WA Limestone Pty Ltd Roebourne Quarry – Level 1 Fauna Survey 2011

4.2 FAUNA WITHIN THE STUDY AREA

4.2.1 Fauna species of conservation significance potentially occurring in the study area and potential impacts Results of database searches list 17 faunal species of conservation significance that have been recorded in the survey area or have the potential to occur in the area. Table 2 lists the species of conservation significance and the likelihood of each species occurring in the project area. This is followed by a discussion on the individual species.

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Table 2 - Conservation significant terrestrial fauna potentially occurring in the study area

A description of the conservation significance codes is provided in Appendix C EPBC = Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 - Protected Matters Search Tool WCA = Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 DEC = DEC Threatened and Priority fauna CONSERVATION LIKELIHOOD OF SPECIES COMMON NAME SIGNIFICANCE PREVIOUS RECORD OCCURRENCE EPBC WCA DEC 2011 Anketell Point 2009 Mt Anketell 2004 WNW Mt Gregory LOW – recent 1984 Harding River Dam sightings <10 km but Notoscincus butleri P4 1983 Southeast of Karratha no preferred habitat LOW - no preferred Liasis olivaceus subsp. barroni Pilbara Olive Python Vulnerable habitat

MAMMALS LOW – not in known distribution and no Dasycercus cristicauda Crest-tailed Mulgara Vulnerable preferred habitat 1994 West of Sherlock River 1900 West of Sherlock River LOW - no preferred No date Woodbrook St, habitat and no Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll Endangered S1 Roebourne recent sightings LOW – not in known distribution and little Macrotis lagotis Bilby, Dalgyte Vulnerable preferred habitat LOW - no preferred Rhinonicteris aurantius Orange (Pilbara) Leaf-nosed Bat Vulnerable habitat Mormopterus loriae subsp. LOW - no preferred cobourgiana Little Northern Freetail Bat P1 2009 Cooya Pooya habitat MEDIUM - suitable habitat, no recent Leggadina lakedownensis Short-tailed Mouse P4 2007 Mt Anketell sightings

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CONSERVATION LIKELIHOOD OF SPECIES COMMON NAME SIGNIFICANCE PREVIOUS RECORD OCCURRENCE EPBC WCA DEC AVIFAUNA LOW - no preferred Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift Migratory habitat LOW - no preferred Ardea modesta alba Great Egret Migratory habitat LOW - no preferred Ardea ibis Cattle Egret Migratory habitat LOW - no preferred Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle Migratory habitat MEDIUM - suitable 2007 Mt Anketell habitat, no recent Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard P4 1978 Mt Anketell sightings LOW - no preferred Charadrius veredus Oriental Plover Migratory habitat LOW - no preferred Glareola maldivarum Oriental Pratincole Migratory habitat MEDIUM - may be in Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater Migratory flight path LOW - no preferred Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow Migratory habitat

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• Family: Scincidae Conservation Status: Priority 4 - Taxa in need of monitoring on the DEC Threatened and Priority Database. Distribution: The holotype for this species was collected in 1979 30 km south southwest of Dampier (Storr 1979). Notoscincus butleri occurs in arid, rocky near-coastal Pilbara. (Wilson and Swan 2010). Ecology: Little is known about this species of . It is also known as Lined Soil-crevice Skink and is associated with spinifex-dominated areas near creeks and river margins (Wilson and Swan 2010). Likelihood of occurrence: Given the preferred habitat of this species, it is not likely to occur in the area of the proposed quarry expansion. Potential Impacts: The conservation status of this species is not likely to be altered by the proposed quarry expansion.

• Liaisis olivaceus Pilbara Olive Python Family: Boidae Conservation Status: Vulnerable under the EPBC Act 1999. Distribution: Arid to subhumid areas in northern Australia. Often encountered along watercourses and especially associated with rocky areas (Wilson and Swan 2010). Ecology: This large unpatterned species of python is predominantly terrestrial and feeds mainly on mammals and birds. Likelihood of occurrence: Given the preferred habitat of this species, it is not likely to occur in the area of the proposed quarry expansion. Potential Impacts: The conservation status of this species is not likely to be altered by the proposed quarry expansion.

• Dasycercus cristicauda Crest-tailed Mulgara, Minyiminyi Family: Dasyuridae Conservation Status: Endangered under the EPBC Act 1999. There is currently some uncertainty on the taxonomic status of Mulgara in Western Australia but it is believed that the Mulgara previously considered to be Dasycercus cristicauda, are actually Dasycercus blythi (Brush-tailed Mulgara). D. blythi is listed as a Priority 4 species, Taxa in need of monitoring, on the DEC Threatened and Priority Fauna Database. Distribution: The Mulgara is a medium-sized (60-120 g) carnivorous marsupial which is widespread but patchy in sandy regions of arid central Australian and Western Australia. It has declined in the south and east of its range. Ecology: Menkhorst and Knight (2010) indicate that the preferred habitat for this species comprises sand ridges and mulga shrubland on loamy sand. This sociable mammal constructs burrows on dune swales or lower slopes. It is mostly nocturnal but diurnal at times. Populations fluctuate greatly with quality of seasons. Mating occurs mid May to mid June and 5-8 young are weaned at 3 – 4 months of age in October-November. Likelihood of occurrence: The survey area is found to the west of the known Dasycercus cristicauda distribution (Adams et al. 2000). In addition, given the nature of the surrounding habitat and the level of disturbance from the current quarrying activities and associated access tracks, it is not likely that the Mulgara would inhabit these

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areas. No Mulgara or evidence of their presence was noted during the reconnaissance survey. Potential Impacts: The conservation status of this species is not likely to be altered by the proposed quarry expansion.

• Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll . Family: Dasyuridae Conservation Status: Endangered under the EPBC Act 1999 and Schedule 1: Rare and likely to become extinct under the Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950. Distribution: The distribution of the Northern Quoll previously extended across broader Northern Australia but now is restricted to six main areas which in Western Australia include the Hamersley Ranges and the Kimberley area. Ecology: The Northern Quoll is an aggressive carnivore that preys on small mammals, reptiles and arthropods and also consumes fruit (Menkhorst and Knight 2010). It is most abundant in rocky eucalypt woodland habitats but occurs in a range of vegetation types and usually within 200 km of the coast. It is mostly nocturnal and crepuscular and dens in tree hollows and rock crevices. Typical of the Dasyurids, males die after mating and births occur in the mid-dry season. Likelihood of occurrence: While the survey area is within 200 km of the coast, the general location and available habitat are not preferred by this species. Therefore, The Northern Quoll is not likely to utilise the habitat within the survey area. Potential Impacts: The conservation status of this species is not likely to be altered by the proposed quarry expansion.

• Macrotis lagotis Bilby, Dalgyte Family: Thylacomyidae Conservation Status: Vulnerable under the EPBC Act 1999. Distribution: The distribution of the Bilby formerly extended throughout the arid and semi- arid areas of Australia. It is now restricted to scattered colonies in Acacia shrubland and hummock grassland from the Tanami Desert in the Northern Territory to near Broome in Western Australia and south to Warburton (Menkhorst and Knight 2010). Ecology: The Bilby is mostly solitary and constructs long, deep burrow systems for daytime shelter (Menkhorst and Knight 2010). It emerges well after dark to forage in topsoil for arthropods, tubers and fungi, leaving numerous pits to 10 cm deep. Births occur mostly from March to May but can occur at all times if conditions are suitable. Likelihood of occurrence: The area proposed for disturbance appears to be west of the known distribution of the Bilby. While the vegetation in the survey area includes some hummock grassland, the level of disturbance from the current quarry operations, and associated access tracks suggests that the Bilby no longer occupies this area. No Bilbies or evidence of their presence was recorded during the reconnaissance survey. Potential Impacts: The conservation status of this species is not likely to be altered by the proposed quarry expansion.

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• Rhinonicteris aurantius (Pilbara form) Orange Leaf-nosed-bat Family: Hipposideridae Conservation Status: Vulnerable under EPBC Act 1999. Distribution: The Pilbara Form of the Orange Leaf-nosed Bat is restricted to the Pilbara region and field surveys suggest the population is divided into three discrete subpopulations: eastern Pilbara mines and granite; Hamersley Range and Upper Gascoyne (DSEWPC 2011). The Pilbara population of the Leaf-nosed Bat is geographically the most isolated of the R. aurantius. Ecology: The Orange Leaf-nosed-bat typically roosts in caves but is also known to occupy abandoned, deep and partially flooded mines that trap pockets of warm, humid air in the mine’s constant temperature zone (Menkhorst and Knight 2010). This insectivorous species usually commences foraging within 30 minutes of sunset and continues for several hours. They hawk flying prey and glean from foliage and the ground in riparian vegetation in gorges and in open hummock grasslands, sparse tree and shrub savanna. Mating occurs in July with females giving birth to solitary young in late December early January. Likelihood of occurrence: Currently only five known roost sites are known within the Pilbara which are all located in the eastern Pilbara (DSEWPC 2011). Given this and the absence of preferred habitat, the presence of this species in the area surveyed is not likely. Potential Impacts: The conservation status of this species is not likely to be altered by the proposed quarry expansion.

• Mormopterus loriae supsp. coburgiana Western Little Freetail Bat Family: Molossidae Conservation Status: Priority One: Taxa with few, poorly known populations on threatened lands on the DEC Threatened and Priority Fauna Database. Distribution: Menkhorst and Knight (2010) indicate that the distribution of this small bat extends between Exmouth Gulf and Derby in Western Australia (WA) and approximately from Wadeye to Wollogorang in the Northern Territory. Ecology: Western Little Freetail Bats in Western Australia are found predominately in mangroves and adjacent coastal vegetation (Menkhorst and Knight 2010). This bat’s flight is swift and direct and it forages both above and beside the tree canopy and through gaps made by creeks and roads. Their diet consists of beetles, bugs, flying ants and leaf hoppers. This species is also reported to feed on the ground catching flightless insects (Milne et al. 2008). Females give birth to only one young during the early to mid wet season (December – February), and by June the juveniles have reached adult size (Milne et al. 2008). Likelihood of occurrence: The DEC search results for a 20 km radius from the survey area has a record (2009) for the Western Little Freetail Bat at Cooya Pooya, approximately 8 km southwest of the survey area. However, given the preferred habitat of this species and the lack of suitable habitat in the survey area, the presence of this species in the area surveyed is not likely. Potential Impacts: The conservation status of this species is not likely to be altered by the proposed quarry expansion.

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• Leggadina lakedownensis Northern Short-tailed Mouse (Lakeland Mouse) Family: Muridae Conservation Status: Priority Four: Taxa in need of monitoring on the DEC Threatened and Priority Fauna Database. Distribution: This species of murid occurs in tropical coastal northern Australia including the Pilbara in Western Australia and Thevenard Island off the northwest coast of Western Australia (Menkhorst and Knight 2010). A population of this species has also been successfully translocated to Serrurier Island off the west coast of the State. Ecology: Very little is known about the ecology of this species. Populations fluctuate in relation to rainfall and climatic conditions. It is a nocturnal species found in areas of open tussock and hummock grassland, Acacia shrubland, and savanna woodland, on alluvial clay, sandy soils and rocky substrate (Morris et. al. 2008, Menkhorst and Knight 2010). Females have two litters per year and each litter can contain up to four young (Morris et. al. 2008). Likelihood of occurrence: The area proposed for disturbance supports preferred habitat for this species, and sightings of this species have been recorded in 2007, approximately 17 km north of the survey area (Mount Anketell). A Level 2 fauna survey is required to determine the presence of this species in the area. Potential Impacts: Given the area proposed for disturbance and the quantity and quality if similar vegetation locally, the conservation status of this species is not likely to be altered by the proposed quarry expansion.

• Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus Family: Apodidae Conservation Status: Migratory Marine Species under EPBC Act 1999. This species is also listed in the CAMBA, JAMBA and ROKAMBA agreements. Distribution: The Fork-tailed Swift breeds in northeast and mid-east Asia and winters in south New Guinea and Australia (Johnstone and Storr 1998). It is a visitor to most parts of Western Australia beginning to arrive in the Kimberley in late September, the Pilbara and Eucla in November and in the southwest in mid-December. It leaves in late April. While it is common in the Kimberley, it is uncommon near the northwest, west and southeast coasts and rare or scarce elsewhere. Ecology: The Fork-tailed Swift does not breed in Australia. It is almost exclusively aerial, flying from less than 1 m to at least 300 m above ground and probably much higher. They probably roost aerially, but are occasionally observed to land (Higgins 1999). The Fork-tailed Swift is insectivorous and has been recorded eating small bees, wasps, termites and moths. Likelihood of occurrence: Given the ecology of this species, the survey area does not provide suitable habitat. However, the Swift may include the area within its migratory path. Potential Impacts: There are no significant threats to the Fork-tailed Swift in Australia. Potential threats include habitat destruction and predation by feral . Due to the wide range of this species, the potential impacts are thought to be negligible (Birdlife International 2009). The conservation status of this species is not likely to be altered by the proposed quarry expansion in the survey area.

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• Great Egret Ardea modesta alba Family: Ardeidae Conservation Status: Migratory Species under the EPBC Act 1999. Distribution: The Great Egret has been recorded across much of the State but avoids the driest regions of the western and central deserts (McKilligan 2005). Ecology: The Great Egret, also known as the White Egret is common to very common in well-watered Kimberley flatlands and scarce to moderately common elsewhere. Preferred habitat includes shallow freshwaters and shallow saltwaters, and rarely dry pastures. Likelihood of occurrence: Given the preferred habitat of this species, it is not likely to occur within the survey area. Potential Impacts: The conservation status of this species is not likely to be altered by the proposed quarry expansion.

• Cattle Egret Ardea ibis Family: Ardeidae Conservation Status: Migratory Species under the EPBC Act 1999. Distribution: The Cattle Egret is widespread and common according to migration movements and breeding locality surveys. It occurs throughout Western Australia except for the drier interior of the State. Ecology: The Cattle Egret, identified by its shorter and thicker bill and neck than other Egrets, inhabits short grass, especially damp pastures, and wetlands. It is usually seen in the company of cattle, and occasionally in the company of other livestock (Johnstone and Storr 1998). Likelihood of occurrence: Given the preferred habitat of this species, the Cattle Egret is not likely to occur in the project area. Potential Impacts: The conservation status of this species is not likely to be altered by the proposed quarry expansion.

• Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle Family: Accipitridae Conservation Status: Migratory Species under the EPBC Act 1999 Distribution: White-bellied Sea-eagles are a common sight in coastal and near coastal areas of Australia. Ecology: The White-bellied Sea-eagle is the second largest bird of prey found in Australia. They make nests in trees or coastal cliffs consisting of twigs, small branches and other objects including seaweed, rope etc. They feed mainly off aquatic animals such as fish, turtles, sea snakes, but also take birds and mammals and are also known to feed on carrion (DSEWPC 2011). Likelihood of occurrence: Given the distance to the coast, the White-bellied Sea-eagle may be seen in flight in the area, but is not likely to utilise the habitat. Potential Impacts: The conservation status of this species is not likely to be altered by the proposed quarry expansion.

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• Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard Family: Otitidae Conservation Status: Priority Four: Taxa in need of monitoring on DEC Threatened and Priority Fauna Database. Distribution: The Australian Bustard occurs over much of Western Australia, with the exception of the more heavily wooded southern portion of the State (Johnstone and Storr 1998). Its wider distribution includes eastern Australia and New Guinea. Ecology: The Australian Bustard is a large ground-dwelling bird known to occur in open or lightly wooded country. It is nomadic and ranges over very large areas, largely dependent on rainfall and hence food availability. Although not flightless, Bustards spend the greater proportion of time on the ground. Likelihood of occurrence: The DEC Threatened and Priority Fauna Database lists only one recent recording of the Australian Bustard sighted at Mount Anketell (2007) ~17 km north of the survey area. Notwithstanding this dated sighting, if it was present, given its range and mobility, the Bustard is likely to avoid disturbance and move to less disturbed areas. Potential Impacts: The conservation status of this species is not likely to be altered by the proposed quarry expansion.

• Charadrius veredus Oriental Plover Family: Charadriidae Conservation Status: Migratory Wetland Species under the EPBC Act 1999. Also included in JAMBA and ROKAMBA agreements (Appendix C). Distribution: This species is a migrant from Mongolia and Russia that usually inhabits semi- arid areas in the northern half of Western Australia and occasionally along the south coast. It prefers open grasslands, claypans or gibberstone plains in semi-arid regions inland and is seen less often on marine, tidal mudflats typically used by other plovers (Morcombe 2003). Ecology: On arrival in Australia, the Oriental Plover occupies coastal habitats such as estuarine mudflats and sandbanks, on sandy or rocky ocean beaches, nearby reefs, or near-coastal grasslands. After dispersion inland, they inhabit flat, open semi-arid to arid grasslands with short, sparse grass interspersed with hard bare ground (DSEWPC 2011). Little is known of this species’ diet, but it has been recorded eating insects such as termites, beetles, grasshoppers and bugs. Breeding occurs from April to June outside of Australia. Little is known about this species breeding biology (DSEWPC 2011). Likelihood of occurrence: Given the lack of preferred habitat, the Oriental Plover is not likely to utilise the area proposed for the quarry extension. Potential Impacts: The conservation status of this species is not likely to be altered by the proposed quarry expansion.

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• Glareola maldivarum Oriental Pratincole Family: Glareolidae Conservation Status: Migratory Wetland Species under the EPBC Act 1999. This species is also listed in the JAMBA, CAMBA and ROKAMBA agreements (Appendix C). Distribution: This species is a migrant from southeastern Asia where breeding occurs. Within Australia, this species is widespread in northern areas (generally north of 20° S) along the coast of the Kimberley and Pilbara Regions; Northern Territory and western parts of Queensland. It is also be found inland. However, the populations are often widespread but scattered (DSEWPC 2011). Ecology: The non-breeding grounds of the Oriental Pratincole in Australia are predominately open plains, floodplains or short grassland often with extensive bare areas. They can also be found near terrestrial wetlands and along the coast. Their diet consists of a wide variety of insects including dragonflies, cicadas, beetles, moths, ants, termites, locusts, grasshoppers, flies, bees and wasps. They travel in flocks, in search of swarms of locusts or other insects and generally catch their prey aerially from just above the ground to 300 m (DSEWPC 2011). Breeding occurs in colonies between April and June outside of Australia, with clutches of two to three eggs (DSEWPC 2011). Likelihood of occurrence: Given the lack of preferred habitat, the Oriental Pratincole is not likely to utilise the area proposed for the quarry extension. Potential Impacts: The conservation status of this species is not likely to be altered by the proposed quarry expansion.

• Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater Family: Meropidae Conservation Status: Migratory under the EPBC Act 1999 Distribution: The Rainbow Bee-eater is distributed across much of mainland Australia, and is a common summer migrant to southern Australia. They range from scarce to common across their range depending on suitable habitat and breeding grounds. Ecology: Rainbow Bee-eaters are very social birds and when not breeding roost together in large groups in dense understorey or large trees. They generally migrate south at the beginning of spring and breed from November to January. They require open areas with loamy soft soils soft enough for nest tunneling yet firm enough to support the tunnel. Likelihood of occurrence: The Rainbow Bee-eater usually migrates south in late September early October and north from February to April (Johnstone and Storr 1998). The Bee- eater was neither seen nor heard during the reconnaissance survey. The Rainbow Bee-eater was included on lists of species recorded from the area by Birds Australia but not by the Western Australian Museum. Therefore, if the Bee-eater does occur in the area, it is likely to use this area purely within its migratory path. Potential Impacts: The conservation status of this species is not likely to be altered by the proposed quarry expansion.

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• Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow Family: Hirundinidae Conservation Status:Migratory under the EPBC Act 1999. Distribution: The Barn Swallow is a highly migratory holarctic species with one and possibly two subspecies reaching Western Australia (Johnstone and Storr 2004). Ecology: The habitat of the Barn Swallow is concentrated around towns and wetlands and includes sewage and saltworks, ponds, rivers, swamps, tidal creeks and reservoirs. It usually visits the northern coastal areas of Western Australia from September through to early April. Likelihood of occurrence: Given the ecology of this species, the survey area does not provide suitable habitat. Further, the Barn Swallow does not appear on either the Western Australian Museum or Birds Australia lists of species recorded in the area and was not seen during the reconnaissance survey. Potential Impacts: The conservation status of this species is not likely to be altered by the proposed quarry expansion.

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4.2.2 Other fauna species recorded or likely to occur in the project area In accordance with EPA’s Position Statement No. 3 (EPA 2002) and Guidance Statement No. 56 (EPA 2004), a comprehensive trapping or systematic sampling survey is not required for a Level 1 fauna assessment.

As noted earlier, most herpetofauna and small mammals, particularly nocturnal species, are usually captured during intensive trapping surveys and therefore not likely to be seen during reconnaissance surveys, whereas more active, diurnal avifauna are more readily observed during such surveys.

One amphibian and 18 species of have been vouchered at the Western Australian Museum for the survey site and surrounding areas (Appendix D). Birds Australia listed 52 species for the area (Appendix D).

During the reconnaissance survey, sightings and evidence of two reptile species, four mammal species and seven bird species were recorded (Appendix D).

4.2.3 Invertebrate fauna EPA’s Guidance for the Assessment of Environmental Factors No. 20: Sampling of Short Range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2009) indicate that sheltered mesic environments, mountainous terrains and freshwater habitats often harbour Short Range Endemic invertebrates (SRE’s). SRE’s are also noted to be confined to discontinuous habitats.

No invertebrates were listed under the EPBC Act 1999 or on the DEC Threatened and Priority Fauna Database for the area. The Chichester subregion, like many other parts of Western Australia, has received limited fieldwork for invertebrates and SRE’s. Notwithstanding this, the project area does not support preferred habitat for SRE’s.

4.3 Biodiversity Value EPA (2002) indicated that an ecological assessment of a site must consider its ecological value at the ecosystem level and its biodiversity value at the genetic, species and ecosystem level.

The Chichester subregion has only 6.53% of its area (>9 million hectares) in conservation reserve (DEC 2009). However, the Beard vegetation association within the area proposed to be cleared has almost 100% of its pre-European extent remaining.

No DRF were recorded for the area. Fourteen Priority Flora have the potential to occur within a 30 km buffer of the survey area. No TEC’s are recorded for the area. Three PEC’s were recorded within a 10 km buffer of the survey area. No Priority flora were recorded during the survey and none of the PEC’s fall within the survey boundary.

Therefore, the vegetation proposed to be cleared cannot be considered unique and is extensive within the general Chichester area.

Results from the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool for the area surveyed lists Oryctolagus cuniculus Rabbit, Vulpes vulpes Red Fox and Felis catus Cat as invasive species. During the reconnaissance survey, evidence of Rabbits, Canis sp. Dog and Bos taurus European Cattle, were recorded within the survey area. No other evidence of invasive terrestrial vertebrate species was identified.

Given the above, the proposed disturbance of 96.62 ha for the quarry expansion it is not likely to undermine biodiversity values within a regional context.

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5.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT

5.1 THREATENING PROCESSES The major processes likely to impact fauna if the proposed quarry expansion was to take place within the survey area include: • Vegetation clearing and the associated removal of fauna habitat which would result in the loss of local vertebrate and invertebrate assemblages, a reduction in biodiversity and a loss of ecological function locally, as well as displacement of local fauna into adjacent areas where they are likely to face competition from established individuals; • Vehicle impacts on surface-dwelling and burrowing fauna which have the potential to cause fauna morbidity and mortality; • An increase in the number of feral animals attracted by disturbance and human presence may result in increased predation and mortality of fauna in the subject area and surrounding bushland. Feral fauna may also displace native fauna from adjacent habitats through resource competition; • Noise made by vehicles and machinery during quarrying operations may negatively impact fauna in adjacent areas; • Dust generated during quarrying activities may settle on adjacent native vegetation, reducing its value as fauna habitat; • Accidental fire arising from quarrying activities may destroy vegetation in surrounding areas, resulting in direct mortality and a loss of fauna habitat.

5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT 1986 - CLEARING PRINCIPLE Clearing Principle (b) in Schedule 5 attached to the Environmental Protection Act 1986 states: “Native vegetation should not be cleared if – (b) it comprises the whole, or part of, or is necessary for the maintenance of, a significant habitat for fauna indigenous to Western Australia”.

Given the amount of vegetation proposed to be cleared and the extent of similar, intact vegetation locally, the area proposed to be cleared for this project does not comprise significant habitat for fauna indigenous to Western Australia.

Searches of the EPBC Act 1999 and the Threatened and Priority Fauna Database held by DEC for the area identified two reptile, six mammal and nine bird species of conservation significance that have been recorded within a 10 km buffer of the survey area (Section 4.2.1, Table 2). The proposed clearing is not likely to alter the conservation status of any of these species of conservation significance.

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6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Both the flora and the fauna reconnaissance surveys established that the condition of the vegetation proposed for disturbance was ‘Excellent’. No DRF are listed to occur in the area and none were identified during the flora survey. Potentially, 14 Priority species could occur within a 30 km radius of the survey area. However, none were recorded within the survey area. No TEC’s have been identified. Three PEC’s are found within the surrounding area, but not within the survey area.

None of the 17 vertebrate species of conservation significance recorded for the area are restricted to habitats within the project area. The conservation status of these species, therefore, is not likely to be affected by the proposed quarry expansion. It is also recognised that conservation significant species recorded for the area, if present, have the capacity to and are likely to move to adjacent, less disturbed areas.

Any proposed disturbance/clearing of fauna habitat, however, is likely to result in a loss of some of the sedentary fauna species. Other more mobile species are expected to move to adjacent areas. It is likely that the local fauna assemblage that would be impacted during clearing activities is not significantly different to that found in similar habitats elsewhere in the region. On this basis, it can be concluded that the project area does not contain habitat of high ecological significance from a faunal perspective, or contain faunal assemblages that are ecologically significant. Further, considering the quantity of and undisturbed quality of similar habitat locally, the loss of species would not be considered significant to the biodiversity of the region.

Little is known of the invertebrates in the project area and in particular, of SRE’s. However, the area does not support habitat thought to be preferred by SRE’s.

The EPA objective for terrestrial fauna is to maintain the abundance, species diversity and geographical distribution of terrestrial fauna and protect specially protected (Threatened) fauna consistent with the provisions of the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950.

The following generic recommendations arise from the Level 1 fauna survey: • Any disturbance/clearing be minimised in extent given that the abundance and diversity of species lost will be proportional to the amount of habitat cleared; • Where possible, disturbance be aligned preferentially to areas of existing disturbance; • Where possible, disturbance be aligned to existing roads, tracks and other barriers or follow the boundaries of broad-scale intact native vegetation; • Weed control measures be implemented during and following activities undertaken within the Roebourne Quarry area • A rehabilitation plan is developed that progressively rehabilitates areas as soon as they are no longer required; • All members of the work force attend an on-site environmental induction to ensure they are familiarised with the value of native vegetation to fauna indigenous to Western Australia. This will include awareness of driving restrictions, ensuring that off-road driving is minimised, importance of fire prevention, and the care of fauna in the event of an accident involving fauna.

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7.0 REFERENCES

Adams, M, Cooper, N and Armstrong, J. (2000). A Report to the South Australian Department for Environment and Heritage: .Revision of Dasycercus Systematics. Unpublished Report, June 2000. South Australian Museum, SA.

Birds Australia (2011). Available online at http://www.birdsaustralia.com.au/our- projects/atlas-birdata.html

BirdLife International (2009). Apus pacificus In: IUCN 2009. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. Apus pacificus. IUCN Red List.

Bureau of Meteorology (2011). Climatic Averages Webpage. Available online at: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_005016.shtml

Christidis, L and Boles, W.E. (2008). Systematics and of Australian Birds.CSIRO Publishing, Victoria.

DEC (2009). CAR Reserve Analysis, Department of Environment and Conservation, Western Australia.

DEWHA (2009). Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. Revision of the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) and Development of Version 6.1. Environment Australia.

DSEWPC (2011). Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Canberra. Available online: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat.

Doughty, P. and Maryan, B. (2010). Checklist of the Amphibians and Reptiles of Western Australia. Unpublished list available from Western Australian Museum.

Environmental Protection Authority (2002).Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity Protection: Position Statement No. 3. Environmental Protection Authority, Perth, WA.

Environmental Protection Authority (2004). Guidance for the Assessment of Environmental Factors. Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia No. 56. Environmental Protection Authority, Perth, WA.

Environmental Protection Authority (2009). Guidance for the Assessment of Environmental Factors No20. Sampling of Short Range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia. Environmental Protection Authority, Perth, WA.

Environmental Protection Authority and Department of Environment and Conservation (2010). Technical Guide – Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment. (eds. B.M. Hyder, J. Dell and M.A. Cowan), Perth, Western Australia.

Higgins, P.J. (ed.) (1999). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume Four - Parrots to Dollarbird. Melbourne: Oxford University Press

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