2019 Mt Owen Glendell Operations (MGO) Offsets Fauna Monitoring

South-east Offset Dam, Mt Owen Glendell (November 2019)

Pied Currawong, North West Offset, Mt Owen Glendell (October 2019)

Ripe Rusty Fig Ficus rubiginosa, Mitchell Hills, November 2019

2019 ANNUAL REPORT MT OWEN GLENDELL (MG0) BIODIVERSITY OFFSETS FAUNA MONITORING

Forest Fauna Surveys Pty Ltd

MGO Biodiversity Offsets Fauna Monitoring 2019

2019 Annual Report

Mt Owen Glendell (MGO) Biodiversity Offsets Fauna Monitoring

Report prepared for

MT. OWEN GLENDELL OPERATIONS

This report prepared by

Michael Murray [B.Sc.(Hons)] Forest Fauna Surveys Pty Ltd 51 Sheridan Avenue ADAMSTOWN HEIGHTS NSW 2289 (02) 4946 2977 [email protected]

Acknowledgements. Mike Pereira (Mt Owen Glendell Operations) kindly provided information and assistance with a number of tasks throughout the year.

Document History

Document No. Prep. Date Version Checked by Date 00434.a 07.03.2020 Draft v.1 Mike Pereira 23.03.2020 00434.b 30.03.2020 Draft v.2 Mike Pereira 02.04.2020 00434.0 3.04.2020 FINAL

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... i 1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 2 1.1 Background ...... 2 1.2 Prescriptions for Fauna Monitoring ...... 3 2.0 METHODOLOGY ...... 4 2.1 Biodiversity Offset Descriptions ...... 4 2.1.1 North West / North East Offsets ...... 4 2.1.2 Forest East / South-east / South-east Corridor Offsets ...... 5 2.1.3 Southern Remnant Offset ...... 7 2.1.4 Bettys Creek Habitat Management Area Offset ...... 7 2.1.5 Mitchell Hills Offset ...... 8 2.1.6 Stringybark Creek Offset ...... 9 2.1.7 Cross Creek Offset ...... 10 2.1.8 Esparanga Offset ...... 10 2.2 Survey Methodology for Fauna Groups ...... 11 2.2.1 Birds ...... 11 2.2.1.1 Opportunistic Sightings ...... 11 2.2.1.2 Nocturnal Surveys ...... 11 2.2.1.3 Diurnal Census ...... 11 2.2.2 Mammals ...... 14 2.2.2.1 Spotlight Searches ...... 14 2.2.2.2 Microbats ...... 14 2.2.2.3 Remote Infra-red Cameras ...... 14 2.2.3 Reptiles and Frogs ...... 15 2.2.4 Nestbox Inspections...... 15 2.3 Research Licensing ...... 15 3.0 RESULTS ...... 16 3.1 Birds ...... 16 3.2 Mammals ...... 18 3.3 Reptiles and Amphibians...... 21 3.4 Threatened Fauna ...... 21 3.5 Nestboxes ...... 28 4.0 DISCUSSION ...... 36 5.0 REFERENCES ...... 38 APPENDIX ONE – FAUNA LIST, 2019...... 39 APPENDIX TWO – NEST BOXES, BIODIVERSITY OFFSETS, 2019 ...... 52

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Location of Biodiversity Offsets, Mt Owen Glendell Operations ...... 3 Figure 2. North West Offset and North East Offset fauna monitoring sites ...... 5 Figure 3. Forest East, South East and South-east Corridor Offset fauna monitoring sites ...... 6 Figure 4. Location of Southern Remnant Offset Fauna Site...... 7 Figure 5. Location of Bettys Creek HMA and fauna monitoring sites ...... 8 Figure 6. Location of Mitchell Hills Offset Fauna Sites...... 9 Figure 7. Location of Stringybark Creek Offset Fauna Site...... 9 Figure 8. Location of Cross Creek Offset Fauna Site...... 10 Figure 9. Location of Esparanga Offset Fauna Sites...... 11 Figure 10. Comparison of Bird Species Diversity across offsets, 2019...... 17 Figure 11 Location of Threatened Fauna recorded, North West and North East Offsets 2019...... 24 Figure 12 Location of Threatened Fauna, Bettys Creek HMA Offsets 2019...... 24 Figure 13 Location of Threatened Fauna recorded, Forest East, South East and South-east Corridor Offsets 2019. ... 25 Figure 14 Location of Threatened Fauna, Southern Remnant Offset, 2019...... 26 Figure 15 Location of Threatened Fauna, Mitchell Hills Offset, 2019...... 26 Figure 16 Location of Threatened Fauna, Stringybark Creek Offset, 2019...... 27 Figure 17 Location of Threatened Fauna, Cross Creek Offset, 2019...... 27 Figure 18 Location of Threatened Fauna, Esparanga Offset, 2019...... 28 Figure 19 Location of Installed Nest Boxes, North West Offset 2019 ...... 29 Figure 20 Location of Installed Nest Boxes, North East Offset, 2019 ...... 29 Figure 21 Location of Installed Nest Boxes, Forest East Offset, 2019 ...... 30 Figure 22 Location of Installed Nest Boxes, South East / South East Corridor Offsets, 2019 ...... 31 Figure 23 Location of Installed Nest Boxes, Bettys Creek HMA, 2019 ...... 32 Figure 24 Location of Installed Nest Boxes, Stringybark Creek Offset, 2019 ...... 33 Figure 25 Location of Installed Nest Boxes, Mitchell Hills Offset, 2019 ...... 33 Figure 26 Polypipe structure trialled for suitability for Spotted-tail Quoll, Stringybark Creek Offset, 2019 ...... 34

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Site Coordinates for Fauna Monitoring Sites, Mount Owen Glendell Offsets, 2019 ...... 4 Table 2. Survey Dates, Mount Owen Glendell Offsets fauna surveys, 2019...... 13 Table 3. Mammal records, Mt Owen Complex 2019 ...... 19 Table 4. Microbats recorded by echolocation calls, MGO Offsets, 2019 ...... 20 Table 5. Threatened Fauna recorded in 2019 in each Biodiversity Offset, Mt Owen Glendell ...... 22 Table 6. Summary of Threatened Fauna recorded in each Biodiversity Offset 2014 - 2019, Mt Owen Glendell ...... 22 Table 7 Nest Boxes located within each Biodiversity Offset, Mt Owen Glendell ...... 28 Table 8 Nest Boxes installed in 2019 at Biodiversity Offsets, Mt Owen Glendell ...... 34 Table 9 Nest Boxes evidence of use, Biodiversity Offsets, Mt Owen Glendell, 2019...... 35

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report presents a collation of fauna species recorded in 2019 across the Mount Owen Glendell Operations biodiversity offsets. Also included is fauna records from previous fauna monitoring surveys. The initial base-line surveys were conducted in 2014 for the EIS investigations, with the initial offset surveys conducted in 2017. Additionally, several offsets were part of the monitoring program for the Mt Owen Complex, which extended back to 1995. In 2019, 2 new Offsets were included in the monitoring program, North West and South-east Corridor Offsets.

Fauna monitoring for the Mount Owen Glendell Operations, conducted over the period 1996 – 2019, has recorded a total of • 168 native and 2 introduced bird species, • 41 native and 10 introduced mammal species, • 26 reptiles, and • 16 frog species.

The BOMP (2017) was reviewed in 2019 and several offsets were re-classified from those monitored under the Mt Owen Complex fauna monitoring program, to the Biodiversity Offset program. In the 2019 monitoring period, a total of 85 bird species, 14 native and 5 introduced non-flying mammals, 12 bat species 7 reptile and 5 frog species were recorded. No new species were detected in 2019, although several species such as Common Wombat were observed in offsets not previously recorded. The extended drought over the period 2017 – 2019 reflected the low abundance of reptile and amphibian species recorded.

Ten threatened fauna species were recorded across the offsets in 2019, including 5 birds and 5 mammals. The majority of threatened bird species recorded in 2019 are commonly recorded in each annual monitoring period. No evidence of the endangered Swift Parrot was recorded in 2019 in the MGO Offsets. The Spotted-tail Quoll and Brush-tailed Phascogale was recorded in 2019 from combination of trapping surveys and remote camera monitoring. No evidence of the endangered Green & Golden Bell Frog was recorded in 2019, due to most dams and water bodies dry. Analysis of past records of threatened species reveal 5 of 14 bird species, 2 of 4 non-flying mammals and 2 of 7 threatened bats were recorded in 2019.

Across all of the Offsets, a total of 200 nest boxes of different types have been installed. In 2019, a total of 74 [or 37%] were installed in 2019. Several boxes exhibited evidence of use within months of installation, particularly those boxes specific to Squirrel Glider / Brush-tailed Phascogale and Possum / larger birds such as owls. Several habitat structures for the threatened Spotted-tail Quoll were installed in each offset in 2019, including nesting boxes [n = 8] and large polypipe structures in Stringybark Creek Offset [n = 3].

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

The Mount Owen Glendell Operations (MGO) is located in the Upper Hunter Valley of New South Wales, approximately 25 kilometres northwest of Singleton. MGO is owned and managed by Mount Owen Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Glencore Coal Pty Ltd. The original 1994 development consent for Mount Owen Mine permitted disturbance of 240 hectares of the Ravensworth State Forest, which was considered to be a highly significant remnant on a local and regional scale. Ravensworth State Forest comprises three distinct areas that will not be disturbed by mining; the Northern Remnant, the Southern Remnant and the New Forest. These areas are to be managed and protected to maintain these values.

Both the Biodiversity and Offset Management Plan (BOMP, 2018) and Conservation Agreements guides the fauna- monitoring program for the MGO’s offsets. Following the recent Modifications in the Project Approval for Glendell Mine (DA80/952) – Modification 4 and Mt Owen (SSD-5850) – Modification 3 trigged a revision of 2018 BOMP. In order to satisfy the BOMP and the Conservation Agreements requirements, MGO extended its fauna-monitoring program to all its biodiversity offsets in 2019. The revised BOMPS (2019) will contain the new framework for the implementation of ecological management actions, regeneration and revegetation strategies, controls and monitoring programs.

A number of objectives are outlined in the BOMP 2018, including requirements to provide information to assist management of threatened species, populations and communities, their habitats and ecosystems (Table 1-1 – Objectives of the BOMPS, 2018). Section 5 of the BOMP 2018 outlines the ecological monitoring program to be undertaken at MGO. The Offsets include the following:

• North-west Offset, • North-east Offset, • Forest East Offset, • South-east Offset, • South-east Corridor Offset • Southern Remnant Offset, • Bettys Creek Habitat Management Area Offset, • Mitchell Hills Offset, • Stringybark Creek Offset, • Cross Creek Offset, and • Esparanga Offset.

The locations of each Offset are illustrated below in Figure 1. This report presents results of the seasonal monitoring of the Offsets undertaken in 2019.

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Figure 1. Location of Biodiversity Offsets, Mt Owen Glendell Operations

1.2 Prescriptions for Fauna Monitoring

The seasonal fauna monitoring prescriptions are outlined in Section 5.1.2 – Fauna Monitoring, and consist of surveys for • Diurnal woodland birds, • Targeted winter bird surveys, • Microbat echolocation call surveys, • Diurnal herpetofauna surveys, • Nocturnal spotlight surveys, • Call playback surveys, and • Remote camera surveys. Monitoring should be undertaken within the Offsets every 2-3 years following the baseline monitoring.

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2.0 METHODOLOGY

Table 1 provides a summary of all offset location monitored in 2019.

Table 1. Site Coordinates for Fauna Monitoring Sites, Mount Owen Glendell Offsets, 2019

Site Easting Northing Lat Long Altitude Biodiversity Offset Number (GDA94) (GDA94) m (ASL) North West Offset NW01 320761.31 6416661.16 -32.3726 151.0948 212 North East Offset NE01 323192.54 6416535.38 -32.3741 151.1206 218 Forest East Offset FE01 323582.81 6414455.09 -32.3930 151.1272 186 South East Offset SE01 324060.42 6412915.77 -32.4069 151.1291 155 South East Corridor SECorr01 324125.09 6412166.93 -32.4137 151.1297 134 Southern Remnant For3 320918.5 6413375.9 -32.4023 151.0958 144 HMA01 321522.97 6408525.4 -32.4461 151.1014 102 Bettys Creek HMA HMA02 321039.04 6409831 -32.4343 151.0965 101 MH01 313313.78 6424445.29 -32.3012 151.0172 347 Mitchell Hills MH02 314193.34 6424644.39 -32.2996 151.0266 474 MH03 313072.15 6424307.17 -32.3024 151.0146 432 Stringybark Creek SC01 320087.62 6417190.72 -32.3678 151.0877 173 Cross Creek CC01 322612.74 6419207.94 -32.3499 151.1149 289 ESP01 271540.01 6439390.40 -32.1588 150.5774 411 Esparanga ESP02 270696.00 6438765.32 -32.1642 150.5683 419 ESP03 271343.23 6438266.31 -32.1689 150.5751 430

2.1 Biodiversity Offset Descriptions

2.1.1 North West / North East Offsets

The North-west Offset is located to the immediate north of the Mt Owen rehabilitation area, and occupies an area of 71.4 hectares. Three broad vegetation communities occur, including Central Hunter Ironbark – Spotted Gum – Grey Box Forest, Barrington Footslopes Dry Spotted Gum Forest and Derived Native Grassland. One fauna monitoring site (NW01) is located within this offset (refer to Figure 1 and Table 1). This offset has not previously been surveyed for fauna.

The North East Offset is located within the Mount Owen Complex lease area, and occupies an area of 83.6 hectares. This offset was assessed for vegetation in the EIS 2016, with 4 communities mapped (refer to Figure 4.1 – Vegetation Communities within the Project Area, p. 85, Glencore, 2014). Those communities include Dry Rainforest on the upper slopes, Barrington Footslopes Dry Spotted Gum Forest, Planted Ironbark – Spotted Gum – Grey Box Forest and Derived Native Grassland. No estimates of the areas of vegetation cover for each community in the North East offset were described. One fauna monitoring site was located and details listed in Table 1 and Figure 2.

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Figure 2. North West Offset and North East Offset fauna monitoring sites

2.1.2 Forest East / South-east / South-east Corridor Offsets

Forest East Offset is located to the immediate east of the boundary of Ravensworth State Forest, and occupies an area of 110.9 hectares. The dominant vegetation type is this offset is Central Hunter Ironbark – Spotted Gum – Grey Box Forest, Barrington Footslopes Dry Spotted Gum Forest and Derived Native Grassland. One monitoring site is located in this offset, which was previously referred to as Reg2 and has been monitored annually since 2004 as part of the Mt Owen fauna monitoring program.

The South East Offset occupies 58.3 hectares and is located to the immediate south of the Forest East Offset, and south- east of Ravensworth State Forest. The dominant vegetation type is this offset is Central Hunter Ironbark – Spotted Gum – Grey Box Forest and Derived Native Grassland. One monitoring site is located in this offset, which was previously referred to as Reg3, and has been monitored annually since 2004 as part of the Mt Owen fauna monitoring program.

The South-East Corridor Offset occupies 74.1 hectares and is located to the immediate south-east of the South East Offset. The dominant vegetation type is this offset is Central Hunter Ironbark – Spotted Gum – Grey Box Forest, Derived Native Grassland and Central Hunter Swamp Oak Forest. One monitoring site is located in this offset.

The locations of fauna monitoring sites within the 3 offsets mentioned above is shown below in Figure 3.

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Figure 3. Forest East, South East and South-east Corridor Offset fauna monitoring sites

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2.1.3 Southern Remnant Offset

The Southern Remnant Offset is located to the immediate south of a small remnant of Ravensworth State Forest. It occupies an area of 4.0 hectares and is dominated by Central Hunter Ironbark – Spotted Gum – Grey Box Forest. The monitoring site located in this remnant has been continuously sampled since commencement of fauna monitoring in 1995 as part of the former Mt Owen Complex fauna monitoring program. With recent revision to the BOMP, this area has been incorporated into the Biodiversity Offsets for future monitoring.

Figure 4. Location of Southern Remnant Offset Fauna Site.

2.1.4 Bettys Creek Habitat Management Area Offset

Bettys Creek Offset (or also referred to as Glendell Habitat Management Area HMA) is located east of the Glendell Open Cut, which is part of the larger MGO. The Bettys Creek Offset covers an area of 174 hectares, and comprises 5 forested vegetation communities (Glencore, 2017). The terrain of this offset is alluvial flats dominated by a mix of Derived Native Grasslands, regrowth Ironbark - Grey Box woodland and riparian Swamp Oak and Bulloak. Large areas of the grassland has been replanted to restore a forest / woodland complex within this offset.

The location of the fauna sites for Bettys Creek HMA is presented below in Figure 5.

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Figure 5. Location of Bettys Creek HMA and fauna monitoring sites

2.1.5 Mitchell Hills Offset

Mitchell Hills is located about 12 kilometres to the north-west of Mount Owen Complex, covers an area of 143.7 hectares, and comprises 5 forested vegetation communities (Glencore, 2017). The terrain of this offset is steeply sided hills with scattered small rock outcrops and boulders along the ridgeline and upper slopes. On the steep eastern and southern slopes dense pockets of Dry Rainforest exist, which provide a variation to the eucalypt dominated woodlands of the locality. Monitoring Site MH01 is located along in a gully which has an ephemeral creek draining south to north. The dominant vegetation is regrowth open forest with trees to 15-18m height. No mature habitat trees with hollows occur at this site. Site MH02 is located on a steep ridgeline with dry open sclerophyll forest on the western side, and dense low Dry Rainforest on the eastern side. Tall emergent eucalypt trees to 25m occur with dense lower stratum dominated by dry rainforest species. Site MH03 occurs on a dry rocky ridgeline dominated by tall Spotted Gum Corymbia maculata trees to 25m in height. Scattered mature trees with hollows occur, with low open understorey and ground layer vegetation. The majority of remnant vegetation within Mitchell Hills Offset is regrowth forest / woodland. The absence of tall mature trees across the majority of the offset is suggestive of past clearing, which has removed many old mature trees that occur on adjoining properties. Extensive areas of open grassland occur, which in time will regenerate to an open forest / woodland.

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Figure 6. Location of Mitchell Hills Offset Fauna Sites.

2.1.6 Stringybark Creek Offset

Stringybark Creek Offset is located to the immediate north of the Mount Owen Complex rehabilitation, and to the immediate west of the New Forest Area. Stringybark Creek Offset was subject to a fauna survey as part of the ecological investigations for the environmental assessment (Glencore, 2014).

The Stringybark Creek Offset is 97.5 hectares in area, with 6 vegetation communities described. Spotted Gum – Narrow leaved Ironbark Forest occupies 21.6 hectares, or 22.8% of the area. The majority of the remaining area is dominated by open grassland (58.8 ha, or 62.1%), with other native vegetation communities <5 ha in area (Glencore, 2014). Stringybark Creek has hilly terrain in the eastern portion, with alluvial flats in the central and western portion of the area.

Figure 7. Location of Stringybark Creek Offset Fauna Site.

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2.1.7 Cross Creek Offset

Cross Creek Offset is located to the immediate north of the Mount Owen Complex and covers an area of 367 hectares. The vegetation community is described in the BOMP (2017) as comprising Central Hunter Ironbark – Spotted Gum – Grey Box Forest (including Red Gum variant) (51.7 ha, or 14.1%) and Derived Native Grassland (315.3 ha, or 85.9%). Cross Creek Offset was assessed as part of the EIS (Glencore, 2014) and sampled a number of fauna groups across the site, including 7 amphibian dams, 4 winter bird and 3 diurnal bird sites, 1 reptile and 2 Anabat sites and 2 spotlight transects.

The terrain of Cross Creek Offset is very hilly in the southern area, with flat alluvial flats in the northern portion. The site has been utilised for grazing for an extended period of time, and supports mostly scattered paddock trees, many of which are very mature in age.

Figure 8. Location of Cross Creek Offset Fauna Site.

2.1.8 Esparanga Offset

The Esparanga Offset is located near Manobalai locality, about 31 kms north-west of Muswellbrook, and 55 kms from the Mount Owen Complex. The Esparanga Offset covers an area of 303.2 hectares. Historically the site has been used for cattle grazing and past logging, with a mix of open grassland (40%) and remnant forest / woodland (60%). The site contains a mix of basalt, sandstone and conglomerate outcrops. The elevated ridgelines form a rocky escarpment in parts, with sheltered gullies beneath some of the ridgelines (Glencore, 2014). Part of Manobalai Nature Reserve adjoins the eastern boundary of the offset.

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Figure 9. Location of Esparanga Offset Fauna Sites.

2.2 Survey Methodology for Fauna Groups Following in Table 2 is a summary of dates fauna surveys were conducted of the MGO Offsets.

2.2.1 Birds

Three survey methodologies to census for bird species were adopted for the fauna monitoring program:

2.2.1.1 Opportunistic Sightings

Opportunistic sightings of bird species are recorded whilst undertaking other field duties. This includes direct observations of bird species and identification of their characteristic calls.

2.2.1.2 Nocturnal Surveys

Nocturnal bird census follows the standard survey methodology. This involves quiet listening for calls of owls during spotlight searches. Playback of pre-recorded calls of the threatened Powerful, Masked and Barking Owl are broadcast through a 15 watt portable amplifier. Following playback calls, a period of 15 minutes quiet listening to detect any vocal responses from the owls.

2.2.1.3 Diurnal Census

Sample plot counts employ a standard 40 minute search within a 1 hectare area (i.e. 100m x 100m, 50m x 200m, etc.) at each of the fauna monitoring sites. Counts of all bird species observed or heard are conducted only during periods of relatively high bird activity (i.e. early morning or late afternoon), and with reasonable detectability. All bird species and individuals seen or heard are recorded, being scored as on-site if detected within plot, or off-site if recorded in adjacent vegetation types or flying overhead.

A list of the bird species recorded during the 2019 fauna monitoring period is presented in Appendix 1. This list also indicates bird species recorded in the initial baseline survey.

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For comparison of woodland bird species between sites and years (2017, 2019), heterogeneity within the bird community is analysed using Simpson’s Index of Diversity (S.I.). This Index is sensitive to samples with low species diversity and abundance, and is therefore suitable for the more common and abundant fauna groups, such as birds. This analysis was applied to bird census data collected from the 2019 survey and compared to the 2017 survey / monitoring data.

The calculation of the S.I. is determined by the following equation:

ds. = ni (ni - 1) N*(N-1) where ds. = diversity index

ni = number of individuals of species i

N = total number of individuals of ni, n2, etc. The Index ranges in value from 0 (low diversity) to a maximum of infinity ∞ (high diversity). This style of analysis is more suited to those offsets with more complex fauna habitats, and diversity of bird species. It must be recognised that some offsets are very small in area and therefore have only one sampling site, with less diverse habitats. This can strongly influence the analysis. However, the data collated from repeated sampling will, with time, enable this style of comparison of bird communities within each offset.

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Table 2. Survey Dates, Mount Owen Glendell Offsets fauna surveys, 2019.

Microbats Small Mammals / Reptiles Offset Name Winter Birds Spring Birds Nocturnal Anabat (Harp) Pitfall Traps Elliott A traps Herpetofauna Camera North East 07/08/2019 13/11/2019 13/11/2019 13/11/2019 20/03/2019 - North West 07/08/2019 12/11/2019 12/11/2019 13/11/2019 20/03/2019 - 21/03/2019 6-15/05/19 - Forest East 07/08/2019 13/11/2019 13/11/2019 13-18/11/19 19-23/03/19 13-18/11/19 6-15/05/19 20/03/2019 21/03/2019 6-15/05/19 - South East 07/08/2019 13/11/2019 13/11/2019 13-18/11/19 19-23/03/19 13-18/11/19 6-15/05/19 20/03/2019 SE Corridor 07/08/2019 13/11/2019 13/11/2019 13/11/2019 13/11/2019 - 19/11/201913- 6-15/05/19 - Southern Remnant 07/08/2019 13/11/2019 19/11/2019 18/11/19 19-23/03/19 13-18/11/19 6-15/05/19 20/03/2019 Bettys Creek HMA 06/08/2019 06/11/2019 06/11/2019 06/11/2019 06/11/2019 - Mitchell Hills 31/07/2019 5-6/11/2019 5/11/2019 5/11/2019 5-6/11/2019 - Stringybark Creek 31/07/2019 6/11/2019 6/11/2019 6/11/2019 6/11/2019 30/07 – 6/11/2019 [98 nights] Cross Creek 30/07/2019 6/11/2019 6/11/2019 6/11/2019 6/11/2019 8/08 – 4/12/19 [118 nights] Esparanga 30/07/2019 4-5/11/2019 4/11/2019 4/11/2019 5/11/2019 30/07 – 4/11/2019 [96 nights]

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2.2.2 Mammals

2.2.2.1 Spotlight Searches

Spotlight searches was undertaken on foot at each offset with a 1,000 lumen spotlight for a period of 30 to 40 minutes per site. Each site was surveyed once during the survey period. The following data is recorded during each transect; • time at commencement and completion of transects, and • the identity and number of animal's observed and weather conditions.

2.2.2.2 Microbats

Surveys for microchiropteran (insectivorous) bat species comprise: • Detection of echolocation calls via Anabat SD2 / Anabat II / Anabat Express detectors recorded onto memory cards for subsequent computer analysis. • Spotlighting for flying foxes and large microchiropteran bats.

Echolocation Calls Echolocation calls of microchiropteran bats were recorded at each bat monitoring site. Calls were recorded by an Anabat detector (Anabat II, SD2 or Express) and stored onto a digital storage cards. This technique enables sampling of bat activity for the duration of the night, providing a more comprehensive recording of bat species utilising each site. All recorded calls were analysed by Analook W software.

Several species of insectivorous bats have distinctive echolocation calls that are unlikely to be confused with another species. However, some bat species overlap in call frequency and structure, making identification difficult in some cases. The degree of confidence attached to call identifications will depend on the duration of the recorded call and quality of the recording. For example, echolocation calls of the Lesser Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus geoffroyi) and Gould’s Long- eared Bat (Nyctophilus gouldi) cannot be reliably differentiated, and are therefore grouped as Nyctophilus sp. Similarly, calls of Greater Broad-nosed Bat (Scoteanax rueppellii), Eastern Broad-nosed Bat (Scotorepens orion) and Eastern Falsistrelle (Falsistrellus tasmaniensis) sometimes cannot be reliably differentiated and were therefore grouped together.

Anabat surveys were conducted in two periods, March at 3 offset sites (Forest East, South East and Southern Remnant) and November 2019 (all offsets).

Captures Due to the monitoring surveys commencing prior to revision of the BOMP (2018), harp trapping for microbats was undertaken at the following offsets, Southern Remnant, Forest East and South East Offsets. Sites were sampled by harp trap for 2 consecutive nights at each site. Total trapping survey effort for 2019 was 6 harp trap nights (3 sites x 2 nights). Surveys were conducted in early May 2019.

Similarly, pitfall and elliott A trapping for small terrestrial mammals was conducted at the Southern Remnant, Forest East and South East Offsets in May 2019.

2.2.2.3 Remote Infra-red Cameras

Infra-red motion detection digital cameras were installed at 3 Offsets in 2019, Stringybark Creek, Esparanga and Cross Creek. The remaining Offsets were monitored by cameras installed by separate pest control contractors, with this data not available for analysis prior to compilation of this report. Future monitoring will be conducted independently of the pest management program.

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2.2.3 Reptiles and Frogs

Reptiles were searched for on natural (ground logs) and artificial cover (i.e. corrugated iron sheets) at each survey site. Searches comprised physical searches under ground material or direct observations by 10x 40 binoculars at suitable basking sites, such as rock outcrops, ground logs and open ground, as well as opportunistic records of reptiles noted during other phases of field survey. Nocturnal reptiles such as geckos were searched for during spotlight searches, and calls of active frogs were recorded whilst quiet listening around areas of suitable habitat.

Pitfall trapping for small terrestrial reptiles and frogs was conducted at 3 offset sites (Forest East, South East and Southern Remnant) in May and November 2019.

2.2.4 Nestbox Inspections

Nest boxes for a variety of tree hollow dependent fauna have previously been installed in Offsets. Boxes were inspected by pole mounted camera in May and November 2019.

2.3 Research Licensing

The survey and research of fauna during the 2019 monitoring period was undertaken under the following licence and approvals in accordance with the Animal Research Act (1991).

Michael Murray Office of Environment and Heritage Scientific Licence SL100096 Department of Primary Industries Animal Research Authority Trim 15/969 Department of Primary Industries Director-General’s Animal Care and Ethics Committee DG ACEC 15/969

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3.0 RESULTS

Fauna monitoring results for the 2019 monitoring period are summarised in the following sections. A complete list of the fauna species recorded in the biodiversity offsets is presented in Appendix 1.

3.1 Birds

A total of 81 bird species were recorded by diurnal and nocturnal census in 2019, with an additional 4 species recorded by opportunistic observations. Comparison of bird species diversity across offsets was compared using Simpson’s species diversity indices (refer to Figure 5 below).

Two offsets, the North West and South East Corridor were not included in the initial 2017 survey to enable comparison between years. Several offsets recorded higher abundance and diversity of bird species in 2019 compared to 2017. There are a number of possible reasons for higher counts in 2019, including presence of flowering eucalypts (mainly Narrow- leaved Ironbark) whilst census counts were recorded. Additionally, the influence of time of day can determine species presence or absence. For instance, counts conducted in early morning will recorded higher diversity than counts conducted later in the day. Highest overall bird species diversity across all offsets was recorded at Mitchell Hills site MH01, with site Esparanga ESP02 with a slightly lower score. Both these offsets retain extensive areas of high quality bird habitat, including canopy, tall and low understorey and ground layer vegetation. By contrast, the low scoring sites such as Stringybark Creek (SC01), Habitat Management Zone (HMA02), Southern Remnant (SR01) and Esparanga (ESP01) support more open woodland habitat with scattered trees and open grassland. The decrease in scores at some monitoring sites to the 2017 results may be attributed to absence of water. For instance, Esparanga site ESP01 is located adjacent to a small farm dam, which contained water in 2017. High bird activity was recorded at this site in 2017 due to many species of birds drinking water from this dam. In 2019, this dam was dry and bird activity was significantly lower.

Note that several offsets have been subject to fauna monitoring for an extended period of time. For instance, some offsets such Forest East (FE01), South East (SE01) and Southern Remnant (Sth Remnant) have been monitored as part of Mt Owen Complex fauna monitoring, which has been conducted at those offsets since 1994 and 2008. Site details have been changed to align with offset naming. The Forest East and South East offset have also been subject of extended revegetation / regeneration compared to the other offset monitoring sites, and as such, reflect the higher bird species diversity scores.

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Figure 10. Comparison of Bird Species Diversity across offsets, 2019.

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3.2 Mammals

Monitoring surveys for mammals in 2019 included trapping for small terrestrial mammals at 3 offsets (Forest East, South East and Southern Remnant), spotlight searches, microbat echolocation call recordings, and nest box inspections. Monitoring by remote IR cameras was conducted within 3 of the offsets (Stringybark Creek, Cross Creek and Esparanga), with the other offsets monitored by an independent contractor undertaking pest management. Camera monitoring results from these offsets were not included in this report.

A total of 14 native non-flying mammal species were recorded in 2019 across the various offsets. Trapping was conducted at 3 of the offsets, Forest East, South East and Southern Remnant offset. These offsets were formerly part of a larger Mt Owen Complex fauna monitoring program, which sampled sites within remnant forest, revegetation / regeneration and also rehabilitation habitats. In 2019, the fauna monitoring program was revised, and these sites were incorporated into the Offset Monitoring for future years. The results in 2019 represent the last monitoring at these sites under the older program. Future fauna monitoring for offsets is prescribed under the revised BOMPS (2019).

Three small terrestrial mammals were captured by trapping, Common Dunnart, Narrow-nosed Planigale and threatened Brush-tailed Phascogale. The Narrow-nosed Planigale was captured at South East Offset. This species is rarely recorded within the Mt Owen Glendell complex, being captured in only 6 of the 24 monitoring years.

The Brush-tailed Phascogale was captured at two offsets, Forest East and Southern Remnant. Both locations have not previously recorded the presence of this threatened species. In addition, nest boxes in a number of additional offsets exhibited evidence of use by the species due to the presence of their characteristic nests. Evidence of the Squirrel Glider was observed by the presence of their characteristic leaf nests in many nest boxes located in many of the offsets. However, no individuals were observed in these boxes.

Two threatened non-flying mammal species were recorded, the Spotted-tail Quoll and Brush-tailed Phascogale. The Spotted-tail Quoll was detected by remote camera monitoring at two of the offsets, Stringybark Creek and Southern Remnant.

Several introduced mammals were recorded, including Dog, Fox, Brown Hare, Cattle and Fallow Deer. No captures of the introduced House Mouse or Black Rat were recorded in 2019. This is likely associated with the prolonged drought in the Upper Hunter Valley. The list of mammal species recorded in 2019 is listed below in Table 3.

A total of 12 bat species were recorded in 2019, including the threatened Grey-headed Flying-fox, and 11 microbat species. A total of 580 calls of microbats suitable for analysis were analysed in 2019, across all the offsets. Several sites recorded very low bat activity in comparison to other offset monitoring sites. A summary of the bat species recorded in the MGO offsets in 2019 is presented further in Table 4. Three threatened microbat species were detected in offsets in 2019, the Grey-headed Flying-fox, East-coast Freetail-bat and Eastern Bent-wing Bat. The Grey-headed Flying-fox was detected foraging on fruiting Ficus rubiginosa trees in Mitchell Hills Offset. The East-coast Freetail-bat was recorded at 3 offsets, and the Eastern Bentwing-bat at 6 offsets by echolocation calls. The East-coast Freetail-bat was also present in a number of installed nest boxes located in the offsets.

No echolocation calls of microbats were recorded at Site ESP03. Factors responsible for no call recordings is unknown, whether equipment was faulty or bat activity was very low on the night of recording.

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Table 3. Mammal records, Mt Owen Complex 2019

Mt Owen Habitat Management Mitchell Hills Stringy Ck Cross Esparanga

Common Name NW01 NE01 FE01 SE01 SECorr Sth Rem HMA01 HMA02 MH01 MH02 MH03 SC01 CC01 ESP01 ESP02 ESP03 Short-beaked Echidna 1 S 2 Ph Spotted-tail Quoll 2 Ph 3 Ph Brush-tailed Phascogale 1 E 1 NB Narrow-nosed Planigale 1 P Common Dunnart 1 E Northern Brown Bandicoot 1 S Common Wombat 1 Ph burrows burrows Sugar Glider 1 S Common Ringtail Possum 1 S Common Brushtail Possum 1S 2S 7S 2S 2 S 3 S 5 S Eastern Grey Kangaroo + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Common Wallaroo + + + + + + Red-necked Wallaby + + + + + Ph + + + + + + + + + + Swamp Wallaby + + * Brown Hare + + + + + + + + * Dog 2 Ph * Cattle Ph Ph * Fallow Deer 12 Ph Ph * Fox 5 Ph Key to Table 3 Bold – Threatened Species; E – captured in Elliott trap; NB- found in Nest box; P – captured in Pitfall trap; Ph – photograph; S – spotlight; + - observed

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Table 4. Microbats recorded by echolocation calls, MGO Offsets, 2019

Mt Owen Habitat Management Mitchell Hilss Stringy Cross Esparanga

Common Name NW01 NE01 FE01 SE01 SECorr Sth Rem HMA01 HMA02 MH01 MH02 MH03 SC01 CC01 ESP01 ESP02 ESP03 Grey-headed Flying-fox 10+ S Eastern Horseshoe-bat 1 A East-coast Freetail-bat 2 A 7 A 13 A Southern Freetail Bat 2 A 1 A White-striped Freetail-bat 17 A 1 A 3 A 2 A 3 A 20 A 2A 1 A Gould’s Wattled Bat 6 A 4 A 24 A 2 A 29 H 6 A 26 A 15A 6 A Chocolate Wattled Bat 9 A 6 A 2 A 6 A 11 A Eastern Bentwing-bat 34 A 14 A 3 A 3 A 17 A 2 A Long-eared Bat 3 A 1 A 1 A 2 A 3 A Lesser Long-eared Bat 1 H Inland Broad-nosed Bat 3 A 2 H 1 A 1 A Southern Forest Bat 1 A Little Forest Bat 2 A 157 A 9 A 2 A 4 H 7 A 1 A 3 A 21 A 14 A 11 A 28 A TOTAL CALLS 59 A 179 A 64 A 21 A 7 A 36 H 13 A 17 A 10+ 6 A 3 A 22 A 65 A 36 A 52 A 0 Key to Table 4 Bold – Threatened Species; A -calls detected by Anabat; H – captured by Harp trap; S – spotlight;

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3.3 Reptiles and Amphibians

Seven reptile and 5 frog species were recorded in MGO biodiversity offsets in 2019. At several offsets, microhabitat for reptiles is low, due to past land uses such as grazing and land clearing. These actions have removed ground microhabitat such as ground logs and dense cover from grasses. Several offsets such as North West, North East, Cross Creek, Mitchell Hills and Esparanga have rock outcrops and formations in elevated parts of the offsets. These rock outcrops provide microhabitat for small reptiles such as skinks and geckos, but do not support complex rock structures with larger crevices for reptiles such as snakes and larger skinks. A small number of offsets contain stands of mature trees which contain tree hollows and bark fissures which provide sheltering sites for arboreal reptiles and frogs.

Aquatic habitat for frogs was mostly dry within the offsets in 2019, due to the extended drought in the Upper Hunter Valley. Almost all small farm dams were dry, and calling and foraging activity by frogs was not recorded at most sites. Only one rainfall event was recorded during surveys in 2019, which occurred at Esparanga in November 2019. A very localised storm resulted in heavy rainfall for 20 minutes on the evening of 4 November 2019. Following this rainfall, 4 frog species were active around a small drainage depression, which included several Green Tree Frog Litoria caerulea and Emerald Spotted Tree Frog L. peronii. Both species were observed emerging from tree hollows and descending to the ground. Both frog species had not previously been recorded at Esparanga Offset during previous surveys.

3.4 Threatened Fauna

Ten threatened fauna species were recorded in biodiversity offsets in 2019. The list of threatened species is indicated below in Table 5. Following Table 5 is Table 6, which lists all threatened species recorded in each offset since commencement of monitoring in 2014 (EIS), plus additional records from Mt Owen monitoring since 1995.

Five threatened birds, the Little Lorikeet, Masked Owl, Grey-crowned Babbler, Brown Treecreeper and Speckled Warbler were detected in biodiversity offsets in 2019. The Little Lorikeet was observed in small flocks at Esparanga Offset feeding in flowering Narrow-leaved Ironbark trees. The Masked Owl was heard calling in the North West offset during nocturnal searches, whilst the Brown Treecreeper was observed foraging in the Southern Remnant. Despite the small size of the Southern Remnant, and isolation from nearby mature forest, the species has persisted in this remnant. The Speckled Warbler is a widespread species that occurs in both mature forest and woodland, and also open grassland and regeneration woodland. Similarly, the Grey-crowned Babbler is also a widespread and abundant species, being detected in 7 of the 16 monitoring sites across the 11 offsets.

Two threatened terrestrial / arboreal mammal species, the Spotted-tail Quoll and Brush-tailed Phascogale were recorded by elliott and camera trapping in 2019. The Brush-tailed Phascogale was not detected in the MGO over the period 1994 – 2010, being first recorded in 2011. It was next recorded in 2016, and has been recorded present within the MGO annually since. Initial records of the species were located in the northern forest areas, but the distribution of the species has expanded since 2016 to include several of the offsets and remnant Ravensworth State Forest.

The Spotted-tail Quoll was recorded by remote camera monitoring within the Southern Remnant offset in July 2019, and Stringybark Creek Offset in late 2019. An individual was observed as a roadkill near the entrance to Mt Owen mine in early 2019. Two threatened microbat species, Eastern Bentwing-bat and East-coast Freetail-bat were recorded in 2019. The Eastern Bent-wing Bat is a cave roosting species, and no suitable roost habitat occurs within the offsets. However, the species would forage widely in the aerial space across this offset. The East-coast Freetail-bat utilises hollows in trees and also installed nest boxes for roosting, and is widespread and abundant across the offsets.

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Table 5. Threatened Fauna recorded in 2019 in each Biodiversity Offset, Mt Owen Glendell

Mt Owen Offsets Habitat Management Mitchell Hills Stringy Cross Ck Esparanga

Common Name NW01 NE01 FE01 SE01 SECorr Sth Rem HMA01 HMA02 MH01 MH02 MH03 SC01 CC01 ESP01 ESP02 ESP03 Little Lorikeet 11 2 Masked Owl 1 Brown Treecreeper 2 Speckled Warbler 1 1 2 1 Grey-crowned Babbler 4 10 4 14 7 6 4 Spotted-tail Quoll 2 Ph 3 Ph Brush-tailed Phascogale 1 E 1 P Grey-headed Flying-fox 10+ East-coast Freetail-bat 2 A 7 A 12 A Eastern Bentwing-bat 34 A 14 A 3 A 3 A 17 A 2 A Key to Table 5 A – detected by Anabat recording; E – captured in Elliott trap; P – captured in Pitfall trap; Ph – photograph; ; 1- number observed

Table 6. Summary of Threatened Fauna recorded in each Biodiversity Offset 2014 - 2019, Mt Owen Glendell

North North Forest South South East Southern Habitat Management Mitchell Stringybark Cross Esparanga Common Name West East East East Corridor Remnant Area Hills Creek Creek White-bellied Sea Eagle Spotted Harrier Little Eagle Little Lorikeet Swift Parrot Powerful Owl Masked Owl Brown Treecreeper

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North North Forest South South East Southern Habitat Management Mitchell Stringybark Cross Esparanga Common Name West East East East Corridor Remnant Area Hills Creek Creek Speckled Warbler Scarlet Robin Flame Robin Grey-crowned Babbler Varied Sittella Diamond Firetail Spotted-tail Quoll Brush-tailed Phascogale Koala Squirrel Glider Grey-headed Flying-fox Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat East-coast Freetail-bat Large-eared Pied Bat Eastern Bentwing-bat Large-footed Myotis Eastern Cave Bat Key to Table 6 Recorded outside of Offset surveys 2014 (EIS) 2017 Monitoring 2019 Monitoring

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Figure 11 Location of Threatened Fauna recorded, North West and North East Offsets 2019.

Figure 12 Location of Threatened Fauna, Bettys Creek HMA Offsets 2019.

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Figure 13 Location of Threatened Fauna recorded, Forest East, South East and South-east Corridor Offsets 2019.

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Figure 14 Location of Threatened Fauna, Southern Remnant Offset, 2019.

Figure 15 Location of Threatened Fauna, Mitchell Hills Offset, 2019.

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Figure 16 Location of Threatened Fauna, Stringybark Creek Offset, 2019.

Figure 17 Location of Threatened Fauna, Cross Creek Offset, 2019. ______3 April 2020 Forest Fauna Surveys Pty Ltd 00434.0 Page 27 MGO Biodiversity Offsets Fauna Monitoring 2019

Figure 18 Location of Threatened Fauna, Esparanga Offset, 2019.

3.5 Nestboxes

A total of 200 nest boxes specific for a range of fauna species have been installed within the MGO biodiversity offsets over the period 1995 - 2019. Nest boxes were installed at several offsets such as Forest East and South East as part of the Mt Owen works over the period 1995 – 2018. A summary of the number and type of nest box installed at each location is presented below in Table 7.

Table 7 Nest Boxes located within each Biodiversity Offset, Mt Owen Glendell

Location Microbat Possum Glider Parrot Small Mammal Quoll Total Boxes North-west Offset 7 1 1 4 1 1 15 North-east Offset 6 2 2 3 1 1 15 Forest East Offset 8 2 5 2 1 1 19 South-east Offset 11 3 9 1 1 1 26 South-east Corridor 5 2 3 2 0 1 13 Habitat Management Zone 56 5 23 9 1 1 95 Southern Remnant 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Mitchell Hills 1 0 2 2 1 6 Stringybark Creek 1 1 2 2 1 3 10 TOTAL 95 16 47 25 7 10 200

No nest boxes are currently installed at Cross Creek Offset, and Esparanga Offset has a very high density of natural hollows. The location coordinates of each installed nest box is presented in detail in Appendix 2, with locations presented below in Figures 19 - 25.

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Figure 19 Location of Installed Nest Boxes, North West Offset 2019

Figure 20 Location of Installed Nest Boxes, North East Offset, 2019

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Figure 21 Location of Installed Nest Boxes, Forest East Offset, 2019

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Figure 22 Location of Installed Nest Boxes, South East / South East Corridor Offsets, 2019

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Figure 23 Location of Installed Nest Boxes, Bettys Creek HMA, 2019 ______3 April 2020 Forest Fauna Surveys Pty Ltd 00434.0 Page 32 MGO Biodiversity Offsets Fauna Monitoring 2019

Figure 24 Location of Installed Nest Boxes, Stringybark Creek Offset, 2019

Figure 25 Location of Installed Nest Boxes, Mitchell Hills Offset, 2019

In 2019, a total of 74 nest boxes were installed across the offsets for different fauna groups. A summary of each nest box type located in each offset is listed below in Table 8.

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Table 8 Nest Boxes installed in 2019 at Biodiversity Offsets, Mt Owen Glendell

Location Microbat Possum Glider Parrot Small Mammal Quoll Total Boxes North-west Offset 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 North-east Offset 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Forest East Offset 3 3 4 2 2 1 15 South-east Offset 1 2 2 1 1 1 8 South-east Corridor 1 2 1 2 0 1 7 Southern Remnant 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Habitat Management Zone 10 2 6 5 1 1 25 Mitchell Hills 1 0 2 2 1 0 6 Stringybark Creek 1 1 2 2 1 3 10 TOTAL 17 10 17 14 6 10 74

Within each offset, 1 box suitable for the Spotted-tail Quoll was installed to increase sheltering habitat for the species. However, in the Stringybark Creek Offset, a number of additional structures were installed to trial the potential for use by the species. Polypipe lengths of 4-5m in length and about 30cm diameter was positioned along Stringybark Creek and landscaped by laying logs and rock material over the logs. Remote cameras were installed on 2 of the 3 logs and will be monitored for visitation or use over the next 12-24 months. A picture of the polypipe structure is presented below in Figure 26. This program was expanded from the original strategy recommended for Stringybark Creek Voluntary Conservation Area.

Figure 26 Polypipe structure trialled for suitability for Spotted-tail Quoll, Stringybark Creek Offset, 2019

The use of a pole mounted keyhole inspection camera and blue tooth camera enabled inspection of installed nest boxes in 2019. Evidence of use by Squirrel Glider was observed in 2 of the boxes located in the SE Offset. An additional box located in the SE Offset exhibited evidence of use by the Brush-tailed Phascogale, with a characteristic nest filled with bird feathers and scats from the species.

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Table 9 Nest Boxes evidence of use, Biodiversity Offsets, Mt Owen Glendell, 2019

Location Microbat Possum Glider Parrot Small Mammal Quoll Total Boxes North-west Offset 0/7 0/1 0/1 0/4 0/1 0/1 0/15 North-east Offset 0/6 0/2 0/2 0/3 0/1 0/1 0/15 Forest East Offset 0/8 0/2 2/5 0/2 0/1 0/1 2/19 South-east Offset 0/11 0/3 3/9 0/1 0/1 0/1 3/26 South-east Corridor 0/5 0/2 0/3 0/2 0/0 0/1 0/13 Southern Corridor 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/1 0/1 Habitat Management Zone 0/56 2/5 5/23 0/9 0/1 0/1 7/95 Mitchell Hills 0/1 0/0 0/2 0/2 0/1 0/0 0/6 Stringybark Creek 0/1 0/1 0/2 0/2 0/1 0/3 0/10 TOTAL 0/93 2/15 10/43 0/21 0/5 0/6 12/200

Nest box usage, as determined by the number of nest boxes utilised vs total number, indicates on 12 of 183 boxes [or 6.5%] exhibited evidence of use. However, it must be recognised that for several offsets, nest box usage is low in 2019 due to many boxes being installed several months previously. For some species, it can take between months to years for nest box structures to become utilised.

Microbat nest box usage remains low, with no boxes occupied during the survey in 2019. The Common Brushtail Possum was present in 13% of boxes, but 60% of the boxes were only installed 3 months previously. Nest box usage of glider style boxes recorded the highest occupation rates, with leaf nest and or individuals present in 10 of the 43 boxes [23.2%]. The Brush-tailed Phascogale built characteristic leaf nests in 10 of the 43 boxes, and 1 individual was present in a box in the South East Offset.

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4.0 DISCUSSION

This report presents a collation of fauna records recorded in the biodiversity offsets of Mt Owen Glendell Operations (MGO) during 2019. Previously, most offsets were sampled initially in 2014 to document species diversity for the Environmental Impact Assessment, and the initial offset monitoring survey was conducted in 2017.

Also included are records of fauna from previous fauna surveys of several of the offsets. In 2019, two offsets, the North West and South-east Corridor were added to the monitoring program. Overall, the fauna monitoring for the Mount Owen Complex, undertaken over the period 1996 – 2019, has recorded a total of:

• 168 native and 2 introduced bird species, • 41 native and 10 introduced mammal species, • 26 reptiles, and • 16 frog species.

One of the objectives of the Biodiversity Offset Strategy is to • identify land-based offsets that contain as many as possible of the threatened vegetation communities, threatened flora species, threatened fauna species, and potential and actual habitat for threatened species impacted by the Project.

The BOMP (2018) was reviewed in 2019 and made several changes to the future monitoring of the offsets. Additionally, several sites previously monitored under the Mt Owen Complex fauna monitoring program were included into the offset monitoring program going forward. For instances, the following sites have been re-classified:

• Site For3 is now included as the Southern Remnant Offset [Site SR01], • Reg2 is now classified as Forest East Offset [Site FE01], and • Reg3 is classified under South East Offset [Site SE01].

As a result of this re-classification of monitoring sites, several former Mt Owen sites were sampled in 2019. As a consequence, several sites [SR01, FE01 and SE01] were sampled using both Offset Monitoring methodology and the older Mt Owen Complex fauna monitoring schedule. However, this overlap will only occur for the 2019 monitoring year, with future monitoring surveys conducted under their respective schedules. For instance, camera monitoring was conducted at Site SR01, whilst the remaining offset sites were not sampled by remote cameras.

In the 2019 monitoring period, a total of 85 bird species, 14 native and 5 introduced non-flying mammals, 12 bat species 7 reptile and 5 frog species were recorded. No new species were detected in 2019, although several species such as Common Wombat were observed in offsets not previously recorded. The extended drought over the period 2017 – 2019 reflected the low abundance of reptile and amphibian species recorded.

The highest bird species diversity in 2019 was recorded at Mitchell Hills and Esparanga Offsets, both of which support different vegetation communities and habitat types to the remaining offsets in proximity to the Mt Owen Glendell operation (MGO). Within the MGO offsets, those offsets that have been established the longest (Forest East and South East) scored higher diversity than the remainder. Both offsets have been subject to revegetation works and natural regeneration. The Southern Remnant offset, whilst supporting mature forest, is small in size and isolated from adjoining forest areas, and recorded low bird species diversity in 2019. The impact of the extended drought will also have influenced bird species diversity, due to absence of standing water in some offsets.

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As indicated above, there was some variation in the survey methodology in 2019, due to revisions to the BOMP (2017). Future monitoring of offsets will employ consistent survey methodologies. Twelve bat species were recorded, which compares to previous monitoring periods, although no flying-foxes were recorded at most offsets, despite flowering of eucalypt trees during the monitoring surveys. The threatened Grey-headed Flying-fox was only recorded at Mitchell Hills Offset, feeding on ripe fruit on Rusty Fig trees. A total of 580 calls of microbats suitable for analysis were analysed in 2019, across all the offsets. Several sites recorded very low bat activity in comparison to other offset monitoring sites.

Ten threatened fauna species were recorded across the offsets in 2019, including 5 birds and 5 mammals. The majority of threatened bird species recorded in 2019 are commonly recorded in each annual monitoring period, although the Masked Owl has been infrequently recorded. The Spotted-tail Quoll and Brush-tailed Phascogale was recorded in 2019 from combination of trapping surveys and remote camera monitoring. No evidence of the endangered Swift Parrot was recorded in 2019 in the MGO Offsets. Habitat for the endangered Green & Golden Bell Frog in 2019 was very restricted as most dams and water bodies were dry in 2019. Analysis of past records of threatened species reveal 5 of 14 bird species, 2 of 4 non-flying mammals and 2 of 7 threatened bats were recorded in 2019.

In 2019, there was overlap in the use of remote cameras for monitoring of fauna between the Offset Monitoring Program and also feral pest monitoring. Cameras were installed at each offset by feral pest contractor, but this data was not available for analysis for preparation of this report. It is recommended that future fauna monitoring surveys of the Offsets be undertaken independently of the feral pest management to enable easy access of data. The cameras are very effective in the detection of specific threatened fauna species such as the Spotted-tail Quoll, which is often difficult to detect by other survey methods.

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5.0 REFERENCES

Fly by Night Bat Surveys and TUNRA, (1996). Mount Owen Coal Mine Wildlife Management Pilot Study. August 1995 - May 1996. Report to Mt Owen Coal Mine and HLA Envirosciences Pty Ltd. October 1996.

Forest Fauna Surveys & Newcastle Innovation (2013). Mt Owen Complex, Annual Fauna Monitoring Report 2012. Prepared 31 May 2013.

Forest Fauna Surveys & Newcastle Innovation (2014). Mt Owen Complex, Annual Fauna Monitoring Report 2013.

Glencore (2014). Ecological Assessment, Mount Owen Continued Operations Project. Final. Prepared by Umwelt Australia Pty Ltd. October 2014.

Glencore (2018). Mt Owen Open Cut Biodiversity and Offset Management Plan. Approved 6 December 2018.

Glencore (2019). Mt Owen Glendell (MGO) Biodiversity and Offset Management Plan and Strategy (draft). Prepared November 2019.

Xstrata Mt Owen (2007). Flora and Fauna Assessment for Modification of Glendell Mine Operations. Prepared by Umwelt Australia Pty Ltd, August 2007.

Xstrata Coal (2010). Ravensworth Operations Project – Environmental Assessment Volume 3. Appendix 7 – Ecological Assessment. Prepared by Umwelt Australia Pty Ltd..

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APPENDIX ONE – FAUNA LIST, 2019

The following column heading in Appendix 1 fauna list - EPBC Act 1991 and BC Act 2016 refer to the following threatened species legislation:

• EPBC Act - Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, or • BC Act 2016- NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

Species listed in Bold Text refer to their status as either:

• E – Endangered, • V – Vulnerable, or • M – Migratory.

The column heading for the MGO monitoring 1994 - 2019 refer to fauna records recorded within the Mt Owen Glendell Operation.

Key to Appendix One Records The fauna records in Appendix One are those recorded during surveys in 2019. Numbers against each species represent the number of individuals recorded.

+ Fauna species not recorded during the 2019 fauna monitoring survey, but recorded during previous surveys in 2017 and the Environmental Assessment (Glencore, 2014).

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FAMILY / EPBC BC Act MGO Bettys Sth Mitchell Stringy Cross Common Name Act 2016 1994-2018 NW NE FE SE SE Corr Creek Reman Hills Creek Creek Esparanga PHASIANIDAE Stubble Quail + Brown Quail + 0/3/0 ANATIDAE Black Swan + Australian Wood Duck + + + + 10+ 0/2/0 Pacific Black Duck + 4 2 4 Australasian Shoveller + Grey Teal + Chestnut Teal + Pink-eared Duck + Hardhead + PODICIPEDIDAE Great Crested Grebe + Hoary-headed Grebe + Australian Grebe + ANHINGIDAE Australian Darter + PHALACROCORACIDAE Little Pied Cormorant + 1 Little Black Cormorant + Great Cormorant + PELECANIDAE Australian Pelican + ARDEIDAE White-faced Heron + + + 1 White-necked Heron + + Great Egret + Nankeen Night Heron + 1 S PLATALEIDAE Straw-necked Ibis + 50+

Key to Appendix 1 A – calls detected by Anabat, E – captured in Elliott trap, H – captured by Harp trap, P – captured in pitfall trap, Ph – photograph, S = spotlight Data recorded as 1 / 2/ 3 refers to species recorded at Offset with multiple sites, i.e. Mitchell Hills has 3 sites - MH01 / MH02 / MH03 ______3 April 2020 Forest Fauna Surveys Pty Ltd 00434.0 Page 40 MGO Biodiversity Offsets Fauna Monitoring 2019

FAMILY / EPBC BC Act MGO Bettys Sth Mitchell Stringy Cross Common Name Act 2016 1994-2018 NW NE FE SE SE Corr Creek Reman Hills Creek Creek Esparanga Yellow-billed Spoonbill + ACCIPITRIDAE Pacific Baza + Black-shouldered Kite + 1 Whistling Kite + White-bellied Sea-eagle V + Spotted Harrier V Brown Goshawk + 0/2/0 Collared Sparrowhawk + 2/0/0 Wedge-tailed Eagle + + + + + 2/2/0 2 2 0/0/3 Little Eagle V + FALCONIDAE Brown Falcon + + 0/2/2 0/2/0 Australian Hobby + Peregrine Falcon + 0/1/0 Nankeen Kestrel + + + + 2/0/0 2 1 1/0/0 RALLIDAE Buff-banded Rail + Dusky Moorhen + Purple Swamphen + 1 2 Eurasian Coot + TURNICIDAE Painted Button Quail + SCOLOPACIDAE Latham's Snipe + RECURVIROSTRIDAE Black-winged Stilt + CHARADRIIDAE Black-fronted Dotterel + Masked Lapwing + + 2 0 / 2 4 4 0/2/0 COLUMBIDAE

FAMILY / EPBC BC Act MGO Bettys Sth Mitchell Stringy Cross Common Name Act 2016 1994-2018 NW NE FE SE SE Corr Creek Reman Hills Creek Creek Esparanga * Rock Dove + 1/1/2 * Spotted Turtle-dove + Brown Cuckoo-dove + + 2 Common Bronzewing + + + + + 1 Crested Pigeon + + 10 / 5 0/10/0 10+ 4 Bar-shouldered Dove + + + Topknot Pigeon + + 5/0/0 1/0/0 CACATUIDAE Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo + + 5 Galah + 4 4 4 0/4/0 10+ 10+ 2/0/0 Little Corella 10 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo + + + 10 0/2/0 2 6 0/0/10 PSITTACIDAE Australian King Parrot + 4 + 3 0/2/0 3 2 2/0/2 Crimson Rosella + 2 2 2 0 / 6 Eastern Rosella + 2 1/0/0 2 6 0/2/0 Red-rumped Parrot + + 2 Rainbow Lorikeet + Musk Lorikeet + + + + 10/0/0 Little Lorikeet V + 11/2/0 Swift Parrot E E + CUCULIDAE Pallid Cuckoo + Brush Cuckoo + 1/0/0 0/2/0 Fan-tailed Cuckoo + + 4/2/2 1 1 0/1/0 Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo + Shining Bronze-Cuckoo + Eastern Koel + 1 0/1/0 1 Channel-billed Cuckoo + + + + + + 10/0/0 3 2 2/0/0 CENTROPODIDAE Pheasant Coucal + 1/1/0

FAMILY / EPBC BC Act MGO Bettys Sth Mitchell Stringy Cross Common Name Act 2016 1994-2018 NW NE FE SE SE Corr Creek Reman Hills Creek Creek Esparanga STRIGIDAE 1/0/0 Southern Boobook + 1 1 Powerful Owl V + TYTONIDAE Masked Owl V + 1 Barn Owl + 0/1/0 PODARGIDAE Tawny Frogmouth + 1 1 S/0/1 S 1 S 1 S 0/0/1 S CAPRIMULGIDAE White-throated Nightjar + AEGOTHELIDAE Australian Owlet-Nightjar + 1 / 0 0/0/1 2 1/0/1 APODIDAE White-throated Needletail + ALCEDINIDAE Azure Kingfisher + HALCYONIDAE Laughing Kookaburra + + + + / 0 2/0/0 2 2 0/0/2 Sacred Kingfisher + + 0/2/0 2 1/0/0 MEROPIDAE Rainbow Bee-eater + + + 0/5/0 0/10/0 CORACIIDAE Dollarbird + + + + 0/0/2 1 1/0/0 CLIMACTERIDAE White-throated Treecreeper + + 0/0/2 3 0/0/4 Brown Treecreeper V + 2 MALURIDAE Superb Fairy-wren + + + + + + + 4/0/0 6 4 0/10/0 Variegated Fairy-wren + 0/0/4 PARDALOTIDAE Spotted Pardalote + + + + 2 2/4/4

FAMILY / EPBC BC Act MGO Bettys Sth Mitchell Stringy Cross Common Name Act 2016 1994-2018 NW NE FE SE SE Corr Creek Reman Hills Creek Creek Esparanga Striated Pardalote + 2 4 0/2/0 10 White-browed Scrubwren + + 0/0/2 2 0/2/0 Speckled Warbler V + 1 0/1/0 2 0/0/1 Weebill + 0/5/0 Brown Gerygone 5/0/0 White-throated Gerygone + + 1 + + + 0/0/2 1 2 0/4/0 Brown Thornbill + Buff-rumped Thornbill + 10+ Yellow-rumped Thornbill + 0/0/10 Yellow Thornbill + + Striated Thornbill + 0/5/0 MELIPHAGIDAE Red Wattlebird + 1/0/0 Striped Honeyeater + + + 1 0/0/1 Noisy Friarbird + 2 0/0/2 2 10 0/6/0 Little Friarbird + Blue-faced Honeyeater + Noisy Miner + 12 10 5 10 10 / 0 20+ 10/0/0 Lewin's Honeyeater + + + 0/10/2 Yellow-faced Honeyeater + + 5 + + + 0 / 10 0/10/10 10 0/4/0 White-eared Honeyeater + 0/0/10 4 0/0/10 Yellow-tufted Honeyeater Fuscous Honeyeater + White-plumed Honeyeater + Black-chinned Honeyeater V + Brown-headed Honeyeater + 0/0/20+ 10+ 0/10/0 White-naped Honeyeater + White-cheeked Honeyeater + Eastern Spinebill + 2/0/2 2 Scarlet Honeyeater + PETROICIDAE

FAMILY / EPBC BC Act MGO Bettys Sth Mitchell Stringy Cross Common Name Act 2016 1994-2018 NW NE FE SE SE Corr Creek Reman Hills Creek Creek Esparanga Jacky Winter + Scarlet Robin V + Red-capped Robin + Flame Robin V + Rose Robin + Hooded Robin V + Eastern Yellow Robin + 4/0/0 1 0/0/4 POMATOSTOMIDAE + Grey-crowned Babbler V + 4 10 4 7 / 0 14 6 4 White-browed Babbler 0/4/0 CINCLOSOMATIDAE Eastern Whipbird + Spotted Quail Thrush + NEOSITTIDAE Varied Sittella V + PACHYCEPHALIDAE Eastern Shrike-tit + Golden Whistler + Rufous Whistler + 0/0/2 2 Grey Shrike-thrush + + + 1/0/0 1/0/2 DICRURIDAE Leaden Flycatcher + 2/4/2 1 Restless Flycatcher + Magpie-Lark + + + + + 2 Rufous Fantail + Grey Fantail + + + + + + + 2/2/1 2 Willie Wagtail + + + + + + + 0/2/0 2 4 0/2/0 CAMPEPHAGIDAE Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike + 3/0/0 0/1/0 White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike + Cicadabird + 2/0/0 1 1/2/0

FAMILY / EPBC BC Act MGO Bettys Sth Mitchell Stringy Cross Common Name Act 2016 1994-2018 NW NE FE SE SE Corr Creek Reman Hills Creek Creek Esparanga White-winged Triller + 4 ORIOLIDAE Olive-backed Oriole + 1 2/0/0 1 1 0/2/0 Australasian Figbird + 10/0/0 ARTAMIDAE White-breasted Woodswallow White-browed Woodswallow 0/50+/0 Dusky Woodswallow V + Grey Butcherbird + 1 1 4 2 1/0/0 1 2/2/0 Pied Butcherbird + 0 / 2 2 Australian Magpie + 2 2 2 4 / 2 4/0/0 2 10+ 0/2/0 Pied Currawong + 5 1 0 0 0 / 5 5/0/0 2 2 0/6/0 CORVIDAE Australian Raven + 4 4 3 / 0 3/0/0 6 6 0/2/0 Torresian Crow + CORCORACIDAE White-winged Chough + + + 4 0/10+/0 PTILONORHYNCHIDAE Satin Bowerbird + + + 4/2/0 1 2/0/0 MOTACILLIDAE Australian Pipit + 2 1 0/0/2 PASSERIDAE * House Sparrow + Zebra Finch + Double-barred Finch + + + 10+ 0/10/0 Red-browed Finch + 10 0/0/20+ 10+ Diamond Firetail V + DICAEIDAE Mistletoebird + 1 1 1 1 2 0/2/0 HIRUNDINIDAE Welcome Swallow + 4 10 8 10 10 10 0/0/5

FAMILY / EPBC BC Act MGO Bettys Sth Mitchell Stringy Cross Common Name Act 2016 1994-2018 NW NE FE SE SE Corr Creek Reman Hills Creek Creek Esparanga Tree Martin + Fairy Martin + SYLVIIDAE Australian Reed-warbler + Golden-headed Cisticola + Rufous Songlark + ZOSTEROPIDAE Silvereye + 10/0/20 20+ STURNIDAE * Common Myna + 10+ * Common Starling + 10+ MAMMALS TACHYGLOSSIDAE Short-beaked Echidna + 1 S 2 Ph DASYURIDAE Yellow-footed Antechinus + Brown Antechinus ? Spotted-tail Quoll V V + 2 Ph 3 Ph Brush-tailed Phascogale V + 1 E 1 P Narrow-nosed Planigale + 1 P Common Dunnart + 1 P PERAMELIDAE Northern Brown Bandicoot + 1 S PHASCOLARCTIDAE Koala V V VOMBATIDAE Common Wombat + burrows PETAURIDAE Sugar Glider ? 0/0/1 S Squirrel Glider V + PSEUDOCHEIRIDAE

FAMILY / EPBC BC Act MGO Bettys Sth Mitchell Stringy Cross Common Name Act 2016 1994-2018 NW NE FE SE SE Corr Creek Reman Hills Creek Creek Esparanga Common Ringtail Possum + 1 S PHALANGERIDAE Common Brushtail Possum + 1 S 2 S 2 S / 0 7 S 0/0/2 S 3 S 5 S MACROPODIDAE Eastern Grey Kangaroo + Ph observed observed observed Observed Common Wallaroo + Observed Observed Observed Red-necked Wallaby + Ph observed observed observed Observed Swamp Wallaby + observed observed PTEROPODIDAE Grey-headed Flying-fox V V + 10+/0/0 Little Red Flying-fox + RHINOLOPHIDAE Eastern Horseshoe-bat + 1 A EMBALLONEURIDAE Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat V + MOLOSSIDAE East-coast Freetail Bat V + 2 A 7 A 13 A Southern Freetail Bat + 0/2A/0 0/1A/0 White-striped Mastiff Bat + 18 A 1 A 3 A 2 A 0/3A/0 20 A 2A/1A/0 VESPERTILIONIDAE Large-eared Pied Bat V V + Gould's Wattled Bat + 6 A 4 A 20 A 2 A 6 A / 0 29 H 26 A 15A/6A/0 Chocolate Wattled Bat + 9 A 6 A 2 A 6A/11A/0 Eastern Bentwing-bat V + 34 A 14 A 3 A 3 A 17 A / 0 2 A Little Bentwing-bat V + Large-footed Myotis V + Long-eared Bat 3 A 1 A 1 A 2A/3A/0 Lesser Long-eared Bat + 1 H Gould's Long-eared Bat + Greater Broad-nosed Bat V + Inland Broad-nosed Bat + 3 A 2 H 1 A 0/1A/0

FAMILY / EPBC BC Act MGO Bettys Sth Mitchell Stringy Cross Common Name Act 2016 1994-2018 NW NE FE SE SE Corr Creek Reman Hills Creek Creek Esparanga Eastern Broad-nosed Bat Large Forest Bat + Eastern Forest Bat + Southern Forest Bat + 0/1A/0 Eastern Cave Bat V V Little Forest Bat + 2 A 157 A 9 A 2 A 0 / 7 A 4 H 0/1A/3A 21 A 14 A 11A/28A/0 MURIDAE New Holland Mouse V V + * House Mouse + * Black Rat + Swamp Rat + CANIDAE * Dog + 2 Ph Dingo + * Fox + 5 Ph FELIDAE * Cat (feral) + LEPORIDAE * Brown Hare + + * Rabbit + EQUIDAE * Horse + BOVIDAE * Cattle + 10+ CERVIDAE * Red Deer * Fallow Deer + 12 Ph SUIDAE Pig REPTILES CHELIDAE

FAMILY / EPBC BC Act MGO Bettys Sth Mitchell Stringy Cross Common Name Act 2016 1994-2018 NW NE FE SE SE Corr Creek Reman Hills Creek Creek Esparanga Eastern Snake-necked Turtle + GEKKONIDAE Eastern Stone Gecko + Robust Velvet Gecko + 0/1S/0 Lesueurs Velvet Gecko Thick-tailed Gecko + PYGOPODIDAE Leaden Delma + AGAMIDAE Jacky Lizard Nobbi Lashtail Eastern Water Dragon + Bearded Dragon + 1/0/0 1 2 VARANIDAE Lace Monitor + 2 1/0/0 SCINCIDAE Two-clawed Worm Skink Punctate Worm Skink Southern Rainbow-skink + Cream-sided Shinning-skink + Robust Ctenotus + Copper-tailed Skink + Eastern Ranges Rock-skink + 0/0/10+ Tree-crevice Skink + 1 White’s Skink Bar-sided Forest Skink + Dark-flecked Garden Sunskink Pale-flecked Garden Sunskink + South-eastern Slider Tree-base Litter-skink + South-eastern Morethia Skink +

FAMILY / EPBC BC Act MGO Bettys Sth Mitchell Stringy Cross Common Name Act 2016 1994-2018 NW NE FE SE SE Corr Creek Reman Hills Creek Creek Esparanga Eastern Bluetongue + ELAPIDAE Yellow-faced Whipsnake + Red-naped Snake + 1 / 0 Red-bellied Black Snake + 1 Eastern Brown Snake + Bandy Bandy + FROGS MYOBATRACHIDAE Common Eastern Froglet + 0/0/20+ Eastern Banjo Frog + Ornate Burrowing Frog + Striped Marsh Frog + Spotted Grass Frog + 1 P Brown Toadlet Red-backed Toadlet Dusky Toadlet + Smooth Toadlet + Rugose Toadlet + HYLIDAE Green & Golden Bell Frog E E + Green Tree Frog + 0/10+/0 Bleating Tree Frog + Dwarf Green Tree Frog + Broad Palmed Frog + 0/0/10+ Stony Creek Frog + Emerald Spotted Tree Frog + 0/0/10+ Tyler’s Tree Frog Whistling Tree Frog +

APPENDIX TWO – NEST BOXES, BIODIVERSITY OFFSETS, 2019

Complex Area Fauna box X GDA94 Y GDA94 LatitudeI LongitudeI Altitude Date Install Forest East Offset microbat 324186 6414608 -32.3917 151.1308 0 1/01/1996

Forest East Offset microbat 324177 6414591 -32.3919 151.1307 0 1/01/1996

Forest East Offset microbat 323987 6414570 -32.392 151.1287 0 1/01/1996 Forest East Offset microbat 323780 6414418 -32.3934 151.1265 187 11/09/2008

Forest East Offset microbat 323770 6414417 -32.3934 151.1264 173 11/09/2008

Forest East Offset microbat 323765 6414103 -32.3962 151.1262 165 1/01/1996 Forest East Offset microbat 323765 6414103 -32.3962 151.1262 165 11/09/2008

Forest East Offset microbat 323780 6414418 -32.3934 151.1265 174 11/09/2008

Forest East Offset microbat 323770 6414417 -32.3934 151.1264 174 1/01/1996 Forest East Offset microbat 323939.4 6414964.6 -32.3885 151.1283 194 1/01/1996

Forest East Offset microbat 323462.7 6413660.2 -32.4001 151.1229 143 1/01/1996

Forest East Offset glider box 323986.1 6415195.1 -32.3864 151.1288 203 12/11/2018 Forest East Offset glider box 323984.6 6415214.3 -32.3862 151.1288 201 12/11/2018

Forest East Offset glider box 323984 6415224.4 -32.3861 151.1288 203 12/11/2018

Forest East Offset possum box 323984.3 6415238.6 -32.386 151.1288 203 12/11/2018 Forest East Offset bird 323982.5 6415328.2 -32.3852 151.1288 206 12/11/2018

Forest East Offset glider box 323871.8 6415769.4 -32.3812 151.1277 213 7/08/2019

Forest East Offset possum box 323867.6 6415773.1 -32.3812 151.1276 212 7/08/2019 Forest East Offset glider box 324048.7 6415496.5 -32.3837 151.1295 198 7/08/2019

Forest East Offset bird 324058 6415488 -32.3838 151.1296 201 7/08/2019

Forest East Offset small mammal 323947.8 6415272.5 -32.3857 151.1284 195 7/08/2019 Forest East Offset microbat 323959.5 6415283.5 -32.3856 151.1285 199 7/08/2019

Forest East Offset microbat 323385.4 6416908.7 -32.3708 151.1227 213 12/11/2018

Forest East Offset microbat 323441.6 6416922.9 -32.3707 151.1233 216 12/11/2018 Forest East Offset microbat 323380.3 6416921.5 -32.3707 151.1227 214 12/11/2018

Forest East Offset bird 323372 6416931.7 -32.3706 151.1226 217 12/11/2018

Forest East Offset bird 323362.9 6416896.3 -32.371 151.1225 215 12/11/2018 Forest East Offset microbat 323571.3 6416840.7 -32.3715 151.1247 203 7/08/2019

Forest East Offset possum box 323595 6416824.4 -32.3716 151.1249 207 7/08/2019

Forest East Offset glider box 323597.9 6416815 -32.3717 151.125 207 7/08/2019 Forest East Offset bird 323611.9 6416803.1 -32.3718 151.1251 212 7/08/2019

Forest East Offset possum box 323682 6416783.4 -32.372 151.1259 217 7/08/2019

Forest East Offset microbat 323677.5 6416755.9 -32.3723 151.1258 225 7/08/2019 Forest East Offset glider box 323670.1 6416840.5 -32.3715 151.1257 214 7/08/2019

Forest East Offset small mammal 323577.8 6416839.5 -32.3715 151.1248 208 7/08/2019

North-west Offset microbat 321632.7 6416167.2 -32.3772 151.104 166 12/11/2018 North-west Offset microbat 321618.4 6416405 -32.3751 151.1039 185 12/11/2018

North-west Offset microbat 321584.4 6416422.5 -32.3749 151.1035 182 12/11/2018

North-west Offset bird 321629.4 6416406.1 -32.3751 151.104 190 12/11/2018 North-west Offset bird 321623 6416434.6 -32.3748 151.1039 185 12/11/2018

North-west Offset glider box 320743.6 6416653.9 -32.3727 151.0946 170 6/08/2019

North-west Offset microbat 320715.1 6416668 -32.3726 151.0943 176 6/08/2019 North-west Offset bird 320729.6 6416689.4 -32.3724 151.0945 179 6/08/2019

North-west Offset possum box 320910.5 6417351.7 -32.3665 151.0965 249 6/08/2019

North-west Offset tree creeper 320849.1 6417310.1 -32.3668 151.0959 244 6/08/2019 ______3 April 2020 Forest Fauna Surveys Pty Ltd 00434.0 Page 52 MGO Biodiversity Offsets Fauna Monitoring 2019

Complex Area Fauna box X GDA94 Y GDA94 LatitudeI LongitudeI Altitude Date Install

North-west Offset small mammal 320879.3 6417322.6 -32.3667 151.0962 246 6/08/2019

South-east Offset microbat 323452 6413498 -32.4016 151.1228 149 1/01/1996 South-east Offset microbat 323664 6413460 -32.402 151.125 160 1/01/1996

South-east Offset microbat 323460.6 6413511 -32.4015 151.1229 155 1/01/1996

South-east Offset microbat 323433 6413061 -32.4055 151.1225 146 1/01/1996 South-east Offset microbat 323810.1 6413647.3 -32.4003 151.1266 145 1/01/1996

South-east Offset microbat 323474.6 6412816.3 -32.4078 151.1229 0 6/06/2018

South-east Offset microbat 323472.8 6413664.6 -32.4001 151.1231 146 1/01/1996 South-east Offset microbat 323682.4 6413387.4 -32.4026 151.1252 164 11/09/2008

South-east Offset microbat 323682.4 6413387.4 -32.4026 151.1252 164 11/09/2008

South-east Offset microbat 323938.6 6413254.6 -32.4039 151.1279 140 11/09/2008 South-east Offset microbat 324047.3 6413224.6 -32.4042 151.1291 162 11/09/2008

South-east Offset microbat 324083.4 6413267 -32.4038 151.1295 153 11/09/2008

South-east Offset microbat 324083.4 6413267 -32.4038 151.1295 153 11/09/2008 South-east Offset microbat 324054.4 6412208.6 -32.4133 151.129 124 11/09/2008

South-east Offset microbat 323485.2 6413362.8 -32.4028 151.1231 129 1/01/1996

South-east Offset glider box 323451 6413385 -32.4026 151.1228 0 19/09/2000 South-east Offset glider box 323461 6413412 -32.4024 151.1229 0 1/06/1999

South-east Offset glider box 323480 6412804 -32.4079 151.123 0 1/06/1999

South-east Offset glider box 323570 6413157 -32.4047 151.124 0 12/10/2011 South-east Offset glider box 323487.7 6412794 -32.408 151.123 157 6/06/2018

South-east Offset glider box 323461.2 6412804.7 -32.4079 151.1228 162 6/06/2018

South-east Offset glider box 323494.8 6412825.5 -32.4077 151.1231 160 6/06/2018 South-east Offset glider box 324025.4 6413212.4 -32.4043 151.1288 150 14/08/2019

South-east Offset glider box 323878.5 6413380.9 -32.4027 151.1273 159 12/11/2018

South-east Offset microbat 323912.7 6413339.1 -32.4031 151.1277 156 12/11/2018 South-east Offset microbat 323909.2 6413309.4 -32.4034 151.1276 153 12/11/2018

South-east Offset possum box 323933.3 6413305.9 -32.4034 151.1279 154 12/11/2018

South-east Offset glider box 323926.4 6413335.2 -32.4031 151.1278 155 12/11/2018 South-east Offset glider box 324004.7 6412106.2 -32.4142 151.1284 128 12/11/2018

South-east Offset glider box 324037.5 6412143 -32.4139 151.1288 129 12/11/2018

South-east Offset microbat 324047.5 6412192.5 -32.4135 151.1289 130 12/11/2018 South-east Offset microbat 324014.4 6412117.6 -32.4141 151.1285 129 12/11/2018

South-east Offset microbat 324002.3 6412121.1 -32.4141 151.1284 130 12/11/2018

South-east Offset possum box 323840.6 6413540.4 -32.4013 151.1269 152 7/08/2019 South-east Offset glider box 323824.2 6413541.7 -32.4013 151.1268 154 7/08/2019

South-east Offset bird 323794.7 6413532.8 -32.4013 151.1264 160 7/08/2019

South-east Offset microbat 323779 6413495.8 -32.4017 151.1263 161 7/08/2019 South-east Offset possum box 323781.4 6413486.9 -32.4018 151.1263 163 7/08/2019

South-east Offset small mammal 323913 6413524.9 -32.4014 151.1277 174 7/08/2019

SE Corridor possum box 324056.9 6412567.1 -32.4101 151.1291 146 7/08/2019 SE Corridor glider box 324083.8 6412551.3 -32.4102 151.1293 142 7/08/2019

SE Corridor bird 324010.3 6412499 -32.4107 151.1285 151 7/08/2019

SE Corridor bird 323929.1 6412483.1 -32.4108 151.1277 150 7/08/2019 SE Corridor possum box 324068.2 6412249.1 -32.413 151.1291 151 7/08/2019

SE Corridor microbat 324108.1 6412267.1 -32.4128 151.1295 149 7/08/2019

Glendell HMA microbat 321245.4 6407453.6 -32.4558 151.0982 79 10/10/2008 Glendell HMA microbat 321220.9 6407419 -32.4561 151.0979 80 10/10/2008

______3 April 2020 Forest Fauna Surveys Pty Ltd 00434.0 Page 53 MGO Biodiversity Offsets Fauna Monitoring 2019

Complex Area Fauna box X GDA94 Y GDA94 LatitudeI LongitudeI Altitude Date Install

Glendell HMA microbat 321195.3 6407452.3 -32.4558 151.0977 80 10/10/2008

Glendell HMA microbat 321166.7 6407475.2 -32.4555 151.0974 86 10/10/2008 Glendell HMA microbat 321164.7 6407478.9 -32.4555 151.0974 83 10/10/2008

Glendell HMA microbat 321157.9 6407495.2 -32.4554 151.0973 80 10/10/2008

Glendell HMA microbat 321163.5 6407504.7 -32.4553 151.0973 79 10/10/2008 Glendell HMA microbat 321135.1 6407508.4 -32.4552 151.097 82 10/10/2008

Glendell HMA microbat 321136.5 6407496 -32.4554 151.0971 77 10/10/2008

Glendell HMA microbat 321235.2 6407418.1 -32.4561 151.0981 71 26/03/2009 Glendell HMA glider box 321238.6 6407419.6 -32.4561 151.0981 82 26/03/2009

Glendell HMA glider box 321263.2 6407496.7 -32.4554 151.0984 83 26/03/2009

Glendell HMA microbat 321645 6408032.8 -32.4506 151.1026 93 10/10/2008 Glendell HMA microbat 321647.4 6408031.8 -32.4506 151.1026 94 10/10/2008

Glendell HMA microbat 321645.4 6408161.2 -32.4494 151.1026 99 10/10/2008

Glendell HMA microbat 321645.4 6408161.2 -32.4494 151.1026 99 10/10/2008 Glendell HMA microbat 321598.8 6408184.5 -32.4492 151.1021 99 10/10/2008

Glendell HMA microbat 321598.8 6408184.5 -32.4492 151.1021 99 10/10/2008

Glendell HMA microbat 321537.4 6408516.5 -32.4462 151.1015 86 10/10/2008 Glendell HMA microbat 321526.6 6408515.5 -32.4462 151.1014 93 10/10/2008

Glendell HMA microbat 321507.8 6408511.1 -32.4463 151.1012 89 10/10/2008

Glendell HMA microbat 321503.2 6408516.5 -32.4462 151.1011 86 10/10/2008 Glendell HMA microbat 321505.9 6408531.4 -32.4461 151.1012 97 10/10/2008

Glendell HMA glider box 321507.4 6408531.5 -32.4461 151.1012 97 26/03/2009

Glendell HMA microbat 321483.9 6408526.9 -32.4461 151.1009 95 26/03/2009 Glendell HMA microbat 321480 6408508.7 -32.4463 151.1009 91 26/03/2009

Glendell HMA microbat 321472.7 6408558.9 -32.4458 151.1008 92 26/03/2009

Glendell HMA glider box 321549.4 6408528.4 -32.4461 151.1016 89 26/03/2009 Glendell HMA glider box 321188.2 6407462.8 -32.4557 151.0976 90 27/03/2009

Glendell HMA glider box 321552.4 6408700.7 -32.4446 151.1017 96 27/03/2009

Glendell HMA glider box 321543.9 6408728.2 -32.4443 151.1016 95 27/03/2009 Glendell HMA glider box 321516.1 6408935.7 -32.4424 151.1014 106 27/03/2009

Glendell HMA glider box 321499.2 6408951.8 -32.4423 151.1012 97 27/03/2009

Glendell HMA glider box 321450 6408947.1 -32.4423 151.1007 98 27/03/2009 Glendell HMA microbat 321552.4 6408700.7 -32.4446 151.1017 96 27/03/2009

Glendell HMA microbat 321543.9 6408728.2 -32.4443 151.1016 95 27/03/2009

Glendell HMA microbat 321516.1 6408935.7 -32.4424 151.1014 106 27/03/2009 Glendell HMA microbat 321513.7 6408935.7 -32.4424 151.1013 99 27/03/2009

Glendell HMA microbat 321499.2 6408951.8 -32.4423 151.1012 97 27/03/2009

Glendell HMA microbat 321506.4 6408970 -32.4421 151.1013 97 27/03/2009 Glendell HMA microbat 321506.4 6408970 -32.4421 151.1013 97 27/03/2009

Glendell HMA microbat 321475.4 6408954 -32.4423 151.1009 97 27/03/2009

Glendell HMA microbat 321475.4 6408954 -32.4423 151.1009 97 27/03/2009 Glendell HMA microbat 321450 6408947.1 -32.4423 151.1007 98 27/03/2009

Glendell HMA microbat 321450 6408947.1 -32.4423 151.1007 98 27/03/2009

Glendell HMA microbat 321496.5 6408924.7 -32.4425 151.1012 94 27/03/2009 Glendell HMA microbat 321496.5 6408924.7 -32.4425 151.1012 94 27/03/2009

Glendell HMA microbat 321502.2 6408829.1 -32.4434 151.1012 99 27/03/2009

Glendell HMA microbat 321502.2 6408829.1 -32.4434 151.1012 99 27/03/2009 Glendell HMA microbat 321520.1 6408521.7 -32.4462 151.1013 100 9/11/2018

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Complex Area Fauna box X GDA94 Y GDA94 LatitudeI LongitudeI Altitude Date Install

Glendell HMA bird 321408.1 6409328 -32.4389 151.1003 88 9/11/2018

Glendell HMA glider box 321075.5 6409633.6 -32.4361 151.0968 85 9/11/2018 Glendell HMA glider box 321084.5 6409616.9 -32.4362 151.0969 86 9/11/2018

Glendell HMA microbat 321494.9 6408508.5 -32.4463 151.1011 97 9/11/2018

Glendell HMA glider box 321264.6 6407490.7 -32.4554 151.0984 89 9/11/2018 Glendell HMA possum box 321287.4 6407470.8 -32.4556 151.0987 89 9/11/2018

Glendell HMA microbat 321217.5 6407430.7 -32.456 151.0979 86 9/11/2018

Glendell HMA microbat 321280.3 6407485.5 -32.4555 151.0986 87 9/11/2018 Glendell HMA microbat 321587.7 6407959.3 -32.4512 151.1019 95 9/11/2018

Glendell HMA microbat 321559.1 6407993.6 -32.4509 151.1016 95 9/11/2018

Glendell HMA glider box 321587 6407983.5 -32.451 151.1019 95 9/11/2018 Glendell HMA bird 321563.6 6407979.4 -32.4511 151.1017 95 9/11/2018

Glendell HMA possum box 321485.6 6408522.1 -32.4462 151.101 95 9/11/2018

Glendell HMA bird 321487.3 6408511.2 -32.4463 151.101 95 9/11/2018 Glendell HMA bird 321508.3 6408529.7 -32.4461 151.1012 94 9/11/2018

Glendell HMA glider box 321267 6409338.4 -32.4388 151.0988 92 9/11/2018

Glendell HMA glider box 321315.1 6409395.3 -32.4383 151.0993 90 9/11/2018 Glendell HMA glider box 321385.7 6409421.3 -32.438 151.1001 90 9/11/2018

Glendell HMA possum box 321284.4 6409381.9 -32.4384 151.099 90 9/11/2018

Glendell HMA microbat 321492.2 6408523 -32.4461 151.101 94 9/11/2018 Glendell HMA glider box 321245.4 6407453.7 -32.4557 151.0982 28 6/08/2019

Glendell HMA possum box 321260.4 6407434.8 -32.4559 151.0984 26 6/08/2019

Glendell HMA glider box 321185.7 6407460.7 -32.4557 151.0976 21 6/08/2019 Glendell HMA microbat 321217.3 6407425.1 -32.456 151.0979 24 6/08/2019

Glendell HMA microbat 321238 6407411.7 -32.4561 151.0981 27 6/08/2019

Glendell HMA glider box 321238.4 6407417.8 -32.4561 151.0981 21 6/08/2019 Glendell HMA glider box 321295.3 6407405.8 -32.4562 151.0987 27 6/08/2019

Glendell HMA glider box 321210.7 6407477.9 -32.4555 151.0978 25 6/08/2019

Glendell HMA Parrot Box 321203.9 6407475 -32.4556 151.0978 27 6/08/2019 Glendell HMA Parrot Box 321141.3 6407493.1 -32.4554 151.0971 22 6/08/2019

Glendell HMA glider box 321143.2 6407466.8 -32.4556 151.0971 21 6/08/2019

Glendell HMA Parrot Box 321195.8 6407451.9 -32.4558 151.0977 26 6/08/2019 Glendell HMA small mammal 321283.3 6407426.6 -32.456 151.0986 31 6/08/2019

Glendell HMA Parrot Box 321579.8 6408001.2 -32.4509 151.1019 41 6/08/2019

Glendell HMA Parrot Box 321558.5 6407929.7 -32.4515 151.1016 39 6/08/2019 Glendell HMA microbat 321557.2 6408566.7 -32.4458 151.1017 53 6/08/2019

Glendell HMA microbat 321544.6 6408550.8 -32.4459 151.1016 54 6/08/2019

Glendell HMA microbat 321555.1 6408525.8 -32.4461 151.1017 52 6/08/2019 Glendell HMA possum box 321569.2 6408525.9 -32.4461 151.1019 60 6/08/2019

Glendell HMA microbat 321554 6408706.5 -32.4445 151.1017 54 6/08/2019

Glendell HMA microbat 321649.9 6408600.2 -32.4455 151.1027 61 6/08/2019 Glendell HMA microbat 321157 6409367.7 -32.4385 151.0976 57 6/08/2019

Glendell HMA microbat 321311.8 6409412.5 -32.4381 151.0993 59 6/08/2019

Glendell HMA microbat 321283.6 6409389.2 -32.4383 151.099 57 6/08/2019 North-west Offset spotted-tail quoll 320762.1 6416671.9 -32.3726 151.0948 185 14/11/2019

North-east Offset spotted-tail quoll 323631 6416819.8 -32.3717 151.1253 228 14/11/2019

Forest East Offset spotted-tail quoll 323815.7 6415909.1 -32.3799 151.1271 193 14/11/2019 South-east Offset spotted-tail quoll 323940.9 6413277.5 -32.4037 151.128 160 14/11/2019

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Complex Area Fauna box X GDA94 Y GDA94 LatitudeI LongitudeI Altitude Date Install

SE Corridor spotted-tail quoll 323957 6412436.9 -32.4113 151.128 135 14/11/2019

Glendell HMA spotted-tail quoll 321147.8 6409419.3 -32.438 151.0975 94 15/11/2019

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