Western Range Two-Phase Fauna Survey
5.7 Short Range Endemic Invertebrates
Based on morphological identifications, six potential SRE invertebrate species were recorded from the study area during the survey. These included one mygalomorph spider species, one selenopid spider species, two pseudoscorpion species, one millipede species and one pulmonate snail species (Figure 5.1).
5.7.1 Mygalomorph Spiders
Mygalomorph spiders are regularly collected in the Pilbara bioregion (source: Biota Internal Database). However, much of the taxonomy has only been resolved to the level of genus. This group is known to support a number of taxa with very limited distributions, and several species are included in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice 2010 (although none of these occur in the Pilbara bioregion).
A single morphospecies of mygalomorph spider was recorded on eight occasions during the survey: Aname sp. (family Nemesiidae; Plate 5.18). All specimens were collected during dedicated SRE searches via the excavation of burrows.
Although not necessarily indicative of distribution, the Aname sp. was recorded on clay or loamy clay habitat within the Newman, Boolgeeda and Marandoo Land Systems, which are widespread throughout the Pilbara Bioregion (Figure 5.1).
Table 5.7: Mygalomorph spiders recorded within the Western Range study area. Taxa Site Easting Northing Number Aname sp. Opportunistic 554534 7432219 1 Aname sp. Opportunistic 550073 7437362 1 Aname sp. Opportunistic 550088 7437330 1 Aname sp. Opportunistic 550092 7437344 1 Aname sp. Opportunistic 550154 7437346 1 Aname sp. Opportunistic 547137 7435299 1 Aname sp. WSR07 548294 7437818 1 Aname sp. WSR07 548294 7437818 1
Plate 5.18: Aname sp.
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Figure 5.1: Location of potential SRE invertebrates in the study area.
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5.7.2 Selenopid Spiders
A single selenopid species (Plate 5.19) was recorded from rocky habitat within the Western Range study area (Table 5.8). This taxon is in the process of being described and is currently known as ‘N. gen. 1 n. sp. 14’ (S. Crews, pers. comm. 2010), a single widespread species known to occur throughout the Pilbara and not considered to be a SRE (Crews and Harvey 2009).
Table 5.8: Selenopid spiders recorded within the Western Range study area. Taxa Site Easting Northing Number N. gen. 1 n. sp. 14 Opportunistic 546881 7435983 1 N. gen. 1 n. sp. 14 Opportunistic 552899 7433779 7
Plate 5.19: Selenopidae sp.
5.7.3 Pseudoscorpions
Two pseudoscorpion species were recorded from within the Western Range study area: Oratemnus sp. (family Atemnidae; Plate 5.20) and Euryolpium sp. (family Olpiidae; Plate 5.21). Oratemnus sp. was collected from underneath bark of Eucalyptus sp. located in an ephemeral watercourse, while Euryolpium sp. was collected from underneath bark of Acacia xiphophylla (snakewood).
Pseudoscorpions living under bark often exhibit a phoretic (animal assisted) dispersal mode, thereby resulting in wide species distributions (Poinar et al 1998). As a result such pseudoscorpions usually do not represent SRE taxa (Dr Mark Harvey, WA Museum, pers. com. 2009).
Table 5.9: Pseudoscorpions recorded within the Western Range study area. Taxa Site Easting Northing Number Euryolpium sp. Opportunistic 545746 7435389 1 Euryolpium sp. WSR03 552761 7432995 1 Oratemnus sp. WSRbat03 555014 7433480 5 Oratemnus sp. WSRbat03 555014 7433480 1 Oratemnus sp. Opportunistic 554959 7433433 2
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Plate 5.20: Oratemnus sp. Plate 5.21: Euryolpium sp.
5.7.4 Millipedes
A single Spirobolid millipede was recorded from a pit-trap at site WSR05 (544696 mE, 7437615 mN; Plate 5.22). This species was identified as Austrostrophus stictopygus (family Pachybolidae).
Austrostrophus stictopygus was first recorded from the Burrup Peninsula (Hoffman 2003), but since then it has been recorded elsewhere in the Pilbara and has been found to have a wide distribution and therefore not considered an SRE (Dr Mark Harvey, WA Museum, pers. comm.) Recently this species was recorded near Tom Price by Biota (2009a).
Plate 5.22: Austrostrophus stictopygus.
5.7.5 Pulmonate snails
Despite dedicated searching (Section 3.2.3.5), no land snails were recorded within the Western Range study area. However, one species of aquatic snail (family Succineidae; Lymnaea sp.) was recorded in a fresh water pool adjacent to site WSRbat03 (555014mE, 7433480mN; Plate 5.23).
Lymnaea sp. was recorded from an ephemeral river that occurs both upstream and downstream of the study area and therefore, this snail taxon is likely to occur throughout the length of the river during the wet season and is unlikely to be restricted solely to the Western Range study area.
Moreover, other Lymnaea sp. specimens have also been recorded in the Robe River Valley approximately 200 km north-west of the Western Range study area (Biota 2006a and 2007). Until a molecular investigation is conducted, it cannot be fully determined if the Lymnaea sp. recorded within the Western Range study area is an SRE.
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Plate 5.23: Lymnaea sp.
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6.0 Conservation Significance 6.1 Threatened Fauna Statutory Framework
Native fauna species that are rare, threatened with extinction, or have high conservation value, are specially protected by law under the WA Wildlife Conservation Act 1950-1979. In addition, many of these species are listed under the Commonwealth EPBC Act 1999.
6.1.1 Commonwealth EPBC Act 1999
Fauna species of national conservation significance are listed under the EPBC Act 1999, and have been classified as ‘critically endangered’, ‘endangered’, ‘vulnerable’ or ‘conservation dependent’.
Migratory species are also protected under the EPBC Act 1999. 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); • Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (ROKAMBA); and • Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention).
6.1.2 Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950-1979
Under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950–1979 classification of rare and endangered fauna are defined by the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice 2010, which recognises four distinct schedules of taxa (Threatened fauna): Schedule 1 - taxa that are rare or likely to become extinct and are declared to be fauna in need of special protection; Schedule 2 - taxa that are presumed to be extinct and are declared to be fauna in need of special protection; Schedule 3 – birds that 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; and Schedule 4 - taxa that are in need of special protection, otherwise than for the reasons mentioned in paragraphs (1), (2) and (3).
In addition, fauna are also classified under five different Priority codes, relevant for species that are not considered Threatened under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950–1979, but for which the DEC considers there is a cause for further monitoring:
Priority One Taxa with few, poorly known populations on threatened lands.
Taxa that 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 Taxa with few, poorly known populations on conservation lands, or taxa with several, poorly known populations not on conservation lands.
Taxa that are known from few specimens or sight records from one or a few localities on lands not under immediate threat of habitat destruction or
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degradation. The taxon needs urgent survey and evaluation of conservation status before consideration can be given to declaration as threatened fauna.
Priority Three Taxa with several, poorly known populations, some on conservation lands.
Taxa that 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 Taxa in need of monitoring.
Taxa that 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 that are declining significantly but are not yet threatened.
Priority Five Taxa in need of monitoring.
Taxa that 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.
6.2 Schedule and Priority Fauna
Seven species of conservation significance were recorded within the Western Range study area:
• Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat (Rhinonicteris aurantius) (Federal: Vulnerable, State: Schedule 1). Echolocation calls were recorded at sites WSRbat02, WSRbat03, and WSRbat04.
• Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceus barroni) (Federal: Vulnerable, State: Schedule 1). Recorded at site WSR17E during Phase II night spotting. • Australian Bustard (Ardeotis australis) (State: Priority 4). Two individuals were recorded opportunistically within the study area during Phase I of the survey.
• Grey Falcon (Falco hypoleucos) (State: Priority 4). Two individuals were recorded from WSR13 during Phase II of the survey.
• Western Pebble-Mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) (State: Priority 4). Two inactive pebble mounds were recorded at the northern boundary of the study area in the vicinity of site WSR11.
• Ghost Bat (Macroderma gigas) (State: Priority 4). Identified via echolocation recordings from sites WSRbat01 and WSRbat02.
• Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus) (Federal: Migratory). Recorded on three occasions at site WSR12F during Phase I and on seven occasions at sites WSR03, WSR11, WSR12F and WSR13 during Phase II. Based on database searches and known fauna distributions, a total of 20 Schedule, Priority or Migratory species occur or may potentially occur within the study area (Appendices 1, 2 and 3). However, when habitat requirements and preferences are considered, the number of conservation significant species likely to occur is reduced (see Section 6.2.1 to 6.2.5).
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Table 6.1: Fauna of conservation significance occurring or potentially occurring with the Western Range study area.
Conservation Status Species Name Common Name State Level Federal Level Pezoporus occidentalis Δ Night Parrot Schedule 1 Endangered Endangered Dasyurus hallucatus †Δ# Northern Quoll Schedule 1 Endangered Endangered Liasis olivaceus barroni *†Δ# Pilbara Olive Python Schedule 1 Vulnerable Vulnerable Rhinonicteris aurantius *# Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat Schedule 1 Vulnerable Vulnerable Falco peregrinus Δ Peregrine Falcon Schedule 4 – Ramphotyphlops ganei – Priority 1 – Notoscincus butleri – Priority 4 – Falco hypoleucos * Grey Falcon Priority 4 – Neochmia ruficauda Star Finch Priority 4 – Ardeotis australis *†Δ Australian Bustard Priority 4 – Burhinus grallarius Δ Bush Stone curlew Priority 4 – Western Pebble-mound Pseudomys chapmani*†Δ Priority 4 – Mouse Leggadina lakedownensis Δ Short-tailed mouse Priority 4 – Sminthopsis longicaudata Δ Long-tailed Dunnart Priority 4 – Macroderma gigas * Ghost Bat Priority 4 – Merops ornatus *Δ# Rainbow Bee-eater Schedule 3 Migratory Charadrius veredus Oriental Plover Schedule 3 Migratory Apus pacificus # Fork-tailed Swift Schedule 3 Migratory Ardea modesta Δ# Eastern Great Egret Schedule 3 Migratory Ardea ibis # Cattle Egret Schedule 3 Migratory * Denotes species recorded during the recent Western Range survey. † Denotes species recorded in the vicinity during other surveys conducted by Biota. Δ Denotes species recorded in DEC’s threatened and priority fauna database and the NatureMap database (see Appendix 1 and Appendix 2). # Denotes species recorded in EPBC Act 1999 Protected Matters database search.
6.2.1 Schedule 1 Species
Night Parrot - Pezoporus occidentalis Schedule 1 under the State Wildlife Conservation Act 1950-1979 and Endangered under the Federal EPBC Act 1999.
Distribution: Night Parrots have been reported from every state on the Australian mainland. Suitable habitat occurs, or has occurred, across most of the inland, covering at least half of the continent. Records are sparsely distributed, but there is a concentration of records in western Queensland and the eastern Pilbara (Higgins 1999). There is an unconfirmed record from Minga Well north of the Fortescue Marsh (approx. 100 km north of Newman, and 250 km east of Brockman) and one from near Yandicoogina on the edge of the Marshes (Dr Rob Davis, Edith Cowan University, pers. obs.).
Ecology: Night Parrots typically inhabit areas where there is dense, low vegetation, which provides shelter during the day. Most records are from hummock grasslands with spinifex (Triodia sp.), from areas dominated by samphire or particularly where these two habitats are juxtaposed.
Likelihood of Occurrence: The Night Parrot was recorded in the vicinity of the study area in 1967 (Appendix 1). However, this species is deemed unlikely to occur within the project area due to a lack of preferred habitat (i.e. old, long unburnt and dense spinifex is largely absent from the study area) and the absence of any more recent records from the locality.
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Potential Impacts: Given that it is considered unlikely that the Night Parrot occurs in the study area for reasons outlined above, implementation of the proposed mine is unlikely to affect individual night parrots nor would it affect its conservation.
Northern Quoll - Dasyurus hallucatus Schedule 1 under the State Wildlife Conservation Act 1950-1979 and Endangered under the Federal EPBC Act 1999.
Distribution: The Northern Quoll formerly occurred across much of northern Australia but is now considered to be restricted to six broad areas, including the Hamersley subregion in the Pilbara.
Ecology: This species is most abundant in open, rocky habitat and is also commonly found in gorges and near creek lines, where breeding is successful (Strahan 2008).
Likelihood of Occurrence: Although the Northern Quoll was not recorded during the survey, NatureMap records and recent survey records (Appendix 2) show that this species occurs in the vicinity of the study area. Given the presence of core habitat such as rocky breakaways, escarpments and gorges (adjacent to an ephemeral river and spring at the east of the study area), it is deemed likely to occur in the study area.
Potential Impacts: Assuming Northern Quolls occur at Western Range, mine implementation has potential to impact resident individuals. However, the proposed mine would be unlikely to affect the conservation status of the species, as the Pilbara populations are considered secure (Biota 2006b and 2009). Any impact is unlikely to represent a significant impact to a matter of National Environmental Significance under the EPBC Act 1999.
Pilbara Olive Python - Liasis olivaceus barroni Schedule 1 under the State Wildlife Conservation Act 1950-1979 and Vulnerable under the Federal EPBC Act 1999.
Distribution: Regarded as a Pilbara endemic, this subspecies has a known distribution that coincides roughly with the Pilbara bioregion (Environment Australia 2000).
Ecology: The Pilbara Olive Python occurs in rocky areas within the Pilbara, showing a preference for habitats near water, particularly rock pools.
Likelihood of Occurrence: The Pilbara Olive Python was recorded on one occasion during the survey. It was observed during night spotting in gorge habitat close to a small water pool at site WSR17E.
Potential Impacts: Mine construction is likely to directly impact resident individuals of this species occurring at Western Range. However, as Western Range represents a very small proportion of all Pilbara ranges, the conservation status of this species would not be altered by the potential development. Any impact, should it occur, is unlikely to be of national environmental significance under the EPBC Act 1999.
Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat - Rhinonicteris aurantius (unnamed Pilbara form) Schedule 1 under the State Wildlife Conservation Act 1950-1979 and Vulnerable under the Federal EPBC Act 1999.
Distribution: The Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat is a relictual species that persists in the arid Pilbara. It is geographically isolated from the Orange Leaf-nosed Bat (Rhinonicteris aurantius) that occurs through the Kimberley and across northern Australia into northwestern Queensland (Armstrong 2001 and 2006).
Ecology: The occurrence of the Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat is influenced by the availability of suitable roost caves (Churchill 2008); that is, deep caves offering suitable humidity and a stable temperature. In the Pilbara, this species is thought to be restricted to caves where at least semipermanent water occurs nearby.
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Likelihood of Occurrence: Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bats were recorded during the Phase II survey from three of the four bat survey sites (WRSBat02, WRSBat03, and WRSBat04). Multiple bat calls were consistently recorded at site WSRbat03 over three consecutive nights suggesting that a colony exists nearby (Appendix 5). Transient Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat activity was also detected at sites WRSBat02 and WRSBat04, possibly representing bats foraging along the ridge from the colony near site WSRBat03. Potential impacts: Potential exists for Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bats to be adversely affected by mine construction and development. The main identified threat to this species is the disturbance or destruction of roost sites (Duncan et al. 1999). Therefore, development of the prospective mine should avoid cave habitats.
6.2.2 Schedule 4 Species
Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinus Distribution: The Peregrine Falcon has an almost cosmopolitan distribution, but is absent from most deserts and the Nullarbor Plain (Johnstone and Storr 1998).
Ecology: The Peregrine Falcon, like other birds of prey, is a relatively long-lived species, with low reproductive rates and low population density. These factors, combined with the fact that they are a top end predator and limited by their prey, make them particularly vulnerable to human impact. This species inhabits a wide range of habitats including forest, woodlands, wetlands and open country (Pizzey and Knight 1997).
Likelihood of Occurrence: Although not recorded at Western Range or other recent surveys in the vicinity, the Peregrine Falcon may potentially occur in the locality as indicated by NatureMap records (Appendix 2).
Potential Impacts: Peregrine Falcons prefer cliff faces as nest sites, however they may also nest in trees. Vegetation clearing associated with mining could potentially displace individual birds, but this would be expected to be limited to nesting individuals only. The project would not affect the conservation status of this species overall.
6.2.3 Priority 1 Species
Ramphotyphlops ganei Distribution: This blind snake is poorly collected, being represented by only 23 records since 1985. These records were obtained from widely separated areas between Newman to Pannawonica.
Ecology: The ecology of R. ganei is poorly known, but individuals are likely to mostly inhabit the topsoil, in moist gorges and gullies (Wilson and Swan 2008) and may also frequent termitaria and ant nests. Blind snake diet typically consists of the eggs, larvae and pupae of ants (Storr et al. 2002).
Likelihood of Occurrence: based on the known distribution of this species, it could potentially occur within the Western Range study area.
Potential Impacts: Mining has potential to impact major gorges, gullies or termitaria and as a result, has potential to locally impact R. ganei, should this species occur. Although the conservation status of R. ganei is difficult to ascertain from the small number of known records (hence its Priority 1 listing), these records indicate that it does not have a restricted distribution. The conservation status of this species is unlikely to be affected by any potential future mining at Western Range.
6.2.4 Priority 4 Species
Notoscincus butleri Distribution: The skink Notoscincus butleri is endemic to Western Australia and restricted to the arid north-west of the Pilbara bioregion (Storr et al.1999).
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Ecology: This species is associated with spinifex-dominated areas near creek and river margins (Wilson and Swan 2008), and there are currently 58 records in the WA Museum collection.
Likelihood of Occurrence: N. butleri was not recorded during the survey. Although is was recorded in the vicinity during other surveys (Appendix 2), no record exist south of Tom Price. If this is a true reflection of it’s distribution, then N. butleri would not occur at Western Range.
Potential Impacts: Mine development has potential to result in mortality of some N. butleri should it occur at Western Range. However, the conservation status of this species would unlikely to be affected.
Grey Falcon - Falco hypoleucos Distribution: The Grey Falcon is endemic to Australia, where it is widespread but rare throughout the arid zone. This species occurs in the northern half of Western Australia, typically north of 26ºS (Johnstone and Storr 1998). It is a resident or nomadic visitor to inland parts of Australia (Pizzey and Knight 1997), but its movements are poorly understood.
Ecology: This species mainly inhabits lightly wooded coastal and riverine plains (Johnstone and Storr 1998) and may also occur near wetlands where surface water attracts prey. Prey primarily comprises birds, especially parrots and pigeons, taken using high-speed chases and stoops; reptiles and mammals are also taken. The Grey Falcon utilises old nests of other birds of prey and crows, usually high in a living eucalypt near water or a watercourse. The peak egg-laying season is in late winter and early spring, and two or three eggs are laid.
Likelihood of Occurrence: Two individuals were observed on a single occasion at site WSR13 close to an ephemeral river.
Potential Impacts: Loss of nesting and foraging habitat are the main threatening process for this species, particularly through grazing and land clearing. Given the species’ low density and broad distribution in the Pilbara and much of Australia, the prospective mine is unlikely to affect its conservation status.
Star Finch - Neochmia ruficauda Distribution: The Star Finch is endemic to Australia where it is found from the Pilbara to south- eastern Australia. It remains most common in the tropics where its abundance is highly variable.
Ecology: This species is typically recorded from reed beds and adjacent vegetation communities along permanent waterways in the Pilbara. It is considered to be resident in most of its range but, as with all finches, individuals can wander widely. Its ecology in the Pilbara is not well known but it has been observed feeding on the seed of sedges (Cyperus spp.) and Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris; Dr Mike Craig, pers. obs.). In other parts of its range it feeds mainly on seeds, but insects are a common part of the diet during the breeding season. The main threat to the species is considered to be overgrazing by stock along waterways, which destroys the riparian vegetation on which they depend (Garnett and Crowley 2000).
Likelihood of Occurrence: Despite the absence of records in the study area and during other recent studies in the vicinity, this species was recorded in the NatureMap database (Appendix 2) and may utilise creeks and rivers in the area, particularly the major river at the eastern side of the study area.
Potential Impacts: Habitat destruction is likely to comprise the main threatening process associated with mining. Although there is one major ephemeral river on the eastern side of the study area, current mine and infrastructure plans do not impact on this river.
Australian Bustard - Ardeotis australis Distribution: The Australian Bustard occurs over much of Western Australia, with the exception of the more heavily wooded southern portions of the State.
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Ecology: This species prefers open or lightly wooded grassland, including Triodia spp. sand plains, and is considered scarce to common depending on season and habitat (Johnstone and Storr 1998).
Likelihood of Occurrence: Two individuals were recorded opportunistically within the study area during the survey. This species was also recorded during previous surveys in the vicinity, NatureMap records (Appendix 2) and the DEC Threatened fauna database (Appendix 1).
Potential Impacts: Bustards are mobile, nomadic birds. Although some habitat will be diminished, the potential impact of mining on this species is likely to be minimal. The conservation status of this species would not be altered by mine implementation.
Bush Stone-curlew - Burhinus grallarius Distribution: The Bush Stone-curlew is widespread throughout much of Australia. It remains common in tropical Australia but has declined particularly in temperate regions (Marchant and Higgins 1993). Populations appear secure in the Pilbara (Ron Johnstone, WA Museum, pers. comm. 2003).
Ecology: The Bush Stone-curlew is nocturnal and inhabits sparsely grassed, lightly timbered forest or woodland.
Likelihood of Occurrence: Although not recorded during the survey, this species is listed on the DEC Threatened fauna database (Appendix 1) and may potentially occur within the study area.
Potential Impacts: Although there is potential for the project associated clearing to affect individuals of this species, its overall conservation status would not be altered.
Western Pebble-mound Mouse - Pseudomys chapmani Distribution: The Western Pebble-mound Mouse is confined to the central and eastern Pilbara including Karijini National Park (Menkhorst and Knight 2009).
Ecology: The species is typically found on stony hillsides with hummock grasslands (Menkhorst and Knight 2009) and is common to very common in suitable habitat within the Hamersley and Chichester subregions of the Pilbara bioregion. The Western Pebble-mound Mouse is well known for its behaviour of constructing extensive mounds of small stones covering areas from 0.5 to 9.0 square meters (Strahan 2008). Mounds are most common on spurs and gentle slopes where suitably sized stones are present.
Likelihood of Occurrence: Two inactive P. chapmani pebble mounds were recorded opportunistically during the survey, near site WSR11. P. chapmani was also recorded during a number of previous surveys in vicinity (Appendix 2), and appears relatively common.
Potential Impacts: Habitat suitable for the Pebble-mound Mouse, specifically stony habitat is widespread throughout the study area and beyond it. Taking into consideration the broad distribution of this species, its overall conservation status would not be altered by the implementation of a mine at Western Range.
Short-tailed Mouse - Leggadina lakedownensis Distribution: In Western Australia, the distribution of this species includes the Pilbara and Kimberley regions (Menkhorst and Knight 2009).
Ecology: Regional records suggest that the primary mainland habitat comprises areas of cracking clay and adjacent habitats, although this species has also been recorded from hilltops (Dr Peter Kendrick, DEC Karratha, pers. comm. 2003) and sandy coastal areas near Onslow.
Likelihood of Occurrence: Although not recorded during this survey or other recent surveys in the vicinity, this species has been recorded on the DEC Threatened Fauna database (Appendix
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1). Although L. lakedownensis may potentially occur with the study area, it is unlikely, as its preferred habitat of cracking clay is absent. In addition, the study area is situated just south of the known distribution of L. lakedownensis, so its occurrence would constitute a minor range extension.
Potential Impacts: Mining at Western Range would not affect the conservation status of this species.
Long-tailed Dunnart - Sminthopsis longicaudata Distribution: The Long-tailed Dunnart inhabits rocky, rugged habitat in the Pilbara and adjacent upper Gascoyne region, and east to the central Northern Territory and South Australia (Menkhorst and Knight 2009).
Ecology: This species typically occurs on plateaus near breakaways and scree slopes, and on rugged boulder-strewn scree slopes.
Likelihood of Occurrence: The Long-tailed Dunnart was once considered to be rare and possibly threatened, however research has now shown that it is relatively common and widespread but is restricted to its preferred specific habitat. There is potential for this species to occur at Western Range, given that rocky habitats (breakaways and scree slopes) occur within the study area. Moreover, there are NatureMap records of this species from the vicinity (Appendix 2).
Potential Impacts: Major threats to this species include the spread of introduced buffel grass, which increases frequency and intensity of fires. Mining at Western Range has potential to locally impact S. longicaudata, however, should this occur, the conservation status of the species would not be altered.
Ghost Bat - Macroderma gigas Distribution: The Ghost Bat was previously distributed across most of inland and northern Australia, but is now restricted to the north of the continent (Churchill 2008).
Ecology: It occurs in a broad range of habitats, with distribution influenced by the availability of suitable caves and mines for roost sites (Churchill 2008). The distribution of this species is fragmented, with each population showing some genetic differentiation (Armstrong and Wilmer 2004). Populations in the Pilbara bioregion appear to be isolated from those in the Kimberley and Northern Territory.
Likelihood of Occurrence: Ghost Bats were identified via call recordings obtained during Phase I at site WSRbat01 and during Phase II at site WSRbat02. A low level of call activity was recorded (Appendix 5), indicating the presence of transient individuals rather than the presence of a significant roost site.
Potential Impacts: Mine implementation and development may adversely affect Ghost Bats by way of cave disturbance or destruction.
6.2.5 Migratory Species
Database searches, including the EPBC Act 1999 Protected Matters database (Appendix 3), indicate that five migratory bird species may potentially occur in the locality (Table 6.1 and Appendix 3). These include:
• Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee-eater)- recorded during Phases I and II; • Charadrius veredus (Oriental Plover); • Apus pacificus (Fork-tailed Swift); • Ardea modesta (Great Egret); and • Ardea ibis (Cattle Egret). All of these species are listed as Schedule 3 fauna under the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice 2010. Given the mobile nature of these species, none are expected to be substantially impacted by the prospective mining development.
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6.3 Conservation Significance Overview
6.3.1 Vertebrate Conservation and Habitat Value
A combined total of 111 vertebrate species, comprising 51 avifauna species, 20 mammal species and 40 herpetofauna species were recorded from the study area. These species are representative of the taxa commonly recorded in the Hamersley and Gascoyne subregions and are consistent with the available habitat data, indicating that no restricted or uncommon geological units or Land Systems occur within the study area (Table 4.1, Table 4.2 and Table 5.1).
Reviews of habitats and known distributions, in conjunction with survey results, indicate that four Schedule 1 fauna species occur or have potential to occur within the study area (Table 6.1). Of these, the Pilbara Olive Python and Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat were recorded during the survey. The Northern Quoll was not recorded, but it is considered likely to occur at Western Range. Although there is potential for the Night Parrot to occur, it is considered unlikely due to the absence of its preferred habitat.
Rocky breakaways, scarps and gorges constitute core habitat for the Northern Quoll and Pilbara Olive Python. The Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat inhabits caves typically located in similar habitats. In short, minimising the impact on rocky breakaways, scarps, gorges and caves is important in order to locally conserve these species at Western Range.
In relation to the Priority and Migratory species (Table 6.1), in all cases, the impact area of the proposed mine and associated infrastructure constitutes only a small proportion of local habitat suitable for these taxa relative to their wider distribution in the region.
6.3.2 Ecosystems
None of the vegetation types present within the Western Range study area represent Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) listed either under the Commonwealth EPBC Act 1999 or identified by DEC at State level. In addition, none of the vegetation types represent Priority Ecological Communities (PECs) listed by DEC (Biota 2009d, Kendrick 2001a and 2001b).
A number of ecosystems in each WA IBRA bioregion are listed as “ecosystems at risk” from various threatening processes (Kendrick 2001a and 2001b). Such ecosystems that occur within the project area include: • Lower-slope mulga: Acacia aneura low open woodlands and shrublands with hummock grass; these communities are under threat from frequent fires preventing regeneration;
• All major ephemeral watercourses: Eucalyptus forests with a shrubby understorey; these communities are under threat from cattle grazing pressures, feral animals (particularly donkeys, horses and cattle), and invasive weeds (particularly Buffel Grass *Cenchrus spp. and Ruby Dock *Acetosa vesicaria).
• Mulga Creekline (MUCR): The Mulga creekline community occurring on alluvial plains in the Ashburton. MUCR is described as occurring in four of the land systems mapped within the Western Range study area, however as individual landform units are not mapped, the exact extent and location of this broad vegetation type cannot be determined. It could potentially correspond to the Mulga tall shrublands / low woodlands recorded from the flowlines through the plains to the north and south of the Western Range (Biota 2009d). This habitat is already substantially degraded through invasion of Buffel Grass and grazing/trampling by cattle. As a result, this vegetation is not considered to be a good quality example of the MUCR community and has not been assigned elevated conservation significance; and
• Permanent and semi permanent pools and springs: these communities are under threat from cattle grazing pressures, feral animals (particularly donkeys, horses and cattle), and invasive weeds (particularly Buffel Grass *Cenchrus spp.).
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The remainder of the vegetation types are considered to be of lesser conservation significance, representing units that are likely to be widespread and relatively well represented in the locality given the extent of suitable habitat (Biota 2009d).
6.3.3 Invertebrate Short Range Endemic Conservation Significance
SREs occur in taxonomic groups with naturally small distributions and are in part characterised by poor dispersal capabilities, confinement to disjunct habitats and low fecundity (Harvey 2002, Ponder and Colgan 2002). Given the importance of Short Range endemism to the conservation of biodiversity, the assessment of such invertebrate taxa is a potentially important component of impact assessment.
Mygalomorph taxa are commonly recorded in the Pilbara bioregion (source: Biota internal database), however very few of these have been resolved to the species level. In other regions of Western Australia, several species are listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice 2010.
Of the six potential invertebrate SRE taxa recorded within the project area, none were recorded outside of the project area during the survey (Table 6.2). However, based on nominal morphospecies recorded during previous studies and in conjunction with known life histories, it appears unlikely that these potential SRE taxa are restricted solely to the project area (Table 6.2 and Section 5.7). However, further studies are required to confirm or refute this.
In many cases, similar nominal morphospecies have been recorded at other locations in the vicinity of the study area. However, it is important to note that molecular sequencing has not been comprehensively conducted in order to irrefutably confirm they are the same species
The following should be considered:
• the Land Systems in which these potential SRE invertebrates were recorded are widespread, do not contain isolated remnant landforms, and are not patchily distributed in the region;
• the habitat from which they were recorded is not isolated or restricted in the landscape; Biota 2008a, 2009a, 2009b and 2009c); and • a number of the recorded taxa are unlikely to represent SREs (e.g. the pseudoscorpions; see Section 5.7.2 and Section 5.7.3).
Table 6.2: Potential SRE taxa recorded from the Western Range study area. Recorded Recorded during Western during Taxa Range Survey unrelated Genus Species Family surveys Inside project Outside Outside project area project area area Mygalomorph Spiders Nemesiidae Aname sp. yes no yes 1,2,3,5,6 Araneomorph Spiders Selenopidae N. gen. 1 n. sp. 14 yes no yes 4 Pseudoscoropions Atemnidae Oratemnus sp. yes no no Olpiidae Euryolpium sp. yes no no Millipede Pachybolidae Austrostrophus stictopygus Yes no yes7 Pulmonate Snails Succineidae Lymnaea sp. yes no yes 2,3 1 = Tom price airport SRE Survey (Biota 2008b) 2 = Mesa A Transport Corridor (Biota 2006a) 3 = Bungaroo seasonal Fauna Survey (Biota 2007) 4 = Targeted Selenopid study (Crews and Harvey 2009) 5 = Bungaroo Valley water supply pipeline (Biota database) 6 = Red Hill Station (Biota 2009e) 7 = Tom Price Power Line Detritals Fauna Survey (Biota 2009a)
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7.0 Potential Impacts and Management 7.1 Potential Impacts
There are two broad impact categories associated with the proposed mine development in relation to terrestrial fauna species and communities at Western Range:
1. Direct fauna habitat disturbance and modification The principal impacts arising from mine development are associated with the clearing of fauna habitat required for the establishment the mine and associated infrastructure.
2. Indirect fauna habitat disturbance and modification A number of indirect disturbances may also occur to fauna habitat as a result of the proposed mine. These include: • modification to fire regimes; • weed introduction and/or spread; • spread of feral animals; • changes to surface, subterranean hydrology; • changes to noise levels; and • mortality of individuals from increased traffic.
7.1.1 Direct fauna habitat disturbance
The primary impact that is likely to arise from construction of the proposed mine is clearing of fauna habitat necessary to construct the mine pits and associated infrastructure. This will predominantly occur on the rocky habitat of the range itself.
The Western Range has been shown to support Schedule 1 species such as the Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceus barroni) and the Pilbara Leaf-nose Bats (Rhinonicteris aurantius), and is also likely to support the Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus). In addition, the results of bat recording data imply the presence of a Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat roosting cave in the study area.
7.1.2 Indirect fauna habitat modification
Indirect modifications may also occur to fauna habitat as a result of mine construction. These include changes to surface hydrology, increased erosion and weed introduction or spread.
The haul road and access tracks are likely to cross minor and major drainage systems. Potential backwater effects or reduction in downstream flows could result in changes to both upstream and downstream vegetation, with flow on effects on fauna habitat and riverine habitat dependent fauna species. Changes to surface flows could also result in increased scour and erosion, with similar consequences for riverine fauna habitats. Engineering design of drainage treatments and crossing structures should take account of these factors.
Modifications to Fire Regimes There is potential for increased fire frequency caused by the presence of additional personnel and equipment in the area during mine construction and operation. Much of the habitat at Western Range comprised open vegetation that tends not to carry fires (e.g. Snakewood shrubland). However, Triodia hummock grassland habitats are also present in the study area and these are highly flammable.
A number of fauna species and communities require mature spinifex as a component of their habitat and local populations in the immediate locality could be affected over time if fire
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Weed Spread Weeds have the potential to highly modify fauna habitat (Hobbs 2001, Norris and Kogan 2005) and the consequences of weed infiltration include displacement of vertebrate species by altering habitat (Valentine 2006). Precautions must be taken to prevent the introduction or spread of weeds.
Mesic environments such as major creek lines and rivers are particularly susceptible to weed invasion and any consequent changes to fauna habitat. Weed and topsoil hygiene protocols will therefore be required for proposed earthworks.
Spread of Pest Species Ground disturbance and construction of roads or pipelines offer opportunities for the spread of pest species that use these disturbances as pathways for travel (Hulme 2009). Pest species may prey on (e.g. Glen and Dickman 2005) or compete with (e.g. Cowan and Tyndale-Biscoe 1997) native fauna, and their spread needs to be minimised.
Noise Noise from road and infrastructure construction may impact on fauna. Particularly sensitive habitats include caves that may contain roosting Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bats or Ghost Bats. Excessive noise disturbance may result in caves becoming unsuitable for bats to roost.
Increased Traffic Increased traffic is likely to result in the increased the risk of road kill.
7.1.3 Direct Loss of Individual Fauna
It is inevitable that there will be localised loss of fauna due to direct mortality arising from construction of the mine and associated infrastructure. Ongoing impacts may also arise from more frequent vehicle movements. Despite this, it is unlikely that the loss of individuals associated with direct mortalities would affect the overall conservation status of any of the species recorded during the survey, or potentially occurring at Western Range.
We have not fully established the distribution of all potential SRE taxa recorded from the study area to determine whether impacts may be significant. However, additional studies indicate that the habitat type in which mygalomorph spiders occur is widespread (Biota 2006a, 2007; see Section 6.3.3).
Despite this, in relation to both habitat loss and direct loss of fauna, it should be noted that cumulative effects of a variety of disturbances in the region might impact negatively on some species (eg. mining proposals, road construction and maintenance, wildfires, increased road usage, and feral animals).
7.2 Recommendations
Based on the nature of the proposed Western Range iron ore mine and associated infrastructure, the following management recommendations apply: 1. Impact to scree slopes, breakaways, escarpments, gorges and caves should be avoided where possible. These landforms offer potential habitat for the Schedule 1 listed Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus), Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceus barroni) and Pilbara Leaf- nosed Bat (Rhinonicteris aurantius). 2. In addition, the ephemeral river and spring at the eastern side of the study area (555014 mE, 7433480 mN) should also not be disturbed or impacted. Riverine habitat such as this, particularly with the presence of a permanent spring is utilised by a number of species including the Schedule 1 species listed above.
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3. Given the records of species listed as Threatened fauna under EPBC Act 1999, RTIO should consider its obligations to refer the proposed action of mine construction to the Federal Minister for Environment to determine if this represents a Controlled Action under that act. This particularly applies to the Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat (Rhinonicteris aurantius), Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceus barroni), and the Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus). 4. A fire management and response plan should be developed and implemented to prevent unplanned alterations to natural fire regimes. 5. All members of the work force on site should be provided with an environmental induction to ensure they are familiarised with the potential presence of Schedule and Priority fauna. This induction should include driving speed restrictions and ensuring that off-road driving and risk of fire are minimised.
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8.0 Glossary and Acronyms
Biota Biota Environmental Sciences. DEC Department of Environment and Conservation, Western Australia. EIA Environmental Impact Assessment. Elliott trap A collapsible aluminium box trap. EPA Environmental Protection Authority, Western Australia. EPBC Act Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. IBRA Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia. Morphospecies A typological species distinguished solely on the basis of morphology. Opportunistic A species recorded from non-systematic sampling methods. PEC Priority Ecological Community. Project The proposed Western Range mining development. Project area The area defined by the Western Range Project boundary. Relictual species A species that exists as a remnant of a formerly widely distributed group in an environment different from that in which it originated. RTIO Rio Tinto Iron Ore Pty Ltd. SRE Short Range Endemic. Study area The area in which the fauna study was conducted. This includes the Western Ranges project area, in combination with areas outside of the project area boundary. Systematic sampling Sampling using trapping transects (including pitfall traps, Elliott traps or funnel traps) installed in a defined habitat. TEC Threatened Ecological Community. Volant Flying or capable of flying.
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9.0 References
Australasian Bat Society (2006). Recommendations of the Australasian Bat Society Inc for reporting standards for insectivorous bat surveys using bat detectors. The Australasian Bat Society Newsletter 27: 6-9. Armstrong K.N. (2001). The distribution and roost habitat of the Pilbara Leaf-nosed bat, Rhinonicteris aurantius, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Wildlife Research., 28(1): 95- 104. Armstrong, K.N. (2006). Phylogeographic structure in Rhinonicteris aurantia (Chiroptera: Hipposideridae): implications for conservation. Acta Chiropterologica, 8:63-81. Armstrong, K.N. and Wilmer, W.J. (2004). The importance of determining genetic population structure for the management of Ghost Bats, Macroderma gigas, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Oral presentation at the 11th Australasian Bat Society. Beard, J.S. (1975). Vegetation Survey of Western Australia. 1:1,000,000 Vegetation Series. Map Sheet 5 – Pilbara. Biota Environmental Sciences (2006a). Fauna Habitats and Fauna Assemblage of the Mesa A Transport Corridor and Warramboo. Unpublished report for Pilbara Iron Pty. Ltd. Biota (2006b). Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus Populations of the Robe River Valley. Unpublished report for Robe River Iron Associates. Biota Environmental Sciences (2007). Bungaroo Trial Pit and Transport Corridor to Mesa J, near Pannawonica: Fauna Assemblage Seasonal Survey. Unpublished report for Pilbara Iron Pty. Ltd. Biota Environmental Sciences (2008a). Marandoo Mine Phase 2 Fauna Survey. Unpublished report prepared for Rio Tinto Iron Ore Pty Ltd. Biota Environmental Sciences (2008b). Tom Price Airport Desktop Review and SRE Fauna Survey. Unpublished report for Pilbara Iron Pty. Ltd. Biota Environmental Sciences (2009a). Tom Price Power Line West Detritals: Two-Phase Fauna Survey. Unpublished report for Pilbara Iron Pty. Ltd. Biota Environmental Sciences (2009b). A Two-Phase Fauna Survey of the West Turner Syncline Area. Unpublished report prepared for Pilbara Iron Pty Ltd. Biota Environmental Sciences (2009c). West Turner Syncline Section 10 Development Two Phase Fauna Survey. Unpublished report prepared for Pilbara Iron Pty Ltd. Biota Environmental Sciences (2009d). Western Range Phase I: Vegetation and Flora Summary Report. Unpublished report prepared for Rio Tinto Iron Ore. Biota Environmental Sciences (2009e). West Pilbara Iron Ore Project Mine Areas Seasonal Fauna Survey. Unpublished report for API Management Pty. Ltd. Biota Environmental Sciences (2010). Hamersley Agriculture Project- Fauna Survey Report. Unpublished report prepared for Rio Tinto Ore Pty Ltd. Bullen R.D. and McKenzie N.L. (2002). Differentiating Western Australian Nyctophilus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) echolocation calls. Australian Mammalogy. 23: 89-93. Christidis, L. and Boles W.E. (2008) Systematics and Taxonomy of Australian Birds. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne. Churchill, S.K. (2008). Australian Bats - 2nd ed. Allen and Unwin: Australia. Cowan, P.E. and Tyndale-Biscoe, H.C. (1997). Australian and New Zealand mammal species considered to be pests or problems. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 9(1): 27 – 36. Crews, S.C and Harvey, M.S. (2009). Selenopid Spiders of Western Australia with Emphasis on the Pilbara Region. Unpublished Report for Biota Environmental Sciences.
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DEC (2007 –) NatureMap: Mapping Western Australia's Biodiversity. Department of Environment and Conservation. URL: http://naturemap.dec.wa.gov.au/ Duncan, A, Baker, GB and Montgomery, N (1999). The Action Plan for Australian Bats. Environment Australia, Canberra. Environment Australia (2000). Revision of the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) and development of Version 5.1, Summary Report. Environment Australia. Environmental Protection Authority (2002). Position Statement No. 3: Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity Protection. http://www.epa.wa.gov.au/docs/1033_ps3.pdf Environmental Protection Authority (2004). EPA Guidance Statement No. 56: Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia. http://www.epa.wa.gov.au/docs/1850_GS56.pdf Environmental Protection Authority (2009). EPA Guidance Statement No. 20: Sampling of Short Range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia. http://www.epa.wa.gov.au/docs/2953_GS20SRE250509.pdf Environmental Protection Authority and Department of Conservation (2010). Technical Guide - Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment. http://www.epa.wa.gov.au/docs/3281_Faunatechnicalguide.pdf Garnett, S.T. and Crowley, G.M. (2000). The action plan for Australian birds 2000. Environment Australia, Canberra. Geological Survey of Western Australia (1984). 1:250,000 scale map. Government of Western Australia, Department of Mines and Petroleum. Glen, A.S. and Dickman, C.R. (2005). Complex interactions among mammalian carnivores in Australia, and their implications for wildlife management. Biological Reviews, 80(3): 387- 401. Harvey, M. S. (2002). Short Range endemism among Australian fauna: some examples from non- marine environments. Invertebrate Systematics, 16: 555-570. Higgins, P. (ed.) (1999). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 4: Parrots to Dollarbird. Oxford University Press, Melbourne, Australia. Hobbs, R.J. (2001). Synergisms among Habitat Fragmentation, Livestock Grazing, and Biotic Invasions in Southwestern Australia. Conservation Biology, 15(6): 1522–1528. Hoffman, R. L. (2003). A new genus and species of trigoniuline millipede from Western Australia (Spirobolida: Pachybolidae: Trigoniulinae). Records of the Western Australian Museum 22:17-22. Hulme, P.E. (2009). Trade, transport and trouble: managing invasive species pathways in an era of globalization. Journal of Applied Ecology, 46(1): 10-18. Johnstone, R.E. and Storr, G.M. (1998). Handbook of Western Australian Birds. Volume I – Non passerines (Emu to Dollarbird). Western Australian Museum, Perth WA. Kendrick, P. (2001a). Pilbara 3 (PIL3 – Hamersley subregion). pp 568-580. In JE. May and N.L. McKenzie (eds) (2003). A Biodiversity Audit of Western Australia’s 53 Biogeographical Subregions in 2002. Western Australian Department of Conservation and Land Management. Kendrick, P. (2001b). Gascoyne 1 (GAS1 – Ashburton subregion). In JE. May and N.L. McKenzie (eds) (2003). A Biodiversity Audit of Western Australia’s 53 Biogeographical Subregions in 2002. Western Australian Department of Conservation and Land Management. Marchant S. and Higgins, P.J. (Eds) (1993). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds Volume 1: Ratites to Ducks, Part A Ratites to Petrels. Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
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McKenzie N.L. and Bullen R.D. (2003). Identifying Little Sandy Desert bat species from their echolocation calls. Australian Mammalogy 25: 73-80. McKenzie, N.L. and Bullen R.D. (2009). The echolocation calls, habitat relationships, foraging niches and communities of Pilbara microbats. Rec. West. Aust. Mus. (Supplement) In press. Menkhorst, P. and Knight, F. (2009). A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia: Second Edition. Oxford University Press. Norris, R.F. and Kogan, M. (2005). Ecology of interactions between weeds and arthropods. Annual Review of Entomology, 50: 479-503. Pizzey, G. and Knight, F. (1997). Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Angus & Robertson: Sydney. Poinar, G., Curcic, B., and Cokendolpher, J. (1998). Arthropod Phoresy Involving Pseudoscorpions in the Past and Present. Acta Arachnol 47(2): 79-96. Ponder, W.F. and Colgan, D.J. (2002). What makes a narrow-range taxon? Insights from Australian fresh-water snails. Invertebrate Systematics 16: 571–582. Storr, G.M., L.A. Smith and R.E. Johnstone (1999). Lizards of Western Australia. I. Skinks. Western Australian Museum. Storr, G.M., Smith, L. A. and Johnstone, R.E. (2002). Snakes of Western Australia. Western Australian Museum, Perth. Strahan, R. (2008). The Mammals of Australia, Third Edition. New Holland Publishers, Australia. Valentine, L.E. (2006). Habitat avoidance of an introduced weed by native lizards. Austral Ecology, 31(6): 732-735. Van Vreeswyk, A.M.E., Payne, A.L, Leighton, K.A. and Hennig, P. (2004). An inventory and condition survey of the Pilbara region, Western Australia. Department of Agriculture Technical Bulletin No. 92, December 2004. Wilson, S. and Swan, G. (2008). A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia. New Holland Publishers, Australia.
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Appendix 1
DEC Threatened Fauna Database Search
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Appendix 2
Western Australian Museum/DEC NatureMap Database Search: Comparison of Western Range Survey With Previous Surveys in the Vicinity
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Herpetofauna West Turner Hamersley Syncline Family Western Agriculture fauna Tom Price Section 10 West Turner Species Range 2010 NatureMap survey 2010 Powerline 2009 2009 Syncline 2009 Marandoo 2008 Hylidae Cyclorana maini X X Litoria rubella X X X X Myobatrachidae Uperoleia russelli X Opisthodon spenceri X Agamidae Amphibolurus longirostris X X X X X Caimanops amphiboluroides X Ctenophorus caudicinctus X X X X X X Ctenophorus isolepis X X X X X Ctenophorus nuchalis X X Ctenophorus reticulatus X Diporiphora valens X X Pogona minor X X X X X X Tympanocryptis cephala X X Gekkonidae Gehyra punctata X X X Gehyra purpurascens X Gehyra variegata X X X X X X X Heteronotia binoei X X X X X X Heteronotia spelea X X Diplodactylidae Diplodactylus conspicillatus X X X X X Diplodactylus savagei X X X X X Lucasium stenodactylum X X X X X Lucasium wombeyi X X X Oedura marmorata X X Rhynchoedura ornata X X X Strophurus elderi X X X X X
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West Turner Hamersley Syncline Family Western Agriculture fauna Tom Price Section 10 West Turner Species Range 2010 NatureMap survey 2010 Powerline 2009 2009 Syncline 2009 Marandoo 2008 Strophurus strophurus X Strophurus wellingtonae X X X Carphodactylidae Nephrurus levis X Nephrurus wheeleri X X Pygopodidae Delma elegans X X X X Delma haroldi X X Delma nasuta X X X X Delma pax X X X Delma tincta X X X X Lialis burtonis X X X X X X Scincidae Carlia munda X X X X X Cryptoblepharus buchananii X Cryptoblepharus ustulatus X X X Ctenotus duricola X X X X Ctenotus hanloni X X X Ctenotus helenae X X X Ctenotus aff. helenae X Ctenotus pantherinus X X X X X X X Ctenotus rubicundus X X Ctenotus rutilans X X Ctenotus saxatilis X X X X X Ctenotus schomburgkii X X X X Ctenotus uber X X Cyclodomorphus melanops X X X X X X Egernia formosa X X X Lerista bipes X Lerista clara X X Lerista flammicauda X X X X Lerista jacksoni X X
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West Turner Hamersley Syncline Family Western Agriculture fauna Tom Price Section 10 West Turner Species Range 2010 NatureMap survey 2010 Powerline 2009 2009 Syncline 2009 Marandoo 2008 Lerista neander X Lerista rolfei X Lerista verhmens X Lerista zietzi X Menetia greyii X X X X X Menetia surda X X X X X Morethia ruficauda exquisita X X X X X Notoscincus butleri P4 X Notoscincus ornatus X Proablepharus reginae X Tiliqua multifasciata X X X Varanidae Varanus acanthurus X X X X X X Varanus brevicauda X X X X Varanus bushi X X X X X Varanus caudolineatus X X Varanus eremius X Varanus giganteus X Varanus gouldii X X Varanus panoptes X X Varanus pilbarensis X X Varanus tristis X X X X Typhlopidae Ramphotyphlops ammodytes X X X X Ramphotyphlops grypus X X X X X X X Ramphotyphlops hamatus X Pythonidae Antaresia perthensis X X Liasis olivaceus barroni T X X X Elapidae Acanthophis wellsi X X Acanthophis pyrrhus X
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West Turner Hamersley Syncline Family Western Agriculture fauna Tom Price Section 10 West Turner Species Range 2010 NatureMap survey 2010 Powerline 2009 2009 Syncline 2009 Marandoo 2008 Brachyurophis approximans X X X X Demansia psammophis X X Demansia rufescens X X X Furina ornata X X X X Parasuta monachus X X X X X Pseudonaja modesta X X X Pseudonaja nuchalis X X X Simoselaps bertholdi X Suta fasciata X X X X Vermicella snelli X X X X X
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Avifauna Hamersley West Turner Agriculture Tom Price Syncline West Turner Family Western fauna Powerline Section 10 Syncline Marandoo Species Common name Range 2010 NatureMap survey 2010 2009 2009 2009 2008 Casuariidae Dromaius novaehollandiae Emu X X Phasianidae Coturnix ypsilophora Brown Quail X Coturnix pectoralis Stubble Quail X Anatidae Anas gracilis Grey Teal X Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck X Aythya australis Hardhead X Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck X X Cygnus atratus Black Swan X Malacorhynchus membranaceus Pink-eared Duck X Podicipedidae Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Australasian Grebe X Poliocephalus poliocephalus Hoary-headed Grebe X Columbidae Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove X X X X X X X Geopelia striata Peaceful Dove X X X X X X Geophaps plumifera Spinifex Pigeon X X X X X X X Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon X X X X X X X Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing X X X X X X X Podargidae Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth X Caprimulgidae Eurostopodus argus Spotted Nightjar X Aegothelidae Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet Nightjar X Anhingidae Anhinga novaehollandiae Australiasian Darter X Phalacrocoracidae
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Hamersley West Turner Agriculture Tom Price Syncline West Turner Family Western fauna Powerline Section 10 Syncline Marandoo Species Common name Range 2010 NatureMap survey 2010 2009 2009 2009 2008 Microcarbo melanoleucos Little Pied Cormorant X Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Little Black Cormorant X Pelecanidae Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian Pelican X Ardeidae Ardea pacifica White-necked Heron X Ardea novaehollandiae White-faced Herron X X Ardea modesta Eastern Great Egret X Nycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night Heron X Threskiomithidae Threskiornis spinicollis Straw-necked Ibis X X X Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis X Accipitridae Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk X X Accipiter cirrocephalus Collared Sparrowhawk X X Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle X X X X X X Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle X X X X Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier X X X Elanus caeruleus Black-shouldered Kite X X X Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite X X X X Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed Kite X Milvus migrans Black Kite X X Falconidae Falco berigora Brown Falcon X X X X X Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel X X X X X Falco hypoleucos P4 Grey Falcon X Falco longipennis Australian Hobby X X Falco peregrinus S4 Peregrine Falcon X Rallidae Fulica atra Eurasian Coot X Gallirallus philippensis Buff-banded Rail X
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Hamersley West Turner Agriculture Tom Price Syncline West Turner Family Western fauna Powerline Section 10 Syncline Marandoo Species Common name Range 2010 NatureMap survey 2010 2009 2009 2009 2008 Tribonyx ventralis Black-tailed Native Hen X Otididae Ardeotis australis P4 Australian Bustard X X X Recurvirostridae Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt X Charadriidae Elseyornis melanops Black-fronted Dotterel X X Erythrogonys cinctus Red-kneed Dotterel X Scolopacidae Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper X Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint X Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper X Turnicidae Turnix velox Little Button-quail X Cacatuidae Eolophus roseicapillus Galah X X X X X X Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella X X X X X X Nymphicus hollandicus Cockatiel X X X Psittacidae Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar X X X X Neopsephotus bourkii Bourke's Parrot X Psephotus varius Mulga Parrot X X Barnardius zonarius Australian Ringneck X X X X X X X Cuculidae Centropus phasianinus Pheasant Coucal X X Chalcites osculans Black-eared Cuckoo X X Chalcites basalis Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo X X X X X X Cacomantis pallidus Pallid Cuckoo X X X X X Strigidae Ninox novaeseelandiae Southern Boobook X X X Ninox connivens Barking Owl X
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Hamersley West Turner Agriculture Tom Price Syncline West Turner Family Western fauna Powerline Section 10 Syncline Marandoo Species Common name Range 2010 NatureMap survey 2010 2009 2009 2009 2008 Halcyonidae Dacelo leachii Blue-winged Kookaburra X X X Todiramphus pyrrhopygia Red-backed Kingfisher X X X X Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher X X Meropidae Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater X X X X X X Climacteridae Climacteris melanura Black-tailed Treecreeper X Ptilonorhynchidae Ptilonorhynchus guttatus Western Bowerbird X X X X Maluridae Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren X X X X X X X Malurus leucopterus White-winged Fairy-wren X X X X X X X Stipiturus ruficeps Rufous Crowned Emu Wren X X Amytornis striatus Striated Grasswren X X X X X X Acanthizidae Acanthiza apicalis Inland Thornbill X X X X X X Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Yellow-rumped Thornbill X Acanthiza robustirostris Slaty-backed Thornbill X X Acanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill X X X X Gerygone fusca Western Gerygone X X X X X X X Pyrrholaemus brunneus Redthroat X Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill X X X X X X X Pardalotidae Pardalotus rubricatus Red-browed Pardalote X X X X Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote X X Meliphagidae Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater X X X X X X X Certhionyx variegatus Pied Honeyeater X Conopophila whitei Grey Honeyeater X Epthianura tricolor Crimson Chat X
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Hamersley West Turner Agriculture Tom Price Syncline West Turner Family Western fauna Powerline Section 10 Syncline Marandoo Species Common name Range 2010 NatureMap survey 2010 2009 2009 2009 2008 Conopophila whitei Grey Honeyeater X X X Lichenostomus keartlandi Grey-headed Honeyeater X X X X Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater X X X X X Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater X X X X X X X Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater X X X X X X Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner X X X X X X X Melithreptus gularis Black-chinned Honeyeater X Purnella albifrons White-fronted Honeyeater X Sugomel niger Black Honeyeater X Pomatostomidae Pomatostomus superciliosus White-browed Babbler X X Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler X X X X X X X Eupetidae Chestnut-breasted Quail- Cinclosoma castaneothorax thrush X Psophodes occidentalis Chiming Wedgebill X Neosittidae Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sittella X Campephagidae Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike X X X X X X X Coracina maxima Ground Cuckoo-shrike X X Lalage sueurii White-winged Triller X X Pachycephalidae Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush X X X X X X X Oreoica gutturalis Crested Bellbird X X X X X X X Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler X X X X X X X Artamidae Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow X X X X X X X Artamus minor Little Woodswallow X X X X X X Artamus personatus Masked Woodswallow X X Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird X X X X X X X Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird X X X X X X X
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Hamersley West Turner Agriculture Tom Price Syncline West Turner Family Western fauna Powerline Section 10 Syncline Marandoo Species Common name Range 2010 NatureMap survey 2010 2009 2009 2009 2008 Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie X X X X X Rhipiduridae Rhipidura albiscapa Grey Fantail X X X X X Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail X X X X X X X Corvidae Corvus orru Torresian Crow X X X X X X X Corvus bennetti Little Crow X X X X X Monarchidae Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark X X X X X X X Petroicidae Melanodryas cucullata Hooded Robin X X X X X X X Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin X X X X X Alaudidae Mirafra javanica Horsefield's Bushlark X Megaluridae Cincloramphus mathewsi Rufous Songlark X X Cincloramphus cruralis Brown Songlark X X Eremiornis carteri Spinifex-bird X X X X X Hirundinidae Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow X Hirundo ariel Fairy Martin X X Petrochelidon nigricans Tree Martin X Nectariniidae Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird X X X X X Estrilidae Emblema pictum Painted Finch X X X X X X Neochmia ruficauda P4 Star Finch X Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch X X X X X X X Motacillidae Anthus novaeseelandiae Australasian Pipit X
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Mammals Hamersley West Turner Agriculture Tom Price Syncline West Turner Family Western fauna Powerline Section 10 Syncline Marandoo Species Common name Range 2010 NatureMap survey 2010 2009 2009 2009 2008 Dasyuridae Dasykaluta rosamondae Little Red Kaluta X X X X X Dasyurus hallucatus T Northern Quoll X X Ningaui timealeyi Pilbara Ningaui X X X X X X X Planigale ingrami Long-tailed Planigale X X X X X Pseudantechinus woolleyae Woolley's Pseudantechinus X X Sminthopsis macroura Stripe-faced Dunnart X X X X X X Sminthopsis longicaudata Long-tailed Dunnart X Macropodidae Macropus robustus Euro X X X X X Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo X X X X X X Megadermatidae Macroderma gigas P4 Ghost Bat X Hipposideridae Rhinonicteris aurantius T Orange Leaf-nosed Bat X Emballonuridae Taphozous georgianus Common Sheathtail-bat X X X X X Taphozous hilli Hill's Sheathtail-bat X X Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat X X X Molossidae Chaerephon jobensis Northern Freetail-bat X Vespertilionidae Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat X X Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat X X X X Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat X Vespadelus finlaysoni Finlayson's Cave Bat X X X X Muridae Mus musculus* House Mouse X X X Pseudomys chapmani P4 Western Pebble-mound Mouse X X X X X X X Pseudomys desertor Desert Mouse X X X X X X
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Hamersley West Turner Agriculture Tom Price Syncline West Turner Family Western fauna Powerline Section 10 Syncline Marandoo Species Common name Range 2010 NatureMap survey 2010 2009 2009 2009 2008 Pseudomys hermannsburgensis Sandy Inland Mouse X X X X Zyzomys argurus Common Rock-rat X X X X X X Felidae Felis catus* Cat X X X X Canidae Canis lupis Dog/Dingo X X X X X X Equidae Equus asinus* Donkey X
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Appendix 3
EPBC Act Protected Matters Report
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Protected Matters Inventory obtained from a search of the EPBC Act Protected Matters Database Search for a 40 km radius buffer surrounding the co-ordinate 23°10' 59'' S, 117°28' 59'' E.
Species Name Common Name Status Type of Presence Matters of National Environmental Significance Mammals Species or species habitat likely Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll Endangered to occur within area Rhinonicteris aurantia (Pilbara Pilbara Leaf-nosed Species or species habitat likely Form) Bat Vulnerable to occur within area Reptiles Species or species habitat may Liasis olivaceus barroni Pilbara Olive Python Vulnerable occur within area Migratory Terrestrial Species Birds Species or species habitat may Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater Migratory occur within area Migratory Wetland Species Birds Species or species habitat may Ardea alba (A. modesta) Eastern Great Egret Migratory occur within area Species or species habitat may Ardea ibis Cattle Egret Migratory occur within area Species or species habitat may Charadrius veredus Oriental Plover Migratory occur within area Migratory Marine Birds Birds Species or species habitat may Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift Migratory occur within area Species or species habitat may Ardea alba (A. modesta) Eastern Great Egret Migratory occur within area Species or species habitat may Ardea ibis Cattle Egret Migratory occur within area
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Appendix 4
Regulation 17: Licences to Take Fauna for Scientific Purposes
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Western Range Two-Phase Fauna Survey
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Appendix 5
Bat Echolocation Call Identification
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Cube:Current:527 (Western Range):Documents:Fauna:Western Range Fauna 2Phase V4_5.docx Echolocation Survey of Western Ranges – Ph 1 & 2
Western Ranges, WA, Fauna Survey Phase 1 and 2 Oct 2009 and May 2010
Echolocation Survey of Bat Activity.
Prepared for Biota Environmental Sciences
Bat Call WA ABN 83 701 600 981 43 Murray Drive Hillarys Western Australia 6025 [email protected] 0488 930 735
Prepared by: R. D. Bullen – Bat Call WA 19 May 2010
This document has been prepared to the requirements of Biota Environmental. It may be cited for the purposes of scientific research or other reasonable use. It may not be reproduced or distributed to any third party by hardcopy or electronic means without the permission of the client or Bat Call WA.
BAT CALL WA 20/05/2010 1 of 12 Echolocation Survey of Western Ranges – Ph 1 & 2
Background
Chiroptera species presence, with an estimate of activity level, is presented for an area of Western Ranges, approximately 20 km west of Paraburdoo, WA. Biota Environmental carried out the first phase of the systematic echolocation based survey during Oct of 2009 and phase 2 in May 2010. Bat Call WA has reviewed the recordings made and provided species lists for the bats present.
Habitats
Sites for the Chiroptera survey were chosen by Biota. The survey was carried out over nine recording nights in Oct ’09 and 7 recording nights in May ’10. Details are provided in table 1 along with habitat descriptions.
Bat Fauna
A microbat assemblage of seven insectivorous species and the carnivorous Macroderma gigas (Ghost bat) was confirmed as present at the study sites in Oct (Table 3). An additional two species including the Pilbara leaf-nosed bat (PLN) (Rhinonicteris aurantia) were confirmed during phase 2 in May. Bat activity level was variable, depending upon location, with high activity levels at the riverine site, see criteria below. Activity level overall is considered typical for the region.
Significant PLN (Vulnerable listing by DEC and EPBC Act) activity was detected using the continuous recording method at Site 03 in May. Numbers recorded consistently over three nights suggest that a colony is nearby. Transient PLN activity was also detected at sites 02 and 04, possibly being bats foraging along the ridge from the colony near Site 03.
Transient visits by Macroderma gigas (DEC Priority 4 species) to the cave were detected on the 23rd and the 25th Oct. A much higher activity level was recorded in May.
Site specific details are presented in Table 1. Characteristics of the calls recorded are presented in Table 2.
BAT CALL WA 20/05/2010 2 of 12 Echolocation Survey of Western Ranges – Ph 1 & 2
Survey Timing, Moon Phase and Weather
The first phase of the survey was conducted between 23rd and 28th of Oct 2009. This was a hot and dry period. All sampling evenings were fine and clear with minimum temperatures above 15OC overnight. The moon in this period was at first quarter.
The second phase of the survey was conducted between 5th and 8th of May 2010. This was a hot and dry period. All sampling evenings were fine with minimum temperatures between 15O and 20OC overnight. The moon in this period was at last quarter.
Survey Team
The bat sampling work was conducted by Dan Kamien of Biota. R. D. Bullen of Bat Call WA completed analysis of echolocation recordings.
Systematic Sampling
The systematic survey consisted of completing nine overnight bat sound recordings during phase 1 and seven during phase 2, beginning at twilight, at four locations within the survey area.
During phase 1, the Anabat at Bat 02 was set adjacent to a harp trap. At Bat 03 the Anabat was set approximately 5m from a harp trap. Refer to Table 1 below for details. Five of the recordings, sites Bat01 and Bat 04, were “continuous” made using Anabat II (Titley Electronics, Ballina, NSW) detectors, set to divide by 16, in conjunction with a LS-10 Professional PCM Recorder (Olympus, Japan). Four of the recordings were made with Anabat SD1 units.
During phase 2, all Anabat signals were continuously recorded with a LS-10 Professional PCM Recorders.
COOL EDIT 2000 (Now available as AUDITION from Adobe Systems Inc.) was used to display each “continuous call” sequence for identification. Only good quality call sequences were used. Details of calls analysed are provided in Table 2 as recommended by Australasian Bat Society (ABS 2006). Reference data for the species identified are available in Bullen and McKenzie 2002, McKenzie and Bullen 2003 and McKenzie and Bullen 2009.
BAT CALL WA 20/05/2010 3 of 12 Echolocation Survey of Western Ranges – Ph 1 & 2
Sample calls for the two listed species are presented in figures 2 and 3.
AnalookW 3.3 software was used to visualise the “SD1” files.
Bat activity was then characterised as “Low”, “Medium” or “High” based on the rate of call sequences recorded. • Low species activity is referred when a species is recorded with call spacing less often than ten minutes, • Medium species activity refers to call recordings more often than 10 minutes but less often than two minutes apart for a significant time period followed by sporadic records for the remainder of the session. • High species activity refers to call recording more often than two minutes apart for significant periods followed by reasonably regular records for the remainder of the session.
Further details of the calls analysed including graphical presentations are available from Bat Call WA on request.
Survey Limitations
All sites surveyed were accessible on foot and the recorders were set at ground level with the microphone pointing approximately 45 deg upward. At Bat 01, 02 and 04 the Anabat was pointed away from the mouth of the cave. At Bat 03 it was directed out over the water. Bat sound recording was carried out overnight beginning at twilight. The survey method may be biased against species that are known to forage close to the ground due to the conical shape of the Anabat microphone polar. Species that may be under-represented as a result may include Nyctophilus geoffroyi that are known to occasionally glean from the ground.
Bat species density is impossible to estimate from echolocation records. Bat activity is therefore substituted as an approximate guide to the relative numbers of each species using the study area.
The two methods used have differing strengths and weaknesses. The lack of detection of the listed PLN in the Oct survey may be due to the use of the standard Anabat system that can possibly miss a percentage of their very short calls.
BAT CALL WA 20/05/2010 4 of 12 Echolocation Survey of Western Ranges – Ph 1 & 2
References
ABS (2006). Recommendations of the Australasian Bat Society Inc for reporting standards for insectivorous bat surveys using bat detectors. The Australasian Bat Society Newsletter 27: 6-9.
Bullen R.D. and McKenzie N.L. (2002). Differentiating Western Australian Nyctophilus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) echolocation calls. Australian Mammalogy. 23: 89-93
McKenzie N.L. and Bullen R.D. (2003). Identifying Little Sandy Desert bat species from their echolocation calls. Australian Mammalogy 25: 73-80.
McKenzie, N.L. and Bullen R.D. (2009). The echolocation calls, habitat relationships, foraging niches and communities of Pilbara microbats. Rec. West. Aust. Mus. (Supplement) In press.
BAT CALL WA 20/05/2010 5 of 12 Echolocation Survey of Western Ranges – Ph 1 & 2
Table 1 Site Specific details.
Recording Date Site Habitat Easting Northing Time
Phase 1 Three overnight 23 - 25 Oct Bat 01 Cave location 542400mE 7436608mN continuous recordings One overnight 27 Oct Bat 02 Cave location 544025mE 7435726mN recording using SD-1 Three overnight Riverine / fresh water 23 – 25 Oct Bat 03 555014mE 7433480mN recordings site using SD-1 Two overnight 27 – 28 Oct Bat 04 Overhang / gorge site 543478mE 7435777mN continuous recordings
Phase 2
Two overnight 5 - 6 May Bat 02 Cave location 544025mE 7435726mN continuous recordings Three overnight Riverine / fresh water 5 – 7 May Bat 03 555014mE 7433480mN continuous site recordings Two overnight 7 – 8 May Bat 04 Overhang / gorge site 543478mE 7435777mN continuous recordings
BAT CALL WA 20/05/2010 6 of 12 Echolocation Survey of Western Ranges – Ph 1 & 2 Table 2: Summary of Echolocation call characteristics for microbat species present.
Typical Typical Ave. Typical Call Genus species Authority Common name F Duration peakC Q Shape kHz msec
Chalinolobus gouldii (Grey 1841) Gould’s wattled bat 32 10 7 - 11 FM
Chaerephon jobensis (Miller 1902) Northern free-tailed bat 22 5 8 - 15 Shallow FM
40 – 52 2 – 20 Macroderma gigas (Dobson 1880) Ghost bat variable Complex FM variable variable
Nyctophilus geoffroyi Leach 1821 Lesser long-eared bat 47 2.5 5 Steep FM
Rhinonicteris aurantia (Gray 1845) Pilbara leaf-nosed bat 120 30 5 - 8 CF
Saccolaimus flaviventris (Peters Yellow-bellied sheath-tailed 17 9 12 - 21 CF - FM 1867) bat Scotorepens greyii (Gray 1843) Little broad-nosed bat 38 10 7 - 13 FM
Taphozous georgianus Thomas CF– shallow Common sheath-tailed bat 24.5 14 9 - 18 1915 FM CF– shallow Taphozous hilli Kitchener 1980 Hill’s sheath-tailed bat 26 14 9 - 18 FM Vespadelus finlaysoni (Kitchener, Inland cave bat 55 14 4 - 8 FM Jones and Caputi 1987)
Note: FpeakC and Q are defined in McKenzie and Bullen 2003, 2009.
BAT CALL WA 20/05/2010 7 of 12 Echolocation Survey of Western Ranges – Ph 1 & 2
Table 3. Phase 1 Microbat lists obtained presented by site (brackets indicates number of calls).
Date Site Taphozous hilli Scotorepens greyii Scotorepens greyii Macroderma gigas Chalinolobus gouldii Chaerephon jobensis Nyctophilus geoffroyi Nyctophilus geoffroyi Vespadelus finlaysoni Vespadelus finlaysoni Taphozous georgianus Rhinonicteris aurantia Saccolaimus flaviventris flaviventris Saccolaimus
23 Oct Bat 01 Low (4) Low
24 Oct Bat 01 Low Med
25 Oct Bat 01 Low (2) Low Low Low
27 Oct Bat 02 Low Low
23 Oct Bat 03 Low Low Low Med High
24 Oct Bat 03 Med Low Low High High
25 Oct Bat 03 Low Low Low High High
27 Oct Bat 04 Low Low Low Med
28 Oct Bat 04 Low Low Med Med
BAT CALL WA 20/05/2010 8 of 12 Echolocation Survey of Western Ranges – Ph 1 & 2
Table 4. Phase 2 Microbat lists obtained presented by site (brackets indicates number of calls).
Date Site Taphozous hilli Taphozous hilli Scotorepens greyii Scotorepens greyii Macroderma gigas Chalinolobus gouldii Chaerephon jobensis Nyctophilus geoffroyi Nyctophilus geoffroyi Vespadelus finlaysoni Taphozous georgianus Rhinonicteris aurantia Saccolaimus flaviventris flaviventris Saccolaimus
5 May Bat 02 Low Low (>10) Low Low Low
6 May Bat 02 Low (1) Low (1) Low Low High
5 May Bat 03 Low Low Low Low (~30) Med High
6 May Bat 03 Low Low Low (15) Med Med
7 May Bat 03 Med Low Low (8) High High
7 May Bat 04 Low Low (3) Low High
8 May Bat 04 Low Low (1) Low Low Med
BAT CALL WA 20/05/2010 9 of 12 Echolocation Survey of Western Ranges – Ph 1 & 2
Figure 1 Anabat Sites in Study area
BAT CALL WA 20/05/2010 10 of 12 Echolocation Survey of Western Ranges – Ph 1 & 2
Figure 2 Sample Ghost Bat Call
BAT CALL WA 20/05/2010 11 of 12 Echolocation Survey of Western Ranges – Ph 1 & 2
Figure 3 Sample R. aurantia call.
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