Black-Cockatoo Habitat Assessment of Development Area 6 of Latitude 32, Wattleup

Version 2. October 2016

Prepared for: PGV Environmental Unit 1, 61 Guthrie Street Osborne Park WA 6017

By: Terrestrial Ecosystems 10 Houston Place Mt Claremont WA 6010

RECORD OF DISTRIBUTION

No. of copies Report File Name Report Status Date Prepared for: Initials Electronic 2016-0044-002-st-V1 Draft 15 September 2016 PGV Environmental ST/GT Electronic 2016-0044-002-st-V1 Final 10 October 2016 PGV Environmental ST/GT

DISCLAIMER

This document is prepared in accordance with and subject to an agreement between Terrestrial Ecosystems and the client, PGV Environmental. It has been prepared and is restricted to those issues that have been raised by the client in its engagement of Terrestrial Ecosystems and prepared using the standard of skill and care ordinarily exercised by environmental scientists in the preparation of such reports.

Persons or agencies that rely on or use this document for purposes or reasons other than those agreed by Terrestrial Ecosystems and its client without first obtaining prior consent, do so at their own risk and Terrestrial Ecosystems denies all liability in tort, contract or otherwise for any loss, damage or injury of any kind whatsoever (whether in negligence or otherwise) that may be suffered as a consequence.

Front Cover: Project area looking west

Table of contents 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Project objectives and scope of work 1 2 Existing environment and Methodology 2 2.1 Project area 2 2.2 Survey methodology 2 2.3 Limitations 2 3 Results 3 3.1 Habitat 3 3.2 Significant trees 4 3.3 Foraging habitat and evidence of Black-Cockatoo foraging 4 3.4 Black-Cockatoo foraging habitat in the vicinity of the project area 5 3.4.1 Significance of foraging habitat in Development Area 6 5 3.5 Species ecology 6 3.6 Other observations 8 4 Discussion 10 4.1 Impacts on Black-Cockatoos 10 5 Summary and recommendations 13 5.1 Recommendations 13 6 References 14

Plates 1. Fauna habitat on the periphery 2. Fauna habitat on the periphery 3. Fauna habitat on the periphery 4. Fauna habitat on the periphery 5. Fauna habitat on the periphery 6. Fauna habitat on the periphery 7. Quarry in the project area 8. Isolated Banksia 9. Isolated Banksia 10. Southern Brown Bandicoot diggings 11. Southern Brown Bandicoot diggings

Tables 1. Criteria for assessing foraging habitat for Black-Cockatoos 2. Summary assessment of whether an action will have a significant impact on the two species of Black-Cockatoos Figures 1. Regional location 2. Significant trees 3. Black-Cockatoo foraging habitat assessment

Appendices A. Coordinates for significant trees for Black-Cockatoos

iii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

LandCorp plans to develop Development Area 6A of its Latitude 32 Industry Zone (Latitude 32) project area in Wattleup. Much of Development Area 6A has already been cleared, is highly disturbed and being used as a sand and limestone quarry. Native vegetation is confined to the periphery of Development Area 6A.

Fifty-eight (58) eucalypt or dead trees were recorded in Development Area 6A that had a Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) of 500mm or greater. No trees contained a hollow or hollows that may provide a nesting site for a Black-Cockatoo.

There were some small hollows in various trees, some of which were being used as nesting sites by parrots, galahs and corellas at the time of the field assessment.

Clearing of the trees in Development Area 6 would not significantly reduce the foraging hab itat available for Black- Cockatoos and such an action would therefore not trigger the Commonwealth Government’s criteria for a referral under the EPBC Act 1999. However, based on other recently referred projects the precautionary approach would be to refer the project to the Commonwealth for assessment.

Overall, the foraging habitat in Development Area 6 is of a much lower quality than that in adjacent areas like Thomson Lake Nature Reserve and Harry Waring Marsupial Reserve. The area assessed contains less than 1ha of quality Black-Cockatoo foraging habitat, giving regard to more productive foraging opportunities within 4km.

Development Area 6 also supports Southern Brown Bandicoots and is likely to support Brush -tail Possums and a range of small vertebrate fauna that could be lost during the vegetation clearing program.

It is recommended that:

 A vertebrate fauna relocation strategy is prepared by a fauna specialist familiar with the ecology of species potentially present in Development Area 6A;  Areas that contain an understory of native vegetation and supports southern brown bandicoots are trapped and the captured animals are relocated to a suitable adjacent habitat;  Every effort is made to retain as many of the mature trees as is possible in Development Area 6A;  If practical, the vegetation clearing is undertaken outside the breeding season for the majority of avian species (i.e. Spring); and  A zoologist is present during the vegetation clearing program to salvage vertebrate fauna (e.g. Brush -tailed Possums, Bobtail lizards, Bearded Dragons) that can be relocated to another site or given to a wildlife carer until they are able to fend for themselves.

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

The Latitude 32 Industry Zone (Latitude 32) consists of approximately 1,422ha and is located midway between Fremantle and Rockingham in the south-west corridor of the Perth Metropolitan Region. This assessment was undertaken over all lots within Development Area 6A which is located in the north west of Latitude 32 near the corner of Russell Road and Rockingham Road, Wattlelup (Figure 1).

Landcorp, via PGV Environmental, commissioned Terrestrial Ecosystems to assess the potential use and importance of the area for Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo, Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo and Baudins Black- Cockatoo.

1.2 Project objectives and scope of work

The purpose of this assessment was to:

a) Assess Development Area 6A for trees that are of significant value to Black-Cockatoos; b) Map all potential nesting trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 500mm or greater and assess their likelihood of the trees being used for breeding purposes in the future; and c) Assess the foraging habitat value for Black-Cockatoos.

2 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT AND METHODOLOGY

2.1 Project area

Development Area 6A is situated on the Spearwood dune system and is gently undulati ng (i.e. there is about 20m natural variation in altitude across the site). Development Area 6A is largely cleared for a sand and gravel quarry but has remnant habitat near the boundary fences (Figure 2).

2.2 Survey methodology

All trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 500mm or greater were recorded using a hand-held GPS. Trees with a trunk DBH of 500mm or greater were inspected from the ground to determine whether any hollows were present, and if present, whether they have been used (i.e. chew marks, etc) or are suitable and likely to be used as a nesting site for Black-Cockatoos. Trees were not climbed to inspect hollows. The DBH was measured using a tape and the tree height were estimated and recorded. Black-Cockatoo foraging areas were assessed using the rating shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Criteria for assessing foraging habitat for Black-Cockatoos

Rating Characteristics Black-Cockatoo foraging Contained no or very few plants that Black-Cockatoos are almost never seen foraging in the area 0 provide a food source for Black- and if they are, it isn’t for very long. Cockatoos. Contained a few plants that would Black-Cockatoos may infrequently be seen foraging in the 1 occasionally provide a food source area and they don’t stay very long. for Black-Cockatoos. Contained plants that are a preferred Black-Cockatoos could be seen foraging in the area and 2 food source for Black-Cockatoos. could return annually during flowering or seeding. There may be some evidence of past feeding in the area. Contained an abundance of plants There is considerable evidence of Black-Cockatoos foraging 3 that are a preferred food source for in the area and these birds will return annually foraging Black-Cockatoos. during flowering or seeding.

A literature review was undertaken on Black-Cockatoos to provide an appropriate background for the impact assessment.

The Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) has made available maps of breeding and potential breeding areas for Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos on the Swan Coastal Plain. These maps were examined to determine the possible significance of Development Area 6A as a future breeding location.

2.3 Limitations

The determination of whether a tree contained a hollow that may have been suitable as a nesting site for Black- Cockatoos was made from the ground below the tree. It was not possible to see into any of these hollows, and for many of these hollows, it was difficult to determine the dimensions of the hollow entrance. Where the surveyor was in doubt about the potential for a hollow to provide a nesting site, the hollow was recorded. Therefore, ‘hollows’ will have been recorded that on closer examination would not provide a suitable hollow for fauna.

Forest Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos regularly shift their roosting sites, and Carnaby’s and Forest Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos forage during the day a considerable distance from their roosting sites and only return at dusk and leave at first light in the morning. Therefore, areas could be used as roosting sites and may have gone undetected.

3 RESULTS

3.1 Habitat Native vegetation is confined to the periphery of Development Area 6A, and the central area has been a sand and limestone quarry for many years.

Plate 1. Fauna habitat on the periphery Plate 2. Fauna habitat on the periphery

Plate 3. Fauna habitat on the periphery Plate 4. Fauna habitat on the periphery

Plate 5. Fauna habitat on the periphery Plate 6. Fauna habitat on the periphery

Plate 7. Quarry in the project area

Apart from isolated trees, Development Area 6A contains limited suitable foraging habitat for both Carnaby’s and Forest Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos. Much of Development Area 6A is highly degraded and devoid of vegetation, as it is used for a sand and gravel quarry. The isolated trees are located along the perimeter of the site.

3.2 Significant trees

Fifty-eight (58) eucalypt or dead trees were recorded in Development Area 6A that had a DBH 500mm or greater (Figure 2). There were 12 Eucalyptus marginata (Jarrah), 44 Eucalyptus gomphocephala (Tuart; 2 dead) and Eucalyptus rudis (Flooded Gum). No trees contained a hollow or hollows that may provide a nesting site for a Black-Cockatoo.

There were some small hollows in various trees, some of which were being used as nesting sites by parrots, galahs and corellas at the time of the field assessment.

3.3 Foraging habitat and evidence of Black-Cockatoo foraging

There was very little evidence that Black-Cockatoos have utilised Development Area 6A for foraging (see Plates 1-7). There were a very small number of Banksia shrubs (Plates 8 and 9) but none showed signs of being utilised for feeding.

Plate 8. Isolated Banksia Plate 9. Isolated Banksia

Forest Red-tailed were observed flying over Development Area 6A but did not land. There are multiple other areas nearby that provide more suitable foraging resource than Development Area 6A.

Potential Black-Cockatoo foraging areas were assessed based on the presence of foraging plant species and habitat quality according to information in Table 1 and mapped in Figure 3. The overall area was assessed as either rating 0 or 1 based on Table 2 as the project area contained no or very few plants that provide a food source for Black-Cockatoos. If Black-Cockatoos were seen foraging in the area it would only be for a short period due to a lack of foraging opportunity.

3.4 Black-Cockatoo foraging habitat in the vicinity of the project area Within a 4km radius of Development Area 6A there are multiple areas that contain habitat suitable for Black- Cockatoo foraging. This includes the following Bush Forever sites which contain 981ha of Black-Cockatoo foraging habitat. Bush Forever 391 Thomsons Lake Nature Reserve and adjacent bushland. This Bush Forever site contains 366.7ha of bushland with the uplands vegetated with E. marginata, B. attenuata, B. menziesii, and E. rudis, M. preissiana and M. rhaphiophylla in the wetland areas. Bush Forever 392 Harry Waring Marsupial Reserve. This Bush Forever site contains 271.6ha of bushland with the uplands vegetated with E. marginata, B. attenuata, B. menziesii, and E. rudis, M. preissiana and M. littoralis in the wetland areas. Bush Forever 267 Mandogalup Road bushland in Hope Valley. This Bush Forever site is 15.7ha of bushland with the uplands vegetated with E. marginata, B. attenuata and A. fraseriana. Bush Forever 393 Wattleup Lake and adjacent bushland. This Bush Forever site is 18.9ha of bushland with the uplands vegetated with E. gomphocephala, C. calophylla, E. marginata, B. attenuata and B. menziesii, and E. rudis, M. preissiana and M. rhaphiophylla in the wetland areas. Bush Forever 346 Brownman Swamp, Mt Brown Lake and adjacent bushland. This Bush Forever site is 558.3ha of bushland with the uplands vegetated with E. gomphocephala, E. marginata, C. calophylla, B. attenuata, B. menziesii and B. grandis. Bush Forever 429, 435 Market Garden Swamps. This Bush Forever site is 38.a ha that includes a swamp, vegetated wetlands and vegetated uplands. The uplands are vegetated with E. gomphocephala and Xanthorrhoea preissii shrubland and the wetland with Melaleuca sp. Bush Forever 256 Yangebup and Little Rush Lakes. This Bush Forever site is 27.7.a ha that includes a swamp, vegetated wetlands and vegetated uplands. The uplands are vegetated with E. gomphocephala, E. marginata, C. calophylla, B. attenuata and B. menziesii.

3.4.1 Significance of foraging habitat in Development Area 6 It is difficult to assess the size of the potential Black-Cockatoo foraging habitat, because it is largely confined to isolated Jarrah and Banksia trees. However, overall there is less than 1ha of quality foraging habitat for Black-Cockatoos within the project area. The available habitat represents a very small fraction of that available within 4km, in particular those areas available in Bush Forever sites. Overall, the Black-Cockatoo foraging habitat in the project area is of a much lower quality than that in adjacent areas like Thomson Lake Nature Reserve and Harry Waring Marsupial Reserve. The Eco Logical Australia (2013) report on foraging habitat availability in numerous areas on the Swan Coastal Plain, included Thomson Lake and Harry Waring Marsupial Reserves. The sampling sites in Thomson Lake Reserve had 419 Banksia trees and 21,582 pods/hectare, and Harry Waring Marsupial Reserve had 334 Banksia trees and 16,217 pods/hectare. The Harry Waring Marsupial Reserve and Thomson Lake Reserve are significantly more useful for foraging than the very poor quality habitat available in the project area, and these areas are considered quality foraging habitats for Black-Cockatoos.

3.5 Species ecology Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) – Endangered under the EPBC Act 1999 and Schedule 1 under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 Carnaby’s (or Short-billed) Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) is a large, pied, cockatoo. Garnett et al. (2011) and the DSEWPaC (2011) reported that Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo inhabits the south-west of Western Australia, from Kalbarri to as east on the south coast as Esperance. It breeds inland and moves to the coastal areas when chicks have fledged (Saunders et al. 1985). Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos are highly gregarious, usually seen in trios, small parties or large flocks (up to 5000 birds; Perry 1948). These flocks usually contain males, females and immature birds. Male Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos can be identified by having a black bill and red eye-ring, whereas females have a light grey bill and a grey eye-ring (Higgins 1999, Cale 2003). Furthermore, the pale patch on the ear-coverts is slightly bigger and paler on females than males, and the pale fringes of leading underwing-coverts and feathers of the under body are usually broader on females (Higgins 1999). Juveniles are very similar to adult females and best distinguished by continuous harsh rasping calls begging for food (Higgins 1999). By their second year, immature males differ from juveniles and adults by having a bicoloured bill (some dark on the upper mandible, pale lower mandible; Higgins 1999). Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos are a long-lived species, with a reproductive life estimated to be 15 years (Cale 2003). In some locations, breeding populations have decreased or become locally extinct (Saunders 1986, Saunders and Ingram 1987). For example, in the Coomallo Creek area north of Perth, Black-Cockatoos laid 74 clutches in 1973, 75 in 1974, 82 in 1975 but only 20 in 1994 and 19 in 1996 (Saunders and Ingram 1987). Saunders (1986) reported finding 13 nests at Manmanning in 1969 but by 1977, the species had stopped breeding in the area. Saunders (1990) reported failed nestings due to predation by a cat, galahs broke Carnaby’s Black- Cockatoo eggs and took over nests, while other adult birds were killed by vehicles and Wedge-tailed Eagles (Aquilla audax). Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos are partly migratory and partly sedentary (Higgins 1999). In the drier regions of their geographic range where most of the native vegetation has been cleared (e.g. wheatbelt), Carnaby’s Black- Cockatoos are postnuptial migrants (Saunders 1980, Saunders and Ingram 1995). After breeding, individuals in these areas migrate to feed in higher rainfall areas including the Swan Coastal Plain, and to a lesser extent, forests dominated by E. marginata, C. calophylla (Marri) and Eucalyptus diversicolor (Karri (Karri: Saunders 1980). On the Swan Coastal Plain, Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos have been recorded foraging in most suburbs and in pine plantations within the greater Perth metropolitan area (Perry 1948). Vagrants have been recorded on Rottnest Island (Winnett 1989) and Garden Island (Wykes et al. 1999). These later two sightings clearly indicate that Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo will fly considerable distances over non-vegetated areas to forage. Garnett et al. (2011) estimated there were between 10,000 and 60,000 birds in the population. Saunders (1980) recorded non-breeding cockatoos at Coomallo Creek foraging within a 50km radius of their breeding area, whereas, cockatoos at Manmanning moved a much greater distance to the coastal plain during their non-breeding season. These data suggest that Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo move from areas where there is little food to southern and western coastal areas where food is presumably more plentiful during summer and autumn (Davies 1966, Saunders 1980). Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo breed between July and November mostly in eucalypt woodland (Saunders 1980, 1986). Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo nest in tree hollows that are created by fire, fungi, termites or old age, with hollows between 2.5 and 12m above the ground (Saunders 1979a, Higgins 1999). Hollows are large, ranging from 10 to over 250cm in depth (Higgins 1999). These hollows are usually in live or dead smooth-barked Eucalyptus salmonophloia (Salmon Gum) or Eucalyptus wandoo (Wandoo). However, Carnaby’s Black- Cockatoo will also nest in Eucalyptus longicornis (Red Morrell), Eucalyptus loxophleba (York Gum), E. gomphocephala, Eucalyptus rudis (River or Flooded Gum), Eucalyptus salubris (Gimlet), Eucalyptus occidentalis (Swamp Yate) and C. calophylla (Higgins 1999, Cale 2003). When breeding, they most often forage in the surrounding shrubland and kwongan heath (Higgins 1999). On the Swan Coastal Plain, breeding could occur in E. gomphocephala, E. rudis, E. occidentalis and C. calophylla. Adults return to the same breeding area each year (Saunders 1977) and some use the same tree hollow for many years in succession to raise their chicks, others shift their nests among a number of trees in the same area (Saunders and Ingram 1998). Eggs are laid on a mat of wood chips chewed from the sides of the hollow. Clutches are 1-2, but most often only one chick is raised. Incubation takes 29 days, and only the female incubates and broods (Johnstone and Kirkby 2011). Initially the female will return to the nest mid-morning to feed the chick, but after about 2-3 weeks both parents leave in the early morning and return late evening.

Young remain with their parents until the parents return to the breeding area in the following year (Saunders 1980). Immature birds probably do not move into the breeding areas until they are ready to breed, although little is known of the movements of immature Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo until they are ready to breed (Saunders 1977). The breeding success of Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo is believed to be strongly influenced by the availability of food at breeding sites (Saunders et al. 1985). Saunders (1977) found that birds that foraged within one or two kilometres from nesting sites had greater fledgling success than those from populations that had to travel up to four kilometres to obtain food. In a study that monitored Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo’s breeding over 25 years at Coomallo Creek, Saunders and Ingram (1998) showed that the number of breeding attempts halved by the end of the study. During this period, native vegetation cover was reduced from 90% in 1959 to 25% in 1996. Their study revealed that although there was a surplus of trees with hollows of sufficient sizes, clearing of adjacent foraging habitat had adversely impacted on the success of breeding birds. Therefore, breeding sites typically have nearby areas of scrub and heath where birds forage on seeds and flowers of numerous trees and shrubs including Banksia, Hakea, Dryandra, Grevillea and Callistemon spp. (Robinson 1965, Saunders 1980, Higgins 1999). Unlike other cockatoo species, Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo will not utilise cereal crops (Saunders et al. 1985), but will feed on Erodium seed (Saunders 1980). At Coomallo Creek, Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo travelled on average 1.4km from their nests to forage, whereas at Manmanning they foraged more widely and travelled an average of 2.5km from their nest to forage (Saunders 1980). At Manmanning, road and railway reserves were extensively used for foraging, presumably as this was the closest food source to their nests. The availability of food near the nest influenced the time spent incubating eggs and fledging body mass (Saunders 1980). At Manmanning, Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo traversed agricultural land to forage in remnant plots of uncleared land. The social organisation of breeding Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo is known (Saunders 1974, 1977, 1979b, 1980, Saunders et al. 1985, Saunders 1986, Higgins 1999). Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo start reproducing at about four years of age and continue for at least 15 years (Cale 2003). Strong pair bonds are then formed, often for life. Females lay one or two eggs asynchronously with an average of 8 days (range 1-12) between the laying of the first and second egg. Egg laying usually occurs in early July to mid-October, with inland birds laying approximately three weeks lately than those closer to the coast. Females incubate their 1-2 eggs for 28-29 days (Saunders 1982). When two eggs are laid, it is extremely rare for both nestlings to successfully fledge. The female alone broods and feeds the young birds. Initially, the female, and later the chick, rely on the male for food during the brooding and hatching of the eggs (Saunders 1977, Saunders 1982). After two to three weeks, both parents forage and return at mid-morning and dusk to feed the young (Saunders 1977, Saunders 1982). The young are dependent on parents for several months after fledgling. Fledglings are independent after about 10-11 weeks (Saunders 1977). Although flocks of Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo are seen foraging in the Perth metropolitan area during summer and autumn there are no published data of any breeding taking place in the greater Perth metropolitan area. It is also interesting that Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo will nest in the Moora town site (Davies 2005) but have not nested in the Perth metropolitan area. It is not known if they bred in the Perth area before European settlement. Saunders (1980) reported Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo at Coomallo Creek (breeding area) foraged mostly on native plants, with the only exception being Erodium sp.. Higgins (1999) reported the habitat of Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo was uncleared or remnant woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus, particularly E. wandoo and E. salmonophloia and often in shrubland or kwongan heathland dominated by Hakea, Dryandra, Banksia and Grevillea and seasonally in Pinus plantations and less often in C. calophylla, E. diversicolor or E. marginata.

Since the 1930s, pine plantations have become an important feeding resource during the summer months (Perry 1948, Saunders 1974, 1980). The utilisation of pine plantations by cockatoos is likely to reflect the high energetic return of pine seeds, the concentrated food source and the loss of native habitat that has occurred on the Swan Coastal Plain since the 1930s.

The belief that Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo numbers are in serious decline has led to a recovery plan being released in 2012 (DEC 2012). This plan details the current status of the cockatoo and provides conservation measures to increase the population. The six broad recovery actions in this plan are:  Protect and manage important habitat – identify, protect and manage habitat critical for survival (nesting, foraging and roosting) for Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos across their breeding and non- breeding range;  Conduct research to inform management – undertake research into the biology, ecology, and conservation management of Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo;

 Undertake regular monitoring – monitor population parameters, habitat, threats and status of the Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo;  Manage other impacts – monitor the impacts and implement strategies to reduce other factors detrimentally affecting Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo, and support rehabilitation programs;  Undertake information and communication activities – develop and distribute awareness raising and guidance materials for decision makers, establish joint management agreements and provide for improved sharing of information between agencies; and  Engage with the broader community – engage with and involve people across the community in the conservation of Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo.

Based on the information above, it is likely that Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo infrequently feeds in the few available foraging trees in the project area.

Forest Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) – Vulnerable under the EPBC Act 1999 and Schedule 1 under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950

The Forest Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo is one of three large black-cockatoos found in Western Australia. Calyptorhynchus banksii naso frequents the humid to sub-humid south-west of Western Australia from Gingin in the north, to Albany in the south and west to Cape Leeuwin and Bunbury (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities 2011). It was mostly seen in the hill interior, but small numbers of birds were seen at Mundijong, Baldivis, Karnup, Stakehill, Pinjarra, Coolup and in the Lake Clifton area (Johnstone and Kirkby 2011). In 2011, there was an increase in the number of Forest Red-tailed Black- Cockatoo on the coastal strip north from Rockingham to the northern metropolitan suburbs. The reason for the recent increase in abundance is unknown. The Forest Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo nests in tree hollows with a depth of 1-5m that are predominately C. calophylla, E. marginata and E. diversicolor. The nest entrance is 12-41 cm, and similar to other black- cockatoos, it lays two eggs on wood chips in October and November, but most often only one survives. Incubation period is 29-31 days and only the female incubates and broods (Johnstone and Storr 1998). Johnstone and Kirkby (2011) reported the Forest Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo to feed mostly on seeds from C. calophylla, E. marginata, but also on Allocasuarina fraseriana (Sheoak), Persoonia longifolia (Snottygobble), Eucalyptus patens (Blackbutt) and introduced species such as M. azedarach (Cape Lilac) and Corymbia citriodora (Lemon-scented Gum). Loss of breeding habitat in the form of suitable hollows and adequate feeding resources in the vicinity of nesting hollows to enable adults to feed chicks is a primary threat. Abbott (1998) reported that trees within its known breeding distribution was not a factor in limiting breeding. He estimated there were about 15,000 birds and Garnett et al. (2011) thought about 10% of these birds bred each year. Competition for nesting hollows by other cockatoos, Wood Ducks, Galahs and feral Honey Bees appears to also be a significant threat (Garnett et al. 2011). Forest Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos were heard calling on three occasions near the project area, and may infrequently forage in the project area.

3.6 Other observations There were significant number of diggings and scratchings of Southern Brown Bandicoots (Plates 10 and 11) in south-eastern portion of the project area that had was dominated by Xanthorrhoea sp. A Southern Brown Bandicoot was also seen in this area. Local residents are aware of the abundance of Southern Brown Bandicoots in the area, and some expressed concern that they would not be relocated prior to vegetation clearing. There is a relatively high density of rabbits along the northern boundary of the site. It is probable that the area supports a small population of foxes and stray or feral cats. Brushtail Possums may be present and vegetated areas within the project area are also likely to support a range of small vertebrates (e.g. Bobtails, Bearded Dragons and other small snakes and skinks).

Plate 10. Southern Brown Bandicoot diggings Plate 11. Southern Brown Bandicoot diggings

4 DISCUSSION

4.1 Impacts on Black-Cockatoos The project area is largely cleared of vegetation and contains some remnant degraded bushland around the perimeter which support isolated large eucalypt trees and a few Banksias.

Foraging opportunities for Black-Cockatoos are largely confined to the isolated eucalypts and Banksia and there was very little evidence that Black-Cockatoos have utilised the project area for foraging. It could therefore be presumed that Carnaby’s and Forest Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos would infrequently forage in the project area, but due to the limited resources would quickly move on to more productive adjacent areas.

Table 2 provides a summary of the assessed potential impact on Black-Cockatoos associated with the action of clearing the remaining vegetation based on the criteria set out in the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (2012) referral guidelines for Black-Cockatoos. This is followed by a more detailed assessment to support this summary table. Commonwealth referral guidelines (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities 2011), are unclear on what is quality foraging habitat, so the criteria of clearing or degrading more than 1ha of quality foraging habitat is difficult to assess. The criteria in Table 1 are the basis of this assessment. The Eco Logical Australia’s (2013) assessment of Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo foraging habitat in the Perth- Peel region used a measure of the number of Banksia trees or pods/hectare to estimate the foraging resource characteristics of particular areas. No indication of quality was provided in this report, however, Banksia tree and pod densities are provided for numerous sites, including some in close proximity to the project area (i.e. Thomsons Lake Reserve, Harry Warring Marsupial Reserve and Beeliar Regional Park). Banksia tree and pod density were not measured in this assessment, but as indicated earlier in this report, based on observation they are significantly lower than that recorded for Thomson Lake Reserve and Harry Waring Marsupial Reserve. Table 2. Summary assessment of whether an action will have a significant impact on the two species of Black-Cockatoos High risk of significant impacts: referral Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo Forest Red-tailed Black- recommended Cockatoo Clearing of any known nesting tree. No nesting trees were No nesting trees were recorded on the project area. recorded on the project area. Clearing or degradation of any part of a The project is outside the Is within the vicinity of a vegetation community known to contain DPaW mapped potential known breeding locations at breeding habitat. breeding habitat. Murdoch University and Baldivis. Clearing of more than 1ha of quality Less than 1ha of potential Less than 1ha of potential foraging habitat. quality foraging habitat is quality foraging habitat is contained in the area contained in the area assessed. assessed. Clearing or degradation (including pruning Clearing will not impact on Clearing will not impact on the top canopy) of a known night roosting a known roosting site. a known roosting site. site. Creating a gap of greater than 4 km Clearing will not create a Clearing will not create a between patches of black cockatoo habitat gap of greater than 4km gap of greater than 4km (Breeding, foraging or roosting). between patches of Black- between patches of Black- Cockatoo habitat. Cockatoo habitat. Uncertainty: referral recommended or contact the department Degradation (such as through altered Less than 1ha of potential Less than 1ha of potential hydrology or fire regimes) of more than 1 quality foraging habitat is quality foraging habitat is ha of foraging habitat. Significance will contained in the area contained in the area depend on the level and extent of assessed. assessed. degradation and the quality of the habitat. Clearing or disturbance in areas Based on the recent Great Based on the recent Great surrounding black-cockatoo breeding, Cocky count (Byrne et al. Cocky count (Byrne et al. foraging or night roosting habitat that has 2015), there is a large roost 2015), there is a large roost the potential to degrade habitat through site in the vicinity of the site in the vicinity of the

introduction of invasive species, edge project area. However, as project area. However, as effect, hydrological changes, increased the coordinates of roosting the coordinates of roosting human visitation or fire. sites are not provided, its sites are not provided, its exact location is unknown. exact location is unknown. Actions that do not directly affect the The project area contains a The project area contains a listed species but that have a potential for small number of trees with a small number of trees with a indirect impacts such as increasing hollows; however, none hollows; however, none competitors for nest hollows. were suitable for Black- were suitable for Black- Cockatoos, although some Cockatoos, although some were being used by other were being used by other avian species. avian species. Actions with the potential to introduce The site is mostly The site is almost known plant disease such as Phytophthora completely cleared of completely cleared of spp. To an area where the pathogen was vegetation and with the vegetation and with the not previously known. implementation of implementation of appropriate hygiene appropriate hygiene standards during remaining standards during remaining vegetation clearing, diseases vegetation clearing, diseases are unlikely to be introduced are unlikely to be introduced to the site. to the site. Low risk of significant impacts: referral may not be required. Actions that do not affect black-cockatoo habitat or individuals. Actions whose impacts occur outside the modelled distribution of the three black- cockatoos.

Clearing of any known nesting tree (high risk)

Forest Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos are known to nest in Baldivis and at Murdoch University. Although, the project area is between Baldivis and Murdoch University there are no suitable hollows that may provide a suitable nesting site in the project area for either species of Black-Cockatoo.

Clearing of any part or degradation of breeding habitat (high risk)

Breeding habitat for Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo is defined as ‘woodland or forest, but also breeds in former woodland or forest now present as isolated trees. Nests in hollows in live or dead trees of E. salmonophloia, E. wandoo, E. gomphocephala, E. marginata, E. rudis, E. loxophleba, E. accedens, E. diversicolor and C. calophylla’ and for Forest Red-tailed Cockatoos ‘in woodland or forest, but may also breed in former woodland or forest now present as isolated trees. Nests are found in hollows in live or dead trees of marri, E. diversicolor, E. wandoo, E. megacarpa, E. patens, E. gomphocephala and E. marginata’ (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities 2012; p.15).

It is Terrestrial Ecosystems assessment that Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo are unlikely to nest in the project area as there are no suitable nesting hollows present. The project area is outside DPaW’s mapped breeding areas for Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo.

Clearing of more than 1ha of quality foraging habitat (high risk)

The definition of what is ‘quality habitat’ is unknown, but some of the trees in the project area are on the Commonwealth governments list of foraging species for Carnaby’s and the Forest Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo. The area assessed contains less than 1ha of quality Black-Cockatoo foraging habitat, giving regard to more productive foraging opportunities within 4km.

Clearing or degradation including pruning the top canopy of a known roosting site (high risk)

There is no evidence to indicate that Carnaby’s or Forest Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos roost in the project area. However, Forest Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos regularly shift their roosting sites, and could periodically roost in nearby areas. The recently released 2015 Great Cocky count (Byrne et al. 2015) indicates a significant roosting site in the vicinity of the project area.

Degradation (such as through altered hydrology or fire regimes) of more than 1ha of foraging habitat. Significance will depend on the level and extent of degradation and the quality of the habitat (uncertainty)

The assessed area contained less than of 1ha of Black-Cockatoo foraging habitat.

Clearing or disturbance in areas surrounding black cockatoo habitat that has the potential to degrade habitat through the introduction of invasive species, edge effects, hydrological changes, increased human visitation or fire (uncertainty)

The area to be cleared will be used for residential and industrial development. This development will increase human visitation to the area.

Actions that do not directly affect the listed species but that have the potential for indirect impacts such as increasing competitors for nest hollows (uncertainty)

There are limited small hollows available on site which may be used by possums, galahs or parrots. Clearing trees that currently contain these hollows may force these animals into adjacent areas. Competition for hollows in these adjacent areas is therefore likely to increase.

Action with the potential to introduce know plant diseases such as Phytophthora spp. (uncertainty)

Clearing of the vegetation is only likely to spread diseases such as Phytophthora spp., if appropriate standards of hygiene are not maintained in the equipment used to clear the vegetation. This aspect is able to be effectively managed and controlled during the development.

5 SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The project area supports 58 eucalypt trees with a DBH of 500mm or greater. Some of these trees are very mature with a DBH in excess of 1,000mm. However, none of these trees contained a hollow that could be used as nesting site for Black-Cockatoos. There was a very low availability of foraging habitat in the project area and limited evidence of Black-Cockatoos foraging in the area. The available foraging habitat was not assessed as being high quality, taking into account the availability of much better and more productive feeding opportunities within 4km.

Clearing of the trees in the project area would not significantly reduce the foraging habitat available for Black- Cockatoos and such an action would therefore not trigger the Commonwealth Government’s criteria for a referral under the EPBC Act 1999. However, based on other recently referred projects the precautionary approach would be to refer the project to the Commonwealth for assessment. Overall, the foraging habitat in the project area is of a much lower quality than that in adjacent areas like Thomson Lake Nature Reserve and Harry Waring Marsupial Reserve.

Some areas support Southern Brown Bandicoots and probably Brush-tailed Possums. Trapping and relocating Southern Brown Bandicoots and Brush-tailed Possums will mitigate some of the potential impact on these species.

5.1 Recommendations It is recommended that:  a vertebrate fauna relocation strategy is prepared by a fauna specialist familiar with the ecology of species potentially present in the project area;  areas that contain an understory of native vegetation and supports Southern Brown Bandicoots are trapped and the captured animals are relocated to a suitable adjacent habitat;  every effort is made to retain as many of the mature trees as is possible in the development of the project area;  if practical, the vegetation clearing is undertaken outside the breeding season for the majority of avian species (i.e. spring); and  a zoologist is present during the vegetation clearing program to salvage vertebrate fauna (e.g. Brush- tailed Possums, Bobtail lizards, Bearded Dragons) that can be relocated to another site or given to a wildlife carer until they are able to fend for themselves.

6 REFERENCES Abbott, I. 1998. Conservation of the forest red-tailed black cockatoo, a hollow-dependent species, in the eucalypt forests of Western Australia. Forest Ecology and Management 109:175-185. Byrne, M. G., G. Barrett, H. Finn, M. Blythman, and M. Williams. 2015. The 2015 Great Cocky Count: A community-based survey for Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii naso). Floreat, Western Australia. Cale, B. 2003. Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) Recovery Plan. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth. Davies, S. 2005. Usage of Artificial Nest Boxes by Carnaby's Cockatoo, Assessment of Status 2005. Unpublished report to World Wide Fund for Nature, Threatened Species Program and Men of the Trees, Perth. Davies, S. J. J. F. 1966. The movements of the White-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus baudinii) in south-western Australia. Western Australian Naturalist 10:33-42. Department of Environment and Conservation. 2012. Carnaby's Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) Recovery Plan. Perth. Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities. 2011. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 draft referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species: Carnaby’s cockatoo (endangered) Calyptorhynchus latirostris Baudin’s cockatoo (vulnerable) Calyptorhynchus baudinii Forest red-tailed black cockatoo (vulnerable) Calyptorhynchus banksii naso. Canberra. Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities. 2012. EPBC Act Referral Guidelines for Three Threatened Black Cockatoo Species: Carnaby's Cockatoo (endangered) Calyptorhynchus latirostris, Baudin's Cockatoo (vulnerable) Calyptorhynchus baudinii, Forest Red- tailed Black Cockatoo (vulnerable) Calyptorhynchus banksii naso. Canberra. Eco Logical Australia. 2013. Carnaby's Cockatoo Habitat Survey Assessment of the Perth - Peel Region. Canberra. Garnett, S. T., J. K. Szabo, and G. Dutson. 2011. The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2010. CSIRO, Collingwood, Melbourne. Higgins, P. J. 1999. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 4: Parrots to Dollarbird. Oxford University Press, Melbourne. Johnstone, R. E., and G. M. Storr. 1998. Handbook of Western Australian Birds. Volume 1 - Non-Passerines (Emu to Dollarbird). Western Australian Museum, Perth. Johnstone, R. E. C., and T. Kirkby. 2011. Carnaby’s Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris), Baudin’s Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus baudinii) and the Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) on the Swan Coastal Plain (Lancelin–Dunsborough), Western Australia. Studies on distribution, status, breeding, food, movements and historical changes. Perth. Perry, D. H. 1948. Black Cockatoos and pine plantations. Western Australian Naturalist 1:133-135. Robinson, A. 1965. Feeding notes on the white-tailed black cockatoo. Western Australian Naturalist 9:169- 170. Saunders, A. D. 1982. The breeding behaviour and biology of the short-billed form of the white-tailed black cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus. Ibis 124:422-455. Saunders, D. A. 1974. The occurrence of the White-tailed Black Cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus baudinii, in Pinus plantations in Western Australia. Australian Wildlife Research 1:45-54. Saunders, D. A. 1977. The effect of agricultural clearing on the breeding success of the White-tailed Black Cockatoo. Emu 77:180-184. Saunders, D. A. 1979a. The availability of tree hollows for use as nest sites by White-tailed Black Cockatoos. Australian Wildlife Research 6:205-216. Saunders, D. A. 1979b. Distribution and taxonomy of the White-tailed and yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos Calyptorhynchus spp. Emu 79:215-227. Saunders, D. A. 1980. Food and movement of the Short-billed form of the White-tailed Black Cockatoo. Australian Wildlife Research 7:257-269. Saunders, D. A. 1986. Breeding season, nesting success and nestling growth in Carnaby's Cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus funereus latirostris, over 16 years at Coomallo Creek, and a method for assessing the viability of populations in other areas. Australian Wildlife Research 13:261-273. Saunders, D. A. 1990. Problems of survival in an extensively cultivated landscape: the case of Carnaby's Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus latirostris. Biological Conservation 54:277-290. Saunders, D. A., and J. A. Ingram. 1987. Factors affecting survival of breeding populations of Carnaby's Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus latirostris in remnants of native vegetation.in D. A. Saunders,

G. W. Arnold, A. A. Burbidge, and A. J. M. Hopkins, editors. Nature Conservation: The Role of Remnants of Native Vegetation. Surrey Beatty, Sydney. Saunders, D. A., and J. A. Ingram. 1995. Birds of Southwestern Australia: An Atlas of Changes in the Distribution and Abundance of the Wheatbelt avifauna. Surrey Beatty, Sydney. Saunders, D. A., and J. A. Ingram. 1998. Twenty-eight years of monitoring a breeding population of Carnaby's Cockatoo. Pacific Conservation Biology 4:261-270. Saunders, D. A., I. Rowley, and G. T. Smith. 1985. The effects of clearing for agriculture on the distribution of cockatoos in the southwest of Western Australia.in A. Keast, H. F. Recher, H. A. Ford, and D. A. Saunders, editors. Birds of Eucalypt Forest and Woodlands: Ecology, Conservation, Management. RAOU and Surrey Beatty and Sons, Melbourne and Chipping North. Winnett, S. 1989. White-tailed Black Cockatoos on Rottnest Island. Western Australian Naturalist 18:64. Wykes, B. J., D. Pearson, and J. Majer. 1999. Fauna Survey of Garden Island, WA, 1996-1997. HMAS Stirling, Environmental Working Paper No. 12, Perth.

Figures

16 N 0 2.5 5 7.5 10km

SCALE 1 : 250 000 at A4 (MGA)

SEE INSET FOR DETAIL

SITE LOCATION 2016-0044-f01.dgn

INSET

Landcorp BLACK COCKATOO ASSESSMENT LATITUDE 32 AREA DA6A Figure 1

REGIONAL LOCATION Drawn: S. Thompson Date: 6 Sep 2016 Job: 2016-0044 PINPOINT CARTOGRAPHICS (08) 9562 7136 R 15741 4436 VCL 4897 450 1 386 000mE 386 500mE 105 2 4 N 050100 150 200 250m 39 38 101 5 SCALE 1 : 7 500 at A4 (MGA)

ROCKINGHAM 37 Legend 6 442 500mN 40 RUSSELL ROAD 246 DA6A Boundary 102 Cadastral Boundary 41 42 36 Easement Boundary 2 311 213 35 Significant Tree Location 43 34 103 44 32 45 46 33 88 61 88 17 56 30 55 31 28 53 29 26 54 52 310 127 27 48 51 50 47 59 49 26 11 60 10 12 6 442 000mN 16 13 15 10 9 123 1 58 14

11 62 21 8 13 17 14

MOYLAN

57 15 7 25

24 23 51 22 1 21 6 441 500mN 2

63 VCL

ROAD 503 0 20 ROAD

18 19 3 17 4 16 2016-0044-f02.dgn 5 6 201 6

6 441 000mN 202 4 CADASTRAL SOURCE: Landgate, September 2016. AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH SOURCE: NearMap, flown June 2016. Landcorp BLACK COCKATOO ASSESSMENT LATITUDE 32 AREA DA6A Figure 2

SIGNIFICANT TREES Drawn: S. Thompson Date: 7 Sep 2016 Job: 2016-0044

PINPOINT CARTOGRAPHICS (08) 9562 7136 51 R 15741 4436 VCL 4897 450 1 386 000mE 386 500mE 105 2 4 N 050100 150 200 250m 39 38 101 5 SCALE 1 : 7 500 at A4 (MGA)

ROCKINGHAM 37 Legend 6 442 500mN 40 RUSSELL ROAD 246 DA6A Boundary 102 Cadastral Boundary 41 42 36 Easement Boundary 2 311 213 35 Significant Tree Location 43 34 103 44 32 Foraging Habitat 0 45 46 33 Foraging Habitat 1 88 61 88 17 56 30 55 31 28 53 29 26 54 52 310 127 27 48 51 50 47 59 49 26 11 60 10 12 6 442 000mN 16 13 15 10 9 123 1 58 14

11 62 21 8 13 17 14

MOYLAN

57 15 7 25

24 23 51 22 1 21 6 441 500mN 2

63 VCL

ROAD 503 0 20 ROAD

18 19 3 17 4 16 2016-0044-f03.dgn 5 6 201 6

6 441 000mN 202 4 CADASTRAL SOURCE: Landgate, September 2016. AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH SOURCE: NearMap, flown June 2016. Landcorp BLACK COCKATOO ASSESSMENT LATITUDE 32 AREA DA6A Figure 3 BLACK-COCKATOO FORAGING HABITAT Drawn: S. Thompson Date: 15 Sep 2016 ASSESSMENT Job: 2016-0044 PINPOINT CARTOGRAPHICS (08) 9562 7136 51

Appendix A Location of Significant Black-Cockatoo trees – Development Area 6

Appendix A. Significant Black-Cockatoo trees (UTM 50) Easting Northing Tree type DBH (mm) Tree height (m) Comment 386183 6441518 Tuart 920 15 386185 6441503 Tuart 950 15 386202 6441230 Tuart 840 18 386224 6441180 Tuart 900 20 386226 6441173 Flooded Gum 1180 20 386223 6441145 Tuart 610 15 386179 6441627 Tuart 620 15 386161 6441785 Tuart 880 20 386191 6441954 Tuart 710 20 386163 6442024 Tuart 880 20 386182 6442026 Tuart 1020 20 386198 6442013 Tuart 750 20 386165 6441978 Tuart 790 20 386178 6441952 Tuart 800 20 386186 6441974 Tuart 630 20 386875 6441178 Tuart 820 15 Hollow about 5m high; 250*250mm; not suitable for Black Cockatoo; maybe suitable for a possum 386911 6441238 Jarrah 700 15 386909 6441271 Tuart 1400 25 Multiple small hollows; historical nesting evidence from small parrot; bees present 386958 6441273 Tuart 1670 25 Multiple stags with small hollows; not suitable for Black Cockatoos 386925 6441380 Tuart 580, 540, 830 20 386827 6441532 Tuart 670 15 386835 6441547 Jarrah 600 15 386834 6441606 Jarrah 900 15 386820 6441615 Jarrah 610 15 386828 6441628 Jarrah 730 15 386703 6442115 Jarrah 670 15 386690 6442113 Flooded Gum 750 15 386682 6442131 Jarrah 610 15 386662 6442148 Jarrah 620 20 386610 6442171 Tuart 1010 15 386597 6442169 Tuart 760 15 386478 6442291 Tuart (Dead) 600 15 386497 6442233 Jarrah 670 15 386429 6442304 Tuart 580 15 386388 6442327 Tuart 640 15 386343 6442392 Tuart 1160 20 386188 6442510 Tuart 880 20 386007 6442600 Jarrah 860 15 385966 6442605 Tuart 1110 20 385969 6442482 Tuart 2100 25 385954 6442415 Tuart 610 20

Easting Northing Tree type DBH (mm) Tree height (m) Comment

385955 6442382 Tuart (Dead) 800 12 385962 6442312 Tuart 770 20 Small hollows for use by galah or parrot 385951 6442289 Tuart 1060 20 385954 6442276 Tuart 930 20 385950 6442267 Tuart 590 20 385977 6442051 Jarrah 920 20 386081 6442060 Jarrah 850 20 386159 6442075 Tuart 1100 20 386153 6442085 Tuart 540 15 386148 6442086 Tuart 700 15 386161 6442098 Tuart 1280 15 386151 6442110 Tuart 1100 15 386145 6442110 Tuart 560 15 386025 6442131 Tuart 790 15 385995 6442166 Tuart 630 15 386140 6441663 Tuart 1600 20 386145 6441950 Tuart 1000 20 Numerous dead small hollows in dead branches; possible use by parrot or galah