactyliophorus Indian Blue-stripe Doryrhamphus F Pipefish, Blue-stripe Mar may occur SPRAT excisus Pipefish Environmental Reporting Tool Taxa* Name Common Name EPBC Status** (ERT) result Recovery Plan Recorded Source (within 50 km of JPP) Cleaner Pipefish, F Doryrhamphus janssi Mar may occur SPRAT Janss' Pipefish

F Filicampus tigris Tiger Pipefish Mar may occur SPRAT

F Halicampus brocki Brock's Pipefish Mar may occur SPRAT

Mud Pipefish, Gray's F Halicampus grayi Mar may occur SPRAT Pipefish

F Halicampus nitidus Glittering Pipefish Mar may occur SPRAT

Halicampus F Spiny-snout Pipefish Mar may occur SPRAT spinirostris

Haliichthys Ribboned Seadragon, F Mar may occur SPRAT taeniophorus Ribboned Pipefish

Hippichthys Beady Pipefish, F Mar may occur SPRAT penicillus Steep-nosed Pipefish

Western Spiny Hippocampus F Seahorse, Narrow- Mar may occur SPRAT angustus bellied Seahorse

F Hippocampus histrix Spiny Seahorse Mar may occur SPRAT

Spotted Seahorse, F Hippocampus kuda Mar may occur SPRAT Yellow Seahorse Hippocampus F Flat-face Seahorse Mar may occur SPRAT planifrons Hippocampus F Hedgehog Seahorse Mar may occur SPRAT spinosissimus Micrognathus F Tidepool Pipefish Mar may occur SPRAT micronotopterus Environmental Reporting Tool Taxa* Name Common Name EPBC Status** (ERT) result Recovery Plan Recorded Source (within 50 km of JPP) Solegnathus F Pipehorse Mar may occur SPRAT hardwickii Solegnathus Indonesian Pipefish, F Mar may occur SPRAT lettiensis Gunther's Pipehorse Blue-finned Ghost Solenostomus F Pipefish, Robust Mar may occur SPRAT cyanopterus Ghost Pipefish Double-ended Syngnathoides F Pipehorse, Alligator Mar may occur SPRAT biaculeatus Pipefish Trachyrhamphus Bend Stick Pipefish, F Mar may occur SPRAT bicoarctatus Short-tailed Pipefish

Trachyrhamphus Long-nosed Pipefish, F Mar may occur SPRAT longirostris Straight Stick Pipefish

Industry Guidelines on the Interaction between offshore seismic exploration M Balaenoptera edeni Bryde's Whale Mig/Cet may occur and whales Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching Industry Guidelines on the Interaction Common Dolphin, between offshore seismic exploration M Delphinus delphis Short-beaked Cet may occur and whales Australian National Common Dolphin Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching

Threat abatement plan for the impacts of M Dugong dugon Dugong Mig/Mar likely to occur yes Environmental Reporting Tool result. marine debris on vertebrate marine life

Industry Guidelines on the Interaction between offshore seismic exploration Risso's Dolphin, M Grampus griseus Cet may occur and whales Australian National Grampus Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching Environmental Reporting Tool Taxa* Name Common Name EPBC Status** (ERT) result Recovery Plan Recorded Source (within 50 km of JPP) Industry Guidelines on the Interaction Irrawaddy between offshore seismic exploration DEWHA Aug/Dec advice 2008 (North-west Marine M Orcaella brevirostris Dolphin/Australian Mig/Cet may occur and whales Australian National yes Bioregional Plan, Bioregional Profile (DEWHA Snubfin Dolphin Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin 2008)). Watching

Industry Guidelines on the Interaction between offshore seismic exploration and whales Australian National M Orcinus orca Killer Whale, Orca Mig/Cet may occur Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching Threat abatement plan for the impacts of marine debris on vertebrate marine life

Industry Guidelines on the Interaction between offshore seismic exploration and whales Australian National DEWHA Aug/Dec advice 2008 (North-west Marine Pseudorca M False Killer Whale Cet not in ERT Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin yes Bioregional Plan, Bioregional Profile (DEWHA crassidens Watching Threat abatement plan for the 2008)). impacts of marine debris on vertebrate marine life

Industry Guidelines on the Interaction between offshore seismic exploration DEWHA Aug/Dec advice 2008 (North-west Marine and whales Australian National Indo-Pacific Bioregional Plan, Bioregional Profile (DEWHA M Sousa chinensis Mig/Cet may occur Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin yes Humpback Dolphin 2008)). Preliminary results of Woodside's marine Watching Threat abatement plan for the surveys. impacts of marine debris on vertebrate marine life

Industry Guidelines on the Interaction Spotted Dolphin, between offshore seismic exploration M Stenella attenuata Pantropical Spotted Cet may occur and whales Australian National Dolphin Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching Environmental Reporting Tool Taxa* Name Common Name EPBC Status** (ERT) result Recovery Plan Recorded Source (within 50 km of JPP) DEWHA Aug/Dec advice 2008 (North-west Marine Long-snouted Spinner Australian National Guidelines for Whale Bioregional Plan, Bioregional Profile (DEWHA M Stenella longirostris Cet not in ERT yes Dolphin and Dolphin Watching 2008)). Preliminary results of Woodside's marine surveys.

Industry Guidelines on the Interaction between offshore seismic exploration Indian Ocean and whales Australian National Bottlenose Dolphin, clarification required about what Bottlenosed M Tursiops aduncus Cet likely to occur Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin ? Spotted Bottlenose dolphins are being observed. Watching Threat abatement plan for the Dolphin impacts of marine debris on vertebrate marine life

Spotted Bottlenose Tursiops aduncus Dolphin Australian National Guidelines for Whale clarification required about what Bottlenosed M (Arafura/Timor Sea Mig/Cet likely to occur ? (Arafura/Timor Sea and Dolphin Watching dolphins are being observed. populations) populations) Industry Guidelines on the Interaction between offshore seismic exploration DEWHA Aug/Dec advice 2008 (North-west Marine and whales Australian National Tursiops truncatus s. Bioregional Plan, Bioregional Profile (DEWHA M Bottlenose Dolphin Cet may occur Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin yes str. 2008)). Preliminary results of Woodside's marine Watching Threat abatement plan for the surveys. impacts of marine debris on vertebrate marine life

R Acalyptophis peronii Horned Seasnake Mar may occur SPRAT

Aipysurus Short-nosed R Mar may occur SPRAT apraefrontalis Seasnake

R Aipysurus duboisii Dubois' Seasnake Mar may occur SPRAT

Spine-tailed R Aipysurus eydouxii Mar may occur SPRAT Seasnake R Aipysurus laevis Olive Seasnake Mar may occur SPRAT Brown-lined R Aipysurus tenuis Mar may occur SPRAT Seasnake Environmental Reporting Tool Taxa* Name Common Name EPBC Status** (ERT) result Recovery Plan Recorded Source (within 50 km of JPP)

R Astrotia stokesii Stokes' Seasnake Mar may occur SPRAT

R Crocodylus johnstoni Freshwater Crocodile Mar may occur SPRAT

Estuarine Crocodile, R Crocodylus porosus Mig/Mar likely to occur SPRAT Salt-water Crocodile

R Disteira kingii Spectacled Seasnake Mar may occur SPRAT

Olive-headed R Disteira major Mar may occur SPRAT Seasnake Emydocephalus Turtle-headed R Mar may occur SPRAT annulatus Seasnake North-western R Ephalophis greyi Mar may occur SPRAT Mangrove Seasnake Hydrelaps Black-ringed R Mar may occur SPRAT darwiniensis Seasnake SPRAT-mention use of turtle exclusion R Hydrophis elegans Elegant Seasnake Mar may occur devices - length of time of trawling increases death rate

R Hydrophis mcdowelli Mar may occur SPRAT

R Hydrophis ornatus a seasnake Mar may occur SPRAT

Spine-bellied R Lapemis hardwickii Mar may occur SPRAT Seasnake Yellow-bellied R Pelamis platurus Mar may occur SPRAT Seasnake This page has been left blank intentionally. Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Appendix B

Fauna Assessment Field Observations

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 B Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

This page has been left blank intentionally.

Browse LNG Precinct Terrestrial Fauna Fauna Assessment Field Observations 9 to 13 November

Date Transect Habitat Type Observations Species sighted #

10/11 1 Start in Drainage basin Much of area burnt, not Birds: Channel-billed Cuckoo 1; heading West towards much bird life in burnt Singing Honeyeater 4. Greater coast. This area was areas Bowerbird 4. Acacia tall Sparse Spinifex Reptiles: Diporiphora pindan shrubland/scattered grasses towards coast eucalypts. Middle part of Dog tracks (about transect in Monsoon 200 m in) Vine Thicket Possible Ctenophorus (evergreen), end of sp. burrows transect in Coastal communities (Dunes/Spinifex)

10/11 2 Sand dunes, vine thicket Burrows –possibly Birds: Great Bowerbird 2; Singing in sand dunes belonging to small Honeyeater 5; Grey-crowned rodent or Ctenophorus Babbler 5; Mistletoebird 1; Grey sp. Shrike-thrush 1.

10/11 3 Monsoon Vine Thicket Lots of reptile burrows Birds: Greater Bowerbird 2, Grey- (evergreen) High quality habitat for crowned Babbler 4 Golden Backed Tree Rat (Mesembriomys macrurus). Echidna tracks walking back to car

10/11 4 Deciduous vine thicket , Pindan all unburnt and Birds: Singing Honeyeater 1 dense, low Pindan hard to move through Lots of lizard burrows Dense leaf litter Very little life

10/11 5 Dense unburnt Pindan Large goanna burrow Birds: Singing Honeyeater 2; Bar- shrubland shouldered Dove 3

10/11 6 Dense Pindan, All unburnt Reptiles: Ta-ta lizard deciduous vine thicket (Lophognathus gilberti)

10/11 7 Small amount of Very thick vegetation Monsoon vine thicket and dense leaf litter (deciduous). Tall closed Lizard/goanna burrows shrub – unburnt Very little life

10/11 8 Mostly Tall closed Scrub, Dog tracks on road Birds: Pheasant Coucal 1. Bar- Pindan shrubland, back to car shouldered dove 1 unburnt

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 b-1 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Date Transect Habitat Type Observations Species sighted #

11/11 9 Burnt and unburnt Several foraging Birds: Bar-shouldered Dove 1; pindan shrubland, low burrows suggestive of Grey-crowned Babbler 5; Singing woodland with Calytrix Greater Bilby (E: Honeyeater 2; Red-backed Fairy- understorey 411546, N: 8063806 wren 5; Rufous Whistler 2. and E: 411535, N: 8063833, the latter just outside transect).

11/11 10 Recently burnt pindan Lots of goanna and Birds: Red-backed Fairy-wren 4; shrubland lizard burrows Little Friarbird 1. Reptiles: Ta-ta Clear boundary Lizard 1 between early dry season fire and late dry season fire (E: 411863; N: 8063346).

11/11 11 Burnt and unburnt Heavy rain. Possible Birds: Rufous Whistler 1; Singing Pindan button-quail calling, but Honeyeater 3; Grey Shrike-thrush the long whistle. 1. Reptiles: Varanus sp. (Probably A few goanna holes Spiny tailed monitor - Varanus acanthurus) at end of transect, Carlia sp. (skink) observed on road moving back towards vehicle

11/11 12 Grevillea pindan Several burrows Birds: Singing Honeyeater 4, shrubland, recently burnt present, most likely Variegated Fairy-wren 2, Varied pindan belonging to Varanus. Sittella 4, Grey Shrike-thrush 1, White-breasted Woodswallow 2. Reptiles: Diporiphora pindan

11/11 13 Recently burnt pindan Some burrows present, Birds: Variegated Fairy-wren 3, most likely belonging to Varied Sittella 4, White-throated Varanus. Gerygone 1.

11/11 14 Grevillea pindan Birds: Singing Honeyeater 3, scrubland, recently burnt Pheasant Coucal 1, Rufous pindan Whistler 1, Horsfield’s Bronze- Cuckoo 1, Black-faced Cuckoo- shrike 1.

11/11 15 Recently-burnt eucalypt Eucalyptus miniata Birds: Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike woodland dominated woodland 1; Pied Butcherbird 2, Little Good quality habitat Friarbird 2, Red-backed Fairy-wren provided by logs, 4, Peaceful Dove 2. stumps and hollows

11/11 16 Recently-burnt eucalypt Eucalyptus miniata Birds: Little Friarbird 8, Olive- woodland dominated woodland backed Oriole 1. Reptiles: Ctenotus sp. (skink)

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 b-2 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Date Transect Habitat Type Observations Species sighted #

11/11 17 Burnt open eucalypt Sparse vegetation Birds: Brush-cuckoo 1, Black-faced woodland cover, trees >10 m tall Cuckoo-shrike 2, Grey-crowned Babbler 5, Grey Shrike-thrush 1, Little Friarbird 4, Palid Cuckoo 1 Red-backed Fairy-wren 3, Sacred Kingfisher 2, White-breasted Woodswallow 1.

11/11 18 Burnt open eucalypt Birds: Brush-cuckoo 1, Black- woodland eared Cuckoo 1, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 1, Black-faced Woodswallow 1, Bronze Cuckoo 1, Grey-crowned Babbler 5, Little Friarbird 6, Palid Cuckoo 1, Olive- backed Oriole 2, Pied Butcherbird 1, Red-backed Fairy-wren 2, Rufous Whistler 1, Sacred Kingfisher 1, Singing Honeyeater 1

11/11 19 Burnt open eucalypt Birds: Pied Butcherbird 2, Peaceful woodland Dove 1, Torresian Crow 1, Grey Crowned Babbler 3, Willy Wagtail 1, Little Friarbird 2, White Throated Honeyeater 1

11/11 20 Burnt open eucalypt Birds: Pheasant Coucal 1, Silver woodland Crowned Friarbird 1, Spotted Pardalote 1

12/11 21 Open eucalypt woodland Habitat burnt perhaps Grey-crowned Babbler 4; Singing with a diverse grassy 3-4 years previously Honeyeater 2; Brown Honeyeater and shrubby understorey Many holes in termite 1; Red-backed Fairy-wren 6; Little mounds – good habitat Friarbird 4; Mistletoebird 1; Chestnut-backed (?) Button-quail 2 (at 414 630E, 8 047 740N), Rainbow Bee-eater 2; Rufous Whistler 1. Reptiles: Skink (unidentified) 1, Fat-tailed Gecko 1

12/11 22 Open eucalypt woodland Cluster of suggestive Birds: Brown Honeyeater 1; Red- with a diverse grassy Greater Bilby-type backed Fairy-wren 5; Singing and shrubby foraging burrows at Honeyeater 3; Rufous Whistler 1; understorey. , Scattered 414485, 8047946. Peaceful Dove 1; Grey Shrike- eucalypt - unburnt, Habitat burnt perhaps 3 thrush 1; Bar-shouldered Dove 2. to 4 years previously

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 b-3 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Date Transect Habitat Type Observations Species sighted #

12/11 23 Open eucalypt woodland Habitat burnt perhaps 3 Birds: Rufous Whistler 1; Singing with a diverse grassy to 4 years previously. Honeyeater 1; White-winged Triller and shrubby understorey Some Pandanus (E: 2; Red-backed Fairy-wren 4; 414546; N: 8048255) . Rainbow Bee-eater 4; Little One track of Agile Woodswallow 1; Olive-backed Wallaby. Oriole 1; Varied Sittella 3; Grey Shrike-thrush 1; Long-tailed Finch 1.

12/11 24 Parallel to drainage line, Suggestive Greater Birds: Singing honeyeater 2; Grey unburnt (for 2-3 years) Bilby-type foraging Shrike-thrush 2; Rainbow Bee- pindan and deciduous burrows at 411182, eater 1; Rufous Whistler 1; Bar- Vine Thicket. 8057673, 411154, shouldered Dove 1; Brown 8057670 and 410983, Goshawk 1, Brown Quail 4 8057670. Several Agile Wallaby tracks and also areas where Agile Wallabies have been digging to get at corms of plants.

12/11 25 Pindan, deciduous Vine All habitat unburnt (the Birds: Torresian Crow 1; Grey Thicket and evergreen VT for a long time, the Shrike-thrush 3; White-gaped Vine Thicket, Pindan for at least two Honeyeater 1; Peaceful Dove 1; years) except for the Singing Honeyeater 3; Brush southernmost 100 m Cuckoo 1; Rufous Whistler 2; (burnt a few months Great Bowerbird 1; Brown previously). Honeyeater 1. Agile Wallaby Interesting digging tracks and Agile Wallaby diggings suggestive Greater at 410 736E, 8 057 557N. Bilby-type foraging at Reptiles: Burton’s Legless Lizard 2 410 733, 8057216. Circular, about 8 cm across, only a few cm deep but has small any nest in it. Soil tossed mostly to one side but some soil pushed opposite. Agile Wallaby tracks and Agile Wallaby diggings at 410 736E, 8 057 557N.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 b-4 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Date Transect Habitat Type Observations Species sighted #

12/11 26 Recently-burnt pindan Burrow activity centre Birds: Singing Honeyeater 1; shrubland (group of burrows Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo 1; together) No footprints Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 2; around burrow except a Variegated Fairy-wren 4. dove – possible bandicoot burrow but could also be goanna digging foot out of a hole.

12/11 27 Eucalypt woodland and Birds: Sacred Kingfisher 1; Leaden forest, burnt recently Flycatcher 1; Little Corella 2; Singing Honeyeater 3; Pheasant Coucal 1; Little Friarbird 2; White- plumed Honeyeater 2 (only heard and assumed to be this species).

12/11 28 Eucalypt woodland and Small number of lizard Birds: Little Corella 10; Grey- forest, burnt recently burrows, all very old crowned Babbler 4; Singing Honeyeater 4; Little Friarbird 2; Bar-shouldered Dove 2; Red- winged Parrot 1.

12/11 29 Eucalypt woodland and One interesting foraging Singing Honeyeater 4; Little forest, burnt recently burrow (suggestive of Friarbird 2; Red-winged Parrot 2; but not quite right for Little Woodswallow 1. Greater Bilby) at 411038, 8061235.

12/11 30 Deciduous and Birds: Variegated Fairy-wren 2, Evergreen Vine Thicket Singing Honeyeater 6, White- extending just into gaped Honeyeater 2. coastal dunal vegetation.

12/11 31 Mainly Evergreen Vine Birds: Variegated Fairy-wren 2, Thicket along edge of Singing Honeyeater 3, Brown dunes toward more Honeyeater 2, White-gaped deciduous Vine Thicket Honeyeater 1, Grey-crowned Babbler 3.

12/11 32 Deciduous and Birds: Singing Honeyeater 1, Little Evergreen Vine Thicket Friarbird 2, Black-chinned Honeyeater 1, Great Bowerbird 2.

12/11 33 Vine Thicket Birds: Bar-shouldered Dove 2; Brown Goshawk 1; Sacred Kingfisher 1; Rainbow Bee-eater 1; Pheasant Coucal 1; Singing Honeyeater 8; Little Friarbird 2.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 b-5 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Date Transect Habitat Type Observations Species sighted #

12/11 34 Vine Thicket Birds: Bar-shouldered Dove 1, Singing Honeyeater 8; Little Friarbird 3; Brown Honeyeater 1; White-gaped Honeyeater 1; Rufous Whistler 2, Grey-crowned Babbler 2

12/11 35 Vine Thicket, Birds: Singing Honeyeater 4, Lophostemon thicket Brown Honeyeater 1, Rufous Whistler 1, Grey Shrike-thrush 2; Grey-crowned Babbler 2, Great Bowerbird 2; Mistletoebird 1; Little Woodswallow 1.

12/11 36 Buffel grassland into Birds: Bar-shouldered Dove 2; deciduous Vine Thicket Tawny Frogmouth 1 (with nest and and along edge of tall single egg); Pheasant Coucal 1; pindan scrubland Singing Honeyeater 1; Little Friarbird 2; Brown Honeyeater 2; White-gaped Honeyeater 5; Rufous Whistler 1; Grey-crowned Babbler 6; Mistletoebird 1; White- breasted Woodswallow 4; Oriental Cuckoo 1; Great Bowerbird 2.

13/11 37 Coastal heath and Very dense understory Birds: Birds: Singing Honeyeater 4; Pindan - unburnt <1 m high Little Friarbird 1, Grey Shrike- Conical and vertical thrush 1; Variegated Wren 2; Red- burrow (possibly backed Fairy-wren 1. mammal) (Approx 50 m Reptiles: Gehyra sp 1 East of E: 410158; N: 8067748) Small number of birds Another old deep burrow – probably lizard Dense leaf litter Very low numbers of burrows

13/11 38 Pindan shrubland – Very dense vegetation Birds: Singing Honeyeater 2, unburnt Little signs of life, few Variegated Wren 2; Red-backed birds Fairy-wren 2, Bar-shouldered Dove 1; Rufous Whistler 1.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 b-6 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Date Transect Habitat Type Observations Species sighted #

13/11 39 Pindan shrubland and Old circular burrow – Birds: Variegated Fairy-wren 2 coastal heath – unburnt deep and circular (possibly mammal). Curves at bottom (E: 410150; N: 8067397) Little signs of life, few birds

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 b-7 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

This page has been left blank intentionally.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 b-8 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Appendix C

Aerial Survey of Coastal Birds Data and Field Observations

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 C Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

This page has been left blank intentionally.

High Tide Aerial Survey of Coastal Birds, 10 November 2009, James Price Point Survey Area

Easting Northing Waders Terns Other Waterbirds Raptors

410 000E 8 081 130N 200 3 1

409 626E 8 072 102N 1

409 692E 8 071 823N 102

409 862E 8 069 231N Sea-eagle nest

409 778E 8 067 241N 1

409 200E 8 066 600N 22

409 051E 8 064 123N 2 1

409 046E 8 063 558N 2

409 500E 8 062 056N 12

409 452E 8 060 435N 30 1

409 427E 8 059 076N 11

409 798E 8 056 951N 40

410 950E 8 055 500N 2

410 000E 8 056 600N 8

412 113E 8 053 757N 7

412 639E 8 052 388N 4

412 706E 8 051 895N 60

412 762E 8 051 394N 10 30

412 957E 8 049 780N 11

413 677E 8 046 500N

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 c-1 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Low Tide Aerial Survey of Coastal Birds, 13 November 2009, James Price Point BLNG Project Area

Easting Northing Waders Terns Other Waterbirds Raptors

413 540E 8 046 300N 2 800 1

413 220E 8 048 070N 50 1

411 130E 8 055 800N 10

410 000E 8 056 600N 6 1

409 850E 8 057 400N 85

409 500E 8 058 880N 20

409 500E 8 059 500N 60

409 600E 8 060 480N 1 1

409 200E 8 065 50 17 1

409 050E 8 066 300N 1 40

409 200E 8 066 600N 5 5

410 000E 8 067 750N 3 and White- bellied Sea- eagle nest

410 000E 8 069 850N 2

409 850E 8 071 150N 2 2 1

409 850E 8 072 400N 3

409 850E 8 080 650 1 11 10 1

410 000E 8 081 130 13 120 1

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 c-2 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Migratory Bird Species Field Observations November 2009

Species EPBC Status Comments

Australian Pelican Pelecanus Marine Three seen outside project area at Willie Creek conspicillatus during aerial survey on 10/11/09. Likely to occur in project area Lesser Frigatebird Fregatta ariel Migratory/Marine A few seen in aerial surveys and up to 4 foraging around James Price Point on 12th to 13th November 2009 Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis Marine One seen over James Price Point on 10/11/09 spinicollis Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus Marine Seen regularly over woodland

White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus Migratory/Marine Pair seen regularly near James Price Point. Nest leucogaster on stack to north of point at 409 862E, 8 069 231N. Also one at Barred Creek on 12/11/09 Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus Marine Pair and immature regularly over project area Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus Marine One over Bream Billabong

Osprey Pandion haliaetus Migratory/Marine Seen occasionally around James Price Point. Also one at Barred Creek on 12/11

Australian Kestrel Falco Marine One along Biota Track on 11/11/09 cenchroides

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Migratory One bird over coastal cliffs near James price Point on 13/11/09 Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Migratory/Marine Few seen during aerial surveys

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris Migratory/Marine Four at Bream Billabong on 11/11/09 acuminata Sanderling Calidris alba Migratory/Marine 20 to 30 on high tide aerial survey

Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis Migratory/Marine Small numbers likely to be this species seen during aerial surveys Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica Migratory/Marine Small numbers during aerial surveys, including 10 at Coulomb Point Eastern Curlew Numenius Migratory/Marine Small numbers (<10) during high tide aerial survey madagascarensis Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Migratory/Marine Moderate numbers (at least 50) seen in aerial survey Grey-tailed Tattler Tringa brevipes Migratory/Marine Two+ on rocky coastline near old mango farm and a few during aerial survey Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareolus Migratory/Marine Two at Bream Billabong on 11/11/09

Common Greenshank Tringa Migratory/Marine One at Coulomb Point during aerial survey on nebularia 13/11/09 Beach Stone-curlew Esacus Marine One probable bird seen during aerial survey on neglectus beach just north of Barred Creek on 13/11/09

Greater Sand Plover Charadrius Migratory/Marine A few roosting on James Price Point. Also leschenaultii recorded on rocky coast near old mango farm.

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 c-3 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Species EPBC Status Comments

Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius Migratory/Marine One foraging on Manari Road at night on 11/11/09 mongolus Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae Marine Occasionally right along coast but more near Broome Little Tern Sterna albifrons Migratory/Marine Seen in small numbers in project area during aerial surveys Lesser Crested Tern Sterna Migratory/Marine A few roosting at James Price Point and small benghalensis numbers in project area during aerial surveys Crested Tern Sterna bergii Marine A few roosting at James Price Point and small numbers in project area during aerial surveys Common Tern Sterna hirundo Migratory/Marine Small numbers in project area (up to 155 during low tide) during aerial surveys; total of 2710 during high tide survey south to Willie Creek Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica Marine One at Coulomb Point during aerial survey

Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo Marine Heard occasionally Chrysococcyx basalis

Black-eared Cuckoo Chrysococcyx Marine One on open woodland at 410 400E, 8 067 600N osculans on 11/11/09 Pallid Cuckoo Cuculus pallidus Marine Heard and seen occasionally

Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus Migratory/Marine One at James Price Point in vine thicket on 12/11/09

Spotted Nightjar Eurostopodus Marine One over Manari Road at night on 12/11 argus

Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphis Marine Seen throughout sancta

Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus Migratory/Marine Seen throughout. Some nest burrows along Manari Road Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis Marine Two at Mango Farm and occasional bird overhead

Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Marine Seen throughout Coracina novaehollandiae

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 c-4 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Appendix D

Fauna Assessment Species List November 2009 and Comparison Tables

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 D Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

This page has been left blank intentionally.

Species List November 2009 and Comparison of Reptiles recorded by AECOM-Strategen, ENV and Biota

Scientific Name Common Name Recorded

AECOM- ENV Biota Strategen X Antaresia stimsoni Stimson’s Python X X X Carlia sp. X XX Chlamydosaurus kingii Frill-necked Lizard X Ctenophorus caudicinctus Ring-tailed Dragon X X Ctenotus sp. X X X Ctenotus inornatus X XX Diplodactylus conspicillatus Fat-tailed Gecko X X Diporiphora pindan X X Gehyra variegata XXX Glaphyromorphus isolepis XXX Lialis Burtonis Burton’s Legless Lizard XXX Lophognathus gilberti Gilbert’s Dragon X Oedura rhombifer Zigzag Velvet Gecko XX Pogona minor mitchelli Dwarf Bearded Dragon XXX Strophurus ciliaris Northern Spiny-tailed Gecko XXX Tiliqua scincoides Common Blue-tongue X Varanus acanthurus Spiny-tailed Monitor XX Varanus gouldii Sand Goanna XX Varanus panoptes Yellow-spotted Monitor X X Varanus tristes Black-headed Monitor, Freckled X Monitor

Species List November 2009 and Comparison of Mammals recorded by AECOM-Strategen, ENV and Biota

Scientific Name Common Name Recorded

AECOM- ENV Biota Strategen Bos taurus Cattle X*

Canis lupus Dingo X X X Felis catus Feral Cat X*

Macropus agilis Agile Wallaby X X Macrotis lagotis Greater Bilby X**

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 d-1 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Scientific Name Common Name Recorded

AECOM- ENV Biota Strategen Mesembriomys macrurus Golden-backed Tree- rat X**

Pseudomys delicatulus Delicate Mouse X X X Rattus rattus Black Rat X*

Tachyglossus aculeatus Echidna X

* Introduced species

** Only possible presence of species in the Precinct Project Area due to unequivocal evidence.

Species List November 2009 and Comparison of Terrestrial Birds recorded by AECOM-Strategen, ENV and Biota

Scientific Name Common Name Recorded

AECOM- Biota Strategen Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk XX Aegotheles cristatus Owlet Nightjar X Anthus australis Australian Pipit XX Aprosmictus erythropterus Red-winged Parrot XX Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift X Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow XX Artamus leucorynchus White-breasted Woodswallow XX Artamus minor Little Woodswallow XX Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella X Cacomantis variolosus Brush Cuckoo XX Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper X Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint X Calyptorhynchus banksii Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo X Centropus phasianinus Pheasant Coucal XX Charadrius melanops Black-fronted Dotterel X Chrysococcyx basalis Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo XX Chrysococcyx osculans Black-eared Cuckoo XX Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush XX Conopophila rufogularis Rufous-throated Honeyeater XX Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike XX Corvus orru Torresian Crow XX Coturnix ypsilophora Brown Quail XX Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird XX

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 d-2 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Scientific Name Common Name Recorded

AECOM- Biota Strategen Cuculus pallidus Pallid Cuckoo X Cuculus saturatus Oriental Cuckoo X Dacelo leachii Blue-winged Kookaburra XX Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sittella XX Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird X Elanus axillaris Black-shouldered Kite X Elseyornis melanops Black-fronted Dotterel X Eurostopodus argus Spotted Nightjar X Eurystomus orientalis Dollarbird XX Falco berigora Brown Falcon XX Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel XX Falco longipennis Australian Hobby X Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon XX Fregata ariel Lesser Frigatebird XX Geopelia humeralis Bar-shouldered Dove XX Geopelia striata Peaceful Dove XX Gerygone levigaster Mangrove Gerygone X Gerygone olivacea White-throated Gerygone XX Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie Lark X Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle XX Haliastur indus Brahminy Kite X Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite X Lalage sueurii White-winged Triller X Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater XX Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater XX Lichenostomus unicolor White-gaped Honeyeater XX Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater XX Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit X Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren XX Malurus melanocephalus Red-backed Fairy-wren XX Melithreptus albogularis White-throated Honeyeater X Melithreptus gularis Black-chinned Honeyeater XX Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater XX Microeca fascinans Jacky Winter XX

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 d-3 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Scientific Name Common Name Recorded

AECOM- Biota Strategen Milvus migrans Black Kite XX Myiagra inquieta Restless Flycatcher XX Myiagra rubecula Leaden Flycatcher XX Myzomela erythrocephala Red-headed Honeyeater X Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon XX Oriolus sagittatus Olive-backed Oriole X Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler XX Pandion haliaetus Osprey XX Pardalotus rubricatus Red-browed Pardalote XX Philemon argenticeps Silver-crowned Friarbird X Philemon citreogularis Little Friarbird XX Poephila acuticauda Long-tailed Finch XX Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth XX Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler XX Ptilonorhynchus nuchalis Great Bowerbird XX Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail XX Rhipidura rufiventris Northern Fantail XX Scythrops novahollandiae Channel-billed Cuckoo X Todiramphus pyrrhopygius Red-backed Kingfisher XX Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher XX Trichoglossus haematodus Rainbow (red-collared) Lorikeet XX Tringa brevipes Grey-tailed Tattler X Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper X Turnix castanotus Chestnut-backed Button-quail X Turnix pyrrhothorax Red-chested Button- quail X Vanellus miles Masked Lapwing X Zosterops luteus Yellow White-eye X

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 d-4 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Species List November 2009 and Comparison of Migratory Birds recorded by AECOM-Strategen and Biota

Scientific Name Common Name Recorded EPCB Act Listing

AECOM- Biota Strategen Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk X X Marine Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone X X Migratory/Marine Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper X X Migratory/Marine Calidris alba Sanderling X X Migratory/Marine Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint X X Migratory/Marine Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover X X Migratory/Marine Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover X X Migratory/Marine Chrysococcyx basalis Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo X X Marine Chrysococcyx osculans Black-eared Cuckoo X X Marine Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike X X Marine Cuculus pallidus Pallid Cuckoo X Marine Cuculus saturatus Oriental Cuckoo X X Migratory/Marine Esacus neglectus Beach Stone Curlew X X Marine Eurostopodus argus Spotted Nightjar X Marine Eurystomus orientalis Dollarbird X X Marine Falco cenchroides Australian Kestrel X Marine Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon X Migratory Fregata ariel Lesser Frigatebird X X Migratory/Marine Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle X X Migratory/Marine Haliastur indus Brahminy Kite X X Marine Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite X X Marine Larus novaehollandiae Silver Gull X X Marine Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit X X Migratory/Marine Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater X X Migratory/Marine Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew X X Migratory/Marine Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel X Migratory/Marine Pandion haliaetus Osprey X X Migratory Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian Pelican X Marine Sterna albifrons Little Tern X X Migratory/Marine Sterna bengalensis Lesser Crested Tern X X Migratory/Marine Sterna bergii Crested Tern X X Marine Sterna hirundo Common Tern X X Migratory/Marine Sterna nilotica Gull-billed Tern X X Marine

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 d-5 Browse LNG SEA Supplementary Terrestrial Fauna and Habitat Assessment

Scientific Name Common Name Recorded EPCB Act Listing

AECOM- Biota Strategen Threskiornis spinicollis Straw-necked Ibis X X Marine Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher X X Marine Tringa brevipes Grey-tailed Tattler X X Migratory Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper X X Migratory/Marine Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank X X Migratory/Marine

G:\60103995 - Kimberley LNG SEA\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Fauna Report\60103995-0000-GE-REP-0002_6.docx Revision Revision 6 - 4 August 2010 d-6