M.J. & A.R. Bamford CONSULTING ECOLOGISTS 23 Plover Way, Kingsley, WA, 6026 ph: 08 9309 3671 fx: 08 9409 2710 email: [email protected] ABN 84 926 103 081

27th November 2017

Mineral Resources

Summary of changes in conservation statuses of conservation significant species in the TSF4 project area at the Wodgina mine (as of 12th November 2017)

N. Huang and M. Bamford

Mineral resources operates the Wodgina mine in the Pilbara region and is proposing to expand a tailings storage facility. This facility lies within an area that was assessed for fauna values in 2008 (Turpin and Bamford 2008, Fauna Assessment of the Wodgina Tailings Storage Facility 3, unpubl. report to Enviroworks and Talison Minerals Pty Ltd). As nearly a decade has elapsed since that assessment was carried out, Mineral Resources has commissioned Bamford Consulting to review the status of the fauna assemblage of the project area to ensure that current listings of conservation significance are recognised.

This document therefore presents the updated conservation statuses of conservation significant species considered likely to occur in or utilise habitat within the proposed disturbance area, or in habitats adjacent to the project. The number of conservation significant species in 2017 is as follows: 23 (compared with 25 in 2008) species of conservation significance are considered likely to occur within the vicinity of the project. Of these, 14 (12 in 2008) are of high significance (Conservation Significance Level 1), being listed under legislation, 2 (compared with 5 in 2008) are of moderate conservation significance (Conservation Significance Level 2), being listed as priority species by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), and 7 (6 in 2008) are of local significance (Conservation Significance Level 3), because they have restricted distributions.

The Grey Falcon is an additional CS1 species recognised in 2017 as a result of up- listing of the species from a DPaW priority species to Schedule 3 of the WA Act. It is considered unlikely to be impacted as it is restricted to drainage lines which will not be disturbed by the project. The Northern Brush-tail Possum is another additional CS1 species recognised in 2017, but is considered unlikely to occur in the project. The Australian Bustard and Bush Stone-curlew have been delisted from the DBCA priority species list. The Bush Stone-curlew has been listed here as CS3 (local significance) as it has declined over about 50% of its range and is vulnerable to roadkill, feral fauna and habitat degradation. Other changes are a result of changes to the terminology used for Schedules in the WA Act rather than any real changes in conservation status (e.g. Schedule 1 in the 2008 Act is equivalent to Schedules 1 to 3 in the 2017 Act). Migratory birds have since been listed on the WA Act to reflect international agreements and to be consistent with the EPBC Act. Some migratory species (Rainbow Bee-eater, Eastern Great Egret) have been de-listed as migratory under the EPBC Act, but remain as migratory under the WA Act. They may be de- listed under the WA Act in line with their change under the EPBC Act.

Overall, changes in conservation listings have little if any effect on impact significance of the proposed works. Species of high conservation significance that remain of concern are the Pilbara Olive Python (still CS1), and Northern Quoll (still CS1). Species of lower conservation significance that could suffer local impacts due to habitat loss include the Bush Stone-curlew (significance reduced from CS2 to CS3), Striated Grass-wren (still CS3), Rufous-crowned Emu-wren (still CS3), and possibly the Long-tailed Dunnart and Ngadji (both still CS2).

TABLE 6. Updated conservation status of significant fauna species expected to occur in the TSF3 project area, showing 2008 and 2017 statuses, including implications for any status changes. Status changes are highlighted in bold and italics. See Appendix 1 for explanation of status codes, including changes to the WA Act Schedule nomenclature. Migratory species listed on the Bonn, JAMBA, CAMBA, and ROKAMBA acts are recognised in the EPBC Act. Note many of the migratory waterbirds expected in the area would only be associated with the tailings dam itself and are not expected in habitats within the proposed disturbance area.

COMMON NAME LATIN NAME CONSERVATION STATUS Implication of any Likely to Occur in CS1 CS1 CS2 CS3 change in CS level Disturbance area EPBC WA Act DPaW Priority AMPHIBIANS 2008 2017 2008 2017 2008 2017 200 201 8 7 Glandular Toadlet Uperoleia glandulosa No change May occur seasonally, + + associated with rock pools REPTILES Olive Python Liasis olivaceus Terminology change only Yes – associated with (Pilbara subsp.) barroni VUL VUL S1 S3 rocky ridges and waterholes BIRDS Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Terminology change only Yes - rocky ridges S4 S7

Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos Uplisted from CS2 to Yes – woodland along CS1; Project will not drainage lines S3 P4 None disturb drainage lines so unlikely to impact species Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis Delisted Yes- open areas P4 None Recorded Nearby

COMMON NAME LATIN NAME CONSERVATION STATUS Implication of any Likely to Occur in CS1 CS1 CS2 CS3 change in CS level Disturbance area EPBC WA Act DPaW Priority Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius Delisted from Priority but Yes- Acacia Woodland,, P4 None + proposed as a CS3 species Creeklines (local significance). Recorded Nearby Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus No real change – now Yes- seasonal MIG MIG S5 included as migratory species under WA Act Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus No real change – now RECORDED MIG None S5 included as migratory species under WA Act Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatalis No real change – now No – tailings dam MIG MIG S5 included as migratory species under WA Act Common Tringa nebularia No real change – now No – tailings dam Greenshank MIG MIG S5 included as migratory species under WA Act Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola No real change – now No – tailings dam MIG MIG S5 included as migratory species under WA Act Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos No real change – now No – tailings dam MIG MIG S5 included as migratory species under WA Act Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum No real change – now No – tailings dam MIG MIG S5 included as migratory species under WA Act Great Egret, White Ardea modesta No real change – now No but may occur Egret MIG None S5 included as migratory nearby species under WA Act

COMMON NAME LATIN NAME CONSERVATION STATUS Implication of any Likely to Occur in CS1 CS1 CS2 CS3 change in CS level Disturbance area EPBC WA Act DPaW Priority Oriental Plover Charadrius veredus No real change – now No MIG MIG S5 included as migratory species under WA Act Grey Honeyeater Conopophila whitei + + No change RECORDED Striated Grass-wren Amytornis striatus + + No change RECORDED Rufous-crowned Stipiturus ruficeps No change Yes + + Emu-wren MAMMALS Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus END END S1 S2 Terminology change only RECORDED Long-tailed Dunnart Sminthopsis No change Yes –rocky hills P4 P4 longicaudata Ngadji/Western Pseudomys chapmani No change RECORDED Pebble-mound P4 P4 Mouse Rothschild’s Rock- Petrogale rothschildi No change RECORDED + + Wallaby Northern Brush-tail Trichosurus vulpecula Listed on WA Act due to No Possum arnhemensis restricted range and S3 + + decline. Impact unlikely as not expected in project area

Appendix 1. Categories used in the assessment of conservation status, including updates to the WA Wildlife Conservation Act schedules as of 2017.

IUCN categories (based on review by Mace and Stuart 1994) as used for the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act and the WA Wildlife Conservation Act.

Extinct. Taxa not definitely located in the wild during the past 50 years. Extinct in the Wild. Taxa known to survive only in captivity. Critically Endangered. Taxa facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future. Endangered. Taxa facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. Vulnerable. Taxa facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future. Near Threatened. Taxa that risk becoming Vulnerable in the wild. Conservation Dependent. Taxa whose survival depends upon ongoing conservation measures. Without these measures, a conservation dependent taxon would be classed as Vulnerable or more severely threatened. Data Deficient (Insufficiently Known). Taxa suspected of being Rare, Vulnerable or Endangered, but whose true status cannot be determined without more information. Least Concern. Taxa that are not Threatened.

Schedules used in the WA Wildlife Conservation Act (2008) Schedule 1. Rare and Likely to become Extinct. Schedule 2. Extinct. Schedule 3. Migratory species listed under international treaties. Schedule 4. Other Specially Protected Fauna.

Schedules used in the WA Wildlife Conservation Act (2017) Schedule 1. Fauna that is rare or is likely to become extinct as critically endangered fauna. Schedule 2. Fauna that is rare or is likely to become extinct as endangered fauna. Schedule 3. Fauna that is rare or is likely to become extinct as vulnerable fauna. Schedule 4. Fauna presumed to be extinct. Schedule 5. Migratory birds protected under an international agreement. Schedule 6. Fauna that is of special conservation need as conservation dependent fauna. Schedule 7. Other specially protected fauna.

WA Department of Parks and Wildlife Priority species (species not listed under the WA Wildlife Conservation Act, but for which there is some concern). Priority 1. Taxa with few, poorly known populations on threatened lands. Priority 2. Taxa with few, poorly known populations on conservation lands; or taxa with several, poorly known populations not on conservation lands. Priority 3. Taxa with several, poorly known populations, some on conservation lands. Priority 4. Taxa in need of monitoring. Taxa which are considered to have been adequately surveyed, or for which sufficient knowledge is available, and which are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection, but could be if present circumstances change. Priority 5. Taxa in need of monitoring. Taxa which are not considered threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program, the cessation of which would result in the species becoming threatened within five years (IUCN Conservation Dependent).

Fauna Assessment of the Wodgina Tailings Storage Facility 3

Prepared for: EnviroWorks Consulting 30 Brown Street, East Perth, WA, 6004

Prepared by: Mr Jeff Turpin and Dr Mike Bamford

M.J. & A.R. Bamford, CONSULTING ECOLOGISTS. 23 Plover Way, Kingsley, WA, 6026

19th August 2008 Talison Minerals Pty. Ltd. TSF 3 Fauna Assessment

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Talison Minerals Pty Ltd has proposed an extension and 15 m lift of the current Tailings Storage Facility 3 (TSF3) at the Wodgina mine. Wodgina is an operational mine situated in the Pilbara Bioregion, approximately 100 km south of Port Hedland in north Western Australia.

As part of environmental impact assessment for the project, Bamford Consulting Ecologists was commissioned to conduct a literature review and site inspection to identify fauna and habitat values of the project area.

The key objectives of this fauna study are:

 review the list of fauna expected to occur on the site in the light of fauna habitats present;  investigate the likelihood of significant species being present in the study area;  locate and record evidence of conservation significant species;  identify significant or fragile fauna habitats within the study area;  identify any ecological processes in the study area upon which fauna may depend;  identify general patterns of biodiversity within or adjacent to the study area; and  identify potential impacts upon fauna and propose recommendations to minimise impacts.

The desktop survey identified 285 fauna species potentially occurring in the Wodgina area. A total of 73 fauna species were observed during the site inspection. This comprised 49 bird, 11 mammal, 11 reptile and two frog species (see Table 1-4).

Conservation significant species recorded included the Northern Quoll, Western Pebble-mound Mouse, Bush Stone-curlew, Rainbow Bee-eater and Australian Bustard. Sixteen species of conservation significance are considered likely to occur in or utilise habitat within the proposed disturbance area. Of these, five are of high significance (Conservation Significance Level 1), being listed under legislation, five are of moderate conservation significance (Conservation Significance Level 2), being listed as priority species by the Department of Environment and Conservation, and six are of local significance (Conservation Significance Level 3), because they have restricted distributions. Additional conservation significant species are likely to occur in habitats adjacent to the project.

The project area contains mostly widespread and common habitats. However, 3 significant habitats occur in the project area are known to support Short Range Endemic (SRE) fauna. These habitats are the ironstone ridges, caves, drainage lines and minor gorges. It is recommended disturbance to these habitats is minimised or managed carefully where disturbance is unavoidable:  The ironstone ridges are identified as important habitat that may support a number of species of conservation significance, and is an uncommon habitat in the area.  Channels and creek lines are identified as important habitat due to the high concentration of species they support and linear alignment allows the movement of fauna. Because of the importance of watercourses and associated habitats, hydrological processes are likely to be very important for fauna.

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 Caves and minor gorges are a rare fauna habitat and support conservation significant fauna including SRE’s.

Some Northern Quoll and Olive Python habitat will be disturbed by the proposed project however the proportion of habitat in the local area likely to be impacted is very low (approximately 0.14%). Therefore this habitat disturbance is not deemed to pose a significant risk to these species.

Impacts upon fauna due to the construction and operation of the project are likely to include:  some localised loss of habitat;  impacts from roadkill; and  changes in hydrology, the fire regime and the abundance of introduced predators.

The significance of these impacts and recommendations for their minimisation are discussed in Sections 5 and 6. With the implementation of these management issues, the project can be managed to ensure it does not have a significant impact on fauna species present.

A number of Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act listed species occur within the project area. Whilst it is unlikely that the EPBC Significant Impact Criteria are triggered, it is recommended that to give Talison project certainty, a formal decision on this is sought via referral of the project under the EPBC Act to DEWHA.

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1. INTRODUCTION ...... 5 1.1 Introduction 5 1.2 Study Objectives 5 2. BACKGROUND ...... 7 2.1 Regional Description 7 2.2 Land Systems 9 2.3 Assessment of Conservation Significance 10 3. METHODS ...... 12 3.1 Approach 12 3.2 Description of the Project Area 12 3.3 Fauna Survey Areas 14 3.4 Personnel 16 3.5 Licences and Permits 16 3.6 Nomenclature and Taxonomy 16 3.7 Sources of Information for Desktop Assessment 17 3.8 Site Inspection 17 3.8.1 Searching for Significant Species ...... 18 3.8.2 Micro-habitat Searching...... 18 3.8.3 Bird Surveys...... 18 3.8.4 Opportunistic Surveys...... 18 3.8.5 Spotlighting...... 18 3.8.6 Habitat Assessment...... 18 4. RESULTS ...... 19 4.1 Fauna Habitats 19 4.2 Vertebrate Fauna 23 4.2.1 Freshwater Fish...... 23 4.2.2 Amphibians...... 24 4.2.3 Reptiles ...... 24 4.2.4 Birds...... 26 4.2.5 Mammals...... 29 4.2.6 Short-range Endemic Invertebrates...... 34 5. IMPACT ASSESSMENT...... 36 5.1.1 Significant Habitats...... 38 5.2 Significant species 41 5.2.1 EPBC Species 41 5.2.2 Assessment Against EPBC Significant Impact Criteria 46 5.3 Ecological processes 51 5.3.1 Increased mortality...... 52 5.3.2 Loss of habitat affecting population survival...... 52 5.3.3 Loss of habitat affecting population movements and gene flow ...... 52 5.3.4 Species interactions, including predators and other feral species...... 52 5.3.5 Hydroecology...... 53 5.3.6 Fire ...... 53 5.3.7 Light and noise...... 53 6. MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING RECOMMENDATIONS...... 54 7. CONCLUSIONS...... 57 REFERENCES ...... 77

Bamford CONSULTING ECOLOGISTS 4 Talison Minerals Pty. Ltd. TSF 3 Fauna Assessment

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

Talison Minerals Pty Ltd (Talison) operates the Wodgina tantalum mine approximately 100 km south of Port Hedland and 30km north-east of the Yandeyarra Aboriginal Community in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

The tantalite ore bodies at Wodgina have been variously worked for tin, tantalum and beryl since their discovery in 1902. Major expansion of the Wodgina operation was completed in March 2002, with Wodgina currently a major producer of the world’s tantalum.

The Wodgina mining operation centres around mining pegmatite ores from the Mt Cassiterite and Mt Tinstone open pits. The pegmatite ores are crushed, milled and fed into Wodgina’s gravity separation plant. A large Tailings Storage Facility (TSF3) is situated directly to the west of the two open pits. Talison plans to undertake an expansion of Wodgina’s Tailings Storage Facility in preparation for future mining operations.

As part of the environmental impact assessment for the TSF3 expansion project, Bamford Consulting Ecologists was commissioned by EnviroWorks Consulting (EnviroWorks) on behalf of Talison to undertake a site inspection, targeted fauna search and assessment of significant habitats within the proposed disturbance area.

1.2 Study Objectives

The objectives of fauna studies in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process are broadly to determine the fauna values of a site and the likely impacts of a proposed development. This provides government agencies with the information needed to assess the significance of impacts under state and government legislation. The key objectives of fauna studies are to:

 review the list of fauna expected to occur on the site in the light of fauna habitats present;  investigate the likelihood of significant species being present in the study area;  locate and record evidence of conservation significant species;  identify significant or fragile fauna habitats within the study area;  identify any ecological processes in the study area upon which fauna may depend;  identify general patterns of biodiversity within or adjacent to the study area; and  identify potential impacts upon fauna and propose recommendations to minimise impacts.

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Figure 1. Regional Location of the Wodgina Mine Site.

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2. BACKGROUND

2.1 Regional Description

The Wodgina region lies within the Chichester subregion of the Pilbara Bioregion. The regions are described by the Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) classification system (EA 2000; McKenzie et al. 2003, see Figure 2). The Pilbara Bioregion falls within the Bioregion Group 2 classification (EPA, 2004). Bioregions within Group 2 have

“native vegetation that is largely contiguous but is used for commercial grazing.”

Figure 2 IBRA Subregions in Western Australia. Note the project lies in PIL1: Chichester Subregion.

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The general features of the Chichester subregion are summarised by Kendrick and McKenzie (2001). The subregion is characterised by undulating granite and basalt plains with significant areas of basaltic ranges. The subregion contains:

“Plains supporting a shrub steppe characterised by Acacia inaequilatera over Triodia wiseana (formerly Triodia pungens) hummock grasslands, while Eucalyptus leucophloia tree steppes occur on ranges. The climate is semi-desert-tropical and receives 300mm of rainfall annually. Drainage occurs to the north via numerous rivers including the De Grey, Oakover, Nullagine, Shaw, Yule, Sherlock (Kendrick and McKenzie, 2001).”

The dominant land use in this subregion is grazing, with areas of crown reserves, aboriginal lands and reserves and mining. Only 6.56 % of the sub-region is vested within conservation reserves (Kendrick and McKenzie, 2001). The subregional area is 9,044,560ha.

The Pilbara is a region of high fauna biodiversity with overlapping biogeographic elements from the Kimberley and South-West, as well as contributions from adjacent desert and Murchison, and a high level of endemism. McKenzie et al. (2003) provide a detailed description of special values and features of the region with respect to fauna and environments, including significant species and important wetlands. Special fauna values that may be relevant to the Wodgina project include: persisting populations of significant species, species-rich ecosystems associated with watercourses and “species-rich, refugial ecosystems associated with gorges, waterfalls and ridge tops”.

Fauna species of conservation significance recorded from the sub-region include:

 Mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda),  Spectacled Hare-wallaby (Lagorchestes conspicillatus leichardti),  Bilby (Macrotis lagotis)  Pilbara Orange Leaf-nosed Bat (Rhinonicteris aurantius Pilbara form),  Princess Parrot (Polytelis alexandrae).  Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)  Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo (Cacatua leadbeateri),  Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceus barroni),  Woma (Aspidites ramsayi)  Brushtail Posum (Trichosurus vulpecula arnhemensis)  Ghost Bat (Macroderma gigas),  Northwestern Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus bifax daedalus),  Little Northwestern Free-tailed Bat (Mormopterus loriae cobourgensis)  Pilbara Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani)  Grey Falcon (Falco hypoleucos)  Ctenotus nigrolineata

Additionally, a large number of fauna species are endemic to the Pilbara Bioregion. These include mammals such as the Pilbara Ningaui (Ningaui timealeyi), an undescribed Planigale (Planigale sp.), Little Red Kaluta (Dasykaluta rosamondae), and Tan Pseudantechinus (Pseudantechinus roryi). Endemic reptiles include Diplodactylus savagei, Diplodactylus wombeyi, Delma elegans, Delma pax, Ctenotus

Bamford CONSULTING ECOLOGISTS 8 Talison Minerals Pty. Ltd. TSF 3 Fauna Assessment rubicundus, Ctenotus affin. robustus, Egernia pilbarensis, Lerista zietzi, Lerista flammicauda, Lerista neander, two or three undescribed taxa within Lerista muelleri, Notoscincus butleri, Varanus pilbarensis, Acanthophis wellsi, Demansia rufescens, Ramphotyphlops pilbarensis and Ramphotyphlops ganei. An isolated population of Eremiacincus fasciolata occurs in the Hamersley Range area and may represent a new species (Storr et. al., 1999).

2.2 Land Systems

Van Vreeswyk et al. (2004) classified and mapped the land systems of the Pilbara region including the area containing the Wodgina minesite (Figure 3). Land Systems are classified according to similarities in landform, soil, vegetation, geology and geomorphology. The Wodgina area contains three land systems with a further three systems occurring nearby:

1. Capricorn (CPN): dominated by hills, ridges and slopes of sandstone and dolomite supporting hummock grasslands of Triodia wiseana, T. brizoides or T. pungens with scattered Acacia inaequilatera, and other Acacia species and Grevillea wickhamii. Minor areas of narrow drainage systems supporting tall shrublands or low woodlands of Acacia species, Corymbia hamersleyana, T. pungens and mixed shrubs 2. Platform (PLA): Dissected slopes and raised stony plains supporting Triodia wiseana and other Triodia species with isolated to scattered Acacia shrubs or Eucalyptus leucophloia. Lesser areas of drainage floors support scattered to close shrublands/ woodlands with Acacia citrinoviridis, A. tumida, and occasional eucalypt trees, numerous low shrubs including Senna spp., Ptilotus obovatus and Triodia pungens. 3. Boolgeeda (BGD): Stony lower slopes and plains below hill systems supporting hummock grasslands of Triodia wiseana, Triodia pungens, scattered shrublands of Acacia aneura, A. ancistrocarpa, A. atkinsiana, and occasional eucalypt trees. Minor drainage areas support close tall shrublands and woodlands of Acacia aneura and other Acacia species, Corymbia hamersleyana, hummock and tussock grasses. 4. Macroy (MAC): Stony plains and occasional tor fields based on granite supporting hummock grasslands and scattered Acacia species. 5. Rocklea (ROC): Basalt hills, plateaux, lower slopes and minor stony plains supporting Triodia grasslands. 6. Uaroo (Uar): Broad sandy plains supporting hummock grasslands of Triodia pungens and other Triodia species, with scattered shrubs particularly Acacia stellaticeps, A. inaequilatera, A. tumida and Eucalypt species.

Land Systems provide an indication of the fauna habitats present within the project area. Habitat descriptions are presented in section 4.1.

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Figure 3. Land Systems within the project area. Note the project area is approximated by the red polygon. The Capricorn (CPN), Platform (PLA) and Boolgeeda (BGD) Land Systems are found in the Wodgina project area. The Macroy (MAC), Rocklea (ROC) and Uaroo (Uar) Land Systems occur nearby. The red polygon delineates the Wodgina area.

2.3 Assessment of Conservation Significance

The conservation status of fauna species is assessed under Commonwealth and State Acts such as the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and the Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950. The significance levels for fauna used in the EPBC Act are those recommended by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and reviewed by Mace and Stuart (1994). The Wildlife Conservation Act uses a set of Schedules but also classifies species using some of the IUCN categories. These categories and Schedules are described in Appendix One.

The EPBC Act also has lists of migratory species that are recognised under international treaties such as the China Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA), the Japan Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA) and the Bonn Convention (The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals). In addition, the federal Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts (DEWHA, formerly Environment Australia) has supported the publication of reports on the conservation status of most vertebrate fauna species e.g. fish (Wager and Jackson (1993), reptiles (Cogger et al. 1993), birds (Garnett and Crowley 2000), monotremes and marsupials (Maxwell et al. 1996), rodents (Lee 1995) and bats

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(Duncan et al. 1999). These publications also use the IUCN categories, although those used by Cogger et al. (1993) and Wager and Jackson (1993) differ in some respects as these reports pre-date Mace and Stuart’s review (1994).

In Western Australia, the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has produced a supplementary list of Priority Fauna, being species that are not considered Threatened under the Wildlife Conservation Act but for which the DEC feels there is cause for concern. Some Priority species, however, are also assigned to the IUCN Conservation Dependent category. Levels of Priority are described in Appendix One.

Fauna species included under conservation acts and/or agreements are formally recognised as of conservation significance under state or federal legislation. Species listed only as Priority by DEC, or those that are included in publications such as Garnett and Crowley (2000) and Cogger et al. (1993) but not in State or Commonwealth Acts, are also of recognised conservation significance. In addition, species that are at the limit of their distribution, those that have a very restricted range and those that occur in breeding colonies, such as some waterbirds, can be considered of conservation significance, although this level of significance has no legislative or published recognition and is based on interpretation of distribution information. The WA Department of Environmental Protection (2000, now DEC) used this sort of interpretation to identify significant bird species in the Perth metropolitan area as part of Perth Bushplan.

On the basis of the above comments, three levels of conservation significance are recognised in this report:

Conservation Significance (CS) 1: Species listed under State or Commonwealth Acts.

Conservation Significance (CS) 2: Species not listed under State or Commonwealth Acts, but listed in publications on threatened fauna or as Priority species by the DEC.

Conservation Significance (CS) 3 : Species not listed under Acts or in publications, but considered of at least local significance because of their pattern of distribution. This level may have links to preserving biodiversity at the genetic level (EPA 2002). For example, if a population is isolated but a subset of a widespread (common) species, then it may not be recognised as threatened, but may have unique genetic characteristics. Species on the edge of their range, or that are sensitive to impacts such as habitat fragmentation, may also be classed as CS3.

In addition to these conservation levels, species that have been introduced (INT) are indicated.

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3. METHODS

3.1 Approach

This fauna assessment and the report preparation were carried out with reference to guidance and position statements published by the WA Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) on fauna surveys and environmental protection, and Commonwealth biodiversity legislation (e.g. EPA 2002; EPA 2004). The level of fauna assessment required by the EPA is determined by the size and location of the proposed disturbance and the sensitivity of the surrounding environment in which the disturbance is planned.

Due to the scale and nature of the proposal, a Level 1 survey was deemed suitable for this assessment to satisfy the EPA guidelines. For this assessment, a Level 1 survey involved a desktop study and reconnaissance survey (site inspection). The EPA describes a Level 1 survey as:

“Background research or ‘desktop’ study with the purpose to gather background information on the target area (usually at the locality scale). This involves a search of all sources for literature, data and map-based information (EPA, 2004).”

The purpose of a Reconnaissance Survey is to verify the accuracy of the background study; to further delineate and characterise the fauna and faunal assemblages present in the target area; and to identify potential impacts.

This involves:

“a target area visit by suitably qualified personnel to undertake selective, low intensity sampling of the fauna and faunal assemblages, and to provide habitat descriptions and habitat maps of the project area”.

3.2 Description of the Project Area

The existing Tailings Storage Facility (TSF3) at Wodgina covers an area of approximately 81 hectares. TSF3 is currently in operation, however Talison proposes to expand the capacity of the facility to accommodate future mining activities. The expansion will consist of: 1. An extension of the facility to the South resulting in 5.8 ha of new disturbance (an additional 6.7 ha of the TSF3 extension will occur on previously disturbed ground on top of an overburden stockpile making the extension 12.5 ha in total). 2. A 15 m lift of the existing TSF3 resulting in disturbance of a ridge along the western edge of the current facility. Approximately 4.2 ha of habitat will be disturbed due to this 15 m lift

Therefore the total clearing footprint (of previously undisturbed land) is 10 ha (5.8 ha for the Southern Extension and 4.2 ha for the 15 m lift). The TSF3 expansion plans and disturbance areas are shown in Figure 4 below.

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Figure 4: TSF3 Expansion Plans and Disturbance Areas

Clearing Area Previously Disturbed (Overburden Stockpile) – 6.7 ha Clearing Area Currently Undisturbed – 10 ha

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3.3 Fauna Survey Areas

The search area for this fauna assessment included the proposed disturbance footprint for the TSF3 expansion as well as adjacent habitats.

The TSF3 lies in a broad valley surrounded rocky ridges and hills. The southern expansion area contains a valley between elevated rocky ridges. A long, linear ridge fringes the western side of the facility (see Plates 1-3).

All areas proposed to be disturbed by the TSF 3 expansion were included in the survey and contain significant areas of intact native vegetation and fauna habitat, as well as minor areas degraded by previous disturbance. An area to the north was also included in the survey however this area is not proposed to be disturbed.

Figure 5. The location of TSF 3, fauna assessment area. The current active mining pits occur to the south and east of TSF3. Note the disturbance footprint only includes the area to the south of the current tailings facility as well as an area fringing the western side (as shown on the attached figure)

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Plate 1. The Existing Tailings Storage Facility at Wodgina and adjacent rocky ridges.

Plate 2. Broad valleys floors, drainage lines and undulating hills to the north of TSF3.

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Plate 3. Rocky Ridges to the south of TSF3.

3.4 Personnel

The site inspection was conducted by:  Jeff Turpin: B.Sc. (Zoology)  Ian Harris: BSc. Hons (Env. Science)

This fauna assessment document was prepared by:  Mr Jeff Turpin  Dr Mike Bamford.

3.5 Licences and Permits

The field survey was conducted under DEC (Department of Environment and Conservation, formerly the Department of Conservation and Land Management) Regulation 17 licence number SF006330.

3.6 Nomenclature and Taxonomy

As per the recommendations of EPA (2004), the nomenclature and taxonomic order presented in this report are based on the Western Australian Museum’s Checklist of the Vertebrates of Western Australia. The authorities used for each vertebrate group are: amphibians and reptiles (Aplin and Smith 2001), birds (Christidis and Boles 1994; Johnstone 2001), and mammals (How et al. 2001).

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3.7 Sources of Information for Desktop Assessment

Information for this fauna assessment was drawn primarily from the WA Museum’s FaunaBase (2008), the Birds Australia Atlas Database, DEC Threatened Fauna Database and EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool. All databases were interrogated in May 2008 (see below). This information was supplemented with species expected in the area based on general patterns of distribution. Sources of information used for these general patterns were: frogs (Tyler et al. 2000), reptiles (Storr et al. 1983, 1990, 1999 and 2002), birds (Blakers et al. 1984; Johnstone and Storr 1998; Johnstone and Storr, 2003; Storr, 1984), and mammals (Churchill 1998; Strahan 1995; Menkhorst and Knight 2001).

Database Type of records held on database Area searched Species collected between Faunabase Records of specimens held in the WA -21.000 S, 118.00 E and - (WA Museum) Museum. Includes historical data. 22.000 S, 119.00 E. Species list for the 1 degree Birds Australia Atlas Records of bird observations in grid cell containing Database Australia, 1998-2008. 118.67716 E, 21.21598 S. Species recorded between DEC Threatened and Information and records on Threatened 20.9709 °S, 118.401 °E / Priority Fauna and Priority species in Western 21.4189 °S , 118.905°E Database Australia Wodgina site (plus~25km buffer) Records on matters protected under the Species collected between EPBC Protected EPBC Act, including threatened -21.000 S, 118.00 E and - Matters Search Tool species and conservation estate. 22.000 S, 119.00 E.

3.8 Site Inspection

The site inspection for the TSF3 expansion area was conducted from the 28th April until the 2nd May 2008. Each major habitat type within the area of proposed disturbance was visited as well as habitats adjacent to the disturbance area.

The aim of the site inspection was to develop an understanding of the fauna habitats of the site, and to search for evidence of conservation significant species. Short-range endemic fauna, particularly mygalomorph spiders and land snails were also targeted during searching.

Habitats present within the proposed disturbance area were assessed as to the likelihood of supporting species of conservation significance known to occur in the region. All fauna species observed during surveying were recorded.

Sampling consisted of:  searching for evidence of significant species such as diggings and burrows, roost caves, tracks, scats, shelters etc.;

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 microhabitat searching for smaller vertebrate animals (e.g. reptiles and mammals) and invertebrates (specifically short-range endemic invertebrates e.g. land snails, millipedes);  bird surveys;  opportunistic observations;  spotlighting for nocturnal animals;  habitat assessment.

3.8.1 Searching for Significant Species

Significant species identified in the desktop assessment that may occur in the project area include several that can be found by searching for evidence of their activities. These include the Northern Quoll (scats), Pilbara Pebble-mound Mouse (pebble mounds), bat species (roosting caves, scats), Bilby (diggings and burrows), mygalomorph spiders (burrows, shelters), Pseudantechinus (scats), Mulgara (scats and burrows) and Olive Python (shed skin). Remnant shelters of two species considered locally extinct, the Lesser Stick-nest Rat (Leporillus apicalis, nests) and Boodie (Bettongia lesueur, burrow systems) can be found through the Pilbara and Goldfields. Searching for evidence of significant fauna was therefore undertaken by walking through habitat considered suitable for such species.

3.8.2 Micro-habitat Searching

Micro-habitat searching was carried out in any areas of interest found during the site visit. Searching involved raking through leaf-litter, breaking into dead trees, looking under bark, digging up burrows and turning over rocks, logs and dead Spinifex. This searching focussed on mesic refugia, particularly in gullies, likely to be important for short-range endemic invertebrates.

3.8.3 Bird Surveys

Opportunistic observational bird surveys were conducted at least once in each habitat present within the project area.

3.8.4 Opportunistic Surveys

At all times, observations of fauna were noted when they contributed to the accumulation of information on the fauna of the site. These included such casual observations as birds or reptiles seen while travelling through the site.

3.8.5 Spotlighting

Spotlighting was conducted on the nights of the 28th and 29th April 2008 and was carried out both on foot, using head-torches (referred to as head-torching), and from the vehicle using the vehicle headlights and a hand-held spotlight.

3.8.6 Habitat Assessment

Each habitat visited was assessed as to the suitability of supporting threatened fauna.

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4. RESULTS

4.1 Fauna Habitats

The targeted fauna search area covered all areas of proposed disturbance. Six major fauna habitats were found within the project area.

1. Low stony rises supporting Triodia wiseana (and other Triodia species) with isolated to scattered Acacia shrubs and Eucalyptus leucophloia. This habitat covered the majority of the area to the north of TSF3.

2. Narrow drainage systems supporting tall shrublands / low woodlands of Acacia species (including Acacia tumida), Corymbia hamersleyana, Triodia pungens and mixed shrubs. Occurs in the north of the project area and also includes some dense Acacia thickets.

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3. Minor drainage tracts supporting scattered shrublands including Acacia species and Grevillea wickhamii.

4. Rocky ridges with steep upper slopes and significant areas of ironstone outcropping containing numerous caves, overhangs and crevices. Lower slopes support of hummock grasslands of Triodia wiseana and T. pungens with scattered Acacia inaequilatera and Eucalyptus leucophloia. This habitat fringes the western side of TSF3 and also occurs in the southern parts surrounding a valley. Note TSF 3 in the background of the plate below.

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5. Gullies and minor gorges. This habitat occurs in small areas, on the western side of the northern area and also within the southern area.

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6. Previously disturbed areas. Areas degraded by previous disturbance occur directly to the south and north of the TSF 3 retaining wall.

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4.2 Vertebrate Fauna

The desktop survey identified 285 fauna species potentially occurring in the Wodgina area. A total of 73 fauna species were observed during the site inspection. This comprised 49 bird, 11 mammal, 11 reptile and two frog species (see Table 1-4).

Some conservation significant fauna were located within the search area. Habitats suitable to support additional significant fauna species also occur within the project area. These are discussed below.

Overall, the assemblage of vertebrate fauna expected in the project area is typical of the Pilbara region. Most fauna species occurring or expected to occur in the project area are widespread but some species may have restricted or habitat limited distributions, and some fauna species expected have declined in the region.

Conservation significant fauna species occurring or likely to occur in the project area are discussed below. This species list is based largely upon known species distributions and available habitats in the project area. Species considered extinct in the region are listed in Table 5. Table 6 lists those species considered to be of conservation significance and details their respective conservation status. Appendix 2 lists the locations of significant fauna recorded during the site inspection.

The vertebrate fauna expected to occur within the project area has the following composition:

Taxon Number of Significant Fauna Expected Species Wodgina Region (Total) Disturbance Footprint Expected CS1 CS2 CS3 Total CS1 CS2 CS3 Total Frogs 8 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 Reptiles 94 2 1 0 3 1 1 0 2 Birds 136 9 4 3 16 3 3 3 9 Mammals 41 (native) 4 5 2 11 1 2 1 4 6 (introduced) Total 15 10 6 31 5 6 5 16

Species lists for all vertebrate fauna are included at the end of this report in Tables 1 – 4.

4.2.1 Freshwater Fish No species of freshwater fish are expected to occur in the study area. There are no permanent freshwater habitats within the proposed disturbance area. Seasonal watercourses are minor.

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4.2.2 Amphibians A total of eight frog species may occur in the study area (see Table 2). There is one frog species of conservation significance that may occur in the area:

Conservation Significance Level 3

Glandular Toadlet Uperoleia glandulosa

The Glandular Toadlet has a restricted distribution within the northern Pilbara and is endemic to the Pilbara region. It is probably associated with rocky areas. This species may occur in the Wodgina area, associated with drainage lines and rock holes. However the impact of the project to drainage lines and rock holes will be minimal, therefore impacts to this species are unlikely to be significant.

Two frog species were recorded during the site inspection (see Table 1). Litoria rubella was recorded from a drainage area in the southern disturbance area of TSF3. Cyclorana maini and Litoria rubella were recorded approximately 20 km South of Wodgina.

All frogs in the area require surface water (ephemeral or permanent) for breeding and may utilize pools ranging from flooded rockholes to riverine pools. Therefore, any alteration of surface and groundwater hydrology may negatively impact frog species. To minimise these impacts, a number of recommendations are made (see Recommendations).

4.2.3 Reptiles

A total of 94 reptile species may occur in the Wodgina area (see Table 2). Three of the reptile species that may be present are considered to be of conservation significance. They are discussed below.

Conservation Significance Level 1

Olive Python (Pilbara subsp.) Liasis olivaceus barroni The Pilbara Olive Python is listed as Schedule 1 (ranked as Vulnerable by DEC) under the WA Wildlife Conservation Act and Vulnerable under the Commonwealth’s EPBC Act. This subspecies is restricted to ranges within the Pilbara region, often recorded near waterholes (Wilson and Swann, 2003). Pilbara Olive Pythons occur in rocky areas such as gorges, caves, and rock crevices, and can also burrows beneath rocks or occur in hollow logs (although the occurrence of hollow logs is unlikely at Wodgina due to lack of large trees). They are often are associated with water (in search of prey) and also may search for prey in grassy areas surrounding rocky outcrops. Their diet includes Rock wallabies, Fruit Bats, ducks, Spinifex Pigeons and Coucals. Prey is captured by ambush on animal trails or by striking from a submerged position in water holes (DEWHA, 2008).

The Pilbara Olive Python breeding season usually occurs during June and July, with males moving long distances in search of females. Eggs are layed in November and hatch approximately two months later in mid-January (DEWHA, 2008).

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This species was reported to occur at Wodgina by mine staff and is likely to occur within the proposed TSF3 disturbance area. The potential impacts to this species and recommended management measures are discussed in Sections 5 and 6.

Woma or Ramsay’s Python Aspidites ramsayi The Woma Python is listed under Schedule 4 of the WA Wildlife Conservation Act. The southern “wheatbelt” population of this species is considered threatened, however the northern populations do not appear to be threatened. This species utilises a variety of sand-plain habitats (Maryan, 2002). This species is unlikely to occur within the proposed TSF3 disturbance area.

Conservation Significance Level 2

Ctenotus nigrilineata Ctenotus nigrilineata is classified as Priority 2 by the DEC. This species of skink is known only from Woodstock in the arid interior of the Pilbara (Storr et. al., 1999). Ctenotus nigrilineata has been recorded from Triodia pungens hummock grassland at the base of granite outcrops. It is unlikely the project will disturb significant amounts of such habitat, therefore significant impacts to this species are unlikely

One introduced gecko species Hemidactylus frenatus may be present or may colonise buildings associated with the project.

The site inspection and targeted survey recorded 11 species of reptile (see Table 2), of which one was of conservation significance (L. o. barroni). The Pilbara Olive Python has been observed by mine staff at Wodgina. This species is associated with gorges and escarpments of the Pilbara region (Wilson and Swan, 2003). It is likely to occur within the disturbance area along rocky ridges, gullies, areas of outcropping rock and adjacent habitat.

Other reptiles recorded during the site inspection included the Spotted Rock Dtella (Gehyra punctata), Tree Dtella (Gehyra variegata), Bynoe’s Gecko (Heteronotia binoeii), Marbled Velvet Gecko (Oedura marmorata), Beaked Gecko (Rhynchoedura ornata), Ring-tailed Dragon (Ctenophorus caudicinctus), Long-nosed Water-Dragon (Lophognathus longirostris), Ctenotus saxatilis, Yellow-spotted Monitor (Varanus panoptes) and Moon Snake (Furina ornata). Additionally, the Black-headed Python (Aspidites melanocephalus) was recorded, 20 km south of the TSF3 disturbance area.

The proposed development may impact on local reptile populations in several ways: • Increased road-kill of slow-moving species e.g. pythons; • Loss of habitat; • Increasing the number of introduced predators e.g. feral cats and foxes; and • Altering the local fire regime.

To minimise these impacts, a number of recommendations are made (see Recommendations).

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4.2.4 Birds

A total of 136 bird species are expected in the Wodgina area (see Table 3). This list excludes species that may occur as vagrants. Sixteen of the bird species that may occur in the study area are considered to be of conservation significance and are discussed below. A total of 49 bird species were recorded during the site inspection (See Table 3), three of which are conservation significant (Australian Bustard, Bush Stone-curlew and Rainbow Bee-eater).

Conservation Significance Level 1

Great Egret Ardea alba Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatalis Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus

These eight bird species are listed as Migratory under the JAMBA, CAMBA and/or Bonn Convention, and as such are also protected under the EPBC Act. Those species covered under JAMBA are also protected under Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Conservation Act. The majority of these species are generally associated aquatic habitats and may periodically utilise the wetland habitats created by the existing tailings storage facility (two wetland species the Red-capped Plover and Black- fronted Plover were recorded from TSF3 during the site inspection). However the proposed project will not impact this temporary use and is unlikely to significantly effect these species.

Exceptions to this are the Oriental Pratincole, which prefers open plains (so is unlikely to occur in the disturbance footprint) the Fork-tailed Swift and the Rainbow Bee-eater.

The Fork-tailed Swift is an aerial species that occurs largely independent of terrestrial habitat types. The Fork-tailed Swift is likely to be a highly mobile and irregular vagrant over the site. This species is highly aerial and unlikely to be impacted by the project.

The Rainbow Bee-eater migrates between Australia and Japan, breeding in New Guinea and Australia. The Rainbow Bee-eater is found throughout mainland Australia, as well as eastern Indonesia, New Guinea and, rarely, the Solomon Islands. In Australia it is widespread, except in desert areas, and breeds throughout most of its range, although southern birds move north to breed. It occurs in the better watered parts of Western Australia, between the Kimberley and south-west, preferring lightly wooded, preferably sandy country near water (Johnstone and Storr, 1998). This species can occur as a resident, breeding visitor, postnuptial nomad, passage migrant or winter visitor. It nests in burrows dug usually at a slight angle in flat ground, gently elevated slopes, sandy banks or cuttings, and often at the margins of roads or tracks. The Rainbow Bee-eater has a very widespread distribution over Australia, wintering

Bamford CONSULTING ECOLOGISTS 26 Talison Minerals Pty. Ltd. TSF 3 Fauna Assessment in northern Australia and Indonesia, and migrating south during September and October (Johnstone & Storr, 1998). The Rainbow Bee-eater was recorded during the site inspection from drainage lines to the North of the current TSF3. Impacts associated with this project are unlikely to disturb nesting habitat suitable for this species. Rainbow bee-eaters mostly eat flying insects. The project is unlikely to have a significant effect on foraging habitat given the small scale of disturbance proposed

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus The Peregrine Falcon is classified as “Specially Protected Fauna” under the Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Conservation Act. This species is found in a variety of habitats, including rocky ledges, cliffs, watercourses, open woodland and acacia shrublands. The distribution of the Peregrine Falcon is often tied to the abundance of prey as this species predates heavily on other birds. The Peregrine Falcon lays its eggs in recesses of cliff faces, tree hollows or in large abandoned nests of other birds (Birds Australia, 2008). The Peregrine Falcon mates for life with pairs maintaining a home range of about 20 -30 km square throughout the year. Blakers et al. (1984) consider that Australia is one of the strongholds of the species, since it has declined in many other parts of the world. Breeding habitat of the Peregrine Falcon, such as cliffs and tree hollows are unlikely to be disturbed by activities associated with this project, therefore significant impacts to this species are unlikely. This species may be a periodic visitor to the site.

Conservation Significance Level 2

Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos The Grey Falcon is classified as Priority 4 by the DEC and Near Threatened by Garnett and Crowley (2000). This species appears to have a distribution centred around ephemeral or permanent drainage lines and may breed in the Wodgina area, utilising old nests of other species situated in the tallest trees along the river systems (Garnett and Crowley 2000). Although the main threats to this species are not known, regional threats may include habitat degradation through grazing, which may have reduced prey abundance (Garnett and Crowley 2000). The project will not disturb the drainage lines to the north of TSF3 therefore impacts to this species are unlikely.

Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis The Australian Bustard is classified as Priority 4 by the DEC and Near Threatened by Garnett and Crowley (2000). This species is associated with a variety of grassland, grassy woodland and shrubland habitats, with the main threats to its survival being a combination of habitat loss/degradation and predation by feral cats and foxes. The Australian Bustard may periodically utilise habitat within the proposed disturbance area, however the majority of the disturbance area does not contain suitable habitat for this species – therefore significant impacts to this species are unlikely.

Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius The Bush Stone-curlew is classified as Priority 4 by the DEC and Near Threatened by Garnett and Crowley (2000). In the Pilbara, it is often associated with woodlands and shrublands along ephemeral or permanent watercourses (M. Bamford pers. obs.). Threats to the species include increased predation by foxes and habitat degradation from pastoralism (Garnett and Crowley, 2000). This species as recorded near TSF3 (at

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50K, 669234 E, 7659098 N) and may occur within the proposed disturbance footprint within woodlands or shrublands associated with drainage. Given the drainage lines to the north of TSF3 will not be disturbed by this project, it is unlikely that the project will result in significant habitat loss for this species. Therefore significant impacts to this species are unlikely.

Star Finch (western) Neochmia ruficauda subclarescens The western race of the Star Finch is classified as Priority 4 by the DEC and Near Threatened by Garnett and Crowley (2000). Although the main threat to this taxon is thought to be over-grazing of habitat, its preference for woodland and grassland habitats near water (Garnett and Crowley 2000) may make it susceptible to any changes that impact on riparian systems. Given the drainage lines to the north of TSF3 will not be disturbed by this project, it is unlikely that the project will result in significant habitat loss for this species. Therefore significant impacts to this species are unlikely.

Conservation Significance Level 3

Grey Honeyeater Conopophila whitei The Grey Honeyeater is uncommon throughout the Murchison and Pilbara, being recorded from a few, scattered localities (Birds Australia, 2008). This species inhabits low acacia woodlands and shrublands, particularly those dominated by mulga (Acacia aneura), across arid central Australia. The Grey Honeyeater is often associated with thornbills or the Western Gerygone (Johnstone, 2004). This species was recorded from an Acacia thicket associated with a drainage line in the north of the proposed disturbance area. Given the drainage lines to the north of TSF3 will not be disturbed by this project, it is unlikely that the project will result in significant habitat loss for this species. Therefore significant impacts to this species are unlikely.

Rufous-crowned Emu-wren Stipiturus ruficeps Striated Grasswren Amytornis striatus These two species are patchily distributed in the Pilbara and have declined in some areas. The Rufous Crowned Emu-wren and Striated Grasswren are associated with spinifex, particularly tall, dense and long-unburnt mature hummock grasslands. Some suitable habitat is present in the project area, and the Striated Grass-wren was recorded from the rocky ridge fringing the current TSF3. The development is unlikely to affect these species unless it results in an increase in fire frequency. Recommendations for the management of fire are contained in Section 6 of this report.

The proposed development may impact on these and other bird species in several ways:  Alteration of local hydrology;  Loss of habitat;  Increased road-kill of slower-moving species e.g. Australian Bustards;  Increasing the number of introduced predators e.g. feral cats and foxes;  Altering the local fire regime; and  Disturbance or loss of breeding sites.

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To minimise these potential impacts, a number of recommendations are made (see Recommendations). With the implementation of the recommended management measures it is unlikely there will be significant impacts to these species. No introduced bird species are known from the region. One bird species of conservation significance, the Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis), is likely to be extinct in the local area and has not been included in the expected list.

4.2.5 Mammals

A total of 41 native mammal species and six feral species may occur in the study area (see Table 4). The site inspection and targeted survey recorded 11 species of native mammal (see Table 4), four of which are of conservation significance (Northern Quoll - Dasyurus hallucatus, Rothschild’s Rock Wallaby - Petrogale rothschildi, Ghost Bat - Macroderma gigas, and Western Pebble Mound Mouse - Pseudomys chapmani). Additionally the Little red Kaluta (Dasykaluta rosamondae), endemic to the Pilbara region, was recorded.

The Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) and Common Rock Rat (Zyzomys argurus) were trapped using Elliot traps established along on rocky ridge on the western boundary of TSF3. The Ghost Bat (Macroderma gigas), Little Red Kaluta (Dasykaluta rosamondae,), Sandy Inland Mouse (Pseudomys hermannsburgensis), White-striped Mastiff Bat (Tadarida australis), Common Sheath-tail Bat (Taphozous georgianus), Euro (Macropus robustus) and Dingo (Canis lupus dingo) were directly observed during the site inspection. Mounds (active and inactive) constructed by the Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) and scats most likely attributable to Rothschild’s Rock Wallaby (Petrogale rothschildi) were also recorded.

Eleven native mammals that may occur in the Wodgina area are considered to be of conservation significance and are discussed below.

Conservation Significance Level 1

Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus

The status of the Northern Quoll has recently been upgraded to Endangered under the EPBC Act. This species inhabits rock crevices, tree hollows and termite mounds. The Northern Quoll is often associated with rocky areas in the Pilbara but also occurs along watercourses. The Northern Quoll formerly occurred across much of northern Australia from the Pilbara to Brisbane, but now occurs in a number of fragmented populations across its former range (DEWHA, 2008).

In Western Australia the Northern Quoll is restricted to the Pilbara and Kimberley regions. Between 1900-1990, Northern Quolls had apparently disappeared from the south east and south west Kimberley region and had undergone a substantial decline in the Pilbara (DEWHA, 2008). In the Pilbara region, the species distribution is now considered to be fragmented and mostly confined to the larger conservation reserves as well as to the Burrup Peninsula. Populations are considered to have been declining since the mid 1980s with the precise causes unknown, although it is considered that altered fire regimes and the impact of cattle (both feral and managed) on the landscape may have played an important role.

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A number of factors are considered to be threatening to the survival of the Northern Quoll including inappropriate fire regimes, predation following fire and lethal toxic ingestion of Cane Toad toxin (DEWHA, 2008). Poisoning as a result of the ingestion of Cane Toad toxin is considered to have had a catastrophic impact on Northern Quoll populations in the Northern Territory and Queensland. The Cane Toad will most likely colonise much of the remainder of the Northern Quoll’s natural mainland range over the next 10 – 20 years and it is likely that the species decline will continue.

The Northern Quoll was recorded from the project area. Five captures (at least three individuals) were recorded from Elliot traps situated along the rocky ridge directly west of the TSF3. Additionally, Northern Quoll scats were located in caves in the southern parts of the TSF3 disturbance area. The Northern Quoll was also recorded 20 km south of Wodgina from observation (50K, 658438E, 7637119 N) and from numerous scats.

Significant Northern Quoll habitat in Wodgina area consists of rocky outcrops and ridges, containing caves, cracks and crevices for shelter. While Quolls may forage over other areas, actual shelter (and therefore breeding habitat) is restricted to these rocky areas. This type of habitat occurs within the proposed disturbance area for the TSF3 expansion, both along the western ridge to be impacted by the 15 m lift and in a small area within the Southern Expansion footprint. The potential impacts to this species and recommended management measures are discussed in Sections 5 and 6.

Plate 4: Northern Quoll scats found on a rocky ledge in the southern area of the TSF3 disturbance footprint.

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Mulgara Dasycercus cristicauda The Mulgara is listed as Vulnerable by Maxwell et al. (1996) and the relevant state and commonwealth acts. The species is found in mature spinifex grasslands on sandy and sandy-loam soils, often associated with (paleo-) drainage lines. Threats to the species may include habitat alteration through changing fire regimes and introduced grazers e.g. rabbits and cattle; and increased predation by introduced predators e.g. cats and foxes (Maxwell et al. 1996). This species has been recorded near Wodgina at Kangan (DEC Threatened Species Database, 2008) however, is unlikely to occur within the proposed disturbance area due to a lack of suitable habitat.

Bilby Macrotis lagotis The Bilby is listed as Vulnerable by Maxwell et al. (1996) and the relevant state and commonwealth acts. The species formerly utilised a wide range of habitat types across the continent. Extant populations are restricted to a variety of “tall shrublands, open woodlands, hummock grasslands and sparse forblands” (Maxwell et al., 1996). Threats to the species are much the same as those affecting Mulgara (see above) e.g altered fire regimes, introduced grazers and predators. The species appears to remain widespread in the Great Sandy Desert (M. Bamford pers. obs.) and scattered populations occur across the northern Pilbara, including close to Port Hedland. In the Great Sandy Desert, the species appears most common in acacia shrublands associated with paleo-drainage lines, where the soils are sandy loams. This species has been recorded near Wodgina at Kangan (DEC Threatened Species Database, 2008) however, is unlikely to occur within the proposed disturbance area due to a lack of suitable habitat.

Orange Leaf-nosed Bat Rhinonicteris aurantius The Orange Leaf-nosed Bat is classified as Vulnerable by Duncan et al. (1999) and the relevant state and commonwealth acts. This bat requires very hot (28 – 32 ºC) and very humid (96 – 100%) roost sites in caves and/or mines. Possible threats to the species include a loss of roost sites due to the collapse and flooding of old mines. Disturbance caused by current mining activity may also be an issue (Duncan et al. 1999). This species is unlikely to occur within the proposed disturbance footprint (due to a lack of suitable habitat) however may occur in caves associated with nearby hills and ridges.

Conservation Significance Level 2

Long-tailed Dunnart Sminthopsis longicaudata The Long-tailed Dunnart is listed as Priority 3 by the DEC. The species appears to be a specialist of rocky habitats. Possible threats include habitat alteration due to introduced herbivores e.g. cattle and rabbits, inappropriate fire regimes and invasion by buffel grass; and predation by cats and foxes (Pavey, 2006). This species may occur along the ridges and rocky outcrops within the proposed disturbance area, however given the significant areas of rocky habitat that occur at Wodgina outside the disturbance area, the proportional habitat loss for this species is low. Therefore significant impacts to this species are unlikely.

Ngadji/Western Pebble-mound Mouse Pseudomys chapmani The Western Pebble-mound Mouse is listed as Priority 4 by the DEC and Insufficiently known by Lee (1995). This species generally occurs on the lower slopes

Bamford CONSULTING ECOLOGISTS 31 Talison Minerals Pty. Ltd. TSF 3 Fauna Assessment of rocky hills, where it uses small stones to build its distinctive mounds (Strahan, 1998). Possible threats to the species may be increased predation by introduced predators e.g. feral cats and foxes (Lee, 1995). Four old, inactive pebble mounds were recorded from low stony rises within the northern parts of the TSF3 project area (see Appendix 2 for locations). However given the area to the North of TSF3 will not be disturbed by the project, impact to this species are unlikely

Plate 5: Inactive pebble-mound recorded from the north of the proposed TSF3.

Spectacled Hare-Wallaby (mainland subsp) Lagorchestes conspicillatus leichardtii The Spectacled Hare-Wallaby (mainland subsp.) is listed as Priority 3 by the DEC and Lower Risk (near threatened) by Maxwell et al. (1996). Within Western Australia, this species is now restricted to a few small isolated patches in the Pilbara and Kimberley. Threats to the species may include those that alter habitat, such as altered fire regimes and introduced grazers e.g. cattle and rabbits; and introduced predators e.g. foxes and feral cats (Maxwell et al. 1996). It can also be vulnerable to roadkill. The Spectacled Hare-Wallaby is unlikely to occur within the proposed TSF3 disturbance footprint, but has been recorded near Wodgina at Pilgangoora (DEC Threatened Species Database, 2008). This species may occur in areas of suitable habitat on the plains approximately 20 km to the South of the Wodgina mine site.

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Ghost Bat Macroderma gigas The Ghost Bat is listed as Priority 4 by the DEC and Lower Risk (near threatened) by Duncan et. al. (1999). This species roosts in caves and old abandoned mine shafts and is threatened by disturbance, loss of roost sites, habitat alteration (e.g. altered fire regimes, grazing by livestock and barb-wire fencing) and competition from introduced predators (e.g. feral cats and foxes, Duncan et al. 1999). This species is unlikely to be dependant on habitats within the proposed TSF3 disturbance footprint, due a lack of large caves in the area, however may occur in adjacent areas. Numerous old mine shafts occur approximately 20 km south of the Wodgina mine site, with the potential to support populations of Ghost Bat.

Kerakenga/Lakeland Downs Mouse Leggadina lakedownensis The Lakeland Downs Mouse is classified as Priority 4 by the DEC. Populations of the Lakeland Downs Mouse appear to fluctuate dramatically, probably in response to environmental conditions and food availability. The Pilbara population, which may represent a distinct taxon (Strahan 1995), has a preference for sandy and cracking clay/gilgai soils (B. Metcalf pers. obs.). This species is unlikely to occur in the proposed disturbance area due to lack of suitable habitat.

Conservation Significance Level 3:

Rothschild’s Rock Wallaby Petrogale rothschildi Rothschild’s Rock Wallaby is endemic to the Pilbara region including the Dampier Archipelago. This species inhabits granite rock piles, rocky ridges and outcrops and has a fragmented range within the Pilbara. Recent studies have implicated the European Red Fox in the decline of Petrogale rothschildi within its mainland range. While Rothschild’s Rock Wallaby has remained abundant on the fox-free islands of the Dampier Archipelago, populations on the mainland have declined (Strahan, 1995). Scats likely to belong to this species were found within the rocky ridges and caves within the TSF3 disturbance footprint. Petrogale rothschildi has been recorded near the project area from rocky ridge 20 km east (694679E, 7654681N, J. Turpin, pers. obs.). This species has a habitat limited distribution within the Pilbara, however habitat loss as a result of the proposed project is likely to be minimal. Impacts may arise from road-kill. Management measures for this issue are discussed in Section 6.

Northern Brush-tailed Possum Trichosurus vulpecula arnhemensis The Northern Brushtail Possum inhabits northern Western Australia, including the Kimberly and Pilbara regions (Strahan, 1995). In the Pilbara, the Northern Brushtail Possum has a highly restricted range. Trichosurus vulpecula arnhemensis is unlikely to occur within the Wodgina area.

The proposed development may potentially impact on these and other species in several ways:  Loss of gully/gorge habitat important for the Northern Quoll and Olive Python;  Disturbance to bat roosts;  Increasing the number of introduced predators e.g. feral cats and foxes;  Altering the local fire regime; and  Disturbance/ changes to local hydrology.

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To minimise these potential impacts, a number of recommendations are made (see Recommendations – Section 6).

A number of mammal species now considered locally or nationally extinct formerly occurred in the Wodgina area (Table 4). These include the Boodie or Burrowing Bettong (Bettongia lesueur) and Lesser Stick-nest Rat (Leporillus apicalis). Old abandoned stick-nests of the Lesser Stick-nest Rat have been recorded from the region (J. Turpin, pers. obs.).

Two introduced mammal species, the Feral Cat (Felis catus) and Camel (Camelus dromedarius) were recorded during the site inspection. The introduced House Mouse (Mus musculus), Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), Cattle (Bos taurus), Goat (Capra hircus) and Donkey (Equus asinus) have also been recorded from the region (Table 4).

4.2.6 Short-range Endemic Invertebrates

Invertebrates in general are beyond the scope of assessment for environmental impact assessment because there are so many species and their taxonomy is so poorly understood, but it is possible to focus on a small range of taxa that are short-range endemics (SRE’s). Harvey (2002) notes that the majority of invertebrate species that have been classified as short-range endemics have common life history characteristics such as poor powers of dispersal or confinement to discontinuous habitats. Several groups, therefore, have particularly high instances of short-range endemic species: Gastropoda (snails and slugs), Oligochaeta (earthworms), Onychophora (velvet worms), Araneae (mygalomorph spiders), Schizomida (schizomids; spider-like arachnids), Diplopoda (millipedes), Phreatoicidea (phreatoicidean crustaceans), and Decapoda (freshwater crayfish).

There is no information available regarding invertebrate fauna of the Wodgina region, and very little is known about short range endemic invertebrates in the Pilbara generally (McKenzie et al. 2002); although there are ongoing studies. Searching was carried out wherever suitable habitat (such as caves and moist gullies) was found, but no taxa likely to include short range endemic species were encountered.

The proposed TSF3 disturbance area contains habitat suitable to support short-range endemic species. Such habitat includes caves, rocky crevices, small rock pools and areas within gullies and gorges where moisture is concentrated.

The project lies within an (approximately) 4000ha area of isolated rocky uplands surrounded by plains. As a result, some locally occurring invertebrate species restricted to rocky areas may have undergone some level of speciation in the region. However, the proportion of rocky habitat within the proposed disturbance area is minimal.

Conservation of short-range endemic invertebrates may be achieved by protecting habitat with little knowledge of the species present. No short-range endemic species were recorded during the site inspection although the gully habitats and caves present are ideal habitats for these species (land snails in particular). It should be assumed

Bamford CONSULTING ECOLOGISTS 34 Talison Minerals Pty. Ltd. TSF 3 Fauna Assessment that some short-range endemic invertebrate species occur within the project area, however given the scale of disturbance (10 ha) and the surrounding habitat available, the impact on SRE’s is unlikely to be significant.

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5. IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Development of the TSF3 project may adversely impact upon fauna in a number of ways. For example:

 Death/injury of fauna during clearing, grading and impacts with vehicles/machinery;  Loss of habitat (clearing);  Fragmentation of habitat;  Obstructions (e.g. pipes on ground, roads) to the movements of terrestrial fauna;  Impacts to surface and groundwater flows (through vegetation clearing, interception of the ground water table, dewatering, obstruction to natural flows, creek diversions);  Introduction of permanent water storages;  Disturbance of fauna in nearby areas from light, blasting vibrations, noise and even personnel feeding selected species;  Changes in the abundance of feral species; and/or  Direct and indirect impacts of dust.

Some impacts upon fauna are unavoidable during a resource development project. Of concern are long-term, deleterious impacts upon biodiversity. These are discussed below under the following categories:

 Habitats. Impacts may be significant if the habitat is rare, a large proportion of the habitat is affected and/or the habitat supports significant fauna.  Significant fauna. Impacts may be significant if species of conservation importance are affected.  Processes. Ecological processes are complex and can include hydrology, fire, predator/prey relationships and spatial distribution of a population (see discussion below). Impacts upon ecological processes may be significant if large numbers of species or large proportions of populations are affected.  Patterns of biodiversity. Species are not distributed evenly across the landscape or even within one vegetation/landform type. There may be zones of high biodiversity such as particular habitats or ecotones (transitions between habitats).

5.1 Habitat Types

The main habitat types are described is section 4.1 (above). The extent and impact on each habitat type can be summarised as follows:

1. Low stony rises:  Representation. Widespread in region. Occurs to the north of TSF3.  Conservation significance. Suitable habitat for Pseudomys chapmani (four old, inactive mounds were located).  Impact. Given the area to the North is not currently proposed to be developed it is unlikely that much of this habitat type will beimpacted.  Significance of impact. Low because habitat is widespread and area of potential impact is low

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2. Creeklines:  Representation. Small creeklines are very widespread in the Pilbara and in the Wodgina area, Linear Infrastructure Corridor.  Conservation significance. Small creeklines with their associated vegetation and soils are a distinctive habitat that is small in area and linear, thus providing corridors for movement of fauna across the landscape. They may also include seasonal pools. As a result, they are likely to be areas of high or unusual biodiversity. The Bush Stone- curlew may occur along minor watercourses and other species of significant fauna may be present. The small area, linkage function, concentration of biodiversity and possibility of at least some species of conservation significance make ephemeral drainage lines moderate to high in conservation significance.  Impact. Some Ephemeral drainage lines may be affected by the proposed development, or may be affected by changes in hydrology, although this is expected to be minimal given the area north of TSF3 is not currently being developed.  Significance of impact. Low on a local scale because only a small proportion of the habitat within the TSF3 Project. Drainage lines to the North of TSF3 will not be disturbed. On a regional scale the habitat is well-represented.

3. Rocky hills:  Representation. The project lies within an area of approximately 4000 ha of isolated rocky uplands surrounded by plains.  Conservation significance. Contains conservation significant species including the Northern Quoll, Olive Python and suitable for SRE species. The hills are also important as they represent the catchment area of minor watercourses. Gorges and gullies are often a highly significant feature of rocky hills in the Pilbara.  Impact. An area of rocky hills immediately to the west of the current tailings facility lies within the disturbance area.  Significance of impact. Moderate as the area contains conservation significant species however the area of disturbance contains a relatively small proportion of the locally occurring rocky hills. Therefore it is unlikely to have a significant effect on species which utilise these habitats.

4. Gullies and minor gorges  Representation. Gorges and gullies are widespread across the Pilbara, but are a small part of the landscape. Minor gorges occur to the south and north-east of the current TSF3.  Conservation significance. Gorges and gullies are likely to be of high conservation significance because they are a rare habitat with features (such as mesic conditions) important for short-range endemic invertebrates and are likely to support the Northern Quoll and Olive Python.  Impact. The minor gorges to the north and south are likely to occur outside the proposed disturbance footprint.  Significance of impact. Low due to the low level of disturbance.

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5.1.1 Significant Habitats

The locations of the significant habitat occurring within the TSF3 survey area are listed below. It should be noted that most of these habitats are outside the disturbance footprint. The only two habitats which lie within the disturbance footprint are shaded in grey in the table below (a rocky outcrop south of TSF3 and the Western Rocky Ridge of the existing TSF3).

Habitat Location Zone: Easting Northing Comments 50 K Cave TSF3, southern 672880 7655008 Northern Quoll scats, habitat area suitable for Short Range Endemics (SREs), Olive Python Cave TSF3, southern 672871 7655023 Northern Quoll scats, habitat area suitable for SREs, Olive Python Gully, minor TSF3, northern 672216 7656878 Potential habitat for Northern gorge area Quoll, Olive Python, SREs – outside disturbance footprint. Rocky Outcrop, TSF3, southern 672840 7655162 Potential habitat for Northern crevice area Quoll, Olive Python Western Rocky Along Western See See Figure Potential habitat for Northern Ridge Border of current Figure 6* 6* Quoll, Olive Python, SREs TSF 3 Drainage Line TSF3, northern 672504 7657085 Drainage with Eucalypts, area supported numerous Honeyeater species and Rainbow Bee-eater – outside disturbance footprint Drainage Line TSF3, northern 672371 7657525 Drainage with Eucalypts, area supported numerous Honeyeater species and Rainbow Bee-eater – outside disturbance footprint. Pebble Mounds North of TSF 3 See See Figure Inactive mounds, North of Figure 6** TSF3 – outside disturbance 6** footprint. Notes: * Coordinates not provided given ridge is a continuous feature rather than a single point. ** Coordinates provided in Appendix 2

Figure 6 shows the significant fauna habitats within the survey area. Rocky ridges, caves, minor gorges, and drainage lines are recognised as significant fauna habitats in the area. As such, disturbance to these areas should be minimised.

Figure 7 shows the significant fauna habitat which will be effected by the project disturbance (approximately 4.2 ha along the western ridge and a single rocky outcrop in the Southern Extension at 672840 E and 7655162 N of approximately 0.3 ha). As shown in Figure 7, the caves with quoll scats are outside the proposed disturbance footprint.

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Figure 6: Significant Fauna Habitat within Survey Area

Western Rocky Ridge

Bamford CONSULTING ECOLOGISTS 39 Talison Minerals Pty. Ltd. TSF 3 Fauna Assessment Figure 7: Significant Fauna Habitat and Project Disturbance Area

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5.2 Significant species

The desktop review found that 31conservation significant vertebrate species may occur in the vicinity of the Wodgina project area. However, some species are likely to be infrequent visitors to the site or are unlikely to be present in habitats found within the project area.

Sixteen conservation significant species occur or are considered likely to occur within the actual disturbance footprint. These are:  Olive Python (reported to occur in area by mine staff, CS1)  Glandular Toadlet (likely, CS3)  Peregrine Falcon (likely, CS1)  Grey Falcon (likely in the greater area, CS2)  Bush Stone-curlew (CS2, recorded nearby, suitable habitat present)  Australian Bustard (CS2, recorded nearby, suitable habitat present)  Fork-tailed Swift (CS1, likely to be a seasonal visitor only)  Rainbow Bee-eater (CS1, likely to be a seasonal visitor only)  Grey Honeyeater (recorded, CS3)  Striated Grass-wren (recorded, CS3)  Rufous-crowned Emu-wren (likely, CS3)  Northern Quoll (CS1, recorded)  Western Pebble-mound Mouse (recorded, CS2)  Long-tailed Dunnart (CS2)  Ctenotus nigrolineata (CS2)  Rothschild’s Rock-Wallaby (CS3, recorded)

Some additional significant species have the potential to occur in habitat outside the project area including Rocky Hills and ridges west and south of the project area and Spinifex sandplains in adjacent areas (in the Wodgina region). These include:  Mulgara (CS1)  Greater Bilby (CS1)  Spectacled Hare-Wallaby (CS2)  Woma Python (CS1)  Ghost Bat (recorded, CS2)  Orange Leaf-nosed Bat (CS1)

Conservation Significant species are briefly described above (Sections 4.2), listed in Table 6 and impacts are summarised in Table 7. It is recommended that disturbance to habitats that support significant species is minimised and carefully managed where disturbance is necessary. Impacts on the majority of fauna species are expected to be moderate to low because of the relatively small size of the proposed development.

5.2.1 EPBC Species

The key species listed under the EPBC Act which may utilise habitat in the Wodgina area include:  Northern Quoll – Dasyurus hallacatus (listed as Endangered)  Olive Python – Liasis olivaceus barroni (listed as Vulnerable)  Rainbow Bee-eater – Merops ornatus (listed as Migratory)

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A number of EPBC Act Policy Statements have been released by the Federal Government including “Policy Statement 1.1: Significant Impact Guidelines” The purpose of this Policy Statement is to assist any person who proposes to take an action to decide whether or not they should submit a referral to the Australian Government under the EPBC Act. The guidelines contain “Significant Impact Criteria” for each matter of national environmental significance. Tables A and B below are an assessment of the Wodgina TSF Expansion Project against the Significant Impact Criteria (as listed in Policy Statement 1.1) for Endangered and Vulnerable species under the EPBC Act.

Each of these species is discussed below.

Northern Quoll

Significant Northern Quoll habitat in Wodgina area consists of large rocky outcrops and ridges, containing caves, cracks and crevices for shelter. While Quolls may forage over other areas, actual shelter (and therefore breeding habitat) is restricted to these rocky areas. This type of habitat occurs in the disturbance area for the TSF3 expansion, both along the western ridge to be impacted by the 15 m lift and in a small area of Rocky Outcrop within the Southern Expansion footprint.

Olive Python

Like the Northern Quoll, Pilbara Olive Pythons occur in rocky areas such as gorges, caves, and rock crevices, and can also burrows beneath rocks or occur in hollow logs (although the occurrence of hollow logs is unlikely at TSF3 due to a lack of large trees). They are often are associated with water (in search of prey) and also may search for prey in grassy areas surrounding rocky outcrops. Prey is captured by ambush on animal trails or by striking from a submerged position in water holes (DEWHA, 2008). Habitat critical for the survival of this species is likely to include rocky outcrop areas (similar to Northern Quolls) and gnamma holes (rock pools containing water). Like the Northern Quoll, important Olive Python habitat occurs both along the western ridge to be impacted by the 15 m lift and in a small area of Rocky Outcrop within the Southern Expansion footprint.

Rainbow Bee-eater

The Rainbow Bee-eater inhabits lightly wooded, preferably sandy country near water (Johnstone and Storr, 1998). In the Wodgina area this habitat is mostly restricted to wooded drainage lines and major drainage lines containing sandy banks and associated sandy floodplains. The Rainbow Bee-eater constructs its nests in burrows dug usually at a slight angle in flat ground, gently elevated slopes, sandy banks or cuttings, and often at the margins of roads or tracks. Potential breeding habitat for the Rainbow Bee-eater includes the sandy banks of major watercourses and the associated sandy plains. Although nesting may also occur along roads in sandy areas. It is unlikely significant habitat for the Rainbow Bee-eater will be affected by the project.

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Regional Habitat - Northern Quoll and Olive Python

The project lies within an area of approximately 3260 ha of isolated rocky uplands surrounded by large areas of plains (refer to Figures 7 and 8). The rocky uplands around Wodgina contain numerous rocky ridges, minor gorges, caves and crevices and as a result contain habitat suitable to support the Northern Quoll and Olive Python. These species have been recorded from the site offices, tailings facility and camp and are likely occur throughout the local area of rocky uplands. Since Northern Quolls and Olive Pythons are generally restricted to rocky areas in the Pilbara this species is likely to have a locally restricted population (habitat limited) within the 3260 ha of rocky uplands around the Wodgina area (NB – this area has been calculated to ensure it only includes undisturbed habitat – ie. Mining areas and TSF3 are not included in this area). Figure 7. Rocky Uplands in the Wodgina Area on 1:50,000 Topography Map. Suitable habitat for the Northern Quoll occurs in areas adjacent to the proposed TSF3 and is marked by the black polygon. Note the existing tailings facility at Wodgina is marked in red.

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Figure 8: Rocky Uplands in the Wodgina Area on Aerial Photography

Outline of Habitat Suitable for Northern Quoll and Olive Python (aprox. 3260 ha)

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Proportional Habitat Loss Northern Quoll and Olive Python

The TSF3 expansion project will result in approximately 4.5 ha of disturbance of Northern Quoll and Olive Python habitat (4.2 ha along the western rocky ridge of TSF3 and an additional 0.3 ha of rocky habitat within the Southern Expansion area at 672840 E and 7655162 N).

Within the rocky uplands surrounding the Wodgina site there is approximately 3260 ha of suitable Northern Quoll and Olive Python habitat (refer to Figures 7 and 8).

Therefore the proportional habitat loss resulting from the project is 4.5/3260 x 100 = 0.14%. Given this proportional habitat loss is very low, it is unlikely there will be significant impacts to the Northern Quoll or Olive Python as a result of this project.

Other Potential Impacts

Other potential impacts to fauna (including the Northern Quoll, Olive Python and Rainbow Bee-eater) such as noise and road deaths etc are discussed in Section 5.3. Implementation of recommended management measures will ensure these impacts are not significant.

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5.2.2 Assessment Against EPBC Significant Impact Criteria

Table A below is an assessment of the TSF3 Expansion against the Significant Impact Criteria (as listed in Policy Statement 1.1) for Endangered and Vulnerable species under the EPBC Act.

Table A: Significant Impact Criteria for Endangered and Vulnerable Species Potentially Occurring Within the TSF3 Disturbance Area: Northern Quoll and Olive Python

Criteria Assessment of TSF 3 Expansion Impact on Northern Quoll Assessment of TSF3 Expansion Impact on Olive Python Long-term decrease A long-term decrease in the size of the local population in the Same as Northern Quoll. in the size of a Wodgina area (or the regional Pilbara population) is unlikely population? given the proportion of suitable habitat to be affected is very low (estimated 0.14% of total habitat available) Reduction in area During the non-breeding season, Northern Quoll home ranges Olive Pythons occur throughout the region however are restricted to of occupancy of the are about 35 Ha but this can increase to about 100 Ha for males particular habitats. The proportion of Olive Python habitat to be species? during the breeding season (Woinarski, 2006). The proportion affected by the project is very low (estimated 0.14% of total habitat of Northern Quoll habitat to be affected by is very low available). Therefore the area of occupancy in the Wodgina area is (estimated 0.14% of total habitat available). Therefore the area unlikely to be reduced. The Olive Python is widespread in the of occupancy in the Wodgina area is unlikely to be reduced. The Pilbara region - therefore the area of occupancy of the species Northern Quoll also occurs across a large part of the Northern within the Pilbara region is very unlikely to be affected. Pilbara - therefore the area of occupancy of the species within the Pilbara region is unlikely to be affected. Fragment an Fragmentation of the Wodgina area local population is unlikely Same as Northern Quoll. existing given: population?  Only a small proportion of suitable habitat (0.14%) will be disturbed.  Vehicle movements on tracks will be very minimal and measures are in place to prevent road kills.  The TSF3 extension is not large enough to impede Northern Quoll movements from one area of habitat to another. Existing populations will be able to move around the TSF3. Adversely affect The proportion of Northern Quoll habitat to be affected by the The proportion of Olive Python habitat to be affected by the project

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Criteria Assessment of TSF 3 Expansion Impact on Northern Quoll Assessment of TSF3 Expansion Impact on Olive Python habitat critical to project is very low (estimated 0.14% of total habitat available). is very low (estimated 0.14% of total habitat available). The 4.5 ha survival of species? The 4.5 ha of total habitat that will be affected is not deemed of total habitat that will be affected is not deemed critical to the critical to the survival of the species. survival of the species. Other habitat critical for the survival of this species includes gnamma holes (rock pools). No gnamma holes were identified within the disturbance area. As a result significant habitat loss is unlikely. Disrupt breeding Northern Quolls typically have an annual life-cycle, with almost Olive Python breeding usually occurs in late winter. cycle of species? all males living for only one year. Mating occurs late May-early The breeding season occurs in June and July, with males moving June, most males then subsequently die. Young are typically long distances in search of females. Eggs are layed in November born during the “dry” (June - Sept) and attain independence by and hatch approximately two months later in mid-January the early wet (November). The proposed project will not impact (DEWHA, 2008). the breeding cycle of the species given the proportion of suitable Drilling activities will not impact on breeding habitat (rocky breeding habitat to be effected is very low (estimated to be outcrops and crevices) and therefore the egg laying and hatching 0.14%). process will not be disturbed. Pythons are slow moving reptiles. Vehicle movements on tracks will be very minimal and measures are in place to prevent road kills during the mating season. Will not impact breeding cycle given the proportion of suitable breeding habitat to be effected is very low (estimated to be 0.14%). Modify, destroy, The proportion of Northern Quoll suitable habitat in the Same as Northern Quoll. remove, isolate or Wodgina area affected by the project is likely to be low decrease (estimated 0.14% of total habitat available) and this impact is availability or unlikely to cause a decline in the species. quality of habitat to the extent that species is likely to decline? Result in invasive Activity will not result in introduction of invasive species Same as Northern Quoll. species that are (appropriate management strategies in place). harmful to a CE, E or V species

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Criteria Assessment of TSF 3 Expansion Impact on Northern Quoll Assessment of TSF3 Expansion Impact on Olive Python becoming established in the CE, E or V species habitat? Introduce disease Activity will not introduce disease (appropriate management Same as Northern Quoll. that may cause strategies in place). species to decline? Interfere with Will not affect recovery of species. The Northern Quoll occurs Same as Northern Quoll. recovery of the in relatively high densities in areas of suitable habitat in the local species? area. The proportion of Northern Quoll suitable habitat in the Wodgina area affected by the project is likely to be low (estimated 0.14% of total habitat available). Is a Significant Proposed impact is not considered significant. Disturbance Proposed impact is not considered significant. Disturbance to Impact Expected? to significant habitat minimal. Proportional local habitat significant habitat minimal. Proportional local habitat loss low. loss low.

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Table B: Significant Impact Criteria for Migratory Species Potentially Occurring Within TSF3 Expansion Disturbance Area: Rainbow Bee-eater

Criteria Assessment of TSF3 Expansion Impact on Rainbow Bee-eater

Substantially modify (including by The Rainbow Bee-eater inhabits lightly wooded, preferably sandy country, such as open forests, woodlands fragmenting, altering fire regimes, altering and shrublands, and usually occurs near water (Johnstone and Storr, 1998). It will use disturbed sites such nutrient cycles or altering hydrological cycles), as quarries, cuttings, tracks and mines to build its nesting tunnels (Birds Australia, 2008). In the Wodgina destroy or isolate an area of important habitat area this habitat is mostly restricted to wooded drainage lines and major drainage lines containing sandy for a migratory species; banks and associated sandy floodplains. Significant habitat for the Rainbow Bee-eater has been defined as major drainage lines with fringing woodland, major drainage lines with sandy banks and fringing sandy floodplain. These habitat types will be avoided by the proposed project. The drainage lines identified to the North of TSF3 will not be disturbed by the project. Result in an invasive species that is harmful to Activity will not result in introduction of invasive species (appropriate management strategies in place – the migratory species becoming established in see Section 6). an area of important habitat for the migratory species; Seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, The Rainbow Bee-eater migrates between Australia and Japan, breeding in New Guinea and Australia. The feeding, migration or resting behaviour) of an Rainbow Bee-eater has a very widespread distribution over Australia, wintering in northern Australia and ecologically significant proportion of the Indonesia, and migrating south during September and October (Johnstone & Storr, 1998). population of a migratory species. Rainbow Bee-eaters gather in small flocks before returning to summer breeding areas after over-wintering in the north (although some northern population are resident all year round). In northern Australia, the breeding season extends over the duration of the wet season. In southern Australia, breeding occurs from November to January (Birds Australia, 2008). Southern populations move north, often in huge flocks, during winter (and returning prior to the summer breeding period); northern populations are present year round.

The Rainbow Bee-eater constructs its nests in burrows dug usually at a slight angle in flat ground, gently elevated slopes, sandy banks or cuttings, and often at the margins of roads or tracks. Both males and females select a suitable nesting site in a sandy bank and dig a long tunnel (average length: 89.4 cm)

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leading to a nesting chamber, which is often lined with grasses (Birds Australia, 2008). Both parents incubate the eggs and both feed the young (Birds Australia, 2008). The female lays between 3 and 7 glossy white eggs, which are incubated for about 24 days until hatching. The young bee-eaters fledge after about 30 days and are fed by both parents.

Potential breeding habitat for the Rainbow Bee-eater at Wodgina includes the sandy banks of major watercourses and the associated sandy plains. Although nesting may also occur along roads in sandy areas. The proposed project will not impact the breeding cycle given Rainbow Bee-eater breeding habitat (major drainage lines, sandy banks) will not be disturbed by the proposed project. The drainage lines identified to the North of TSF3 will not be disturbed by the project. Is a Significant Impact Expected? Proposed impact is not considered significant. Disturbance to significant habitat unlikely.

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5.3 Ecological processes

Many of the potential impacts of the proposed development upon fauna can be related to ecological processes. Chapin et al. (2002) defined an ecosystem (ecological) process as the transfer of matter or energy between components (either biotic or abiotic) of an ecosystem. These include processes such as inter- or intra-specific interactions (e.g. predation, competition) and physical or biophysical interactions (e.g. photosynthesis, hydrological fluxes, erosion). Amundson and Jenny (1997) suggest that ecosystem processes (and, hence, ecosystem ‘function’) are driven or influenced by at least five main factors: climate, parent material, topography, biota and time. Human activity may directly or indirectly affect these factors and may, therefore, also impact upon ecosystems and ecosystem processes..

Soule et al. (2004), in a review of the ecological function of landscape connectivity in conservation, identified seven ecological processes that are most relevant to the conservation of biodiversity in Australia. Several of these may be relevant to impacts of the proposal for the TSF3 project:

 interactions between species (including introduced and invasive species);  long distance biological movement (landscape permeability allowing movement of populations across the landscape);  short distance biological movement (gene flow and changes to gene flow);  disturbance and loss of habitat at local and regional scales that exceed natural rates of such disturbance;  global climate change (leading to the decline, disappearance or geographic shift of microhabitats);  hydroecology (interactions between the biota and the hydrology of a site);  increases in nutrients and chemicals (e.g. pesticides, heavy metals) in coastal zones and the impediment of natural water movements and sediment transportation by man-made diversions.

In addition, under the EPBC Act (1999), a key threatening process is defined as an ecological interaction that threatens or may threaten the survival, abundance or evolutionary development of a threatened species or ecological community (DEWR 2007a). There are currently 17 key threatening processes listed by the federal Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA, 2008). Several of these processes may be applicable to the project area:

 Land clearance;  Loss of climatic habitat caused by anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases;  Predation by Feral Cats;  Predation by the European Red Fox;  Competition and land degradation by Feral Goats; and  Competition and land degradation by Feral Rabbits.

There are common themes through the ecological processes outlined by Soule et al. (2004), the key threatening processes listed by (DEWHA 2008) and some of the

Bamford CONSULTING ECOLOGISTS 51 Talison Minerals Pty. Ltd. TSF 3 Fauna Assessment impacts discussed with respect to threatened species. The simplified categories of processes relevant to the project area are discussed below.

5.3.1 Increased mortality

Direct mortality of common species during clearing is unavoidable but can be minimised (see below). Direct mortality of rare species, and ongoing mortality such as due to roadkill, may have a significant impact. Fragmentation of habitat can severely affect wildlife and lead to mortality through collision with vehicles (Jackson and Griffen 2000; Scheik and Jones 1999; Clevenger and Waltho 2000). Dufty (1989) suggested that the greatest cause of adult mortality in populations of Eastern Barred Bandicoots (Peremeles gunni) was due to collisions with vehicles. Jones (2000) documented the sudden decline in a population of Eastern Quolls (Dasyurus viverrinus) and Tasmanian Devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) directly attributed to increased road mortality following the upgrade of a local road. Direct and ongoing mortality (in particular from road collisions) may be a concern for the viability of species that occur at low population densities in areas adjacent to the project area and management measures should be considered as described in Section 6.

5.3.2 Loss of habitat affecting population survival

Some loss of habitat in the project area is inevitable but can be minimised through controls during clearing. Measures should be implemented to ensure impacts to habitats supporting significant species and short-range endemics are minimised. Rehabilitation of some disturbed areas may also be implemented. It should also be noted that whilst some Northern Quoll and Olive Python habitat will be impacted by the proposal, the proportional local habitat loss is very low (less than 1%).

5.3.3 Loss of habitat affecting population movements and gene flow

Areas of disturbance are likely to be small within the overall landscape and therefore should have minimal impact on the movement of individuals and of gene flow except in a few instances. The proposed development does intersect linear habitats that may act as movement corridors. These are mainly ephemeral creeks that will be covered by the TSF3 extension. However disturbance is minimal compared with the wider regional context and should not have a significant impact on population movements and gene flow.

5.3.4 Species interactions, including predators and other feral species

Introduced species, including the Feral Cat, Fox and Rabbit may have adverse impacts upon native species. In particular, some mammal species expected in the area are sensitive to predation by Cats and Foxes. Both can increase in abundance with human activities due either to the inadvertent increase in food supply from scraps and increases in the abundance of rodents, or due to deliberate feeding by personnel.

The Rabbit and Feral Goat also occur in the Wodgina region, increasing grazing pressure on native vegetation and contributing to the degradation of fauna habitats. Densities of these species can also be increased by human activity in the area with increased food and water resources.

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5.3.5 Hydroecology

Interruptions of hydroecological processes can have significant effects because they underpin primary production in ecosystems and there are specific, generally rare habitats that are hydrology-dependent. Roads, Tailings Dams and mining may alter both surface and sub-surface hydrology.

Hydroecological impacts from the proposed project need to be carefully managed to ensure important habitats in the area are not degraded. To do this it is recommended that the majority of drainage tracts and creeklines within the survey area remain undisturbed. Short-range endemic species may also be susceptible to hydroecological changes. As the area north of the tailings facility is not currently proposed to be developed, it is expected that affects to hydroecology will be minimal as it is this area north of TSF3 that contains most of the drainage for the area.

5.3.6 Fire

Fire is a natural feature of the environment but frequent, extensive fires may adversely impact some fauna, particularly mammals and short-range endemic species. Fire Management strategies may be implemented as part of management of the project area to protect long-unburnt habitats that may be important for fauna.

5.3.7 Light and noise

Impacts of light and noise upon fauna are difficult to predict. As such, it is best to take a precautionary approach. The death of very large numbers of insects has been reported around some remote mine sites and attracts other fauna (including introduced predators), as well as presumably reducing the populations of insects in surrounding habitats. These factors may need to be considered in the project area.

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6. MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING RECOMMENDATIONS

Impacts upon fauna due to the construction and operation of the project are likely to be due to loss of habitat, with potential impacts from roadkill, and changes in hydrology, the fire regime and the abundance of introduced predators.

Recommendation 1: Refer the project to the DEWHA Reason: A number of EPBC listed species occur within the project area. Whilst it is unlikely that the EPBC Significant Impact Criteria are triggered, it is recommended that to give Talison project certainty, a formal decision on this is sought via referral of the project under the EPBC Act to DEWHA.

Recommendation 2: Limit loss of habitat by minimising clearance of all native vegetation. Limit loss of habitat by restricting vegetation clearance and land disturbance to previously disturbed and degraded areas, where possible. Restrict the number of roads constructed and maximise the use of existing tracks. Retain areas of native vegetation within the development area where possible. Where linear habitats are encountered, tracks and infrastructure should be located to avoid vegetation clearance, where possible. Reason: Retain as much habitat as possible, in the best condition possible. This will help retain the fauna values already present at the site, minimise impacts to conservation significant species and facilitate rehabilitation.

Recommendation 3: Minimise disturbance to Rocky Ridges, caves, minor gorges and gullies. Reason: This habitat occurs mostly on the fringes of the project area. It supports a number of significant fauna species including the Northern Quoll, Olive Python and may support SRE fauna.

Recommendation 4: Minimise disturbance to channels and creek lines (and associated vegetation). Reason: Channels and creek lines support a diverse assemblage of fauna, including fauna considered conservation significant and allow the movement of fauna species through the landscape. Temporary water pools provide an important resource.

Recommendation 5: Prepare a Northern Quoll Management Plan for the Wodgina site. Reason: A Northern Quoll management plan may be able to assist in the reduction of impacts to local populations, assess the effectiveness of management techniques and maintain habitat for the conservation of the Northern Quoll in the local area.

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Recommendation 6: As part of the Northern Quoll Management Plan, undertake a Northern Quoll monitoring program for the area. Reason: Distributions of the Northern Quoll in the Wodgina area are poorly known. An annual monitoring program will be able to demonstrate the effectiveness of management to minimise impacts on local Northern Quoll populations.

Recommendation 7: Feral fauna, particularly Cats and Foxes, should not be encouraged. Feral animal control strategies should be implemented where necessary. Reason: Cats and Foxes are often attracted to areas of human activity and disturbance and are significant predators of native wildlife.

Recommendation 8: A fire prevention and control strategy should be in implemented to prevent fires in the area. Reason: Extensive fires can negatively impact fauna, but a mosaic of fire ages across the landscape favours species diversity.

Recommendation 9: Impedance to surface hydrology and flows should be minimised. Hydrological impacts need to be managed carefully, any effects on groundwater or surface hydrology should be minimised. Reason: Hydrological changes can have far-reaching consequences on surrounding ecosystems. Habitats along drainage lines are locally significant for fauna and changes in hydrology may impact on the riparian habitats and the fauna that utilise them. Changes in groundwater levels may affect any groundwater dependent ecosystems, which may consequently impact on fauna utilising such areas.

Recommendation 10: After land disturbance, appropriate revegetation of all disturbed areas (infrastructure areas, unnecessary roads) should be carried out, using locally collected seed. Reason: Insofar as possible, return disturbed areas into habitat that can support a faunal assemblage similar to those that occurred there before the disturbance.

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Recommendation 11: Limiting speed limits (e.g. 50kph day-time, 40kph night-time) should be considered in areas of high wildlife activity, such as close to water sources and at watercourse crossings. Reason: Reduce mortality of fauna due to collisions, particularly threatened fauna species. Reduce dust emissions over road-side vegetation, which leads to vegetation loss and a reduction in habitat values.

Recommendation 12: Roadkilled fauna should be reported to site environmental personnel. Reason: Monitor ongoing faunal impacts of the mine and increase the knowledge of the fauna in the area.

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7. CONCLUSIONS

• There are potentially 31 vertebrate fauna species of conservation significance that occur in or near the study area. • Sixteen species of conservation significance are considered likely to occur in or utilise habitat within the proposed disturbance area (CS1 – 5 spp.; CS2 – 5 spp.; CS3 – 6 spp). • A total of 73 fauna species were recorded from the site during the site inspection: 49 Birds, 11 Mammals and 11 Reptile and two Frog Species. • Significant Fauna Recorded from the project area included the Northern Quoll, Western Pebble-mound Mouse, Rainbow Be-eater and Rothschild’s Rock Wallaby. • Additional conservation significant species were recorded nearby: Ghost Bat (CS2), Bush Stone-curlew (CS2) and the Australian Bustard (CS2). • The CS1 Olive Python has been reported to occur in the Wodgina area by mine staff. • The project area contains mostly widespread and common habitats. However, 4 significant habitats occur in the project area. These are the ironstone ridges, caves, drainage lines and minor gorges. • The ironstone ridges are identified as important habitat that may support a number of species of conservation significance, and is an uncommon habitat in the area. • Channels and creek lines are identified as important habitat due to the high concentration of species they support and linear alignment allows the movement of fauna. Because of the importance of watercourses and associated habitats, hydrological processes are likely to be very important for fauna. • Caves and minor gorges are a rare fauna habitat and support conservation significant fauna including SRE’s. • Some Northern Quoll/Olive Python habitat will be disturbed by the proposed project however the proportion of habitat in the local area likely to be impacted is relatively low (0.14%). • Impacts to the Rainbow Bee-eater are unlikely to be significant. • Impacts of infrastructure, roads and access tracks on fauna, and fauna habitats, should be managed carefully. • A number of EPBC listed species occur within the project area. Whilst it is unlikely that the EPBC Significant Impact Criteria are triggered, it is recommended that to give Talison project certainty, a formal decision on this is sought via referral of the project under the EPBC Act to DEWHA.

Impacts are summarised in accordance with EPA Guidance in Table 8, and the suitability of habitats (within the project area) for infrastructure development with respect to identified environmental constraints are summarise in Table 9.

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TABLE 1. Frogs Recorded or Expected in the Wodgina TSF 3 project area. Expected occurrence is primarily based on known species distributions and available habitats. Levels of Conservation Significance are discussed in the “Assessment of Conservation Significance” section. WAM indicates species recorded in the general region by the WA Museum, Lit indicates species reported in the region from the literature. Recorded indicated species recorded during the site inspection.

FROGS Conservation Source Significance Hylidae (tree-frogs) Giant Frog Cyclorana australis WAM Main’s Frog Cyclorana maini Recorded Desert Tree Frog Litoria rubella Recorded

Myobatrachidae (ground-frogs) Spencer’s Frog Limnodynastes spenceri Lit, WAM Northern Burrowing Frog Neobatrachus aquilonius Lit Desert Spadefoot Notaden nichollsi Lit Glandular Toadlet Uperoleia glandulosa CS3 WAM Russell’s Toadlet Uperoleia russelli WAM

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TABLE 2. Reptiles Recorded or Expected in the Wodgina TSF 3 project area. Expected occurrence is primarily based on known species distributions and available habitats. Levels of Conservation Significance are discussed in the “Assessment of Conservation Significance” section. WAM indicates species recorded in the general region by the WA Museum, Lit indicates species reported in the region from the literature. Recorded indicated species recorded during the site inspection. Species Conservation Source Significance Cheluidae (tortoises) Flat-shelled Tortoise Chelodina steindachneri WAM Gekkonidae (geckoes) Clawless Gecko Crenadactylus ocellatus WAM Fat-tailed Gecko Diplodactylus conspicillatus WAM Diplodactylus Diplodactylus mitchelli WAM Diplodactylus Diplodactylus savagei WAM Pale-snouted Ground Gecko Diplodactylus stenodactylus Lit Diplodactylus Diplodactylus wombeyi WAM Pilbara Dtella Gehyra pilbara WAM Spotted Rock Dtella Gehyra punctata Recorded Spotted Dtella Gehyra purpurascens WAM Tree Dtella Gehyra variegata Recorded Bynoe’s Gecko Heteronotia binoei Recorded Desert Cave Gecko Heteronotia spelea WAM Smooth Knob-tailed Gecko Nephrurus levis WAM Banded Knob-tailed Gecko Nephrurus wheeleri WAM Marbled Velvet Gecko Oedura marmorata Recorded Beaked Gecko Rhynchoedura ornata Recorded Strophurus Strophurus ciliaris Lit Jewelled Gecko Strophurus elderi Lit Strophurus Strophurus jeanae WAM Strophurus Strophurus wellingtonae Lit Pygopodidae (legless lizards) Delma Delma haroldi WAM Delma Delma elegans WAM Long-nosed Delma Delma nasuta WAM Delma Delma pax WAM Excitable Delma Delma tincta WAM Burton’s Legless-Lizard Lialis burtonis WAM Hooded Scaly Foot Pygopus nigriceps WAM

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Agamidae (dragons) Ring-tailed Dragon Ctenophorus caudicinctus Recorded Military Dragon Ctenophorus isolepis WAM Central Netted Dragon Ctenophorus nuchalis WAM Diporiphora sp. Diporiphora valens WAM Blue-lined Dragon Diporiphora winneckei WAM Long-nosed Water-Dragon Lophognathus longirostris Recorded Western Bearded Dragon Pogona minor Lit Blotch-tailed Earless Dragon Tympanocryptis cephala WAM Scincidae (skink lizards) Carlia Carlia munda WAM Carlia Carlia tricantha WAM Spiny-palmed Skink Cryptoblepharus carnabyi Lit, WAM Fence Skink Cryptoblepharus plagiocephalus WAM Ctenotus Ctenotus duricola WAM Ctenotus Ctenotus grandis WAM Ctenotus Ctenotus hanloni Lit Ctenotus Ctenotus helenae WAM Ctenotus Ctenotus nigrilineata CS2 Western Leopard Skink Ctenotus pantherinus WAM Ctenotus Ctenotus robustus WAM Ctenotus Ctenotus rubicundus Lit Ctenotus Ctenotus rutilins Lit Ctenotus Ctenotus saxatilis Recorded Ctenotus Ctenotus serventyi WAM Barred Wedge-snout Ctenotus Ctenotus schomburgkii Lit, WAM Slender Blue-tongue Cyclodomorphus melanops WAM Pygmy Spiny-tailed Skink Egernia depressa Lit, WAM Goldfields Crevice Skink Egernia formosa Lit, WAM Night Skink Egernia striata WAM Sand-swimmer Eremiacincus fasciolata Broad-banded Sand Swimmer Eremiascincus richardsonii Lit Lerista Lerista bipes Lit Common Mulch Lerista Lerista muelleri WAM Grey’s Skink Menetia greyii WAM Menetia Menetia surda Woodland Dark-flecked Morethia Morethia ruficauda WAM Notoscincus Notoscincus ornatus WAM

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Proablepharus Proablepharus reginae WAM Desert Blue-tongue Tiliqua multifasciata WAM Varanidae (monitors or goannas) Spiny-tailed Goanna Varanus acanthurus WAM Pygmy Goanna Varanus brevicauda WAM Desert Pygmy Monitor Varanus eremius WAM Perentie Varanus giganteus WAM Gould’s Goanna or Bungara Varanus gouldii WAM Yellow-spotted Monitor Varanus panoptes Recorded Pilbara Goanna Varanus pilbarensis Lit, WAM Black-headed Tree Goanna Varanus tristis WAM Boidae (pythons) Pygmy Python Antaresia perthensis WAM Stimson’s Python Antaresia stimsoni WAM Black-headed Python Aspidites melanocephalus Recorded Woma or Ramsay’s Python Aspidites ramsayi CS1 Lit Pilbara Olive Python Liasis olivaceus barroni CS1 WAM Typhlopidae (blind snakes) Blind Snake Ramphotyphlops ammodytes WAM Blind Snake Ramphotyphlops grypus WAM Blind Snake Ramphotyphlops pilbarensis WAM Elapidae (front-fanged snakes) Desert Death Adder Acanthophis pyrrhus WAM Pilbara Death Adder Acanthophis wellsi WAM Shovel-nosed Snake Brachyurophis approximans WAM Yellow-faced Whip-snake Demansia psammophis WAM Rufous Whip-Snake Demansia rufescens WAM Moon Snake Furina ornata Recorded Mulga Snake Pseudechis australis WAM Ringed Snake Pseudonaja modesta WAM Gwarder Pseudonaja nuchalis WAM Desert Banded Snake Simoselaps anomalus WAM Rosen’s Snake Suta fasciata WAM Spotted Snake Suta punctata WAM Pilbara Bandy Bandy Vermicella snelli WAM NUMBER OF REPTILE SPECIES EXPECTED 94

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TABLE 3. Birds Recorded or Expected in the Wodgina TSF 3 area. Expected occurrence is primarily based on known species distributions and available habitats. Levels of Conservation Significance are discussed in the “Assessment of Conservation Significance” section. WAM indicates species recorded in the general region by the WA Museum, Lit indicates species reported in the region from the literature. Recorded indicated species recorded during the site inspection.

Species Status Source Dromaiidae (emus) Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae Recorded Phasianidae (pheasants and quails) Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora BA Anatidae (Swans, Ducks) Black Swan Cygnus atratus BA Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata BA Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa BA Grey Teal Anas gracilis BA Hardhead Aythya australis BA Pink-eared Duck Malacorhynchus membranaceus BA Podicipedidae (Grebes) Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae BA Hoary-headed Grebe Poliocephalus poliocephalus BA Anhingidae (Darter) Darter Anhinga melanogaster BA Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants) Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos BA Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius BA Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris BA Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo BA Pelecanidae (Pelicans) Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus BA Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets) White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae BA White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica BA Great Egret Ardea alba CS1 BA Little Egret Egretta garzetta BA Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus BA Threskiornithidae (Ibises, Spoonbills) Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis BA

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Ciconiidae (storks) Black-necked Stork Ephippiorynchus asiaticus BA Accipitridae (kites, hawks and eagles) Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris Lit Black-breasted Buzzard Hamirostra melanosternon Lit Black Kite Milvus migrans BA Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus BA Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis Lit Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus Lit Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrhocephalus BA Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax Recorded Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides Recorded Falconidae (falcons) Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus CS1 Lit Australian Hobby Falco longipennis Recorded Brown Falcon Falco berigora Recorded Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides Recorded Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos CS2 BA Rallidae (Swamphens, Coots) Eurasian Coot Fulica atra BA Otidae (bustards) Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis CS2 Recorded Turnicidae (button-quails) Little Button-quail Turnix velox Lit Scolopacidae (sandpipers) Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia CS1 Lit Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola CS1 Lit Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos CS1 Lit Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatalis CS1 Lit Burhinidae (stone-curlews) Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius CS2 Recorded Recurvirostridae (Stilts) Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus BA Charadriidae (Lapwings, Plovers, Dotterels) Red-capped Plover Charadrius ruficapillus Recorded Black-fronted Dotterel Elseyornis melanops Recorded Oriental Plover Charadrius veredus CS1 BA Banded Lapwing Vanellus tricolor BA

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Red-kneed Dotterel Erythrogonys cinctus BA Columbidae (pigeons and doves) Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera BA Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes Recorded Spinifex Pigeon Geophaps plumifera Recorded Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata Recorded Peaceful Dove Geopelia placida BA Cacatuidae (cockatoos) Galah Cacatua roseicapilla Recorded Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea Recorded Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus BA Psittacidae (lorikeets and parrots) Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus Recorded Australian Ringneck Barnardius zonarius BA Mulga Parrot Psephotus varius BA Bourke’s Parrot Neophema bourkii BA Cuculidae (cuckoos) Pallid Cuckoo Cuculus pallidus BA Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis Recorded Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus BA Tytonidae (barn owls) Barn Owl Tyto alba Lit Strigidae (hawk-owls) Southern Boobook Owl Ninox novaeseelandiae Recorded Barking Owl Ninox connivens BA Podargidae (frogmouths) Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides Lit Aegothelidae (owlet-nightjars) Australian Owlet-nightjar Aegotheles cristatus Recorded Caprimulgidae (nightjars) Spotted Nightjar Eurostopodus argus Recorded Apodidae (swifts) Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus CS1m Lit Halcyonidae (forest kingfishers) Red-backed Kingfisher Todiramphus pyrrhopygia BA Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus Lit Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii BA Meropidae (bee-eaters) Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus CS1m Recorded

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Climacteridae (treecreepers) Black-tailed Treecreeper Climacteris melanura Lit Maluridae (fairy-wrens) Variegated Fairy-wren Malurus lamberti Recorded White-winged Fairy-wren Malurus leucopterus BA Rufous-crowned Emu-wren Stipiturus ruficeps CS3 Lit Striated Grass-wren Amytornis striatus CS3 Recorded Pardalotidae (pardalotes and allies) Red-browed Pardalote Pardalotus rubricatus Recorded Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus BA Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris BA Western Gerygone Gerygone fusca Lit Meliphagidae (honeyeaters) Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Acanthagenys rufogularis BA Yellow-throated Miner Manorina flavigula Recorded Singing Honeyeater Lichenostomus virescens Recorded Grey-headed Honeyeater Lichenostomus keartlandi Recorded Grey-fronted Honeyeater Lichenostomus plumulus BA White-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus BA Black-chinned honeyeater Melithreptus gularis Recorded Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta Recorded Grey Honeyeater Conopophila whitei CS3 Recorded Black Honeyeater Certhionyx niger Recorded Pied Honeyeater Certhionyx variegatus BA Crimson Chat Epthianura tricolor BA Orange Chat Ephthianura aurifrons Lit Petroicidae (Australian robins) Red-capped Robin Petroica goodenovii BA Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata BA Pomatostomidae (Australian babblers) White-browed Babbler Pomatostomus superciliosus BA Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis BA Cinclosomatidae (quail-thrushes and allies) Chiming Wedgebill Psophodes occidentalis BA Neosittidae (sittellas) Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera BA

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Pachycephalidae (whistlers) Crested Bellbird Oreoica gutturalis BA Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris Recorded Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica Recorded Dicruridae (flycatchers) Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca Recorded Grey (White-tailed) Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa albicauda BA Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys Recorded Campephagidae (cuckoo-shrikes, trillers) Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae Recorded Ground Cuckoo-shrike Coracina maxima BA White-winged Triller Lalage sueurii Recorded Artamidae (woodswallows) Masked Woodswallow Artamus personatus Lit Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus Recorded Little Woodswallow Artamus minor Recorded Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus Recorded Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis Recorded Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen Recorded Corvidae (ravens and crows) Little Crow Corvus bennetti BA Torresian Crow Corvus orru Recorded Ptilonorhynchidae (Bowerbirds) Western Bowerbird Chlamydera guttata Recorded Alaudidae (larks) Singing Bushlark Mirafra javanica BA Motacillidae (pipits and true wagtails) Richard’s Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae BA Passeridae (finches and allies) Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata Recorded Painted Firetail Emblema picta Recorded Star Finch Neochmia ruficauda CS2 Lit Dicaeidae (flower-peckers) Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum Recorded

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Hirundinidae (swallows) White-backed Swallow Cheramoeca leucosternus BA Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena BA Tree Martin Hirundo nigricans BA Fairy Martin Hirundo ariel Recorded Sylviidae (Old World warblers) Rufous Songlark Cincloramphus mathewsi BA Spinifexbird Eremiornis carteri Recorded Clamorous Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus Lit Number of species recorded: 49 Number of species expected: 136

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TABLE 4. Mammals Recorded or Expected in the Project area. Expected occurrence is primarily based on known species distributions and available habitats. Levels of Conservation Significance are discussed in the “Assessment of Conservation Significance” section. WAM indicates species recorded in the general region by the WA Museum, Lit indicates species reported in the region from the literature. Introduced mammals are indicated by “Int.” in the Conservation Significance column.

Species Conservation Source Significance Tachyglossidae (echidna) Echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus WAM Dasyuridae (carnivorous marsupials) Pilbara Ningaui Ningaui timealeyi WAM Mulgara Dasycercus cristcauda CS1 WAM Little Red Kaluta Dasykaluta rosamondae Recorded Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus CS1 Recorded Tan False Antechinus Pseudantechinus roryi WAM Woolley’s False Antechinus Pseudantechinus woolleyae WAM Planigale sp Planigale sp. WAM Long-tailed Dunnart Sminthopsis longicaudata CS2 Lit Stripe-faced Dunnart Sminthopsis macroura WAM Ooldea Dunnart Sminthopsis ooldea WAM Lesser Hairy-footed Dunnart Sminthopsis youngsoni WAM Peramelidae (bandicoots and bilbies) Bilby Macrotis lagotis CS1 WAM Phalangeridae (possums) Northern Brush-tailed Possum Trichosurus vulpecula arnhemensis CS3 WAM Macropodidae (kangaroos) Spectacled Hare-wallaby Lagorchestes conspicillatus CS1 WAM Euro Macropus robustus Recorded Red Kangaroo Macropus rufus Recorded Rothschild’s Rock Wallaby Petrogale rothschildi CS3 Recorded Pteropodidae (fruit bats or flying-foxes) Little Red Flying-fox Pteropus scapulatus Lit Megadermatidae (false vampire bats) Ghost Bat Macroderma gigas CS2 Recorded Hipposideridae (leaf-nosed bats) Orange Leaf-nosed Bat Rhinonicteris aurantius CS1 Lit

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Emballonuridae (sheathtail bats) Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat Saccolaimus flaviventris Lit Common Sheath-tail Bat Taphozous georgianus Recorded Molossidae (freetail bats) Northern Freetail Bat Chaerophon jobensis Lit Beccari’s Freetail Bat Mormopterus beccari Lit White-striped Mastiff Bat Tadarida australis Recorded Vespertilionidae (evening bats) Gould’s Wattled Bat Chalinolobus gouldii WAM Chocolate Wattled Bat Chalinolobus morio Lit Lesser Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus geoffroyi WAM Arnhem Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus arnhemensis Lit Northern Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus bifax Lit Little Broad-nosed Bat Scotorepens greyii Lit Finlayson’s Cave Bat Vespadelus findlaysoni WAM Muridae (rats and mice) House Mouse Mus musculus Int. WAM Spinifex Hopping-Mouse Notomys alexis Lit Western Pebble-mound Mouse Pseudomys chapmani CS2 Recorded Delicate Mouse Pseudomys delicatulus WAM Desert Mouse Pseudomys desertor WAM Sandy Inland Mouse Pseudomys hermannsburgensis Recorded Common Rock Rat Zyzomys argurus Recorded Canidae (Dingo) Dingo Canis lupus dingo Recorded Introduced Mammals Feral Cat Felis catus Int. Recorded Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus Int. WAM Cattle Bos taurus Int. WAM Goat Capra hircus Int. WAM Camel Camelus dromedarius Int. Recorded Donkey Equus asinus Int. WAM Number of native species expected: 41 Number of native species recorded: 11 Number of introduced species expected: 6

Note: The extinct Lesser Stick-nest Rat (Leporillus apicalis) and Boodie or Burrowing Bettong (Bettongia lesueur) formerly occurred in the region. Remnant Stick-nest Rat nests have been recorded in the region (J. Turpin, pers. obs.)

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TABLE 5. Species considered extinct in the Wodgina region

Species Status Comments Psittacidae (parrots) Some recent sightings in Pilbara but unlikely to occur Night Parrot Pezoporus occidentalis CS1 at Wodgina Maluridae (fairy–wrens and allies) Thick billed Grasswren (west) Amytornis textilis textilis CS2 Dasyuridae (parrots) Chuditch Dasyurus geoffroii CS1 Red-tailed Phascogale Phascogale calura CS1 Peramelidae (bandicoots and bilbies) Pig-footed Bandicoot Chaeropus ecaudatus CS1 Extinct Marl, Western Barred Bandicoot Perameles bougainville CS1 Macropodidae (Kangaroos, Wallabies) Black-flanked Rock-Wallaby Petrogale lateralis lateralis CS1 Potoroidae (potoroos and bettongs) Boodie or Burrowing Bettong Bettongia lesueur CS1 Muridae (rats and mice) Lesser Stick-nest Rat Leporillus apicalis CS1 Extinct. Greater Stick-nest Rat Leporillus conditor CS1 Long-tailed Hopping Mouse Notomys longicaudatus CS1 Extinct

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TABLE 6. Conservation status of significant fauna species expected to occur in the TSF3 project area. See Appendix 1 for explanation of status codes. Note many of the migratory waterbirds expected in the area would only be associated with the tailings dam itself and are not expected in habitats within the proposed disturbance area.

CONSERVATION CS1 CS1 CS1 CS1 CS2 CS3 Likely to Occur in STATUS Disturbance area COMMON NAME SPECIES NAME EPBC WA Act JAMBA CAMBA P4 AMPHIBIANS Glandular Toadlet Uperoleia glandulosa + May occur seasonally, associated with rock pools REPTILES Olive Python (Pilbara subsp.) Liasis olivaceus barroni VUL + Yes – associated with rocky ridges and waterholes BIRDS Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus + Yes- rocky ridges Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos + Yes – drainage lines Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis + Yes- open areas Recorded Nearby Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius + Yes- Acacia Woodland,, Creeklines Recorded Nearby Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus MIG + + Yes- seasonal Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus MIG RECORDED Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatalis MIG + + No – tailings dam Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia MIG + + No – tailings dam Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola MIG + + No – tailings dam Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos MIG + + No – tailings dam Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum MIG + + No – tailings dam Great Egret, White Egret Ardea alba MIG + + No but may occur nearby Oriental Plover, Oriental Dotterel Charadrius veredus MIG No Grey Honeyeater Conopophila whitei + RECORDED Striated Grass-wren Amytornis striatus + RECORDED Rufous-crowned Emu-wren Stipiturus ruficeps + Yes

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MAMMALS Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus END RECORDED Long-tailed Dunnart Sminthopsis longicaudata + Yes –rocky hils Ngadji/Western Pebble-mound Pseudomys chapmani + RECORDED Mouse Rothschild’s Rock Wallaby Petrogale rothschildi + RECORDED Brush-tail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula + No

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TABLE 7. Impacts upon fauna species of conservation significance in the project area.

Species Name Nature and significance of likely impact Action required Nature of impact Significance LIKELY TO OCCUR IN AREA Northern Quoll Loss of habitat, potential for Roadkill, localised Moderate (conservation significant Mimimise disturbance to Northern Quoll habitat population loss through disturbance species, occurs in fragmented (rocky ridges, caves, rocky outcrops, rock crevices, populations in the region, occurs at gullies and gorges) Wodgina near the edge of species Prepare a Northern Quoll management plan range) Undertake a site-wide Northern Quoll monitoring program DEWHA review project Personnel education regarding roadkill. Monitor populations of feral predators Olive Python Loss of habitat, potential for Roadkill, localised Moderate (conservation significant Minimise disturbance to Olive Python habitat (rocky population loss through disturbance species, occurs in fragmented ridges, caves, rocky outcrops, rock crevices, populations in the region) waterholes, gullies and gorges) Prepare a Olive Python management plan Undertake Olive Python education program to minimise roadkill and accidental deaths Peregrine Falcon Potential loss of nesting habitat Low (project area forms a small part Minimise disturbance footprint, avoid disturbance to of species range) rocky ridges and cliffs Australian Bustard Negligible. Negligible. General personnel education regarding roadkill. Bush Stone-curlew Habitat loss unlikely. Potential for impacts Low (loss of habitat). Avoid clearance to creeklines. from introduced predators. Roadkill possible. Minimise loss of habitat and disturbance footprint. Personnel education regarding roadkill. Monitor populations if present and also of feral predators. Avoid fragmentation of habitat. Minimise nocturnal road traffic. Fork-tailed Swift Negligible. None (aerial species). None. Rainbow Bee-eater Negligible. Negligible (widespread species). None required, although nesting may occur along roads and grading of road verges during the spring breeding period could be avoided.

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Species Name Nature and significance of likely impact Action required Nature of impact Significance Grey Falcon Negligible. Negligible. None. Pseudomys chapmani No loss of habitat given no disturbance to the Low (conservation species occurs in Minimise disturbance footprint. Area to the North north of TSF3, some localised population loss greater area however no active of TSF3 is not within the disturbance footprint through disturbance mounds were located within therefore significant impacts unlikely. disturbance area) Rothschild’s Rock-Wallaby Some loss of habitat and disturbance. Potential for Low (if present, probably small population Minimise disturbance to gorges and gullies. Minimise impacts from introduced predators. concentrated in gully/gorges; impacts on disturbance footprint. Personnel education regarding some gully/gorges). roadkill. Monitor populations of feral predators and implement control strategies as required. Long-tailed Dunnart Some loss of habitat. Low (most habitat should not be Minimise disturbance footprint. disturbed). CS3 Bird Species Some loss of habitat and disturbance however Low (loss of habitat) Avoid clearance to drainage lines and dense acacia no disturbance to the north. Potential for in the north of project area. Minimise disturbance impacts from introduced predators. footprint. Migratory waterbirds (see Negligible, associated with the tailings dam itself Low (small area of disturbance) None, however a waterbird monitoring program may be Bird section in Results) implemented to monitor bird usage of the tailings dam. OCCURS IN THE REGION Potential loss of habitat. Low (unlikely to depend on habitat Minimise disturbance footprint. Great Egret, White Egret within project area). Glandular Toadlet Loss or disturbance of breeding habitat through Low (most habitat should not be affected). Minimise hydrological impacts. clearing and/or hydrological changes.

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TABLE 8. The potential impacts to fauna of the proposal as assessed following the guidance of the EPA’s Guidance Statement No. 56. (Terrestrial fauna surveys for environmental impact assessment in Western Australia, EPA 2004)

Factor Impact and explanation Degree of habitat degradation or Low to moderate (project is in a region where very clearing within the local area or region. little clearing has taken place but some areas have been subjected to significant degradation by pastoral activities and mining, disturbance area is relatively small). Size/scale of proposal/impact. Moderate (10 ha, relatively small area of disturbance in an area typical of the greater region - Bioregion Group 2.) Rarity of vegetation and landforms. Moderate (most vegetation and landforms in area are widespread throughout region, some rare landforms occur in project area including caves, rocky crevices) Refugia. Moderate to low. The ironstone ridges, caves and moist gullies may support SRE species. Fauna protected under international Moderate - High (faunal assemblage expected agreements or treaties, Specially includes species of conservation significance Protected or Priority Fauna. however disturbance area is relatively small) Size of remnant and Low (the habitat and faunal assemblage is not condition/intactness of habitat and more intact than that in the district). faunal assemblage. Ecological linkage. Moderate (vegetation of the project area is continuous with the surrounding landscape, linear and rare habitats occur within proposed disturbance area but disturbance will be minimised) Heterogeneity or complexity of the Moderate (project area has some habitat habitat and faunal assemblage. heterogeneity and a complex faunal assemblage).

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TABLE 9. Suitability of fauna habitats for infrastructure development within the proposed project area and identified environmental constraints.

Habitat Environmental Constraints to development Low stony rises supporting Not a species rich habitat. Potential for conservation Triodia with scattered shrubs significant fauna (eg. Psuedomys chapmani). and trees

Drainage systems supporting May support species of conservation significance (eg. tall shrublands / low woodlands Bush Stone-curlew). Drainage lines to the north are not and mixed shrubs. currently planned to be disturbed. A linear habitat allowing for movement of fauna across the landscape. Minor drainage tracts May support some species of conservation significance supporting scattered shrub lands however is a widespread habitat in the region.

Rocky ridges with steep upper Habitat for EPBC listed Northern Quoll, potential for slopes and significant areas of SRE fauna and other species of conservation ironstone outcropping significance. containing numerous caves, overhangs and crevices

Gullies and minor gorges Supports species of conservation significance, potential for SRE fauna. An uncommon habitat. Lies mostly outside the proposed disturbance area. Previously disturbed areas None.

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REFERENCES

Birds Australia (2008). Birds Australia Database. www.birdsaustralia.com.au (accessed January 2008). Blakers, M., Davies, S.J.J.F. and Reilly, P.N. (1984). The Atlas of Australian Birds. Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union. Melbourne University Press. Bush, B., Maryan, B., Browne-Cooper, R. and Robinson, D. (2007). Reptiles and Frogs In the Bush: South western Australia. University of Western Australia Press, Perth. Christidis, L. and Boles, W.E. (1994). The Taxonomy and Species of Birds of Australia and its Territories. Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union, Monograph 2. Churchill, S. (1998). Australian Bats. Reed New Holland Press, Sydney. Clevenger, A. P. and Waltho, N. (2000). Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Wildlife Underpasses in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. Conservation Biology 14: 1-11 Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E.E., Sadlier, R.A. and Eggler, P. (1993). The Action Plan for Australian Reptiles. Australian Nature Conservation Agency Endangered Species Programme, Project No. 124. Cowan, M. (2001). Murchison 1 (MUR1 – Eastern Murchison subregion). In “A Biodiversity Audit of Western Australia”, Available from the Department of Environment and Conservation at: http://www.naturebase.net/content/view/960/1397 Dell, J., How, R. A., Milewski, A. V., and Keighery, G. J. (1988). The Biological Survey of the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia: Part 5 Edjudina-Menzies Study Area. Records of the Western Australian Museum, Supplement No. 31. Department of Environment and Conservation (2007). Threatened and Priority Fauna Database. Accessed November 2007. Department of Environmental Protection (2000). Bush Forever Volume 2. Government of Western Australia, Perth. Dufty, A.C. (1989). Some Population characteristics of Perameles gunnii in Victoria. Wildlife Research: 18 (3) 355 – 365. Duncan, A., Baker, G.B. and Mongomery, N. (1999). The Action Plan for Australian Bats. Environment Australia, Canberra. Environment Australia. (1999). An Overview of the EPBC Act. Department of Environment and Heritage, Canberra. Environmental Protection Authority. (2002). Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity Protection. Position Statement No. 3. Environmental Protection Authority, Perth, Western Australia. Environmental Protection Authority. (2004). Guidance for the assessment of environmental factors: Terrestrial fauna surveys for environmental impact

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assessment in Western Australia. No. 56. Environmental Protection Authority, Perth, Western Australia. Environment Australia. (2000). Revision of the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) and Development of Version 5.1 - Summary Report. Environment Australia, Department of Environment and Heritage, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Environment Australia. (2001). A Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia, Third Edition. Environment Australia, Canberra. Frith, H. J. (ed) (1976) Readers Digest complete book of Australian Birds. Readers Digest Services Pty Ltd, Sydney. Garnett, S. and Crowley, G. (2000). The Action Plan for Australian Birds. Environment Australia and the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union. Goldfields Environmental Management Group (2006). Reptiles of the Western Australian Goldfields. Goldfields Environmental Management Group. Jackson, S. D. and Griffin, C. R. (2000). A Strategy for Mitigating Highway Impacts on Wildlife. Pp. 143 – 159, In Messmer, T. A and B. West, (eds) Wildlife and Highways: Seeking Solutions to an Ecological and Socio – economic Dilemma. The Wildlife Society. Johnstone, R.E. and Storr, G.M. (1998). Handbook of Western Australian Birds Vol 1 – Non-passerines (Emu to Dollarbird). Western Australian Museum, Perth. Johnstone, R.E. and Storr, G.M. (2004). Handbook of Western Australian Birds. Vol 2: Passerines (Blue-winged Pitta to Goldfinch). Western Australian Museum, Perth. Jones, M.E. (2000). Road upgrade, road mortality and remedial measures: impacts on a population of eastern quolls and Tasmanian devils. Wildlife Research 27: 289 – 296. Harvey, M.S. (2002). Short-range endemism in the Australian fauna: some examples from non-marine environments. Invertebrate Systematics 16: 555-570.

Lee, A.K. (1995). The Action Plan for Australian Rodents. Environment Australia, Canberra. MBS Environmental (2007). Laverton Gold Project Fish Open Pit: Purpose Permit Application, Vegetation And Habitat Assessment. Unpublished report for Crescent Gold. McKenzie, N. L., May, J. E. and McKenna, S. (2003). Bioregional Summary of the 2002 Biodiversity Audit for Western Australia. The National Land and Water Resources Audit and the Western Australian Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth, Western Australia. Mace, G. and Stuart, S. (1994). Draft IUCN Red List Categories, Version 2.2. Species; Newsletter of the Species Survival Commission. IUCN - The World Conservation Union. No. 21-22: 13-24. Maxwell, S., Burbidge, A.A. and Morris, K. (1996). Action Plan for Australian Marsupials and Monotremes. Environment Australia, Canberra.

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Menkhorst, P. and Knight, F. (2001). A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. Oxford University Press, Melbourne. Pavey, C. (2006). Threatened Species Of The Northern Territory: Slender-Billed Thornbill (western subspecies) Acanthiza iredalei iredalei. Accessed: 28/02/07. Available at: www.nt.gov.au/nreta/wildlife/threatened/pdf/birds/slenderbilled_thornbill_ex. Soule, M. E., Mackey, B. G., Recher, H. F., Williams, J. E., Woinarski, J. C. Z., Driscoll, D., Dennison, W. C. and Jones, M. E. (2004). The role of connectivity in Australian consevation. Pacific Conservation Biology 10: 266-279. Scheick, B.K. and Jones, M.D. (1999). Locating Wildlife Underpasses Prior To The Expansion Of Highway 64, In North Carolina. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Wildlife 1999. Simpson, K. & Day, N. (1999), Field Guide to the Birds of Australia, Penguin, Australia. Smith, L.A. and Henry, J. (1999). Aprasia picturata (Squamata: Pygopodidae), a new legless lizard from the interior of Western Australia. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia, 82: 75-77. Storr, G.M., Smith, L.A. and Johnstone, R.E. (1983). Lizards of Western Australia. II. Dragons and Monitors. W.A. Museum, Perth. Storr, G.M., Smith, L.A. and Johnstone, R.E. (1990). Lizards of Western Australia. III. Geckoes and Pygopodids. W.A. Museum, Perth. Storr, G.M., Smith, L.A. and Johnstone, R.E. (1999). Lizards of Western Australia. I. Skinks. Revised Edition. W.A. Museum, Perth. Storr, G.M., Smith, L.A. and Johnstone, R.E. (2002). Snakes of Western Australia. W.A. Museum, Perth. Strahan, R. (ed.). (1995). The Australian Museum Complete Book of Australian Mammals. Angus and Robertson, Sydney. Tyler, M.J., Smith, L.A. and Johnstone, R.E. (2000). Frogs of Western Australia. W.A. Museum, Perth. 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. Technical Bulletin 92. Department of Agriculture, Western Australia.

Wager, R. and Jackson, P. (1993). The Action Plan for Australian Freshwater Fishes. Environment Australia, Canberra. Wells, R.W. (2007). Some taxonomic and nomenclatural considerations on the class reptilia in Australia. A Review of the Species in the Genus Aprasia Gray 1839 (Aprasianidae). Australian Biodiversity Record (6): 1-17. Western Australian Museum (1995). The Biological Survey of the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum, Supplement Number 49.

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Western Australian Museum (2008). Faunabase. Vertebrate Fauna Database. Accessed January 2008, available at: http://www.museum.wa.gov.au/faunabase/prod/index.htm. Western Mining Corporation (2004). WMC Sustainability Report 2004. Available at: www.hsecreport.bhpbiliton.com/wmc/2004/performance/lno/environment.htm Wilson, S. and Swann, G. (2003). Reptiles of Australia. Princeton University Press, Australia.

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Appendix 1. Categories used in the assessment of conservation status.

IUCN categories (based on review by Mace and Stuart 1994) as used for the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act and the WA Wildlife Conservation Act.

Extinct. Taxa not definitely located in the wild during the past 50 years. Extinct in the Wild. Taxa known to survive only in captivity. Critically Endangered. Taxa facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future. Endangered. Taxa facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. Vulnerable. Taxa facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future. Near Threatened. Taxa that risk becoming Vulnerable in the wild. Conservation Dependent. Taxa whose survival depends upon ongoing conservation measures. Without these measures, a conservation dependent taxon would be classed as Vulnerable or more severely threatened. Data Deficient (Insufficiently Known). Taxa suspected of being Rare, Vulnerable or Endangered, but whose true status cannot be determined without more information. Least Concern. Taxa that are not Threatened.

Schedules used in the WA Wildlife Conservation Act. Schedule 1. Rare and Likely to become Extinct. Schedule 2. Extinct. Schedule 3. Migratory species listed under international treaties. Schedule 4. Other Specially Protected Fauna.

WA Department of Conservation and Land Management Priority species (species not listed under the Conservation Act, but for which there is some concern). Priority 1. Taxa with few, poorly known populations on threatened lands. Priority 2. Taxa with few, poorly known populations on conservation lands; or taxa with several, poorly known populations not on conservation lands. Priority 3. Taxa with several, poorly known populations, some on conservation lands. Priority 4. Taxa in need of monitoring. Taxa which are considered to have been adequately surveyed, or for which sufficient knowledge is available, and which are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection, but could be if present circumstances change. Priority 5. Taxa in need of monitoring. Taxa which are not considered threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program, the cessation of which would result in the species becoming threatened within five years (IUCN Conservation Dependent).

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APPENDIX 2. Locations of Significant Fauna Recorded During the Site Inspection.

Species Status Location Zone: 50 K Easting Northing Habitat Comments Northern Quoll Endangered TSF3, western ridge 672620 7655359 Rocky Ridge 5 captures along Schedule 1 Elliot line (start) Northern Quoll Endangered TSF3, western ridge 672221 7656561 Rocky Ridge 5 captures along Schedule 1 Elliot line (end) Northern Quoll Endangered TSF3, southern area 672880 7655008 cave Numerous scats Schedule 1 Northern Quoll Endangered TSF3, southern area 672871 7655023 cave Numerous scats Schedule 1 Western Pebble-mound Mouse Priority 4 TSF3, northern area 672394 7657074 Low stony rise Inactive mound Western Pebble-mound Mouse Priority 4 TSF3, northern area 672402 7657469 Low stony rise Inactive mound Western Pebble-mound Mouse Priority 4 TSF3, northern area 672120 7657354 Low stony rise Inactive mound Western Pebble-mound Mouse Priority 4 TSF3, northern area 672184 7657174 Low stony rise Inactive mound Bush Stone-curlew Priority 4 Wodgina area 669234 7659098 Observed spotlighting 1 individual Rainbow Bee-eater EPBC Mig TSF3, northern area 672575 7656996 Drainage with scattered 2 individuals Eucalypts

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APPENDIX 3. Locations of Significant Fauna Habitats. Disturbances to these habitats are recommended to be minimised.

Habitat Location Zone: 50 K Easting Northing Comments Cave TSF3, southern area 672880 7655008 Northern Quoll scats, habitat suitable for SRE’s, Olive Python Cave TSF3, southern area 672871 7655023 Northern Quoll scats, habitat suitable for SRE’s, Olive Python Gully, minor gorge TSF3, northern area 672216 7656878 Potential habitat for Northern Quoll, Olive Python, SRE’s Rocky Outcrop, crevice TSF3, southern area 672840 7655162 Potential habitat for Northern Quoll, Olive Python Drainage Line TSF3, northern area 672504 7657085 Drainage with Eucalypts, supported numerous Honeyeater species and Rainbow Bee-eater Drainage Line TSF3, northern area 672371 7657525 Drainage with Eucalypts, supported numerous Honeyeater species and Rainbow Bee-eater

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