Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification - Biodiversity Assessment Report and Biodiversity Offset Strategy

ATTACHMENT B GINKGO EXTENSION MODIFICATION BASELINE TERRESTRIAL FAUNA REPORT

00878491 GINKGO MINERAL SANDS MINE

EXTENSION MODIFICATION

BASELINE FAUNA REPORT

PREPARED BY BIODIVERSITY MONITORING SERVICES

SEPTEMBER 2017 Project No. CMA-17-06 Document No. 00878597 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Survey Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 1 INTRODUCTION 2 1.1 BACKGROUND 2 1.2 SCOPE OF THIS REPORT 2 2 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT 6 2.1 STUDY AREA 6 2.2 REGIONAL LOCATION 6 2.3 CLIMATE 6 2.4 LANDFORM AND HYDROLOGY 6 2.5 LAND USE 7 2.6 VEGETATION 7 2.7 THREATENED FAUNA 9 3 METHODS 11 3.1 DATABASE AND LITERATURE SEARCHES 11 3.1.1 Relevant Databases 11 3.1.2 Fauna Surveys for the Ginkgo Mineral Sands Project Environmental Impact Statement 11

3.1.3 Pre-Clearance Surveys (2005DRAFT -2017) 11 3.1.4 Fauna Survey of Rehabilitation Areas within ML 1504 13 3.1.5 Fauna Surveys for the Ginkgo Mine 2012 Modification 13 3.1.6 Fauna Surveys for the Ginkgo Mine 2015 Modification 13 3.1.7 Monitoring Reports for Offset Areas 13 3.1.8 Fauna Surveys for the Snapper Mineral Sands Project 14 3.2 FIELD SURVEYS 14 3.2.1 Survey Timing 14 3.2.2 Survey Sites 14 3.2.3 Fauna Survey Techniques 16 3.2.4 Survey Effort 18 3.3 TARGETED SURVEYS FOR THREATENED SPECIES 19 3.4 HABITAT ASSESSMENT 21 4 RESULTS 22 4.1 BROAD FAUNA HABITAT TYPES 22 4.2 FAUNA LOCATED 24 4.3 THREATENED FAUNA SPECIES AND THEIR HABITAT 29 5 CONCLUSION 38 6 REFERENCES 39

00878597 i Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 Threatened Fauna Previously Recorded at the Ginkgo Mine Table 2 Weather Conditions During Survey Period (Records from Pooncarie Post Office) Table 3 Survey Sites within the Study Area Table 4 Survey Effort (trap days) within the Study Area Table 5 Threatened Species Known From the Wider Locality Table 6 Characteristics of Trees within the Study Area Table 7 Logs Counted in each Transect Table 8 Bird and Reptile Species Richness Values in the Ginkgo Area Table 9 Biodiversity Indices for Five Areas Table 10 Threatened Species Located within the Study Area

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Regional Location Figure 2a Existing/Approved and Modified Ginkgo Mine (Processing Option 1) Figure 2b Existing/Approved and Modified Ginkgo Mine (Processing Option 2) Figure 3 Fauna Survey Sites

DRAFT Figure 4 Habitat Types Figure 5 Bird and reptile species richness values in the Ginkgo Area Figure 6a Biodiversity indices for birds and reptiles (Evenness and Simpson’s) Figure 6b Biodiversity indices for birds and reptiles (Abundance and Richness) Figure 6c Biodiversity indices for birds (Abundance) Figure 7 Threatened Species Records Figure 8 Bolam’s Mouse Potential Habitat Figure 9 Interior Blind Snake Potential Habitat Figure 10 Grey Falcon Potential Habitat

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A Fauna Recorded from the Study Area

00878597 ii Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This baseline fauna survey was conducted as part of the Environmental Assessment for the Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine (Ginkgo Mine) Extension Modification. The Study area is located approximately 85 kilometres (km) north-east of Wentworth and approximately 170km to the south-east of Broken Hill in western New South Wales (NSW).

Fauna surveys were undertaken in a study area forming part of a modification to the south-eastern extension to the existing mine workings at the Ginkgo Mine. The study area forms a U-shape around the south-eastern end of the currently approved mine path.

Fauna survey methods consisted of Elliott trapping, hair funnels, tree-mounted traps, pit trapping, reptile funnels, cage trapping, remote cameras, harp traps, ultrasonic bat call identification, Songmeter nocturnal bird call identification, spotlighting, active searches and general observations. Transects were walked through the study area and a number of trees were inspected for the presence of hollows and fauna. Logs were also counted along the habitat transects.

A total of 71 species were located within the study area including 41 bird, 16 native mammal, seven introduced mammal and seven reptile species. No amphibians were located. The species richness values for the study area are slightly lower than that found elsewhere in the Ginkgo area due to both the smaller area of land surveyed, and the cool conditions experienced during the survey.

Seven threatened species listed under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act, 2016 were located within the study area. These are:

 Marble-faced Delma (Delma australis); DRAFT  Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo (Cacatua leadbeateri);  White-fronted Chat (Epthianura albifrons);  Hooded Robin (Melanodryas cucullata cucullata);  Bolam’s Mouse (Pseudomys bolami);  Little Pied Bat (Chalinolobus picatus); and  Inland Forest Bat (Vespadelus baverstocki).

00878597 1 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

This baseline fauna survey was conducted as part of the Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine (Ginkgo Mine) Extension Modification (the Modification). The Ginkgo Mine is located approximately 85 kilometres (km) north-east of Wentworth and approximately 170 km south-east of Broken Hill in western New South Wales (NSW) (Figure 1).

The Extension area would be required for minor changes to the approved Gingko deposit mine path, an out of pit overburden emplacement and topsoil stockpiles and other supporting infrastructure on the periphery of the mine path (Figures 2a and 2b).

1.2 SCOPE OF THIS REPORT

The scope of this report covers the preparation of a fauna assessment for the Modification. This assessment includes:

 Complete baseline fauna surveys, following sampling techniques outlined in the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) and Department of Environment and Energy (DEE) guidelines.  Targeted searches for potentially occurring threatened fauna species, following sampling techniques outlined in the OEH and DEE guidelines.  A habitat assessment which addresses the requirements in the OEH (2014) Framework for Biodiversity Assessment. DRAFT

Vegetation surveys of the study area were undertaken by FloraSearch (2015, 2017). This included an assessment of the condition, consistent with the Framework for Biodiversity Assessment (OEH, 2014).

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2 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

2.1 STUDY AREA

The study area forms a U-shape around the south-eastern end of the currently approved mine path (Figure 3). The study area is approximately 120 hectares (ha) in size.

2.2 REGIONAL LOCATION

The study area is located in the Murray Darling Depression Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia Bioregion (DEE, 2017a) and the Western Local Land Service Region.

2.3 CLIMATE

The closest Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) weather stations to the study area are located approximately 30km east at Pooncarie Mail Agency and 90 km south-southwest at Wentworth Post Office. The mean annual rainfall near the study area is between 270 millimetres (mm) (Pooncarie) and 287 mm (Wentworth) (BOM, 2017). Plate 1 shows that the rainfall deficiencies for the study area between August 2013 and July 2017 has not suffered any rainfall deficiency.

DRAFT

Plate 1: Rainfall Deficiency Map for Australia

2.4 LANDFORM AND HYDROLOGY

Topography of the surrounding region shows limited relief and comprises generally flat to undulating land covered by a combination of grassland, low woodland and shrubland. The elevations within the study area range from 50 to 70 metres (m) Australian Height Datum.

00878597 6 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

The Darling River is a major hydrological feature of the local environment intersecting the Murray River at Wentworth. The Darling River Anabranch runs parallel to the Darling River and only flows under flood conditions. Numerous ephemeral lakes are associated with the Anabranch, which occasionally hold water (primarily during flood conditions). The study area does not contain any watercourses.

2.5 LAND USE

Surrounding land uses (outside of the mining lease) comprise of pastoral leasehold lands that are used predominantly for livestock grazing of native pastures by sheep, cattle and goats on Perpetual Western Land Leases.

2.6 VEGETATION

Within the vicinity of the study area a wide range of vegetation types occur, particularly in the eastern corner. These include grassy and shrubby woodlands, shrublands and grasslands. The area is predominantly a mix of Black Oak (Casuarina pauper) – Western Rosewood Woodland and Austrostipa – Sida Grassland/Low Shrubland communities, with smaller patches of Black Box (Eucalyptus largiflorens) Woodland, Eragrostris Depression Grassland, Turpentine Shrubland, Chenopod Mallee Woodland/Shrubland and Black Oak – Pearl Bluebush Woodland communities.

DRAFT

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Source: Cristal Mining (2016); Orthophoto: Cristal Mining (2012); Department of Industry Resources & Energy (2017)

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2.7 THREATENED FAUNA

A total of 12 threatened fauna species listed under the Biodiversity Conservation Act, 2016 (BC Act) have been previously recorded at the Ginkgo Mine (within Mining Lease (ML) 1504 and 1735) (Table 1).

Table 1 Threatened Fauna Previously Recorded at the Ginkgo Mine

Conservation 1 Scientific Status Common Name Description of the Records within ML1504 and ML1735 Name BC EPBC Act Act Reptile Strophurus Jewelled Gecko V - GHD recorded 36 individuals during vegetation clearance works in elderi autumn 2016 (GHD, 2016b) and 14 during offset surveys (GHD, 2017a). No co-ordinate locations were reported by GHD (2016b and 2017b). Delma australis Marble-faced E - Three Marble-faced Delmas were recorded in ML 1735 by Delma Biodiversity Monitoring Services (2012). Tiliqua Western Blue- V - A single Western Blue-tongued Lizard was recorded in ML 1504 by occipitalis tongued Lizard Mount King Ecological Services (2001) during the original surveys for the Ginkgo Mine. A Western Blue-tongued Lizard was recorded just outside of ML 1504 by GHD (2016d) during targeted surveys in February 2016. Anilios Interior Blind E - This species was recorded by Simon Cook (Cook, 2014). A total DRAFT endoterus Snake of four individuals were captured in pitfall traps within vegetation that contained Pearl Blue Bush understory. Birds Falco Grey Falcon E - A single Grey Falcon was recorded by Mount King Ecological hypoleucos Services (2001) during the original surveys for the Ginkgo Mine. Hieraaetus Little Eagle V - A single Little Eagle was recorded in ML1735 by Biodiversity morphnoides Monitoring Services (2012). Cacatua Major Mitchell's V - Major Mitchell's Cockatoos have been recorded on a number of leadbeateri Cockatoo occasions within ML 1504 and ML 1735 and are relatively abundant in the locality (Biodiversity Monitoring Services, 2012; Mount King Ecological Services, 2001). Epthianura White-fronted Chat V White-fronted Chat were recorded by Mount King Ecological albifrons Services (2001) during the original surveys for the Ginkgo Mine, however an exact coordinate was not recorded as the species was not listed as threatened as that time. Melanodryas Hooded Robin V - Hooded Robins (south-eastern form) were recorded by Ogyris cucullata (south-eastern Ecological Research (2005-2017) in ML 1504. This species was cucullata form) also recorded in ML 1504 by Biodiversity Monitoring Services (2015) and in ML 1735 by Biodiversity Monitoring Services (2012). Daphoenositta Varied Sittella V - Varied Sittella were recorded in ML 1735 by Biodiversity chrysoptera Monitoring Services (2012). Mammals Pseudomys Bolam’s Mouse E - The Bolam’s Mouse was identified by the University of Ballarat bolami (pers. comm.) during rehabilitation monitoring at the Ginkgo Mine but an exact coordinate was not recorded. This species was also recorded in ML 1504 by Biodiversity Monitoring Services (2015b). Vespadelus Inland Forest Bat V - Inland Forest Bats have been recorded on a number of occasions baverstocki within ML 1504 and ML 1735 and are relatively abundant in the locality (Biodiversity Monitoring Services, 2012 and 2015b; Mount King Ecological Services, 2001; Ogyris, 2005-2017).

00878597 9 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

Table 1 (Continued) Threatened Fauna Previously Recorded at the Ginkgo Mine

Conservation 1 Scientific Status Common Name Description of the Records within ML1504 and ML1735 Name BC EPBC Act Act Chalinolobus Little Pied Bat V - Little Pied Bats have been recorded on a number of occasions picatus within ML 1504 and ML 1735 and are relatively abundant in the locality (Biodiversity Monitoring Services, 2012 and 2015b; Cenwest, 2009; Mount King Ecological Services, 2001). Saccolaimus Yellow-bellied V - Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-Bats were possibly recorded on Anabat flaviventris Sheathtail-bat recordings from the Extension Modification surveys conducted in 2015 (Biodiversity Monitoring Services, 2015b). 1 Threatened fauna species status under the BC Act and/or Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 (EPBC Act) (current at September 2017). V = Vulnerable; E = Endangered

The Atlas of NSW Wildlife (OEH, 2017) still incorrectly shows records for the Painted Burrowing Frog (Neobatrachus pictus in the Gingko Mine Mining Lease (from 2000) (made by Martin Denny from Mount King Ecological Surveys was the former name of Biodiversity Monitoring Services). The records have been proven to be incorrect through more recent taxonomic and genetic studies by Dr Arthur White (Biosphere Environmental Consultants, 2007) and Associate Professor Michael Mahony (The University of Newcastle).

The studies concluded that the Neobatrachus frogs in the locality were of the Common Spadefoot Toad (Neobatrachus sudelli). DRAFT

00878597 10 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

3 METHODS

3.1 DATABASE AND LITERATURE SEARCHES

3.1.1 Relevant Databases

A desktop search was undertaken to determine the threatened ecological communities, populations, species and critical habitat that are known to occur within the wider region. A list of threatened fauna that may potentially occur in the Study area were compiled from searches of the following databases:

 Atlas of NSW Wildlife search for a 10 x 10 km area centred on the Study area (accessed through BioNet, 30 June 2015) (OEH, 2017).  Atlas of Living Australia search for a 10km radius area centred on the Study area (accessed 30 June 2017) (ALA, 2017).  The EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool for a 10 km radius area centred on the Study area (accessed 30 June 2017) (DEE, 2017b).  The results of fauna surveys in Dune Mallee woodlands in the Lower Murray Darling catchment of south-western NSW provide lists of species occurring near ML 1504 (Val et al., 2012).  Data from surveys undertaken by Biodiversity Monitoring Services within the proposed offset areas in 2012 and 2013. These are reported in the Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine – Crayfish Modification Fauna Assessment (Biodiversity Monitoring Services, 2012) and the proposed offset areas survey report in this assessment, Mallara Fauna Survey (Biodiversity Monitoring

Services, 2014). DRAFT  Species known or predicted to occur in the South Olary Plain, Murray Basin Sands [Part D] Catchment Management Authority (CMA) subregion (OEH, 2015).

3.1.2 Fauna Surveys for the Ginkgo Mineral Sands Project Environmental Impact Statement

Fauna surveys of the Ginkgo Mine and associated infrastructure were undertaken by Mount King Ecological Surveys in 2000 and are described in Appendix H of the Ginkgo Mineral Sands Project Environmental Impact Statement (Mount King Ecological Surveys [MKES], 2001).

3.1.3 Pre-Clearance Surveys (2005-2017)

Pre-clearance surveys for flora and fauna were conducted on all land in the Study area. A total of 17 pre-clearance surveys were conducted between 2005 and 2016 by Ogyris Ecological Research. As well as the surveys identifying and mapping the vegetation communities present, Ogyris Ecological Research also inspected a number of trees and identified any habitat trees (i.e. trees containing hollows, cracks and loose bark). Many of these trees were inspected during the clearing operations and any fauna located was documented. The pre-clearance survey reports are:

 Vegetation Pre-clearance Flora and Fauna Surveys of Land at Bemax Resources NL Murray-Darling Basin sand mine sites. 1) Ginkgo Sand Mine, Autumn-Winter 2005. Ogyris Ecological Research (2005).  Vegetation Pre-clearance Flora and Fauna Surveys of Land at Bemax Resources NL Murray-Darling Basin sand mine sites. 2) Ginkgo Sand Mine - February 2006. Ogyris Ecological Research (2006a).

00878597 11 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

 Vegetation Pre-clearance Flora and Fauna Surveys of Land at Bemax Resources NL Murray-Darling Basin sand mine sites. 3) Ginkgo Sand Mine - September 2006. Ogyris Ecological Research (2006b).  Vegetation Pre-clearance Flora and Fauna Surveys of Land at Bemax Resources Ltd Murray-Darling Basin sand mine sites. 4) Ginkgo Sand Mine, February 2007. Ogyris Ecological Research (2007a).  Vegetation Pre-clearance Flora and Fauna Surveys of Land at Bemax Resources Ltd Murray-Darling Basin sand mine sites. 5) Ginkgo Sand Mine Stage 2 Extension, May 2007. Ogyris Ecological Research (2007b).  Vegetation Pre-clearance Flora and Fauna Surveys of Land at Bemax Resources Ltd Murray-Darling Basin sand mine sites. 6) Ginkgo Sand Mine Stage 3 Extension and northern boundary fenceline. February 2009. Ogyris Ecological Research (2009a).  Vegetation Pre-clearance Flora and Fauna Surveys of Land at Bemax Resources Ltd Murray-Darling Basin sand mine sites. 8) Ginkgo Sand Mine Stage 4 Northern Extension and expansion of overburden stockpile OB2. May 2009. Ogyris Ecological Research (2009b).  Vegetation Pre-clearance Flora and Fauna Surveys of Land at Bemax Resources Ltd Murray-Darling Basin sand mine sites. 9) Ginkgo Sand Mine Stage 4 Northern Extension. Winter 2009. Ogyris Ecological Research (2010).  Vegetation Pre-clearance Flora and Fauna Surveys of Land at Bemax Resources NL Murray-Darling Basin sand mine sites. 13) Ginkgo Mine. August 2011. Ogyris Ecological Research (2011).  Vegetation Pre-clearance Flora and Fauna Surveys of Land at Bemax Resources NL DRAFT Murray-Darling Basin sand mine sites. 14) Ginkgo Mine. January 2012. Ogyris Ecological Research (2012a).  Vegetation Pre-clearance Fauna Report of Land at Cristal Mining Australia Ltd Murray-Darling Basin sand mine sites. Ginkgo Mine - Winter 2012. Ogyris Ecological Research (2012b).  Vegetation Pre-clearance Vegetation and Soils Report of Land at Cristal Mining Australia Ltd Murray-Darling Basin mineral sand mine sites. Ginkgo Mine - Winter 2012. Ogyris Ecological Research (2012c).  Vegetation Pre-clearance Fauna Report of Land at Cristal Mining Australia Ltd Murray-Darling Basin mineral sand mine sites. Ginkgo Mine. February 2013. Ogyris Ecological Research (2013).  Vegetation Pre-clearance Vegetation and Soils Report of Land at Cristal Mining Australia Ltd Murray-Darling Basin mineral sand mine sites. Ginkgo Mine – Winter 2014. Ogyris Ecological Research (2014c).  Vegetation Pre-clearance Fauna Report of Land at Cristal Mining Australia Ltd Murray-Darling Basin mineral sand mine sites. Ginkgo Mine – Autumn – Winter 2014. Ogyris Ecological Research (2014b).  Vegetation Pre-clearance Vegetation and Soils Report of Land at Cristal Mining Australia Ltd Murray-Darling Basin mineral sand mine sites. Ginkgo Mine – Autumn 2015. Ogyris Ecological Research (2015g).  Vegetation Pre-clearance Fauna Report of Land at Cristal Mining Australia Ltd Murray-Darling Basin mineral sand mine sites. Ginkgo Mine. July 2015. Ogyris Ecological Research (2015f).  Preclearance Fauna Report of land at Cristal Mining Australia Ltd. Murray-Darling Basin Mineral Sands Mine Sites: Snapper Mine - 2016. Ogyris Ecological Research (2016a).  Preclearance Vegetation and Soils Report of Land at Cristal Mining Australia Ltd. Murray-Darling Basin Sites: Snapper Mine – February 2016. Ogyris Ecological Research (2016b).

00878597 12 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

 Crayfish Mine Pre-Clearance Surveys, Fauna Salvage Activities April-May 2016. GHD (2016b).  Snapper Mine & Ginkgo Mine pre-clearance surveys, Fauna salvage activities May 2017. GHD (2017b).  Snapper Mine pre-clearance surveys Fauna salvage activities March 2017. Ogyris Ecological Research (2017b).

3.1.4 Fauna Survey of Rehabilitation Areas within ML 1504

The monitoring reports for mine rehabilitation areas include:

 Ginkgo Mine Rehabilitation Monitoring – Fauna. December 2016. GHD (2016c).  Rehabilitation Report on 2016 Monitoring of Revegetation at the Gingko Mineral Sands Mine. Ogyris Ecological Research (2017a).  Use of Psyllium Husk Powder and Soil Cryptogamic Biocrust to Stabilize Rehabilitation Topsoils in an Arid Mining Environment. Ogyris Ecological Research (2016c).  An Interim Report on Cristal Mining Australia’s Ginkgo Mine 2015 OB1 Hand-planting Trials. Ogyris Ecological Research (2015a).  Results and Observations from the Gingko and Snapper Mine Rehabilitation Monitoring Program in Spring 2015. Ogyris Ecological Research (2015b).  Summary Report of Direct Seeding Revegetation undertaken at the Gingko and Snapper Mines in 2015. Ogyris Ecological Research (2015c).

DRAFT  Rehabilitation Report of Year 2 Monitoring of Revegetation at Overburden Stockpiles OB2, Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine. Ogyris Ecological Research (2014a).

In addition to the above, the University of Ballarat have been conducting fauna surveys within various stages of rehabilitation associated with the Ginkgo Mine (e.g. Cook, 2014).

3.1.5 Fauna Surveys for the Ginkgo Mine 2012 Modification

Surveys for fauna of the proposed Ginkgo Mine 2012 Modification were undertaken by Biodiversity Monitoring Services in 2012. Part of the area surveyed was within ML 1504 on land to be traversed by the proposed route of the haul road from the Crayfish deposit to the processing area at the Ginkgo Mine. The relevant report is Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine – Crayfish Modification Fauna Assessment (Biodiversity Monitoring Services, 2012).

3.1.6 Fauna Surveys for the Ginkgo Mine 2015 Modification

Surveys for fauna of the proposed Southern Extension Modification were undertaken by Biodiversity Monitoring Services in 2015. The areas surveyed were within the ML 1504 mining lease boundary forming an extension to the extent of surface development. The relevant report is Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Southern Extension Modification – Southern Areas Extension Fauna Assessment (Biodiversity Monitoring Services, 2015b).

3.1.7 Monitoring Reports for Offset Areas

The monitoring reports for offset areas include:

 Ecological Monitoring – Offset Areas, February 2017 Fauna Surveys. GHD (2017a).

00878597 13 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

 Crayfish Offset Area, Vegetation condition, pest wildlife and bird monitoring 2016. GHD (2016a).  Threatened Species Targeted Survey Baseline Surveys for Marble-faced Delma and Western Blue-tongued Lizard. GHD (2016d).  Targeted Flora Survey for Swainsona flavicarinata and Swainsona adenophylla at the Gingko Mine Modification Crayfish Deposit, Pooncarie West, Southwest New South Wales. Ogyris Ecological Research (2015d).  Vegetation Monitoring of the Cristal Mining Australia Ltd. Conservation Offset 1 Site at Pooncarie West, Southwest New South Wales. Ogyris Ecological Research (2015e).

3.1.8 Fauna Surveys for the Snapper Mineral Sands Project

Fauna surveys were undertaken by the Western Research Institute Ltd in 2006 of an area to the south of ML 1504. The results from these surveys are presented in Snapper Mineral Sands Project Environmental Assessment Appendix D Fauna Assessment (Western Research Institute and Resource Strategies, 2007).

3.2 FIELD SURVEYS

3.2.1 Survey Timing

The surveys were undertaken by Andrew Lothian and Nicholas Tong in a survey area covering the Study area at Ginkgo Mine between 23 and 29 June 2017.

DRAFT The weather conditions recorded at Pooncarie Post Office (station number 047029) during the survey period are given in Table 2. The conditions during the surveys were cold and dry.

Table 2 Weather Conditions during Survey Period (Records from Pooncarie Post Office)

Date Minimum Temperature (°C) Maximum Temperature (°C) Rainfall (mm) 21/06/2017 -0.5 19.0 0 22/06/2017 0.0 17.9 0 23/06/2017 3.1 20.4 0 24/06/2017 4.5 20.4 0 25/06/2017 5.4 20.3 0.2 26/06/2017 1.1 17.7 0 27/06/2017 3.6 16.0 0 28/06/2017 7.4 15.6 0 29/06/2017 8.1 17.3 0

3.2.2 Survey Sites

Although the entire study area was surveyed by observation, a series of sites were established. A total of five survey sites were established that sampled the study area. A description of each site is given in Table 3 and their locations are shown on Figure 3. A photograph of each survey site is given in Plate 2.

In addition, a number of survey sites conducted in 2015 are located in close proximity to the study area and can be seen on Figure 3.

00878597 14 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

Table 3 Survey Sites within the Study Area

Site Name Easting Northing Vegetation Community (FloraSearch, 2017) Ginkgo 1 (G1) 615882 6305049 Black Oak – Western Rosewood Woodland Ginkgo 2 (G2) 615525 6306670 Black Oak – Western Rosewood Woodland, Austrostipa – Sida Grassland/Shrubland Ginkgo 3 (G3) 616453 6305890 Black Oak – Chenopod Mallee Woodland/Shrubland Ginkgo 4 (G4) 616628 6305769 Black Box Woodland, Eragrostis Depression Grassland Ginkgo 5 (G5) 616836 6305590 Black Box Woodland with scattered Turpentine

Site G1 Site G2 with Harp Trap

DRAFT

Site G2 Site G3 with Harp Trap

Site G4 Site G5 Plate 2: Photos of the five survey sites

00878597 15 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

3.2.3 Fauna Survey Techniques

A range of survey techniques were used within the five survey areas to target native fauna. There is the potential of the presence of the Bolam’s Mouse (Pseudomys bolami) within the study area as it was located nearby (Table 1) and there is preferred habitat in the survey areas (this proved to be correct as one individual was captured). Consequently, trapping techniques included Elliott trapping as well as pit traps and reptile funnels.

The presence of micro-bat species was determined using both harp traps and recording of ultrasonic calls with Anabat recorders. Each site was also sampled using remote cameras and hair funnels. Although the likelihood of any arboreal mammals was low, tree mounted Elliott traps and glider tubes were used in case Western Pygmy-possums were on site. Tree and ground cage traps were deployed in case any mid-sized fauna were present. A Songmeter was deployed to record for nocturnal birds.

Ground Elliott Trapping

Five small (8 x 10 x 33 centimetre [cm]) Elliott traps were laid in straight lines at the ends of pit trap and reptile funnel trap lines at five of the survey sites (G1, G2, G3, G4 and G5). The traps were set for five nights, giving a trap effort of 25 trap nights at each site. The traps were baited with a mixture of rolled oats, peanut butter and bacon fat, and a small piece of dacron was placed within each trap (as protection against the cold). A freezer bag was placed over the end of each trap to prevent the contents becoming wet from the rain.

Tree Elliott Trapping DRAFT

To sample any small arboreal mammals, five small Elliott traps were mounted on trees at sites G1, G3 and G4 for five nights. Aluminium tree mounts were attached to trees and a baited Elliott trap attached to the mount. The tree trunk and trap were sprayed with a honey-water mixture to assist in attracting any nectar or sap feeding arboreal mammals. Again, dacron and freezer bags were used to combat the cold and wet conditions. A total of 75 tree Elliott trap nights were expended in the study area.

Cage Traps

Six large Tomahawk cage traps were deployed; one tree and one ground at site G1; two tree and two ground at site G4. These were baited with muesli bars, apple and dog food.

Glider Tubes

Six glider tube traps were deployed; four at site G3 and two at site G4. These were baited and sprayed with honey-water mixture each day.

Hair Funnels

Five hair funnels (from Faunatech) were used at three sites (G1, G3 and G4) for five nights and baited with a mixture of rolled oats, peanut butter and bacon fat.

Pitfall Traps

Pitfall traps were established at four of the survey sites (G1, G2, G4 and G5). A combination of 20 litre buckets and 60 cm long PVC tubes were used, together with drift fencing made from wire gauze. At all sites buckets and tubes were dug into the ground at 5 m intervals and a 20 cm high wire mesh fence run between each hole. A total of 12 pit traps where placed for five nights for a total of 60 trap nights.

00878597 16 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

Reptile Funnel Traps

Reptile funnel traps are basically an enlarged rectangular fish trap (about 75 cm long and 18 cm wide) made from plastic netting over a wire frame with a funnel at each end. Each trap uses a screen of sunshade cloth to protect any captures.

Traps were laid out in association with a drift fence and were placed alongside the drift fence. It is usual to place a funnel on each side of the fence, thus ensuring a greater catch (not necessarily a more diverse catch) than if having a funnel placed within the drift fence. Reptile funnel traps were used at all sites. A total of 21 reptile funnels were used over five days for a total of 105 trap nights.

Remote Cameras

Two remote cameras (Scoutguard, Reconyx HC600 and Swann) were used at each site to capture images of any animal using the area, particularly near the traps. A small container of bait was placed in front of a camera to attract animals. Remote Cameras were left for five nights per site (50 camera trap nights total).

Bird Surveys

In addition to the results obtained from general observations and spotlighting, listening and observing periods were undertaken at all sites. Taking into consideration the discussion in the draft on methods to survey diurnal birds (DEC, 2004) an area search method was used at each site. A 30 minute search was used where the observer walked around each site, as well as observing and listening for calls from a single point. At each site up to six periods of observation were undertaken, morning and afternoon (a total of least 15 hours of bird surveys). DRAFT

Spotlighting

Two forms of spotlighting transect were undertaken. Tracks within the survey area were spotlighted from a moving vehicle. In addition, spotlighting on foot was undertaken where targeted searching was considered important.

Call Broadcasting

Calls of several species of nocturnal bird were broadcast during the night at G4. Calls were broadcast through a megaphone for approximately five minutes, with a 10 minute listening time. Calls from the Barking Owl (Ninox connivens), Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae), Southern Boobook (N. novaeseelandiae), Eastern Barn Owl (T. javanica), Eastern Grass Owl (T. capensis), Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides), Australian Owlet-Nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus), Bush Stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius), White-throated Nightjar (Eurostopodus mystacalis) and Spotted Nightjar (Eurostopodus argus) were broadcast.

Songmeter

A Songmeter SM4 device was deployed for two, two and one night at sites G1, G2 and G4 respectively. The device was set to record for 5 minutes each hour, both day and night. Recordings were listened to for threatened species, particularly nocturnal species.

Anabat Recorder

An Anabat Express bat detector was placed at Sites G1, G2 and G3 for two, two and one night respectively. Bat call recordings from these detectors together with that from the harp traps supplemented existing data on bat use of the study area. Winter is not the ideal season to survey bats as lower temperatures reduce the activity of some species. Bat calls were analysed by Andrew

00878597 17 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

Lothian, Biodiversity Monitoring Services. Confirmation of some calls was sought from Glenn Hoye, Fly By Night Bat Surveys Pty Ltd.

Harp Traps

Harp traps consist of a 1.8 m square frame made of aluminium mounted on adjustable legs. Monofilament fishing line is strung vertically in the frame in three banks, with the lines 2.5 cm apart and each bank separated by 10 cm. Vertical lines or each bank are offset. Under the frame is a canvas catch bag lined with plastic. Traps are usually placed in vegetation corridors, over water tanks, and at cave or mine entrances. Bats fly into the fishing lines and slide down into the catch bag from which they cannot escape. Two harp trap nights were conducted in each of Sites G1, G2, G3 and G4.

Herpetological Searches

Systematic searches for reptiles and amphibians were undertaken within each habitat type at each survey site. Litter was raked and logs and loose tin turned over. Loose bark was prised from the trunks of dead trees. Each search took approximately 60 minutes and was repeated at each site. Searches for amphibians took place at night using spotlights and recognition of characteristic calls. There was neither ground water in the study area, nor any wet weather during our stay making amphibian searches ineffective. Spotlighting searches were also attempted for reptiles. Winter is not the ideal season to survey for reptile or amphibian species as lower temperatures result in much lower activity by these fauna groups.

Sand Plots

Areas of sand on tracks were smoothed over and inspectedDRAFT for evidence of animal movement. Paw prints and other animal signs were identified and recorded. Sandplots were conducted at each survey site for five days.

Inspection Camera

An inspection camera was used (DeWalt DCT410 Inspection Camera with a 1m cable). A total of 225 trees (including stags and logs) were inspected across G1, G2, G3 and G4. There were no trees or logs at G5.

Observation Sessions

At all sites time was set aside to record the presence of any fauna. The period of time for the observation sessions was one hour. During the session, traverses through each site occurred and any bird, mammal and reptile species observed was documented. In addition, logs and rocks were turned over and the underneath of any loose bark inspected. Signs of any species (e.g. scats, diggings, nests, scratching and burrows) were also recorded.

3.2.4 Survey Effort

Table 4 provides the survey effort undertaken at each site within the study area, excluding observational techniques which were conducted throughout the study area.

00878597 18 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

Table 4 Survey Effort (trap days) within the Study Area

Tree Ground Cage Hair Remote Reptile Glider Anabat Harp Song- Site Elliott Pitfall Elliott trap Funnel Camera Funnel Tube Recorder Trap meter trap G1 25 25 10 25 10 20 20 - 2 2 2 G2 25 - - - 10 10 10 - 2 2 2 G3 25 25 - 25 10 - 30 20 1 3 - G4 25 25 20 25 10 20 20 10 - 2 1 G5 25 - - - 10 10 25 - - - - Total 125 75 30 75 50 60 105 30 5 9 5

3.3 TARGETED SURVEYS FOR THREATENED SPECIES

Threatened fauna species listed under the BC Act and/or EPBC Act which are known from database search results from the general region containing the study area (as well as the species known or predicted to occur in the South Olary Plain, Murray Basin Sands [Part D] Catchment Management Area (CMA) subregion [OEH, 2017b]) are listed in Table 5. Table 5 also includes the survey techniques to target each species, although some species listed in Table 5 are considered very unlikely to occur in the study area.

The techniques used to target the threatened fauna species in Table 5 are in accordance with the guidelines produced by the OEH (DEC, 2004) and DEE (DEWHA, 2010ab and Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities [SEWPaC], 2011a and 2011b). DRAFT

Table 5 Threatened Species Known From the Wider Locality

Conservation Status1 Scientific Name Common Name Survey Methods BC EPBC Act Act Amphibians Neobatrachus pictus Painted Burrowing Frog E - Call identification, Pit Trapping* Reptiles Lucasium stenodactylum Crowned Gecko V - Searching, Pit Trapping, Reptile Funnels Strophurus elderi Jewelled Gecko V - Searching, Pit Trapping, Reptile Funnels Aprasia inaurita Mallee Worm-Lizard E - Searching, Pit Trapping, Reptile Funnels Delma australis Marbled-faced Delma E - Searching, Pit Trapping, Reptile Funnels Cyclodomorphus melanops Mallee Slender Blue-tongue Lizard V - Searching, Pit Trapping, Reptile Funnels elongates Lerista xanthura Yellow-tailed Plain Slider V - Searching, Pit Trapping, Reptile Funnels Tiliqua occipitalis Western Blue-tongued Lizard V - Searching, Pit Trapping, Reptile Funnels Anilios endoterus Interior Blind Snake E - Searching, Pit Trapping, Reptile Funnels Birds Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl E V Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID Stictonetta naevosa Freckled Duck V - Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck V - Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed Kite V - Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID Hamirostra melanosternon Black-breasted Buzzard V - Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID

00878597 19 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

Table 5 (continued) Threatened Species Known From the Wider Locality

Conservation Status1 Scientific Name Common Name Survey Methods BC EPBC Act Act Birds (cont.) Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier V - Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle V - Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID Falco hypoleucos Grey Falcon E - Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID Falco subniger Black Falcon V - Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew V - Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID Lophochroa leadbeateri Major Mitchell's Cockatoo V - Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID Calyptorhynchus banksii samueli Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo V - Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID Lathamus discolour Swift Parrot E E Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID Polytelis anthopeplus Regent Parrot (eastern E V Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID monarchoides sub-species)

Neophema splendida Scarlet-chested Parrot V - Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID Ninox connivens Barking Owl V - Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID Pyrrholaemus brunneus Redthroat V - Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID Epthianura albifrons White-fronted Chat V - Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID Lichenostomus cratitius Purple-gaped Honeyeater V - Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID Certhionyx variegatus Pied Honeyeater V - Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern V - Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID temporalis subspecies) DRAFT Hylacola cautus Shy Heathwren V - Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID Melanodryas cucullata cucullata Hooded Robin (south-eastern V - Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID form)

Drymodes brunneopygia Southern Scrub-robin V - Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID Cinclosoma castaneothorax Chestnut-backed Quail-thrush V - Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sittella V - Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID Pachycephala inornata Gilbert’s Whistler V - Bird Surveys, Observational Sessions, Call ID Mammals Ningaui yvonneae Southern Ningaui V - Elliott Trapping, Pit Trapping Pseudomys bolami Bolam's Mouse E - Elliott Trapping, Pit Trapping Certhionyx concinnus Western Pygmy-possum E - Tree Elliott Trapping, Pit Trap, Glider Tube Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat V - Harp Trapping, Anabat Recording Nyctophilus corbeni Corben’s Long-eared Bat V V Harp Trapping, Anabat Recording Chalinolobus picatus Little Pied Bat V - Harp Trapping, Anabat Recording Vespadelus baverstocki Inland Forest Bat V - Harp Trapping, Anabat Recording 1 Threatened fauna species status under the BC Act and/or EPBC Act (current at August 2017). V = Vulnerable; E = Endangered * The Painted Burrowing Frog (Neobatrachus pictus) is detectable after heavy rainfall (DECC, 2009). There was neither ground water in the study area, nor any wet weather during our stay making amphibian searches ineffective. However, on the strength of taxonomic and genetic studies on Neobatrachus frogs collected from the locality by Dr Arthur White (Biosphere Environmental Consultants, 2007) and Associate Professor Michael Mahony (The University of Newcastle) (Section 2.7), it is unlikely that the Painted Burrowing Frog is relevant to the study area.

00878597 20 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

3.4 HABITAT ASSESSMENT

The study area was dominated by Black Oak Woodland habitat with some small patches of mallee and Black Box. Approximately half of the study area is a mixture of treeless grassland and shrubland. Habitat assessment was undertaken in five sites within the study area. An assessment of the habitat present within the study area was also conducted by FloraSearch (2017).

Transects were walked through five sites (G1, G2, G3, G4 and G5). Trees within 5m of the centre line were inspected and the following information was documented:

 tree species;  tree height;  diameter at breast height (DBH);  presence of cracks and/or shedding bark;  number of small (<10 cm), medium (10 to 20 cm) and large (>20 cm) hollows;  if the hollow classed as a stag;  GPS co-ordinates;  presence of wildlife; and  if the hollow classed as a habitat tree.

In addition, the number of logs located within 5 m of the centre line was recorded, along with their length and diameter.

DRAFT Species Credit Species

Three threatened fauna species recorded in ML 1735, i.e. the Grey Falcon, Bolam’s Mouse and Interior Blind Snake, are recognised by OEH as ‘Species Credit Species.’ In accordance with the Framework for Biodiversity Assessment (OEH, 2014) habitat mapping for these two species has been prepared in consideration of Bionet (OEH, 2017) and habitat known to be locally used by these species.

00878597 21 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

4 RESULTS

4.1 BROAD FAUNA HABITAT TYPES

FloraSearch (2017) recorded six distinct vegetation communities in the study area:

 Black Box Woodland;  Black Oak – Western Rosewood Woodland;  Black Oak – Pearl Bluebush Woodland;  Chenopod Mallee Woodland/Shrubland;  Austrostipa - Sida Grassland/Low Shrubland; and  Eragrostis Depression Grassland.

The above vegetation communities equate to the following broad fauna habitat types (as mapped on Figure 4):

 Black Box Woodland Habitat Type;  Black Oak Woodland Habitat Type (comprising predominantly Black Oak – Western Rosewood Woodland and Black Oak – Pearl Bluebush Woodland);  Chenopod Mallee Habitat Type; and

 Grassland/Shrubland Habitat Type (comprising AustrostipaDRAFT - Sida Grassland/Low Shrubland and Eragrostis Depression Grassland).

Tree Hollows

The survey within the study area showed that a proportion of the 119 trees inspected had some form of hollow and could be classed as ‘habitat trees’. Table 6 gives a summary of the data obtained from the tree survey. Overall, the proportion of different tree species sampled was Black Oak (50 percent [%]), Mallee (25%), Black Box (15%), Western Rosewood (10%) and Wilga (<1%).

Table 6 Characteristics of Trees within the Study Area

Mean Tree % Trees with Hollows Vegetation Mean % Trees Site Height % Stags Community DBH (cm) with Cracks (m) Small Medium Large

G1 Black Oak – Western 5.7 21.8 25.0 25.0 0.0 0.0 5.8 Rosewood G2 Black Oak – Western 6.1 23.3 40.0 35.0 5.0 0.0 5.0 Rosewood G3 Chenopod Mallee 4.9 13.0 31.0 17.2 24.1 3.4 27.6 Woodland G4 Black Box Woodland 5.7 16.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Mean 5.6 18.5 24.0 19.3 7.3 0.9 9.6

00878597 22 v Figure 4 v Habitat Types

v 5 . v

v

v ± Kilometres GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54 Zone MGA 1994 GDA v GINKGO MINE 00 v

v

v

v

v

v

v

v

v

v

v

v Infrastructure Corridor Infrastructure

v " v

v

v Source: Cristal Mining (2016); Orthophoto: Cristal Mining (2012); Department of Industry Resources & Energy (2017)

v

v

Existing/Approved Distubance Area Distubance Existing/Approved Study Area Fauna Habitat Type 1 Black Box – Woodland Woodland Oak – Black 2 3 ChenopodMallee Grassland/LowShrubland4

v

v v LEGEND Mining Lease Boundary MSP Process and Route Transport Mineral Concentrate Route Waste Transport Electricity Transmission Line Ore Pipeline (Processing Option 2) (Not Constructed) 2) (Not Option (Processing Pipeline Ore Water Bore 0

0 CMA-17-06 GE_BARBOS Fauna_204A GE_BARBOS CMA-17-06 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

It can be seen that a proportion of the trees contain hollows of some size, with those trees with small hollows making up the majority. More trees showed cracks in the trunks and/or loose and cracking bark. There is some variation between the sites, mainly driven by tree species present. Site G2 showed the highest proportion of trees with hollows and cracks. Hollows and cracks were slightly lower at G3, but more stags were present in the mallee. G4 contained mostly young tree regrowth and exhibited no hollows, cracks or stags. There were no trees at G5. Unfortunately, the inspection of many tree hollows by the use of an inspection camera did not reveal much use by fauna. In most cases all that was found were insects. A small number of species were found associated with the trees inspected (Cryptoblepharus australis, Gehyra versicolor, Heterenotia binoei, Morethia boulengeri and Smicrornis brevirostris - nest).

Logs

An estimate was made of the density of logs within five survey areas whilst the tree surveys were undertaken. Logs encountered within a ten metre strip along the tree transect were counted and their diameter and presence of hollows noted. By multiplying the width of the strip by the distance of each transect it was possible to calculate log density in terms of logs per hectare. The results of this survey are given in Table 7.

Table 7 Logs Counted in each Transect

Site Diameter (cm) % Logs with Cracks % Logs with Hollows Density Logs/ha G1 15.1 94 6.3 64 G2 17.8 86 14.3 84 DRAFT G3 15.8 89 77.8 112 G4 20.0 100 0.0 12 G5 N/A N/A N/A 0 Mean 17.2 92.3 24.6 54.4

Site G3 (mallee) shows the highest density of logs and highest proportion of logs with hollows. Black oak sites show good log densities as well. The low density of logs in the black box (G4) reflects the regenerating Black Box Woodland with Turpentine shrub layer..

4.2 FAUNA LOCATED

A total of 71 species were located within the study area including 41 bird, 16 native mammal, seven introduced mammal and seven reptile species. The species richness (the value of different species) values for the study area are slightly lower than that found elsewhere in the Ginkgo area due to the smaller area of land surveyed and the winter survey conditions. The results from the fauna surveys for the original Ginkgo Mineral Sands Project give species richness values for birds and reptiles of 54 and 19, respectively (MKES, 2001). Surveys for the Crayfish Modification area (Biodiversity Monitoring Services, 2012) give various bird species richness values ranging from 30 to 77 and reptile values from 4 to 19. Surveys from the 2015 extension modification give species richness values of 46 (birds) and 15 (reptiles). Table 8 and Figure 5 show the species richness values for various areas surveyed for the Ginkgo Mine and fauna listings from the present survey of the study area are provided in Appendix A.

The dry winter period is not the ideal time to search for the bats, reptiles and amphibians listed in Table 5. There were no water points in the study area, so the two duck species are not likely to be found. Some of the mallee trees were in flower, yet honeyeater species seemed scarce in the study area.

00878597 24 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

Table 8 Bird and Reptile Species Richness Values in the Ginkgo Area

Fauna Group Source Birds Reptiles Crayfish Modification Area Biodiversity Monitoring Services (2012) 77 19 Crayfish Deposit Area Biodiversity Monitoring Services (2012) 46 15 Crayfish Deposit Offset area Biodiversity Monitoring Services (2012) 55 4 Haul Road Area Biodiversity Monitoring Services (2012) 30 Na Modification Area Overall Biodiversity Monitoring Services (2012) 89 26 Ginkgo Mine Area MKES (2001) 54 19 Ginkgo Overall MKES (2001) 136 27 Mallara Offset Area Biodiversity Monitoring Services (2014) 63 20 Southern Extension Modification Biodiversity Monitoring Services (2015a) 46 15 Extension Modification This report (2017) 41 7

140 120 100 80 60 40 DRAFT 20 0

Birds Reptiles

Figure 5: Bird and reptile species richness values in the Ginkgo Area

00878597 25 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

The Modification survey area is relatively small (the entire study area is less than 150 ha) and surveys were conducted during the cool conditions of the semi arid winter. Weather conditions for all fauna groups were not ideal, particularly for reptiles. Bat numbers were supprisingly high for this time of year, though much lower than the spring 2015 surveys. No reptiles were seen surface active, and no reptile captures were made in pit or funnel traps. Reptiles were all found during active searches of litter and under bark (Plate 3). Two dunnarts were captured; one in a ground Elliott trap, and another hand captured during spotlighting (Plate 4). Many of the small marsupials enter torpor at this time of year, only coming out to feed intermittently. Species numbers were down on the 2015 surveys, and composition was slightly different. No marsupials were captured in 2015. The reptile assemblage sampled in 2015 was also quite different to that sampled in this survey period (mainly missing those species that shelter in underground burrows over winter).

DRAFT

Plate 4: Fat-tailed Dunnart hand Plate 3: Gehyra versicolor resting under the bark of a captured while spotlighting through fallen Black Box limb at G4 (photo by Andrew Lothian) grassland (photo by Andrew Lothian)

Total abundance and species richness (number of species per site) are the simplest measures used to determine biodiversity of a site. However, these indices miss the information that some species may be rare and others common. The Simpson’s Index of Diversity takes into account both the abundance patterns and the species richness of a community. This index measures the probability that two individuals randomly selected from a sample will belong to the same species (or some category other than species).

An Evenness score was also calculated. Evenness is a measure of the relative abundance of different species making up the richness of an area. A low value for Evenness means that the sample is dominated by a large number of a few species. A high Evenness value means that most species in the sample have a similar abundance. It was possible to calculate Simpson’s Index of Diversity and Evenness score for bird and reptile populations from the study area and compare these with that obtained from the Crayfish Deposit and Mallara Offset areas and the Crayfish Project area. The results from the calculations are given in Table 9 and Figures 6a – 6c.

00878597 26 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

Table 9 Biodiversity Indices for Five Areas

Simpson’s Index Location Evenness Abundance Species Richness (D) Birds 2017 Extension Modification 0.808 0.925 1,061 41 2015 Southern Extension 0.820 0.941 884 46 Modification Area Mallara Offset Area 0.808 0.943 2,246 63 Crayfish Deposit Offset Area 0.687 0.866 2,034 55 Crayfish Deposit 0.796 0.911 869 46 Reptiles 2017 Extension Modification 0.849 0.800 16 7 2015 Southern Extension 0.932 0.923 77 15 Modification Area Mallara Offset Area 0.893 0.912 92 20 Crayfish Deposit Offset Area 0.961 0.720 5 4 Crayfish Deposit 0.603 0.632 70 15

1.00

DRAFT 0.80

0.60

0.40

0.20

0.00 Bird Evenness Bird Simpson’s Reptile Evenness Reptile Simpson’s

2017 Extension Modification Area 2015 Southern Extension Modification Area Mallara Offset Area Crayfish Deposit Offset Area Crayfish Deposit

Figure 6a: Biodiversity indices for birds and reptiles (Evenness and Simpson’s)

00878597 27 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Bird Species Richness Reptile Abundance Reptile Species Richness

2017 Extension Modification 2015 Southern Extension Modification Area Mallara Offset Area Crayfish Deposit Offset Area Crayfish Deposit

Figure 6b: Biodiversity indices for birds and reptiles (Abundance and Richness)

DRAFT 2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0 Bird Abundance

2017 Extension Modification 2015 Southern Extension Modification Area Mallara Offset Area Crayfish Deposit Offset Area Crayfish Deposit

Figure 6c: Biodiversity indices for birds (Abundance)

00878597 28 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

4.3 THREATENED FAUNA SPECIES AND THEIR HABITAT

Seven species listed as Threatened under the BC Act were located within the study area. These are listed in Table 10 and their locations within the study area are given in Figure 7. Bolam’s Mouse and Marble-faced Delma are listed as Endangered in NSW, the others as Vulnerable. No federally listed species were found in the area. The White-fronted Chats were found in the already approved disturbance area, which was in the process of being cleared with bulldozers and chain.

Table 10 Threatened Species Located within the Study Area

Date Easting Northing Common Name Scientific Name No. Method Site 26/06/17 616453 6305890 Marble-faced Delma Delma australis 1 Sight G3 24/06/17 615882 6305049 Major Mitchell's Cockatoo Cacatua leadbeateri 2 Sight G1 24/06/17 614815 6305439 White-fronted Chat Epthianura albifrons 1 Sight 25/06/17 615520 6306012 White-fronted Chat Epthianura albifrons 3 Sight 24/06/17 616307 6305033 Hooded Robin (south-east Melanodryas cucullata 1 Sight form) cucullata 26/06/17 616836 6305590 Hooded Robin (south-east Melanodryas cucullata 1 Sight G5 form) cucullata 25/06/17 616453 6305890 Bolam's Mouse Pseudomys bolami 1 Ground Elliott G3 23/06/17 615882 6305049 Little Pied Bat Chalinolobus picatus 1 Anabat G1 23/06/17 615525 6306670 Little Pied Bat Chalinolobus picatus 2 Harp Trap G2 24/06/17 616453 6305890 Little Pied Bat Chalinolobus picatus 1 Harp Trap G3 DRAFT 25/06/17 615882 6305049 Little Pied Bat Chalinolobus picatus 1 Harp Trap G1 27/06/17 616453 6305890 Little Pied Bat Chalinolobus picatus 1 Anabat G3 23/06/17 615882 6305049 Inland Forest Bat Vespadelus baverstocki 1 Anabat G1

Marble-faced Delma

One Marble-faced Delma was found at site G3 (Plate 6) (Figure 7). This species was found resting in leaf litter during active searches, within 3m of the installed pitfall line. This species is listed as Endangered under the BC Act but is not listed under the EPBC Act. Marble-faced Delma are found in three disjunct populations across Australia; South-western Western Australia, central South Australia and south-western NSW/north-western Victoria. It is typically restricted to sandy areas of mallee/spinifex and shrublands, where it shelters in spinifex or beneath leaf litter. There was no spinifex anywhere in the surveyed area. The individual was located within the same small area of Chenopod Mallee Woodland as the Bolam’s Mouse. Other incidences of Marble-faced Delma on site were in the Crayfish ML 1735 Area and the Crayfish Deposit Offset Area (surveyed by BMS in 2011 and 2012 respectively).

Major Mitchell's Cockatoo

Two Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos were observed flying over site G1 (Figure 7). Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo is listed as Vulnerable under the BC Act but is not listed under the EPBC Act. This species occurs in small groups across the open rangelands of Western NSW and Southern Queensland. A second subspecies occurs across central Australia to the central coast of Western Australia. Major Mitchell’s are usually seen in mulga, mallee, callitris and casuarina habitats near water sources, some of which occur on site. This species is reasonably common in the general area with small numbers of birds being observed in the local area during all previous surveys conducted by BMS, including ML 1504 and ML 1735.

00878597 29 O 10 ld Nob (!! Road )" ! 13 (! #*# 13 *#* 13 5 ! 13 5 *##! 13 13 ! *5 *#*#5 (!! ! 13 *#! 5 (!! 5

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SNAPPER MINE M L 16 21 04± 7 *#! Kilometres MGA94 ZONE 54

CMA-17-06 GE_BARBOS Fauna_206B GE_BARBOS CMA-17-06 " Threatened Species LEGEND Bird Mammal Reptile Mining Lease Boundary Existing/Approved Approximate Extent of Surface Development (! Grey-Falcon )" Bolam's Mouse XW Crowned Gecko Mineral Concentrate Transport Route and MSP Process (Processing Options 1 and 2) (! Hooded Robin (south-eastern form) Bat XW Interior Blind Snake Waste Transport Route Study Area (! Little Eagle *# Inland Forest Bat GINKGO MINE XW Jewelled Gecko Ginkgo Mine Potable Water Pipeline (Not Constructed) (! Major Mitchell's Cockatoo *# Little Pied Bat XW Marble-faced Delma Threatened Species Records Ore Pipeline (Processing Option 2) (Not Constructed) (! Varied Sittella *# Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat Electricity Transmission Line XW Western Blue-tongued Lizard (! White-fronted Chat 0 Water Bore Source: (1) Biodiversity Monitoring Services (2017) (10) Mount King Ecological Surveys (2001) (3) Biodiversity Monitoring Services (2013) (11) OEH (2017) (4) Biodiversity Monitoring Services (2012) (12) Cook (2014) Figure 7 Source: Bemax Resources Limited (2010) and Cristal Mining (2013); Orthophoto: Cristal Mining (2012); (5) Ogyris Ecological Research (2005-2017) (13) Biodiversity Monitoring Services (2017) Department of Industry Resources & Energy (2017) (7) Cenwest (2009) Sources 2,6, 8 and 9 not on this figure. Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

White-fronted Chat

Two groups of White-fronted Chats were observed in the vicinity of the Study area (Figure 7). A lone individual was seen near the dam to the west of the Study area, and three individuals were seen foraging in the middle of the already approved impact area. The area in which they had been observed had already had trees chained out by dozers, but had not yet had the topsoil removed by the scrapers. White-fronted Chat is listed as Vulnerable under the BC Act but is not listed under the EPBC Act. This species usually occurs in small groups through open country with low vegetation layers. In the more arid areas of its distribution it becomes more nomadic. White-fronted Chat can be found in all the way from Western Australia to New South Wales in the lower half of Australia (including Tasmania), but the core range is bordered by Port Augusta (SA), Menindee (NSW) and Mount Gambier (SA). These Chats have been observed in grassland and shrubland in the locality on a number of occasions but in low numbers. BMS observed them in the Ginkgo area during the original surveys but specific locations were not noted as they were not listed at the time (MKES 2001).

Hooded Robin (south-east form)

Two individual Hooded Robins were observed on the eastern edge of the Study area (Figure 7), one in Black Oak woodland, one in mallee woodland. The south eastern form of the Hooded Robin is listed as Vulnerable under the BC Act but is not listed under the EPBC Act. Hooded Robins are found in various open woodland communities, mallee, mulga and semi cleared farmland. The distribution of the south-eastern sub-species is through SA, NSW and Victoria from Port Augusta (SA) to Ballina (NSW). Hooded Robins have been observed previously in ML 1504 and ML 1735 by BMS and Ogyris.

Bolam’s Mouse

DRAFT One male Bolam’s Mouse was captured at G3 using Elliott traps (Plate 5) (Figure 7). This species is listed as Endangered under the BC Act but is not listed under the EPBC Act. Bolam’s Mouse is found in southern Western Australia and South Australia, extending east into the south-western corner of NSW. It is recorded in a wide variety of habitats, with a preference for chenopod shrubland plains or low mallee woodland. The individual was located within the small area of Chenopod Mallee Woodland to the east (on the edge) of the approved disturbance area. Two Bolam’s Mice were recorded in the 2015 survey at site D2a (near the western corner of the current study area). Another Bolam’s Mouse has been recorded within 2 km to the north of the study area, within a rehabilitated area associated with previous mine workings.

The Bolam’s Mouse is recognised by OEH as ‘Species Credit Species.’ In accordance with the Framework for Biodiversity Assessment (OEH, 2014) habitat mapping has been prepared for this species as shown in Figure 8.

BioNet Threatened Species Profile Database (OEH, 2017c) specifies the following BVTs in the South Olary Plain IBRA subregion as potential habitat for the Bolam's Mouse:

 Black Oak - Western Rosewood Woodland;  Black Oak - Pearl Bluebush Woodland; and  Chenopod Mallee Woodland/Shrubland.

Little Pied Bat

Little Pied Bats were captured in harp traps at G1, G2 and G3 (Plate 7) (Figure 7). This species is listed as Vulnerable under the BC Act but is not listed under the EPBC Act. Little Pied Bats are found from the central Queensland coast through central and western NSW. This uncommon species roosts in hollows in old trees. Little Pied Bats were found in Black Oak and Mallee sites.

00878597 31 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

None of the released bats were observed returning to hollows within the sampling area. This bat has been captured all around the Ginkgo/Crayfish/Snapper complex between 2007 and 2016 by BMS and others.

Inland Forest Bat

Inland Forest Bats were captured in harp traps during the 2015 surveys, and calls were identified from Anabat recordings at G1 during the 2017 survey (Figure 7). This species is listed as vulnerable under the BC Act but is not listed under the EPBC Act. Inland Forest bats are found across the driest areas of all mainland states, except sandy deserts.

Not a lot is known about the species and it can sometimes be confused for the Little Forest Bat. In some areas it is locally abundant, and previous measurements and calls were referred to Glenn Hoye (Fly By Night Bat Surveys) for confirmation. Inland Forest bat has been recorded previously in ML 1504 and ML 1735 by BMS.

Other Species - Interior Blind Snake

Four Interior Blind Snakes were previously captured within pitfall traps at four locations within the existing Ginkgo Mine area by Cook (2014) (Figure 7). All four locations contained an understory of Pearl Bluebush. This species is listed as Endangered under the BC Act but is not listed under the EPBC Act.

The Interior Blind Snake is known to occur from Mutawintji and Sturt National Parks in far north-west NSW. Recent surveys have trapped this species in Toorale National Park west of Bourke

(OEH, 2017). DRAFT

The Interior Blind Snake is recognised by OEH as ‘Species Credit Species’. In accordance with the Framework for Biodiversity Assessment (OEH, 2014) habitat mapping has been prepared for this species as shown in Figure 9. The Black Oak – Pearl Bluebush Woodland and in the study area is considered to be habitat for this species given:

 all four locations where Cook (2014) recorded this species contained an understory of Pearl Bluebush; and  the species has not been previously recorded elsewhere in the Murray Darling Depression IBRA region in NSW (in other vegetation types); and  this species was not recorded in the study area, despite the extent of surveys that have been undertaken (Section 3.1).

Other Species – Grey Falcon

The Grey Falcon was a recorded at the mine site by MKES (2001) and it is conservatively assumed that this species may use potential habitat in the study area. The Grey Falcon is sparsely distributed in NSW, chiefly throughout the Murray-Darling Basin, with the occasional vagrant east of the Great Dividing Range. This species is typically restricted to shrubland, grassland and wooded watercourses of arid and semi-arid regions, although it is occasionally found in open woodlands near the coast.

The Grey Falcon is recognised by OEH as ‘Species Credit Species.’ In accordance with the Framework for Biodiversity Assessment (OEH, 2014) habitat mapping has been prepared for this species as shown in Figure 10.

00878597 32 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

The BioNet Threatened Species Profile Database (OEH, 2017c) lists LM104, LM107, LM108 and LM116 as potential habitat for the Grey Falcon in the South Olary Plain IBRA Subregion and all four of these BVTs occur in the study area.

DRAFT Plate 5: Bolam’s Mouse captured at survey site G3 (photo by Andrew Lothian)

Plate 6: Marble-faced Delma captured at survey site G3 (photo by Andrew Lothian)

00878597 33 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

Plate 7: Little Pied Bat captured at survey sites G1, G2 and G3 (photo by Andrew Lothian)

DRAFT

00878597 34 v Figure 8 v

v 5

v .

v Bolam's Mouse Potential Habitat Potential Mouse Bolam's v ± Kilometres

v GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54 Zone MGA 1994 GDA GINKGO MINE

v 00

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v

v

v

v

v

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v

v

v

v Infrastructure Corridor Infrastructure

v " v

v

v

v

v " ) Existing/Approved Distubance Area Distubance Existing/Approved Study Area Bolam's Mouse Habitat Bolam's Mouse Potential

" )

v

Source: Cristal Mining (2016); Orthophoto: Cristal Mining (2012); Department of Industry Resources & Energy (2017)

v v LEGEND Mining Lease Boundary MSP Process and Route Transport Mineral Concentrate Route Waste Transport Electricity Transmission Line Ore Pipeline (Processing Option 2) (Not Constructed) 2) (Not Option (Processing Pipeline Ore Water Bore 0

0 CMA-17-06 GE_BARBOS Fauna_207A GE_BARBOS CMA-17-06 v Figure 9 v

v 5

v .

v

v ± Kilometres Interior Blind Snake Potential Habitat Interior Blind Potential Snake

v GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54 Zone MGA 1994 GDA GINKGO MINE

v 00

v

v

v

v

v

v

v

v

v

v

v Infrastructure Corridor Infrastructure

v " v

v

v

v

v

Existing/Approved Distubance Area Distubance Existing/Approved Study Area Habitat InteriorPotential Blind Snake

v

v v LEGEND Mining Lease Boundary MSP Process and Route Transport Mineral Concentrate Route Waste Transport Electricity Transmission Line Ore Pipeline (Processing Option 2) (Not Constructed) 2) (Not Option (Processing Pipeline Ore Water Bore 0

0 Source: Cristal Mining (2016); Orthophoto: Cristal Mining (2012); Department of Industry Resources & Energy (2017) CMA-17-06 GE_BARBOS Fauna_208A GE_BARBOS CMA-17-06 v

v Figure 10

v 5

v .

v Habitat Potential Grey Falcon

v ± Kilometres

v GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54 Zone MGA 1994 GDA GINKGO MINE

v 00

v

v

v

v

v

v

v

v

v

v

v Infrastructure Corridor Infrastructure

v " v

v

v

v

v

Existing/Approved Distubance Area Distubance Existing/Approved Study Area Habitat Potential Grey Falcon

v

v v LEGEND Mining Lease Boundary MSP Process and Route Transport Mineral Concentrate Route Waste Transport Electricity Transmission Line Ore Pipeline (Processing Option 2) (Not Constructed) 2) (Not Option (Processing Pipeline Ore Water Bore 0

0 Source: Cristal Mining (2016); Orthophoto: Cristal Mining (2012); Department of Industry Resources & Energy (2017) CMA-17-06 GE_BARBOS Fauna_209A GE_BARBOS CMA-17-06 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

5 CONCLUSION

A total of 71 species were located within the study area including 41 bird, 16 native mammal, seven introduced mammal and seven reptile species. No amphibians were located. The species richness values for the study area are slightly lower than that found elsewhere in the Ginkgo area due to both the smaller area of land surveyed, and the cool conditions experienced during the survey.

Seven threatened species listed under the BC Act were located within the study area. These are:

 Marble-faced Delma (Delma australis);  Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo (Cacatua leadbeateri);  White-fronted Chat (Epthianura albifrons);  Hooded Robin (Melanodryas cucullata cucullata);  Bolam’s Mouse (Pseudomys bolami) ;  Little Pied Bat (Chalinolobus picatus); and  Inland Forest Bat (Vespadelus baverstocki).

DRAFT

00878597 38 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

6 REFERENCES

Atlas of Living Australia (2017) Database records for an area of 10 km radius surrounding the Study Area.

Australian Bureau of Meteorology (2017) Weather Station Directory. Commonwealth of Australia. Website: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/data/stations/

Biodiversity Monitoring Services (2012) Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine – Crayfish Modification Fauna Assessment. Report prepared for Bemax Resources Limited.

Biodiversity Monitoring Services (2014) Mallara Fauna Survey. Report prepared for Cristal Mining Pty Ltd.

Biodiversity Monitoring Services (2015a) Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Southern Extension Modification – Offset Increase Fauna Assessment.

Biodiversity Monitoring Services (2015b) Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Southern Extension Modification – Southern Extension Areas Fauna Assessment.

Biosphere Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd (2007) Gingko Mineral Sands Project Implementation of the Painted Burrowing Frog Monitoring Programme. Report to Bemax Resources Ltd

Cenwest (2009) Trelega North Fauna Survey and Assessment.

DRAFT Cook (2014) Faunal Recolonisation of a Rehabilitated Sand Mine at the Ginkgo Mine Lease, South West New South Wales.Cristal Mining Australia Limited (2013) Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine November 2012 Modification Modified Request.

Cunningham, G.L., Mulham, W.E., Milthorpe, P.L. and Leigh, J.H. (1981) Plants of Western New South Wales. NSW Government Printer. Sydney.

Department of Environment and Conservation (2004) Threatened Biodiversity Survey and Assessment: Guidelines for Developments and Activities.

Department of Environment and Conservation and Department of Primary Industries (2005) Draft Guidelines for Threatened Species Assessment.

Department of Primary Industries (2014) Western Lands Leases. Website: http://www.lpma.nsw.gov.au/crown_lands/western_region/western_lands_leases.

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Populations and Communities (2011a) Survey Guidelines for Australia's Threatened Mammals: Guidelines for Detecting Mammals Listed as Threatened under the EPBC Act.

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Populations and Communities (2011b) Survey Guidelines for Australia's Threatened Reptiles: Guidelines for Detecting Reptiles listed as Threatened under the EPBC Act.

Department of the Environment and Energy (2017a) Australia's Bioregions (IBRA). Website: http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/land/national-reserve-system/science-maps- and-data/australias-bioregions-ibra Date Accessed: July 2017.

00878597 39 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

Department of the Environment and Energy (2017b). Protected Matters Search Tool Search Conducted for the Following Search Area: -33.27, 142.35; -33.45, 142.35; -33.45, 142.13; -33.27, 142.13. Website: http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/pmst/index.html Accessed: August 2017.

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (2010a) Survey Guidelines for Australia's Threatened Birds: Guidelines for Detecting Bats listed as Threatened under the EPBC Act.

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (2010b) Survey Guidelines for Australia's Threatened Bats: Guidelines for Detecting Bats listed as Threatened under the EPBC Act.

FloraSearch (2014) Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Biodiversity Offset 2013 Modification Flora Assessment.

FloraSearch (2015) Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Southern Extension – Offset Increase Flora Assessment.

FloraSearch (2017) Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extesion Modification – Baseline Fauna Assessment.

GHD (2016a). Crayfish Mine Pre-Clearance Surveys, Fauna Salvage Activities April-May 2016. Prepared for Cristal Mining Australia Ltd.

GHD (2016b). Crayfish Offset Area, Vegetation Condition, Pest Wildlife and Bird Monitoring 2016. DRAFT Prepared for Cristal Mining Australia Ltd.

GHD (2016c). Ginkgo Mine Rehabilitation Monitoring – Fauna. December 2016. Prepared for Cristal Mining Australia Ltd.

GHD (2016d). Threatened Species Targeted Survey Baseline Surveys for Marble-faced Delma and Western Blue-tongued Lizard. Prepared for Cristal Mining Australia Ltd.

GHD (2017a).Ecological Monitoring – Offset Areas, February 2017 Fauna Surveys. Prepared for Cristal Mining Australia Ltd.

GHD (2017b).Snapper Mine & Ginkgo Mine Pre-clearance Surveys, Fauna Salvage Activities May 2017. Prepared for Cristal Mining Australia Ltd.

Gibbons, P., Ayers, D., Seddon, J., Doyle, S. and Briggs, S. (2005). Operational Manual for Biometric – A terrestrial Biodiversity Assessment Tool for the NSW Property Vegetation Plan Developer. NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, Hurstville.

Google Earth (2015) Elevation model. Google Earth Pro. Google Inc.

Mount King Ecological Surveys (2001) Ginkgo Mineral Sands Project Fauna Assessment Appendix H of the Ginkgo Mineral Sands Project Environmental Impact Statement.

Office of Environment and Heritage (2014) Framework For Biodiversity Assessment

00878597 40 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

Office of Environment and Heritage (2017) NSW BioNet – A Website for the NSW Atlas of Wildlife search conducted for the following search area: -33.27, 142.35; -33.45, 142.35; -33.45, 142.13; -33.27, 142.13. Website: http://www.bionet.nsw.gov.au/ Accessed: August 2017.

Ogyris Ecological Research (2005). Vegetation Pre-clearance Flora and Fauna Surveys of Land at Bemax Resources NL Murray-Darling Basin sand mine sites. 1) Ginkgo Sand Mine, Autumn-Winter 2005. Report to Bemax Resources Ltd.

Ogyris Ecological Research (2006a). Vegetation Pre-clearance Flora and Fauna Surveys of Land at Bemax Resources NL Murray-Darling Basin sand mine sites. 2) Ginkgo Sand Mine – February 2006. Report to Bemax Resources Ltd.

Ogyris Ecological Research (2006b). Vegetation Pre-clearance Flora and Fauna Surveys of Land at Bemax Resources NL Murray-Darling Basin sand mine sites. 3) Ginkgo Sand Mine – September 2006. Report to Bemax Resources Ltd.

Ogyris Ecological Research (2007a). Vegetation Pre-clearance Flora and Fauna Surveys of Land at Bemax Resources Ltd Murray-Darling Basin sand mine sites. 4) Ginkgo Sand Mine, February 2007. Report to Bemax Resources Ltd.

Ogyris Ecological Research (2007b). Vegetation Pre-clearance Flora and Fauna Surveys of Land at Bemax Resources Ltd Murray-Darling Basin sand mine sites. 5) Ginkgo Sand Mine Stage 2 Extension, May 2007. Report to Bemax Resources Ltd.

DRAFT Ogyris Ecological Research (2009a). Vegetation Pre-clearance Flora and Fauna Surveys of Land at Bemax Resources Ltd Murray-Darling Basin sand mine sites. 6) Ginkgo Sand Mine Stage 3 Extension and northern boundary fenceline. February 2009. Report to Bemax Resources NL.

Ogyris Ecological Research (2009b). Vegetation Pre-clearance Flora and Fauna Surveys of Land at Bemax Resources Ltd Murray-Darling Basin sand mine sites. 8) Ginkgo Sand Mine Stage 4 Northern Extension and expansion of overburden stockpile OB2. May 2009. Report to Bemax Resources NL.

Ogyris Ecological Research (2010). Vegetation Pre-clearance Flora and Fauna Surveys of Land at Bemax Resources Ltd Murray-Darling Basin sand mine sites. 9) Ginkgo Sand Mine Stage 4 Northern Extension. Winter 2009. Report to Bemax Resources NL.

Ogyris Ecological Research (2011). Vegetation Pre-clearance Flora and Fauna Surveys of Land at Bemax Resources NL Murray-Darling Basin sand mine sites. 13) Ginkgo Mine. August 2011. Report to Bemax Resources NL.

Ogyris Ecological Research (2012a).Vegetation Pre-clearance Flora and Fauna Surveys of Land at Bemax Resources NL Murray-Darling Basin sand mine sites. 14) Ginkgo Mine. January 2012. Report to Bemax Resources NL.

Ogyris Ecological Research (2012b). Vegetation Pre-clearance Fauna Surveys of Land at Cristal Mining Australia Ltd Murray-Darling Basin sand mine sites. Ginkgo Mine - Winter 2012. Report to Cristal Mining Pty Ltd.

Ogyris Ecological Research (2012c). Vegetation Pre-clearance Vegetation and Soils Report of Land at Cristal Mining Australia Ltd Murray-Darling Basin mineral sand mine sites. Ginkgo Mine – Winter 2012. Report to Cristal Mining Pty Ltd.

00878597 41 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

Ogyris Ecological Research (2013). Vegetation Pre-clearance Fauna Report of Land at Cristal Mining Australia Ltd Murray-Darling Basin mineral sand mine sites. Ginkgo Mine. February 2013. Report to Cristal Mining Pty Ltd.

Ogyris Ecological Research (2014a). Rehabilitation Report of Year 2 Monitoring of Revegetation at Overburden Stockpiles OB2, Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine. Prepared for Cristal Mining Australia Ltd.

Ogyris Ecological Research (2014b). Vegetation Pre-clearance Fauna Report of Land at Cristal Mining Australia Ltd Murray-Darling Basin mineral sand mine sites. Ginkgo Mine – Autumn – Winter 2014. Report to Cristal Mining Pty Ltd.

Ogyris Ecological Research (2014c). Vegetation Pre-clearance Vegetation and Soils Report of Land at Cristal Mining Australia Ltd Murray-Darling Basin mineral sand mine sites. Ginkgo Mine – Winter 2014. Report to Cristal Mining Pty Ltd.Ogyris Ecological Research (2015a). An Interim Report on Cristal Mining Australia’s Ginkgo Mine 2015 OB1 Hand-planting Trials.

Ogyris Ecological Research (2015b). Results and Observations from the Gingko and Snapper Mine Rehabilitation Monitoring Program in Spring 2015. Prepared for Cristal Mining Australia Ltd.

Ogyris Ecological Research (2015c). Summary Report of Direct Seeding Revegetation undertaken at the Gingko and Snapper Mines in 2015. Prepared for Cristal Mining Australia Ltd.

Ogyris Ecological Research (2015d). Targeted Flora Survey for Swainsona flavicarinata and Swainsona adenophylla at the Gingko Mine Modification Crayfish Deposit, Pooncarie West, Southwest New South Wales. Prepared for Cristal Mining Australia Ltd. DRAFT

Ogyris Ecological Research (2015e). Vegetation Monitoring of the Cristal Mining Australia Ltd. Conservation Offset 1 Site at Pooncarie West, Southwest New South Wales.

Ogyris Ecological Research (2015f). Vegetation Pre-clearance Fauna Report of Land at Cristal Mining Australia Ltd Murray-Darling Basin Mineral Sand Mine Sites. Ginkgo Mine. July 2015. Report to Cristal Mining Pty Ltd.

Ogyris Ecological Research (2015g). Vegetation Pre-clearance Vegetation and Soils Report of Land at Cristal Mining Australia Ltd Murray-Darling Basin Mineral Sand Mine Sites. Ginkgo Mine – Autumn 2015. Report to Cristal Mining Pty Ltd.

Ogyris Ecological Research (2016a). Preclearance Fauna Report of land at Cristal Mining Australia Ltd. Murray-Darling Basin Mineral Sands Mine Sites: Snapper Mine - 2016.

Ogyris Ecological Research (2016b). Preclearance Vegetation and Soils Report of Land at Cristal Mining Australia Ltd. Murray-Darling Basin Sites: Snapper Mine – February 2016.

Ogyris Ecological Research (2016c). Use of Psyllium Husk Powder and Soil Cryptogamic Biocrust to Stabilize Rehabilitation Topsoils in an Arid Mining Environment. Prepared for Cristal Mining Australia Ltd.

Ogyris Ecological Research (2017a). Rehabilitation Report on 2016 Monitoring of Revegetation at the Gingko Mineral Sands Mine. Prepared for Cristal Mining Australia Ltd.

Ogyris Ecological Research (2017b). Snapper Mine Pre-clearance Surveys Fauna Salvage Activities March 2017. Prepared for Cristal Mining Australia Ltd.

00878597 42 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

Val, J., Oliver, D., Pennay, M., McLaughlin, J., Ewin, P. and Foster, E. (2012) The Reptile, Bird and Small Mammal Fauna of Dune Mallee Woodlands in South-western New South Wales Aust. Zool. 36: 29 -48.

Western Research Institute and Resource Strategies (2007) Snapper Mineral Sands Project Environmental Assessment Appendix D Fauna Assessment.

DRAFT

00878597 43 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Survey Report

DRAFT APPENDIX A

FAUNA RECORDED FROM THE STUDY AREA

00878597 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Survey Report

Scientific Name Common Name NSW Status1 G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 General Area

BIRDS

Casuariidae Dromaius novaehollandiae Emu P X X X X X

Columbidae Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon P X Aegothelidae Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar P X

Accipitridae Aquila audax Wedge -tailed Eagle P X X X Falconidae X Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel P Charadriidae Vanellus miles Masked Lapwing P X

Cacatuidae Eolophus roseicapillus Galah P X X Lophochroa leadbeateri Major Mitchell's Cockatoo V X

Psittacidae Barnardius zonarius Australian Ringneck P X X Northiella haematogaster Bluebonnet P X X X X X X X Psephotus varius Mulga Parrot P

DRAFT Cuculidae X Cacomantis pallidus Pallid Cuckoo P Chalcites basalis Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo P X X X X X X X Chalcites osculans Black-eared Cuckoo P Climacteridae Climacteris picumnus X X X picumnus Brown Treecreeper P Acanthizidae X Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Yellow-rumped Thornbill P Acanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill P X X X X X Aphelocephala leucopsis Southern Whiteface P X X Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill P X X X X Pardalotidae X X X X Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote P Meliphagidae Spiny -cheeked X X Acanthagenys rufogularis Honeyeater P Epthianura albifrons White-fronted Chat V X Gavicalis virescens Singing Honeyeater P X Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner P X X X X X X Pomatostomidae Pomatostomus ruficeps Chestnut -crowned Babbler P X X Pachycephalidae Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush P X X Oreoica gutturalis Crested Bellbird P X X X X Artamidae Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird P X X X X X X

00878597 A-1 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

Scientific Name Common Name NSW Status1 G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 General Area Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie P X X X X X X Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird P X X X X X X Rhipiduridae Rhipidura albiscapa Grey Fantail P X X X Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail P X X Corvidae Corvus bennetti Little Crow P X X X X X X Corvus coronoides Australian Raven P X X X X X X Corvus mellori Little Raven P X X X X X Monarchidae Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark P X X X Corcoracidae Corcorax melanorhamphos White-winged Chough P X X Petroicidae Melanodryas cucullata Hooded Robin (south- X X cucullata eastern form) V Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin P X X X X Hirundinidae Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow P X X X X Motacillidae Anthus novaeseelandiae Australian Pipit P X X

MAMMALS DRAFT Tachyglossidae Tachyglossus aculeatus Short-beaked Echidna P X Dasyuridae Sminthopsis crassicaudata Fat-tailed Dunnart P X Sminthopsis murina Common Dunnart P X X Macropodidae Macropus fuliginosus Western Grey Kangaroo P X X X X Macropus robustus Common Wallaroo (Euro) P X Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo P X X X X X Molossidae Austronomus australis White-striped Freetail-bat P X X X Mormopterus (Ozimops) South-eastern Free-tailed X X planiceps Bat P Mormopterus (Ozimops) X petersi Inland Free-tailed Bat P Vespertilionidae Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat P X X X X Chalinolobus picatus Little Pied Bat V X X X Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat P X X X Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat P X Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat P X Vespadelus baverstocki Inland Forest Bat V X Muridae Mus musculus House Mouse U X X X X Pseudomys bolami Bolam's Mouse E1 X Canidae Canis lupus Dingo, domestic dog U X

00878597 A-2 Ginkgo Mineral Sands Mine Extension Modification Baseline Fauna Report

Scientific Name Common Name NSW Status1 G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 General Area Vulpes vulpes Fox U X X X X Felidae Felis catus Cat U X Leporidae Oryctolagus cuniculus Rabbit U X X X X X Bovidae Bos taurus European cattle U X Capra hircus Goat U X X X X X

REPTILES Gekkonidae Heterenotia binoei Bynoe's Gecko P X Gehyra versicolor Variable Dtella P X X X Pygopodidae Delma australis Marble-faced Delma E1 X Scincidae Cryptoblepharus australis Inland Snake-eyed Skink P X X Lerista punctatovittata Eastern Robust Slider P X South-eastern Morethia X Morethia boulengeri Skink P Agamidae Pogona vitticeps Central Bearded Dragon P X X 1 Fauna species status under the BC Act (current at August 2017). DRAFT V = Vulnerable; E = Endangered; P=Protected, U=Unprotected

00878597 A-3