Ecological
Assessment of
Muirhead North
and 2CRU
Prepared for: Defence Housing Australia
Prepared by: EcOz Environmental Services
2014 2014
www.ecoz.com.au1.
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Client: Defence Housing Australia 2 Doc Title: Ecological Assessment of Muirhead North and 2CRU
Document Control Record
Document Code: EZ14053-C0301-EST-R-0001 Catalogue Number: 31590 Project Manager: Glen Ewers Author(s): Glen Ewers, Tom Reilly Approved by: Ray Hall
Approval date: 4 July 2014
DOCUMENT HISTORY
Version Issue Date Brief Description Distributed to 1.A-C 23 June 2014 Report preparation by authors Chris Brady on 4/7/2014 1.D 4 July 2014 Internal review by Chris Brady Glen Ewers 1.E 4 July 2014 Revisions incorporated by authors - 1.0 4 July 2014 First draft issued to client for review Brad Cunnington 1.1 14 Nov 2014 Final issued to client Brad Cunnington
Recipients are responsible for eliminating all superseded documents in their possession.
EcOz Pty Ltd. ABN: 81 143 989 039 Telephone: +61 8 8981 1100 Winlow House, 3rd Floor Facsimile: +61 8 8981 1102 75 Woods Street Email: [email protected] DARWIN NT 0800 Internet: www.ecoz.com.au GPO Box 381, Darwin NT 0800
RELIANCE, USES and LIMITATIONS This report is copyright and is to be used only for its intended purpose by the intended recipient, and is not to be copied or used in any other way. The report may be relied upon for its intended purpose within the limits of the following disclaimer.
This study, report and analyses have been based on the information available to EcOz Environmental Services at the time of preparation. EcOz Environmental Services accepts responsibility for the report and its conclusions to the extent that the information was sufficient and accurate at the time of preparation. EcOz Environmental Services does not take responsibility for errors and omissions due to incorrect information or information not available to EcOz Environmental Services at the time of preparation of the study, report or analyses.
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Executive Summary
Introduction Defence Housing Australia is proposing to develop a planned community in the northern suburbs of Darwin. There are two parcels of land involved – a Crown Land parcel (Lot 9370) known as Muirhead North and a defence housing site known as 2CRU. Site 2CRU underwent a detailed environmental assessment by GHD in December 2010. The Muirhead North site was included within a flora and fauna survey of the entire Muirhead site undertaken by VDM-EcOz in December 2008. In 2014 EcOz Environmental Services (‘EcOz’) was contracted to review and supplement (where required) the ecological assessments of both sites in order to identify key ecological values. This report details the results and management implications of that review. Assessments of water quality, contamination, biting insects and heritage are not included within the scope of works.
Ecological values Two key ecological values have been identified within the proposed development sites: Monsoon vine thicket / rainforest – HIGH ecological value There is both monsoon vine thicket and monsoon rainforest within the proposed development areas. These are considered to be of high ecological value because of their limited distribution in Greater Darwin. The Department of Land Resource Management considers the various types of monsoon rainforest to be ‘sensitive vegetation’ within the NT. The 2CRU site contains a large area of monsoon vine thicket on the western side. There is also a small (0.88 ha) isolated patch of dry monsoon rainforest present in Muirhead North. This is significant because its structure and the species present (especially the presence of native palms) resemble the spring-fed rainforests of Holmes Jungle and Howard Springs; however, no permanent freshwater is evident. It could be a groundwater dependent ecosystem. The presence of sensitive vegetation within a site invokes specific recommendations within the NT Land Clearing Guidelines. The monsoon rainforest patch within Muirhead North depends upon a drainage line that transects Muirhead North from the north-west to south-east. As such, management implications for this patch and its water source should be considered together. It is recommended setting aside the rainforest patch and its associated drainage line (with a buffer) as a reserve or parkland within the development. Threatened species – MODERATE ecological value Using a likelihood of occurrence assessment, two species listed as Vulnerable under the TPWC Act are either known or are likely to occur: a) Darwin Cycad (Cycas armstrongii) occurs in low densities throughout Eucalyptus sp. open forest and open woodland with Sarga intrans grassland. A higher density cycad patch occurs in the centre of the Muirhead North site. It is recommended that a relocation plan for this species be developed. b) Black-footed Tree-rat (Mesembriomys gouldii) is likely to occur throughout much of both sites. It is recommended that a fauna spotter-catcher be employed during land clearing to assist in salvaging and relocating this species (amongst others) to a suitable alternative site. These two species are considered of moderate ecological value because they are both still relatively abundant and widespread across Greater Darwin, and because of the abovementioned measures available to reduce the impact of this development on these species. The likelihood assessment concluded that there is a low chance that any EPBC-listed threatened species occur within the proposed development areas. It is unlikely that any other Matters of National Environmental Significance will be ‘significantly impacted’ upon by the proposed development. Therefore, it is not considered necessary for the developer to refer this development under the EPBC Act.
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Table of Contents
1 Introduction ...... 8 1.1 Purpose ...... 8 1.2 Scope ...... 8 1.3 Structure of report ...... 8 2 Environmental Context ...... 9 2.1 Location ...... 9 2.2 Climatic information ...... 11 2.3 Bioregion summary ...... 11 2.4 Land systems and land units ...... 11 2.5 Vegetation ...... 12 2.6 Flora and fauna records ...... 12 2.7 EPBC Protected Matters report ...... 14 2.8 Weeds ...... 14 3 2CRU ...... 15 3.1 Background ...... 15 3.2 Supplementary Information ...... 15 3.3 Vegetation communities ...... 15 4 Muirhead North ...... 17 4.1 Background ...... 17 4.2 Supplementary Information ...... 17 4.3 Vegetation communities ...... 18 5 Threatened Species’ Likelihood of Occurrence ...... 22 5.1 Purpose ...... 22 5.2 Procedure ...... 22 5.3 Likelihood of Occurrence Criteria ...... 22 5.4 Assessment results ...... 23 6 Ecological values & management implications ...... 24 6.1 Other ecological management considerations ...... 25 6.2 EPBC Act implications ...... 25 7 References ...... 28
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Tables Table 2-1. Land units within proposed development sites ...... 12 Table 4-1. Vegetation types within Muirhead North ...... 19 Table 5-1. Threatened Species ‘Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment’ ...... 23
Figures Figure 2-1. Map of location of 2CRU and Muirhead North ...... 9 Figure 2-2. Aerial image of 2CRU and Muirhead North ...... 10 Figure 2-3. Graph of mean temperature and rainfall at Darwin International Airport ...... 11 Figure 2-4. Map of land units of Muirhead North and surrounds ...... 13 Figure 3-1. Map of ground-truthed vegetation communities within 2CRU (from GHD report) ...... 16 Figure 4-1. Map of ground-truthed vegetation communities within Muirhead North ...... 21 Figure 6-1. Images of monsoon rainforest variations between 2CRU and Muirhead North ...... 24 Figure 6-2. Map showing extent and types of monsoon rainforest in Greater Darwin ...... 26 Figure 6-3. Photograph of higher density cycad patch ...... 26 Figure 6-4. Map of ecological values to the development of 2CRU and Muirhead North ...... 27
Appendices Appendix A – Threatened Species Assessment Results Appendix B – EPBC Protected Matters Report Appendix C – VDM-EcOz flora and fauna survey report for Muirhead (2008)
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1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose
Defence Housing Australia is proposing to develop a planned community in the northern suburbs of Darwin. There are two parcels of land involved – a Crown Land parcel (Lot 9370) known as Muirhead North and a defence housing site known as 2CRU. Site 2CRU underwent a detailed environmental assessment by GHD in December 2010. The Muirhead North site was included within a flora and fauna survey of the entire Muirhead site undertaken by VDM-EcOz in December 2008 (see Appendix C). In 2014 EcOz Environmental Services (‘EcOz’) was contracted to review and supplement (where required) the ecological assessments of both sites in order to identify key ecological values. This report details the results and management implications of that review.
1.2 Scope
Both sites have already undergone some degree of ecological survey and assessment. To ensure that both sites are assessed to a suitable level of detail the following scope of works was adopted: • Undertaking a desktop survey and review of existing biodiversity information. • Using the results for the desktop survey to inform the level of field surveying required. • Undertaking a field survey of Muirhead North to ground-truth vegetation types and condition on-site. • Undertaking targeted flora and fauna survey/s of Muirhead North if the desktop survey and/or vegetation mapping identifies a need to do so. • Using the results of the fieldwork and literature on species’ ecology to determine the likelihood of occurrence of species listed under Territory and/or Commonwealth environmental legislation. • Reporting on the results of the desktop and field surveys. • Advising on the potential implications of this environmental assessment for the development of the sites. Assessment of water quality, contamination, biting insects and heritage are not included within the scope of works.
1.3 Structure of report
This report is structured such that Section 2 presents an overview of the environmental context for both sites taken as a whole. Sections 3 and 4 examine each site separately, and supplementary information that was not a part of previous assessments is included where relevant. The ecological similarity of the two sites justifies a combined assessment of threatened species’ likelihood of occurrence, which is presented in Section 5. Finally, Section 6 discusses the ecological values and management implications for development of the sites.
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2 Environmental Context
2.1 Location
The proposed development sites 2CRU and Muirhead North are located either side of Lee Point Road in Darwin, Northern Territory (see Figure 2-1 and Figure 2-2).
Figure 2-1. Map of location of 2CRU and Muirhead North
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Figure 2-2. Aerial image of 2CRU and Muirhead North
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2.2 Climatic information
Darwin is situated in the monsoon tropics. There are two distinct seasons known as the ‘wet’ and the ‘dry’. The wet season (monsoon) is from November through to April and is characterised by high rainfall, temperature and humidity (Figure 2-3). A ‘build-up’ period often occurs in October/November which is characterised by raised humidity before monsoon rains. The dry season (April to October) experiences virtually no rainfall, has reduced humidity and cooler minimum temperatures. Mean temperature and rainfall data are summarised in Figure 2-3. The average maximum temperatures range from 30.5 ºC in July to 31.8 ºC in January, and average minimum temperatures range from 19.3 ºC in July to 24.8 ºC in January. The annual average rainfall for Darwin is 1739.1 mm, most of which falls within the wet season as a result of monsoonal troughs, cyclones and ex-cyclones. The average humidity at 9 am range from 60% in July to 81% in January, and average humidity at 3 pm range from 37% in July to 70% in January.
Figure 2-3. Graph of mean temperature and rainfall at Darwin International Airport
2.3 Bioregion summary
The proposed development sites lie within the Darwin Coastal bioregion which extends from near the mouth of the Victoria River to just west of Cobourg Peninsula. This bioregion comprises gently undulating plains on lateritised Cretaceous sandstones and siltstones; sandy and loamy red and yellow earths and siliceous sands. The most notable vegetation feature is the extensive and diverse floodplain environment associated with the lower reaches of the many large river systems. There are also substantial areas of mangroves, and rainforest and other riparian vegetation fringing the rivers. Inland from the coast, the dominant vegetation type is Eucalypt tall open forest, typically dominated by Darwin Woollybutt (Eucalyptus miniata) and Darwin Stringybark (Eucalyptus tetrodonta). The Darwin Coastal bioregion is not divided into sub-bioregions.
2.4 Land systems and land units
A land system is a coarse-scale characterisation of an area of land as having a distinctive and recurring pattern of landform, soils and vegetation. There are two main land systems that overlap with the proposed development sites – Kay and Krans (Wood et al. 1985). Given the small proposed development site area, it is more useful to examine the land units, which are finer detail characterisations of areas. For the Greater Darwin area these have been described by Fogarty et al. (1984) as part of a land resource capability assessment. Seven land units fall within the proposed development sites (Figure 2-4) – two of these occupy a negligible area in 2CRU. A summary of each land unit present is presented in Table 2-1.
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There is a low risk of presence of acid sulfate soils within the proposed development areas. Table 2-1. Land units within proposed development sites
Risk of seasonal Unit Landform Soil Broad vegetation description soil waterlogging Rises and short steep Woodland of E. miniata, C. bleeseri over 1c Rudosols slopes Sorghum spp. Open Woodland to Woodland of E. 2b1 Sideslopes Kandosols miniata, E. tetrodonta, C. foelscheana, Nil to Low E. tectifica over Sorghum spp. Gently undulating Open Woodland of E. miniata over 3d Rudosols upland surface Sorghum spp. Flat to gently Woodland of C. polycarpa, 3e undulating upland Hydrosols Erythrophleum chlorostachys over surface mixed grasses Moderate to High Open Forest of Eucalyptus spp. over 4c Gentle lower slopes Hydrosols mixed grasses
2.5 Vegetation
Both sites contain a mix of remnant and regenerated vegetation communities (with an abundance of weeds) that are common in the Top End but not well represented in the Darwin area because of urban development. GHD undertook vegetation mapping for 2CRU but until this assessment no ground-truthed vegetation mapping existed for Muirhead North. Because slightly different classification of vegetation community types were used for each site the resultant vegetation maps are presented in the relevant site-specific sections (3.3 and 4.3) of this report. Both vegetation studies used the map of Remnant Vegetation Darwin Municipality compiled by Brock (1995).
2.6 Flora and fauna records
All the flora and fauna records for the proposed development sites that are contained within the NT Atlas have been extracted and analysed. There were 449 fauna records and 39 flora records; this does not include the 2010 GHD or 2008 VDM-EcOz survey results. A total of 120 flora species have been recorded within Muirhead North and 2CRU. One threatened flora species have been identified onsite – Darwin Cycad (Cycas armstrongii) – listed under the TWPC Act as Vulnerable. In total, 140 fauna species (including seven microbat species detected by echolocation recorders which cannot be confirmed to species level) have been identified within Muirhead North and 2CRU. The NT Atlas contains records of threatened shorebirds; however, these must be geo-locational errors as there is no suitable habitat for these species (but very suitable habitat in the mudflats to the immediate west). There are no other threatened species records for either site.
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Figure 2-4. Map of land units of Muirhead North and surrounds
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2.7 EPBC Protected Matters report
An EPBC Protected Matters Report was generated for the proposed development sites from a centroid (- 12.3457, 130.89121) with radius of 1.5 km. The result was 24 federally-listed species (5 birds, 6 mammals, 7 reptiles, 6 fish and no plants) that may, likely or are known to occur within the vicinity of Muirhead North and 2CRU (Appendix B). Section 5 and Appendix A of this report assess in detail the likelihood of these species actually occurring at Muirhead North and 2CRU. There were also 50 protected migratory species listed within the report.
2.8 Weeds
Both sites have been subject to disturbance in the past and weeds are widespread along tracks and in previously cleared and disturbed areas. Grassy weeds make up the majority of the weed impact on the site – particularly Gamba Grass (Andropogon gayanus) and Mission Grass (Pennisetum polystachion). These two species are declared under the NT Weeds Management Act (WMA) as Class A (to be eradicated) and Class B (to be controlled), respectively. Both species have the potential to produce significantly higher fuel loads compared to native grasses (Kerrigan et al. 2006). The increase in fire intensity resulting from higher fuel loads could pose a threat to surrounding infrastructure and native vegetation if these weeds are not managed on the site. Other introduced plants recorded are: • Red Natal Grass (Melinis repens) • Purple Top Chloris (Chloris inflata) • Wild Passion Fruit (Passiflora foetida) • Stylos (Stylosanthes sp.) • Centro (Centrosema molle) • Calopo (Calopogonium mucunoides) • Snakeweed (Stachytarpheta spp.) • Coffee Bush (Leucaena leucocephala) The majority of these introduced plants are located along the highly disturbed boundaries of the sites – particularly the northern boundary of Muirhead North. Two of these species – Hyptis (Hyptis suaveolens) and Snakeweed (Stachytarpheta cayennensis) are Class B weeds (WMA).
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3 2CRU
3.1 Background
Site 2CRU underwent a detailed environmental assessment by GHD in December 2010. The report contained an ecology assessment which concluded that: • The site has been heavily modified. Vegetation has been fragmented by land clearing and remnants degraded by edge effects, weed infestation, recreational use (mountain bikes, motorbikes and 4WD’s), informal camping and rubbish dumping. • Disturbed areas are infested with weeds including Gamba Grass (Andropogon gayanus), Hyptis (Hyptis suaveolens) and Mission Grass (Pennisetum polystachion). • A total of 52 fauna species were recorded at the site, including 37 bird, ten mammals, four reptiles and one amphibian species. No NT and/or federally-listed species were recorded. • One threatened flora species listed under the NT legislation was observed onsite – Cycas armstrongii. • Monsoon vine thicket is considered to have high ecological value as habitat for wildlife and the Eucalyptus tetrodonta open woodland has moderate ecological value. Local drainage lines are important for allowing movement of fauna. Protecting these areas from direct and indirect impact would be desirable in maintaining the ecological values of the site.
3.2 Supplementary Information
A review of this assessment indicates that it constitutes an adequate appraisal of the ecological values of that site. The only additional work undertaken by EcOz with respects to site 2CRU was the generation and review of an up-to-date threatened species records desktop search (see Section 2.6), an up-to-date EPBC Protected Matters Search (see Section 2.7) and a revised assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of threatened species (see Section 5). Although the threatened species lists for the NT have changed since the GHD survey in 2010, none of fauna species recorded within 2CRU by GHD have been upgraded to a threatened status. Likewise, the only threatened flora species located within 2CRU remains the Darwin Cycad (Cycas armstrongii). In addition, the revised desktop search of flora and fauna records contains no additional threatened species records for the site.
3.3 Vegetation communities
The GHD survey identified five vegetation communities within 2CRU (depicted in Figure 3-1): • Monsoon vine forest (Note: this is better described as monsoon vine thicket given the low canopy height of 7 m and dense shrub layer). • Eucalyptus tetrodonta woodland • Low Eucalyptus tetrodonta woodland • Disturbed Eucalyptus tetrodonta woodland with Calytrix exstipulata shrubland • Disturbed Acacia auriculiformis woodland with grassy weeds.
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Figure 3-1. Map of ground-truthed vegetation communities within 2CRU (from GHD report)
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4 Muirhead North
4.1 Background
In 2008 VDM-EcOz undertook a flora and fauna survey for the entire Muirhead site. Six quadrats were placed within the various woodland types; two quadrats for that survey were within the Muirhead North block (Lot 9370). The report (see Appendix C) outlines the following conclusions: • A total of 70 flora species were identified, the majority of which are widespread and common in Eucalyptus woodlands of the Top End. • The NT Flora Atlas Database contains records of one threatened species – Cycas armstrongii – listed as Vulnerable under the TPWC Act within 10 km of the site. This species was located on the site. Mapping of a high density cycad community was carried out within the Muirhead development boundaries. • The desktop review of the NT Fauna Atlas revealed 350 species have been recorded within 10 km of the proposed development site.
• A total of 79 fauna species were recorded at Muirhead. • No threatened fauna species were located.
• Nine introduced plant species were located on the Muirhead property.
• The Muirhead Development survey revealed the presence of healthy populations of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Apart from past human disturbance such as the dumping of cars and defence activity, the area shows minimal levels of erosion and disturbance across a variety of Eucalyptus woodland types.
4.2 Supplementary Information
A review of the abovementioned survey indicated that some additional survey effort and analysis would be required to obtain a more comprehensive appreciation of the ecological values of Muirhead North.
4.2.1 Vegetation mapping
No ground-truthed vegetation mapping had been undertaken for the Muirhead North site. EcOz therefore conducted onsite ground-truthing on 26 June 2014. Twenty representative vegetation sites were chosen within the lot boundary, and information was collected on the dominant flora species and structural formation. A photograph and GPS waypoint was taken at each flora site. Weeds were also recorded at each site (and if encountered incidentally). Sites were selected based on preliminary vegetation polygons that were created on GIS software using high resolution aerial imagery (Google Earth Pro) and previous vegetation mapping of the Darwin municipality (Brocklehurst 1991). Darwin Cycad (Cycas armstrongii) is known to occur within Muirhead North in Eucalyptus open woodland or Eucalyptus open forest vegetation communities. A detailed survey of C. armstrongii was not undertaken; however, if patches were observed their geo-location was recorded. The results of the vegetation ground-truthing are presented in Section 4.3.
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4.2.2 Flora and fauna data
The vegetation types that occur within Muirhead North have been subject to flora and fauna surveys on numerous occasions – both in the surrounding area and throughout Darwin – and a good understanding exists of the type and likelihood of threatened species that may be present within each vegetation type. Given that the purpose of this assessment is to identify ecological values (rather than obtain a species’ inventory) it was not deemed necessary to undertake additional flora and fauna surveys in the vegetation types not previously surveyed within Muirhead North.
4.2.3 Other
Other supplementary work undertaken was an up-to-date threatened species records desktop search (see Section 2.6), an up-to-date EPBC Protected Matters Search (see Section 2.7) and a revised assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of threatened species (see Section 5). Although the threatened species lists for the NT have changed since the VDM-EcOz survey in 2008, none of fauna species recorded within Muirhead by VDM-EcOz have been upgraded to a threatened status. Likewise, the only threatened flora species remains the Darwin Cycad (Cycas armstrongii). In addition, the revised desktop search of flora and fauna records contains no additional threatened species records for the site.
4.3 Vegetation communities
The 2014 vegetation survey carried out at Muirhead North identified eight vegetation communities (detailed in Table 4-1and depicted in Figure 3-1): • Dry monsoon rainforest (mixed species) • Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Eucalyptus miniata open forest with Sarga intrans and Heteropogon contortus grassland understorey. • Eucalyptus tetrodonta open woodland with Sarga intrans grassland understorey.
• Eucalyptus sp. and Corymbia sp. open woodland (mixed species) over introduced grasses • Melaleuca viridiflora woodland over introduced grasses.
• Lophostemon lactifluus and Pandanus spiralis Woodland over Sarga intrans and introduced grasses.
• Acacia shrubland with scattered Eucalyptus tetrodonta over introduced grassland
• Grassland (introduced species)
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Table 4-1. Vegetation types within Muirhead North
MONSOON RAINFOREST Mixed species dry monsoon rainforest. Canopy: 15 to 20 m high; 70% cover No spring, associated with ephemeral drainage Species observed: Carpentaria acuminata, Carallia 1 brachiata, Acacia auriculiformis, Peltophorum pterocarpum, Hydriastele wendlandiana, Terminalia microcarpa, Alstonia actinophylla, Alphitonia excelsa, Melaleuca viridiflora, Fagraea racemosa, Lophostemon lactifluus, Ficus virens plus a variety of lianas (vines / creepers).
EUCALYPTUS COMMUNITIES Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Eucalyptus miniata open forest over Sarga intrans grassland. Canopy: 12 to 15 m high; 15% cover Species observed: Eucalyptus tetrodonta, E. miniata, 2 Erythrophleum chlorostachys (no large trees observed), Cycas armstrongii, Planchonia careya, Buchanania obovata, Livistona humilis, Persoonia falcata, Terminalia ferdinandiana, Acacia dimidiata, A. latescens. Andropogon gayanus* (low density) and Pennisetum polystachion* (low density).
Eucalyptus tetrodonta open woodland with Sarga intrans grassland. Canopy: 10 m high; 10% cover Species observed: Eucalyptus tetrodonta, Cycas 3 armstrongii, Acacia latescens, Ficus scobina, Pandanus spiralis, Erythrophleum chlorostachys (no large trees observed), Andropogon gayanus* (low density), and Pennisetum polystachion* (low density).
Eucalyptus sp. and Corymbia sp. open woodland (mixed species) over introduced grasses. Canopy: 10 to 12 m high; 10 to 15% cover Supports a variety of tree species, which either occur as a mixed canopy or in dominant patches within 4 mapped area. Species observed: Corymbia confertiflora, C. polycarpa, C. bleeseri, Alstonia actinophylla, Pandanus spiralis, Pennisetum polystachion* and Andropogon gayanus*.
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PAPERBARK COMMUNITY Melaleuca viridiflora low woodland over introduced grasses. Possibly a regeneration community that has established after land clearing created swamp habitat.
5 Canopy: 10 m high; 30% cover Species observed: Melaleuca viridiflora, M. leucadendra, Lophostemon lactifluus, Pandanus spiralis, Eriachne spp., Andropogon gayanus*, and Pennisetum polystachion*.
LOPHOSTEMON AND PANDANUS COMMUNITY Lophostemon lactifluus and Pandanus spiralis open woodland to low open woodland. Canopy: 10 to 12 m high; 20 to 30% cover Species observed: Lophostemon lactifluus, Pandanus 6 spiralis, Melaleuca viridiflora, Acacia shrubs, Erythrophleum chlorostachys (no larger trees observed), Eucalyptus tetrodonta, Andropogon gayanus* and Pennisetum polystachion*.
SHRUBLAND COMMUNITY Acacia shrubland with scattered Eucalyptus tetrodonta over introduced grasses. There are patches where Calytrix exstipulata or Grevillea pteridifolia become the dominant shrub. Canopy: 10 m high; <5% cover 7 Species observed: Eucalyptus tetrodonta, Acacia latescens, A. dimidiata, Calytrix exstipulata, Grevillea pteridifolia, Sarga intrans, Andropogon gayanus* and Pennisetum polystachion*.
GRASSLAND COMMUNITY Grassland of Andropogon gayanus and Pennisetum polystachion – introduced species. Canopy: mostly absent, scattered trees Species observed: Andropogon gayanus*, Pennisetum 8 polystachion*, Passiflora foetida*, Hyptis suaveolens*, Stachytarpheta cayennensis*, Urochloa mosambicensis*, Stylosanthes spp.* and Acacia latescens. Possibly a result of land clearing activities.
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Figure 4-1. Map of ground-truthed vegetation communities within Muirhead North
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5 Threatened Species’ Likelihood of Occurrence
5.1 Purpose
The purpose of this likelihood of occurrence assessment is to identify threatened species that could possibly occur within 2CRU and/or Muirhead North. This information assists in identifying the ecological values of the site and indicates potential environmental management implications. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) nominates a set of criteria used to identify species at risk of extinction and is used to define categories of risk. These criteria and categories are used by both the NT Government to identify threatened species and habitat which are listed under the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act (TPWC) and the Commonwealth Government to identify national threatened species under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC). The focus of this report is flora and fauna species that are listed as threatened under either the TPWC Act or the EPBC Act (or both) (i.e. species that are listed as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered). Whilst some EPBC-listed migratory species may occur onsite, these are not discussed in this report because neither site constitutes important habitat for migratory species or contains an ecologically significant population of a migratory species.
5.2 Procedure
The following procedure was used to determine which threatened species may occur within 2CRU and Muirhead North: 1) Describe habitat types of the sites using existing information such as land unit and vegetation mapping (refer to Section 2). 2) Tabulate all threatened species known to occur in the Darwin Coastal bioregion (Appendix A), along with any extra species identified in the EPBC Protected Matters search report (Appendix B). 3) Include the following details for each species – conservation status (territory and federal), suitable habitat, core habitat (if known) and known distribution. 4) Apply likelihood of occurrence criteria (Section 5.3) to each species, including justifications for each selected result.
5.3 Likelihood of Occurrence Criteria
Likelihood of occurrence was determined based on the criteria listed below. These are based on a combination of ecological knowledge of the area and species, plus available records from the NT Atlas. It should be noted that resultant likelihood rankings may differ from those assigned in the EPBC Protected Matters Search Report because criteria in this assessment considers habitat present within refined project area, whereas the EPBC Report utilises coarser-scale filters. • Known – there are recent records (i.e. post-1970) of the species within either site. • Likely – core habitat for the species occurs within the sites but there are no records. • May – there is no core habitat for the species within the sites; however, the species may be present on occasion. • Unlikely – there is no suitable habitat within the sites and it not expected that the species will pass through (i.e. habitat specialists; restricted range; or extinct from the bioregion, Baker et al. 2005).
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Species are omitted from the likelihood of occurrence assessment if they are listed as extinct in the NT.
5.4 Assessment results
Sixty-five threatened species were identified during a desktop study as occurring in the Darwin Coastal bioregion (see Appendix A). Those species which, because of their restricted range or specific habitat requirements, are unlikely to occur within Muirhead North or 2CRU were discarded, and the likelihood of occurrence for the remainder was assessed using the criteria in Section 5.3. Summary results for these threatened species are provided in Table 5-1, and detailed justifications based on habitat preferences, distribution, and known records are provided in Appendix A. One threatened flora species – Darwin Cycad (Cycas armstrongii) – listed as Vulnerable under the TWPC Act is known to occur in Muirhead North and 2CRU. A threatened fauna species – Black-footed Tree-rat (Mesembriomys gouldii) – which is listed as Vulnerable under the TWPC Act has been recorded in previous surveys of adjacent analogue sites (Rankmore et al. 2001) and hence is considered ‘Likely’ to occur within the proposed development sites. This nocturnal species inhabits tropical woodlands and open forests, and shelters in tree hollows and Pandanus stands during the day. The remaining species have been given a ‘May’ likelihood of occurrence.
Table 5-1. Threatened Species ‘Likelihood of Occurrence Assessment’
EPBC TWPC Criteria Threatened Species status status Plants Known Darwin Cycad (Cycas armstrongii) - VU Mammals Likely Black-footed Tree-rat (Mesembriomys gouldii) - VU Reptiles Floodplain Monitor (Varanus panoptes) - VU Birds Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae) EN VU Partridge Pigeon (Geophaps smithii smithii) VU VU Grey Falcon (Falco hypoleucos) - VU May Masked Owl (northern) (Tyto novaehollandiae) VU VU Red Goshawk (Erythrotriorchis radiatus) VU VU Mammals Pale Field-rat (Rattus tunneyi) - VU Fawn Antechinus (Antechinus bellus) - EN Northern Spotted Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) EN CR Bare-rumped Sheathtail Bat (Saccolaimus saccolaimus) CR NT
Status key: - = Not Listed, CR = Critically Endangered, EN = Endangered, NT = Near Threatened, VU = Vulnerable
Client: Defence Housing Australia 23 Doc Title: Ecological Assessment of Muirhead North and 2CRU
6 Ecological values & management implications
This section summarises the ecological values for the proposed development sites based on the information contained in the previous sections. Assessment of water quality, contamination, biting insects and heritage were not included within the scope of works and are therefore not discussed. There are two key ecological values within the proposed development sites. These are delineated in Figure 6-4 and described below
Monsoon vine thicket / rainforest – HIGH ecological value There is both monsoon vine thicket and monsoon rainforest within the proposed development areas (see images in Figure 6-1 and distribution in Figure 6-4). These are considered to be of high ecological value because of their limited distribution in Greater Darwin. The 2CRU site contains a large area (approximately 20 ha) of monsoon vine thicket (canopy to 7 m) on the western side that adjoins the vine-thicket community within Casuarina Coastal Reserve. There is also an isolated patch of dry monsoon rainforest (canopy 15 to 20 m) present in Muirhead North. Although small (0.88 ha), this patch is significant because its structure and the species present (especially the presence of native palms) resemble the spring-fed rainforests of Holmes Jungle and Howard Springs; however, no permanent freshwater is evident. It could be that this is a groundwater dependent ecosystem with a water table close to the surface that sustains the forest during the dry season. The Department of Land Resource Management considers monsoon rainforest to be ‘sensitive vegetation’ within the NT as it supports unique habitat features but occupies a small area (Russell-Smith 1992). Monsoon forests are naturally fragmented, but their extent in Darwin has been drastically diminished due to urban development (see Figure 6-2). The monsoon rainforest patch within Muirhead North depends upon a drainage line that transects Muirhead North from the north-west to south-east. This seasonal watercourse provides the water required to sustain the species of plants within the patch. As such, the management implications for that patch and its water source should be considered together.
Monsoon vine thicket within 2CRU Monsoon forest within Muirhead North
Figure 6-1. Images of monsoon rainforest variations between 2CRU and Muirhead North
Client: Defence Housing Australia 24 Doc Title: Ecological Assessment of Muirhead North and 2CRU
Recommendation: The presence of sensitive vegetation within a site invokes specific recommendations within the NT Land Clearing Guidelines. The guidelines recommend buffering, if possible, and state that ‘It is recommended that the clearing of these communities [mangroves, rainforest and monsoon vine thickets] should be avoided. Applicants [for a clearing permit] must demonstrate how the extent to be cleared has been minimised.’ It is therefore recommended that the rainforest patch and its associated drainage line (with a buffer) should be set aside as a reserve or parkland within the development and has the potential to provide a significant feature of value to the estate.
Threatened species – MODERATE ecological value There is a low chance that any EPBC-listed threatened species occur within the proposed development areas. Two species listed as Vulnerable under the TPWC Act are either known or are likely to occur. a) Darwin Cycad (Cycas armstrongii) was observed in low densities throughout Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Eucalyptus miniata open forest and open woodland with Sarga intrans grassland. A higher density cycad patch occurred in the centre of the Muirhead North site (see Figure 6-3 and Figure 4-1) and consisted of cycads with a fairly consistent stem height of 1 m. Recommendation: A relocation plan for this species should be developed. b) Black-footed Tree-rat (Mesembriomys gouldii) is likely to occur throughout much of both sites. Recommendation: A fauna spotter-catcher should be employed during land clearing to assist in the salvaging and relocation of this species (amongst others) to a suitable alternative site. These two species are considered of moderate ecological value because they are both still relatively abundant and widespread across Greater Darwin, and because of the abovementioned measures available to reduce the impact of this development on these species.
6.1 Other ecological management considerations
Both sites are highly infested with weeds – particular exotic grass species – under the WMA the management of all declared weeds is the responsibility of the land manager. Recommendation: During land clearing, all vegetation (including weeds) should be mulched and kept onsite in order to minimise the risk of weeds spreading to other areas offsite. Weeds subsequently growing should be controlled.
6.2 EPBC Act implications
As shown in Section 5, there is a low chance that any EPBC-listed threatened species occur within the proposed development areas. It is unlikely that any other Matters of National Environmental Significance will be ‘significantly impacted’ upon by the proposed development. Therefore, it is not considered necessary for the developer to refer this development under the EPBC Act.
Client: Defence Housing Australia 25 Doc Title: Ecological Assessment of Muirhead North and 2CRU
Figure 6-2. Map showing extent and types of monsoon rainforest in Greater Darwin
Figure 6-3. Photograph of higher density cycad patch
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Figure 6-4. Map of ecological values to the development of 2CRU and Muirhead North
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7 References
Baker B, Price, O, Woinarski J, Gold S, Conners G, Fisher A, and Hempel C, 2005, Northern Territory Bioregions Assessment – assessment of key biodiversity values and threats, a resource document that accompanies the Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Masterplan. Brock, J, 1995, Remnant Vegetation Darwin Municipality (map only), produced by Conservation Commission Northern Territory using information from various studies in the Darwin region. Brocklehurst, P, 1991. Casuarina Coastal Reserve Management Plan, CCNT. Kerrigan, R Cowie, I & Liddle, D 2006, Threatened Species of the Northern Territory- Cycas armstrongii, Northern Territory Department of Land Resource Management, viewed 17 March 2014,
Client: Defence Housing Australia 28 Doc Title: Ecological Assessment of Muirhead North and 2CRU
Appendix A – Threatened Species Assessment Results
Table 1. All threatened species recorded within the Darwin Coastal bioregion, with a preliminary assessment of the likelihood of occurrence within the proposed development sites
Status Possible Scientific name Common name Reason why not EPBC TPWC to occur?
PLANTS
Cycas armstrongii Darwin Cycad - VU Y - Endiandra limnophila Native Walnut - VU N Restricted range – mainland specimens only from Wadeye Freycinetia excelsa Narrow-leaf Climbing - VU N No habitat – occurs in Pandan wet lowland rainforest Habenaria rumphii a Ground Orchid - EN N No habitat – occurs in sand plains adjacent to spring-fed rainforest Hibiscus brennanii Brennan's Native VU VU N No habitat – occurs in Hibiscus sandstone country Luisia corrugata Luisia Orchid - VU N Restricted range – mainland specimens only from Black Jungle Conservation Reserve. Dienia montana a Ground Orchid - VU N Restricted range – single known population in Kakadu Malaxis marsupichila an Orchid - VU N Restricted range – known in NT from one population at Gunn Point. Monochoria hastata Arrowleaf Monochoria - VU N Restricted range – floodplains of the Finniss, Reynolds and Wildman River Ptychosperma Darwin Palm - EN N No habitat – occurs in macarthurii spring-fed dense rainforest Typhonium taylori a Typhonium EN EN N Restricted range – grassland on the edge of the Howard River floodplain Utricularia dunstaniae a Bladderwort - VU N No habitat – occurs in Melaleuca nervosa woodland Utricularia singeriana a Bladderwort - VU N No habitat – occurs on margins of wet sandy flats and swamps Zeuxine oblonga a Ground Orchid - VU N Restricted range – nearest population Adelaide River
AMPHIBIANS
Uperoleia daviesae Howard River Toadlet - VU N Restricted range – Howard Springs area
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REPTILES
Acanthophis hawkei Plains Death Adder VU VU N No habitat – occurs on large floodplains Bellatorias obiri Arnhem Land Skink EN EN N No habitat – occurs in sandstone country Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle EN VU Chelonia mydas Green Turtle VU NT No habitat – marine Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle EN CR N species Eretmochelys imbricata Hawksbill Turtle VU VU Lepidochelys olivacea Olive Ridley Turtle EN VU Lucasium occultum Yellow-snouted - VU N Restricted range – Gecko Wildman River and north- west Kakadu Morelia oenpelliensis Oenpelli Python - VU N No habitat – occurs in sandstone country Natator depressus Flatback Turtle VU DD N No habitat – marine species Varanus mertensi Mertens’ Water - VU Monitor No habitat – requires N Varanus mitchelli Mitchell's Water - VU permanent fresh water Monitor Varanus panoptes Floodplain Monitor - VU Y -
BIRDS
Amytornis woodwardi White-throated - VU N No habitat – occurs in Grasswren sandstone country Calidris canutus Red Knot - VU N Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper - VU N No habitat – occurs on Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot - VU N coast Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover - VU N Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover - VU N Epthianura crocea Yellow Chat (Alligator VU EN N No habitat – occurs in tunneyi River) wetlands within floodplain depressions and channels Erythrotriorchis radiatus Red Goshawk VU VU Y - Erythrura gouldiae Gouldian Finch EN VU Y - Falco hypoleucos Grey Falcon - VU Y - Falcunculus frontatus Crested Shrike-tit VU NT N Nearest record Kakadu whitei (northern) and Pine Creek Fregata andrewsi Christmas Island VU NE N No habitat – marine Frigatebird species Geophaps smithii smithii Partridge Pigeon VU VU Y - Limnodromus Asian Dowitcher - VU N No habitat – occurs on
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semipalmatus coast and in wetlands Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit - VU Numenius Eastern Curlew - VU madagascariensis Rostratula australis Australian Painted EN VU N No habitat – occurs in Snipe wetlands Tyto novaehollandiae Masked Owl VU VU Y - kimberli (northern)
FISH Carcharodon carcharias Great White Shark VU - Glyphis garricki Northern River Shark EN EN
Pristis clavata Dwarf Sawfish VU VU No habitat – marine / N Pristis microdon Freshwater Sawfish VU VU estuarine species Pristis zijsron Green Sawfish VU VU Rhincodon typus Whale Shark VU DD
MAMMALS
Antechinus bellus Fawn Antechinus - EN Y - Conilurus penicillatus Brush-tailed Rabbit- VU EN N Locally extinct Rat Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Spotted EN CR Y - Quoll Hipposideros inornata Arnhem Leaf-nosed - VU N No habitat – occurs in Bat sandstone country Hipposideros stenotis Northern Leaf-nosed - VU N Bat Megaptera novaeangliae Humpback Whale VU LC N No habitat – marine species Mesembriomys gouldii Black-footed Tree- - VU Y - rat Petrogale concinna Nabarlek - VU N No habitat – occurs in sandstone country Phascogale pirata Northern Brush-tailed VU EN N No records near Darwin – Phascogale mostly Kakadu Rattus tunneyi Pale Field-rat - VU Y - Saccolaimus Bare-rumped CR NT Y - saccolaimus Sheathtail Bat Xeromys myoides Water Mouse VU DD N No habitat – occurs in mangroves Zyzomys maini Arnhem Rock-rat VU VU N No habitat – occurs in sandstone country
Status key: - = Not Listed; CR = Critically Endangered, DD = Data Deficient, EN = Endangered, NE = Not Evaluated, NT = Near Threatened, VU = Vulnerable.
Client: Defence Housing Australia Doc Title: Ecological Assessment of Muirhead North and 2CRU
Table 2. Detailed assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of threatened species considered possible to occur within the proposed development sites
Species name Species details Likelihood of occurrence
PLANTS
Cycas armstrongii EPBC status: - Known TPWC status: Vulnerable This species is widespread on Darwin Cycad Habitat: Occurs in open grassy woodland where adequate the project land across drainage appears to be a limiting factor (Kerrigan et al. 2006) Eucalyptus Woodland/Open Forest communities. Distribution: Endemic to the Top End of the Northern Territory (NT) with known populations from Cobourg Peninsula and the Tiwi Islands (Kerrigan et al. 2006).
REPTILES
Varanus panoptes EPBC status: - May TPWC status: Vulnerable Habitat suitable to this species occurs within the proposed Habitat: Occurs in broad range of habitats – from coastal Floodplain Monitor development areas; however, beaches to savannah woodlands (Christian 2004). numbers have significantly Distribution: A broad geographic range occurs across the far reduced since arrival and North of Australia from the Kimberley to Cape York Peninsula, establishment of Cane Toads. and southwards through most of Queensland. In the NT, it has been recorded across most of the Top End and the Gulf Region (Christian 2004).
BIRDS
Erythrotriorchis EPBC status: Vulnerable May radiatus TPWC status: Vulnerable Despite a few records within Darwin and habitat suitable to Habitat: Prefers tall open eucalypt forest and riparian areas. this species occurring within Red Goshawk Nests in large trees, frequently the tallest and most massive in the proposed development a tall stand, and nest trees are invariably within one km of areas, its preferred current permanent water (Debus et al.1988; Aumann et al. 1991). geographic extent indicates a Distribution: Occurs across much of the northern Australia, low probability for its from the Kimberley to south-eastern Queensland. occurrence at within the proposed development areas. Erythrura gouldiae EPBC status: Endangered May TPWC status: Vulnerable There are a few records within Darwin but core feeding and Gouldian Finch Habitat: Prefers annual and perennial grasses (especially breeding habitat of this Sorghum), a nearby source of surface water and, in the species does not occur within breeding season, unburnt hollow-bearing Eucalyptus trees the proposed development (especially E. tintinnans, E. brevifolia and E. leucophloia) areas. (Tidemann 1996; Higgins et al. 2006).
Distribution: Sparsely distributed across northern Australia from the Kimberley to north-central Queensland (Dostine 1998; Franklin 1999; Barrett et al. 2003). It is currently known to occur in significant numbers (> 50 adult birds) at only 10 locations with five occurring in the Northern Territory (O'Malley 2006). Falco hypoleucos EPBC status: - May TPWC status: Vulnerable There is one record for Darwin but core foraging and nesting Grey Falcon Habitat: Occurs in areas of lightly-timbered lowland plains, habitat for this species does typically on inland drainage systems, where the average not occur within the proposed annual rainoccur is less than 500 mm (Ward 2012). development areas. Distribution: Sparsely distributed through much of the arid and semi-arid areas of Australia but is recorded in all Australian mainland states and territories. In the NT, the majority of records are from the southern half, but there are
Client: Defence Housing Australia Doc Title: Ecological Assessment of Muirhead North and 2CRU
Species name Species details Likelihood of occurrence records all the way up to Darwin (Ward 2012).
Geophaps smithii EPBC status: Vulnerable May smithii TPWC status: Vulnerable There are a few records surrounding Darwin but core Habitat: Occurs in open forests and woodlands with an habitat of this species does Partridge Pigeon understorey of grasses (Woinarski 2006). not occur within the proposed Distribution: Occurs throughout the top end of the Northern development areas. The Territory and the Kimberley region of Western Australia nearest historical records are (Woinarski 2006). from Noonamah.
Tyto novaehollandiae EPBC status: Vulnerable May TPWC status: Vulnerable There are a few records within Darwin but core nesting or Masked Owl Habitat: Occurs mainly in eucalypt tall open forests (especially foraging habitat of this species (northern) those dominated by Eucalyptus miniata and E. tetrodonta), but does not occur within the also roosts in monsoon rainforests, and forages in more open proposed development areas. vegetation types, including grasslands (Woinarski et al. 2006). Distribution: Very imperfectly known, with remarkably few records across its broad range in northern Australia. In the NT, it is known from the Top End, Kakadu, Coburg Peninsula (majority of records) and south-west Gulf country (Atlas of Living Australia).
MAMMALS
Antechinus bellus EPBC status: - May TPWC status: Endangered Habitat suitable to this species occurs within the proposed Fawn Antechinus Habitat: Occurs in tall open forest dominated by eucalypts development areas; but its (Friend 1985) where it was historically quite common (Watson declined range from its et al. 2008). Shelters in tree hollows and fallen logs (Cole et historical extent indicates a al. 2002) relative low probability for its Distribution: Restricted to the NT with a large population occurrence within the confined to the mainland of the Top End (Watson et al. 2008). proposed development areas. There is also one record of this species from the Melville Island. Dasyurus hallucatus EPBC status: Endangered May TPWC status: Critically Endangered Records exist around the proposed development areas; Northern Spotted Habitat: Occurs in a wide range of habitats, but the most but its declined range from its Quoll suitable habitats are rocky areas (Van Dam et al. 2002). It was historical extent indicates a common in many eucalypt open forests. relative low probability for its Distribution: Occurs across northern Australia in five regional occurrence at within the populations. In the NT, most records are from central and proposed development areas. western Top End (Van Dam et al. 2002). Mesembriomys EPBC status: - Likely gouldii TPWC status: Vulnerable There are recent records of this species in adjacent Habitat: Inhabits tropical woodlands and open forests. This analogue sites. Black-footed Tree- nocturnal animal shelters in tree hollows and Pandanus stands rat during the day (Hill 2012). Distribution: Known extent for this species is: the Top End of the NT, the Kimberley in the Western Australia and area between Cape York Peninsula and Townsville in Queensland (Hill 2012). This species has remained relatively abundant in the Darwin rural area (Price et al. 2005). Rattus tunneyi EPBC status: - May TPWC status: Vulnerable There are a few records within Darwin but core nesting or Pale Field-rat Habitat: Historically occurred in a wide range of habitats, but is foraging habitat of this species now primarily found in dense vegetation along creeks (Aplin et does not occur within the al. 2008). proposed development areas.
Client: Defence Housing Australia Doc Title: Ecological Assessment of Muirhead North and 2CRU
Species name Species details Likelihood of occurrence Distribution: Occurs in the higher rainfall areas of northern Australia, extending from Kimberley to south-eastern Queensland, including the Top End of the Northern Territory (Braithwaite et al. 1996). Saccolaimus EPBC status: Critically Endangered May saccolaimus TPWC status: Near Threatened Habitat suitable to this species occurs within the project area; Habitat: NT records are from Pandanus Woodland and however, this is appears to be Bare-rumped eucalypt tall open forests (Friend et al. 1986; Churchill 1998). a naturally rare species in the Sheathtail Bat Roosts in tree hollows and caves (Duncan et al. 1999). Top End. Distribution: Widely distributed from India through south- eastern Asia to the Solomon Islands, and including north- eastern Queensland and the Northern Territory. The north- eastern Australian population is described as the subspecies S. s. nudicluniatus, although it is not clear whether this should be applied to the Northern Territory (Milne et al. 2006). In the NT, known from floodplain area of South Alligator River.
References for Appendix A Aumann, T & Baker-Gabb, D 1991, A Management Plan for the Red Goshawk, RAOU Report 75, Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union, Melbourne. Barrett, G, Silcocks, A, Barry, S, Cunningham, R & Poulter, R 2003, The New Atlas of Australian Birds, Birds Australia, Melbourne, Victoria. Christian, K 2004, ‘Varanus mertensi’, in Varanoid lizards of the world, (eds. Pianka, ER, King DR & King RA (eds), Indiana University Press, Bloomington, Indianapolis. Churchill, S, 1998, Australian Bats, Reed New Holland, Sydney. Cole, J, & Woinarski, J 2002, Field Guide to Rodents & Dasyurids of the Northern Territory. Corbett, L & Richards, G, 2002, Bat survey: Gunlom land trust area. Report to Parks Australia North, EWL Sciences, Darwin. Debus, S & Czechura, G 1988, ‘Field identification of the Red Goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiatus’. Australian Bird Watcher, vol. 12, pp. 154-159. Dostine, P 1998, Gouldian Finch recovery Plan Erythrura gouldiae, Gouldian Finch Recovery Team and Parks & Wildlife Commission NT, Darwin. Duncan, A, Baker, GB, & Montgomery, N (eds) 1999, The Action Plan for Australian Bats, Environment Australia, Canberra. Fisher, A, Mahney, T, Mackay, L, Tynan, C, Dostine, P, Young, S & Fegan, M 2011, Assessment of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna of the Weddell area, Final Report, July 2011. Franklin, DC, Whitehead, PJ, Pardon, G, Matthews, J, McMahon, P & McIntyre, D 2005, ‘Geographic patterns and correlates of the decline of granivorous birds in northern Australia’, Wildlife Research, vol. 32, pp. 399-408. Friend, GR 1985, ‘Ecological studies of a population of Antechinus bellus (Marsupalia: Dasyuridae) in tropical Australia’, Australian Wildlife Research, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 151-162. Garnett, ST, Szabo, JK, and Dutson, G 2011, The action plan for Australian Birds 2010, CSIRO Publishing, Birds Australia, Melbourne. Garnett, ST & Crowley, GM 2000, The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2000, Environment Australia and Birds Australia, Canberra, ACT. Gore, MJE 1968, ‘A Check-list of the birds of Sabah, Borneo’, Ibis, vol. 110, pp. 165-196. Higgins, PJ & Davies, SJJF (eds.) 1996, Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Vol. Three - Snipe to Pigeons, Oxford University Press, Melbourne, Victoria.
Client: Defence Housing Australia Doc Title: Ecological Assessment of Muirhead North and 2CRU
Higgins, PJ, Peter, JM & Cowling, SJ (eds.) 2006, ‘Boatbill to Starlings’, in Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, Vol. 7, Oxford University Press, Melbourne. Hill, B 2012, Threatened Species of the Northern Territory- Black-footed Tree-rat Mesembriomys gouldii, Northern Territory Department of Land Resource Management, viewed 17 March 2014,
Client: Defence Housing Australia Doc Title: Ecological Assessment of Muirhead North and 2CRU
Woinarski, JCZ 2006, Threatened Species of the Northern Territory- Partridge Pigeon (eastern subspecies) Geophaps smithii smithii, Northern Territory Department of Land Resource Management, viewed 17 March 2014,
Client: Defence Housing Australia Doc Title: Ecological Assessment of Muirhead North and 2CRU
Appendix B – EPBC Protected Matters Report
Client: Defence Housing Australia Doc Title: Ecological Assessment of Muirhead North and 2CRU
EPBC Act Protected Matters Report
This report provides general guidance on matters of national environmental significance and other matters protected by the EPBC Act in the area you have selected.
Information on the coverage of this report and qualifications on data supporting this report are contained in the caveat at the end of the report.
Information is available about Environment Assessments and the EPBC Act including significance guidelines, forms and application process details.
Report created: 08/04/15 09:55:35
Summary Details Matters of NES Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act Extra Information Caveat Acknowledgements
This map may contain data which are ©Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia), ©PSMA 2010
Coordinates Buffer: 5.0Km
Summary
Matters of National Environmental Significance
This part of the report summarises the matters of national environmental significance that may occur in, or may relate to, the area you nominated. Further information is available in the detail part of the report, which can be accessed by scrolling or following the links below. If you are proposing to undertake an activity that may have a significant impact on one or more matters of national environmental significance then you should consider the Administrative Guidelines on Significance.
World Heritage Properties: None National Heritage Places: None Wetlands of International Importance: None Great Barrier Reef Marine Park: None Commonwealth Marine Area: None Listed Threatened Ecological Communities: None Listed Threatened Species: 24 Listed Migratory Species: 51
Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act
This part of the report summarises other matters protected under the Act that may relate to the area you nominated. Approval may be required for a proposed activity that significantly affects the environment on Commonwealth land, when the action is outside the Commonwealth land, or the environment anywhere when the action is taken on Commonwealth land. Approval may also be required for the Commonwealth or Commonwealth agencies proposing to take an action that is likely to have a significant impact on the environment anywhere.
The EPBC Act protects the environment on Commonwealth land, the environment from the actions taken on Commonwealth land, and the environment from actions taken by Commonwealth agencies. As heritage values of a place are part of the 'environment', these aspects of the EPBC Act protect the Commonwealth Heritage values of a Commonwealth Heritage place. Information on the new heritage laws can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/index.html
A permit may be required for activities in or on a Commonwealth area that may affect a member of a listed threatened species or ecological community, a member of a listed migratory species, whales and other cetaceans, or a member of a listed marine species.
Commonwealth Land: 9 Commonwealth Heritage Places: None Listed Marine Species: 101 Whales and Other Cetaceans: 12 Critical Habitats: None Commonwealth Reserves Terrestrial: None Commonwealth Reserves Marine: None
Extra Information
This part of the report provides information that may also be relevant to the area you have nominated.
State and Territory Reserves: 2 Regional Forest Agreements: None Invasive Species: 29 Nationally Important Wetlands: None Key Ecological Features (Marine) None
Details
Matters of National Environmental Significance
Listed Threatened Species [ Resource Information ] Name Status Type of Presence Birds Erythrotriorchis radiatus Red Goshawk [942] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Erythrura gouldiae Gouldian Finch [413] Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Geophaps smithii smithii Partridge Pigeon (eastern) [64441] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe [77037] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area
Tyto novaehollandiae kimberli Masked Owl (northern) [26048] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Mammals Balaenoptera musculus Blue Whale [36] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area
Conilurus penicillatus Brush-tailed Rabbit-rat, Brush-tailed Tree-rat, Vulnerable Species or species habitat Pakooma [132] may occur within area
Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll [331] Endangered Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Megaptera novaeangliae Humpback Whale [38] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Phascogale pirata Northern Brush-tailed Phascogale [82954] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Saccolaimus saccolaimus nudicluniatus Bare-rumped Sheathtail Bat [66889] Critically Endangered Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Xeromys myoides Water Mouse, False Water Rat, Yirrkoo [66] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Reptiles
Name Status Type of Presence Acanthophis hawkei Plains Death Adder [83821] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle [1763] Endangered Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Chelonia mydas Green Turtle [1765] Vulnerable Breeding known to occur within area Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle, Leathery Turtle, Luth [1768] Endangered Breeding likely to occur within area Eretmochelys imbricata Hawksbill Turtle [1766] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Lepidochelys olivacea Olive Ridley Turtle, Pacific Ridley Turtle [1767] Endangered Breeding known to occur within area Natator depressus Flatback Turtle [59257] Vulnerable Breeding known to occur within area Sharks Carcharodon carcharias Great White Shark [64470] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area
Glyphis garricki Northern River Shark, New Guinea River Shark Endangered Species or species habitat [82454] may occur within area
Pristis clavata Dwarf Sawfish, Queensland Sawfish [68447] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Pristis pristis Largetooth Sawfish, Freshwater Sawfish, River Vulnerable Species or species habitat Sawfish, Leichhardt's Sawfish, Northern Sawfish likely to occur within area [60756] Rhincodon typus Whale Shark [66680] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area
Listed Migratory Species [ Resource Information ] * Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list. Name Threatened Type of Presence Migratory Marine Birds Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift [678] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Sterna albifrons Little Tern [813] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Migratory Marine Species Balaenoptera edeni Bryde's Whale [35] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Balaenoptera musculus Blue Whale [36] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area
Carcharodon carcharias Great White Shark [64470] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area
Name Threatened Type of Presence Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle [1763] Endangered Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Chelonia mydas Green Turtle [1765] Vulnerable Breeding known to occur within area Crocodylus porosus Salt-water Crocodile, Estuarine Crocodile [1774] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle, Leathery Turtle, Luth [1768] Endangered Breeding likely to occur within area Dugong dugon Dugong [28] Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Eretmochelys imbricata Hawksbill Turtle [1766] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Lepidochelys olivacea Olive Ridley Turtle, Pacific Ridley Turtle [1767] Endangered Breeding known to occur within area Manta birostris Giant Manta Ray, Chevron Manta Ray, Pacific Manta Species or species habitat Ray, Pelagic Manta Ray, Oceanic Manta Ray [84995] may occur within area
Megaptera novaeangliae Humpback Whale [38] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Natator depressus Flatback Turtle [59257] Vulnerable Breeding known to occur within area Orcaella brevirostris Irrawaddy Dolphin [45] Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Orcinus orca Killer Whale, Orca [46] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Rhincodon typus Whale Shark [66680] Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur within area
Sousa chinensis Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin [50] Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Tursiops aduncus (Arafura/Timor Sea populations) Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin (Arafura/Timor Sea Species or species habitat populations) [78900] likely to occur within area
Migratory Terrestrial Species Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle [943] Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow [662] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater [670] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail [592] Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Name Threatened Type of Presence Migratory Wetlands Species Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper [59309] Roosting known to occur within area Ardea alba Great Egret, White Egret [59541] Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret [59542] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone [872] Roosting known to occur within area Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper [874] Roosting known to occur within area Calidris alba Sanderling [875] Roosting known to occur within area Calidris canutus Red Knot, Knot [855] Roosting known to occur within area Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper [856] Roosting known to occur within area Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint [860] Roosting known to occur within area Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot [862] Roosting known to occur within area Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover, Large Sand Plover [877] Roosting known to occur within area Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover, Mongolian Plover [879] Roosting known to occur within area Charadrius veredus Oriental Plover, Oriental Dotterel [882] Roosting known to occur within area Glareola maldivarum Oriental Pratincole [840] Roosting known to occur within area Heteroscelus brevipes Grey-tailed Tattler [59311] Roosting known to occur within area Limicola falcinellus Broad-billed Sandpiper [842] Roosting known to occur within area Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit [844] Roosting known to occur within area Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit [845] Roosting known to occur within area Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew [847] Roosting known to occur within area Numenius minutus Little Curlew, Little Whimbrel [848] Roosting known to occur within area Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel [849] Roosting known to occur within area Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover [25545] Roosting known to occur within area Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover [865] Roosting known to occur within area
Name Threatened Type of Presence Rostratula benghalensis (sensu lato) Painted Snipe [889] Endangered* Species or species habitat may occur within area
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper [829] Roosting known to occur within area Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper, Little Greenshank [833] Roosting known to occur within area Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper [59300] Roosting known to occur within area
Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act Commonwealth Land [ Resource Information ] The Commonwealth area listed below may indicate the presence of Commonwealth land in this vicinity. Due to the unreliability of the data source, all proposals should be checked as to whether it impacts on a Commonwealth area, before making a definitive decision. Contact the State or Territory government land department for further information. Name Commonwealth Land - Commonwealth Land - Australian Customs Service Commonwealth Land - Australian Government Solicitor Commonwealth Land - Department of Administrative Services Commonwealth Land - Department of Community Services & Health Commonwealth Land - Director of Property Services Defence Estate Defence - DARWIN - AP10 RADAR SITE - LEE POINT Defence - DARWIN - AP3 RECEIVING STATION - LEE POINT Defence - LEANYER BOMBING RANGE
Listed Marine Species [ Resource Information ] * Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list. Name Threatened Type of Presence Birds Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper [59309] Roosting known to occur within area Anseranas semipalmata Magpie Goose [978] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift [678] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Ardea alba Great Egret, White Egret [59541] Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret [59542] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone [872] Roosting known to occur within area Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper [874] Roosting known to occur within area
Name Threatened Type of Presence Calidris alba Sanderling [875] Roosting known to occur within area Calidris canutus Red Knot, Knot [855] Roosting known to occur within area Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper [856] Roosting known to occur within area Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper [858] Roosting known to occur within area Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint [860] Roosting known to occur within area Calidris subminuta Long-toed Stint [861] Roosting known to occur within area Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot [862] Roosting known to occur within area Charadrius dubius Little Ringed Plover [896] Roosting known to occur within area Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover, Large Sand Plover [877] Roosting known to occur within area Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover, Mongolian Plover [879] Roosting known to occur within area Charadrius ruficapillus Red-capped Plover [881] Roosting known to occur within area Charadrius veredus Oriental Plover, Oriental Dotterel [882] Roosting known to occur within area Gallinago megala Swinhoe's Snipe [864] Roosting known to occur within area Gallinago stenura Pin-tailed Snipe [841] Roosting likely to occur within area Glareola maldivarum Oriental Pratincole [840] Roosting known to occur within area Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle [943] Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Heteroscelus brevipes Grey-tailed Tattler [59311] Roosting known to occur within area Heteroscelus incanus Wandering Tattler [59547] Roosting known to occur within area Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt [870] Roosting known to occur within area Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow [662] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Limicola falcinellus Broad-billed Sandpiper [842] Roosting known to occur within area Limnodromus semipalmatus Asian Dowitcher [843] Roosting known to occur within area Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit [844] Roosting known to occur within area
Name Threatened Type of Presence Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit [845] Roosting known to occur within area Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater [670] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew [847] Roosting known to occur within area Numenius minutus Little Curlew, Little Whimbrel [848] Roosting known to occur within area Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel [849] Roosting known to occur within area Pandion haliaetus Osprey [952] Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover [25545] Roosting known to occur within area Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover [865] Roosting known to occur within area Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail [592] Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Rostratula benghalensis (sensu lato) Painted Snipe [889] Endangered* Species or species habitat may occur within area
Sterna albifrons Little Tern [813] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Stiltia isabella Australian Pratincole [818] Roosting known to occur within area Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper [829] Roosting known to occur within area Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper, Little Greenshank [833] Roosting known to occur within area Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper [59300] Roosting known to occur within area Fish Campichthys tricarinatus Three-keel Pipefish [66192] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Choeroichthys brachysoma Pacific Short-bodied Pipefish, Short-bodied Pipefish Species or species habitat [66194] may occur within area
Choeroichthys suillus Pig-snouted Pipefish [66198] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Corythoichthys amplexus Fijian Banded Pipefish, Brown-banded Pipefish Species or species habitat [66199] may occur within area
Corythoichthys flavofasciatus Reticulate Pipefish, Yellow-banded Pipefish, Network Species or species habitat Pipefish [66200] may occur within area
Name Threatened Type of Presence Corythoichthys haematopterus Reef-top Pipefish [66201] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Doryrhamphus excisus Bluestripe Pipefish, Indian Blue-stripe Pipefish, Pacific Species or species habitat Blue-stripe Pipefish [66211] may occur within area
Doryrhamphus janssi Cleaner Pipefish, Janss' Pipefish [66212] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Festucalex cinctus Girdled Pipefish [66214] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Halicampus brocki Brock's Pipefish [66219] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Halicampus grayi Mud Pipefish, Gray's Pipefish [66221] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Halicampus spinirostris Spiny-snout Pipefish [66225] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Haliichthys taeniophorus Ribboned Pipehorse, Ribboned Seadragon [66226] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Hippichthys cyanospilos Blue-speckled Pipefish, Blue-spotted Pipefish [66228] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Hippichthys parvicarinatus Short-keel Pipefish, Short-keeled Pipefish [66230] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Hippichthys penicillus Beady Pipefish, Steep-nosed Pipefish [66231] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Hippocampus histrix Spiny Seahorse, Thorny Seahorse [66236] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Hippocampus kuda Spotted Seahorse, Yellow Seahorse [66237] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Hippocampus planifrons Flat-face Seahorse [66238] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Hippocampus spinosissimus Hedgehog Seahorse [66239] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Micrognathus micronotopterus Tidepool Pipefish [66255] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Solegnathus hardwickii Pallid Pipehorse, Hardwick's Pipehorse [66272] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Solegnathus lettiensis Gunther's Pipehorse, Indonesian Pipefish [66273] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Name Threatened Type of Presence Solenostomus cyanopterus Robust Ghostpipefish, Blue-finned Ghost Pipefish, Species or species habitat [66183] may occur within area
Solenostomus paegnius Rough-snout Ghost Pipefish [68425] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Syngnathoides biaculeatus Double-end Pipehorse, Double-ended Pipehorse, Species or species habitat Alligator Pipefish [66279] may occur within area
Trachyrhamphus bicoarctatus Bentstick Pipefish, Bend Stick Pipefish, Short-tailed Species or species habitat Pipefish [66280] may occur within area
Trachyrhamphus longirostris Straightstick Pipefish, Long-nosed Pipefish, Straight Species or species habitat Stick Pipefish [66281] may occur within area
Mammals Dugong dugon Dugong [28] Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Reptiles Acalyptophis peronii Horned Seasnake [1114] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Aipysurus duboisii Dubois' Seasnake [1116] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Aipysurus eydouxii Spine-tailed Seasnake [1117] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Aipysurus laevis Olive Seasnake [1120] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Astrotia stokesii Stokes' Seasnake [1122] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle [1763] Endangered Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area Chelonia mydas Green Turtle [1765] Vulnerable Breeding known to occur within area Crocodylus johnstoni Freshwater Crocodile, Johnston's Crocodile, Species or species habitat Johnston's River Crocodile [1773] may occur within area
Crocodylus porosus Salt-water Crocodile, Estuarine Crocodile [1774] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle, Leathery Turtle, Luth [1768] Endangered Breeding likely to occur within area Disteira kingii Spectacled Seasnake [1123] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Disteira major Olive-headed Seasnake [1124] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Name Threatened Type of Presence Enhydrina schistosa Beaked Seasnake [1126] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Eretmochelys imbricata Hawksbill Turtle [1766] Vulnerable Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Hydrelaps darwiniensis Black-ringed Seasnake [1100] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Hydrophis atriceps Black-headed Seasnake [1101] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Hydrophis coggeri Slender-necked Seasnake [25925] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Hydrophis elegans Elegant Seasnake [1104] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Hydrophis inornatus Plain Seasnake [1107] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Hydrophis mcdowelli null [25926] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Hydrophis ornatus Spotted Seasnake, Ornate Reef Seasnake [1111] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Hydrophis pacificus Large-headed Seasnake, Pacific Seasnake [1112] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Lapemis hardwickii Spine-bellied Seasnake [1113] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Lepidochelys olivacea Olive Ridley Turtle, Pacific Ridley Turtle [1767] Endangered Breeding known to occur within area Natator depressus Flatback Turtle [59257] Vulnerable Breeding known to occur within area Parahydrophis mertoni Northern Mangrove Seasnake [1090] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Pelamis platurus Yellow-bellied Seasnake [1091] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Whales and other Cetaceans [ Resource Information ] Name Status Type of Presence Mammals Balaenoptera edeni Bryde's Whale [35] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Balaenoptera musculus Blue Whale [36] Endangered Species or species habitat may occur within area
Delphinus delphis Common Dophin, Short-beaked Common Dolphin [60] Species or species habitat may occur within
Name Status Type of Presence area Grampus griseus Risso's Dolphin, Grampus [64] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Megaptera novaeangliae Humpback Whale [38] Vulnerable Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Orcaella brevirostris Irrawaddy Dolphin [45] Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Orcinus orca Killer Whale, Orca [46] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Sousa chinensis Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin [50] Species or species habitat known to occur within area
Stenella attenuata Spotted Dolphin, Pantropical Spotted Dolphin [51] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Tursiops aduncus Indian Ocean Bottlenose Dolphin, Spotted Bottlenose Species or species habitat Dolphin [68418] likely to occur within area
Tursiops aduncus (Arafura/Timor Sea populations) Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin (Arafura/Timor Sea Species or species habitat populations) [78900] likely to occur within area
Tursiops truncatus s. str. Bottlenose Dolphin [68417] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Extra Information State and Territory Reserves [ Resource Information ] Name State Buffalo Creek Management Area NT Casuarina NT
Invasive Species [ Resource Information ] Weeds reported here are the 20 species of national significance (WoNS), along with other introduced plants that are considered by the States and Territories to pose a particularly significant threat to biodiversity. The following feral animals are reported: Goat, Red Fox, Cat, Rabbit, Pig, Water Buffalo and Cane Toad. Maps from Landscape Health Project, National Land and Water Resouces Audit, 2001.
Name Status Type of Presence Birds Acridotheres tristis Common Myna, Indian Myna [387] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Columba livia Rock Pigeon, Rock Dove, Domestic Pigeon [803] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Passer domesticus House Sparrow [405] Species or species
Name Status Type of Presence habitat likely to occur within area Passer montanus Eurasian Tree Sparrow [406] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling [389] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Frogs Rhinella marina Cane Toad [83218] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Mammals Bubalus bubalis Water Buffalo, Swamp Buffalo [1] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Canis lupus familiaris Domestic Dog [82654] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Equus caballus Horse [5] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Felis catus Cat, House Cat, Domestic Cat [19] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Mus musculus House Mouse [120] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Rattus rattus Black Rat, Ship Rat [84] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Sus scrofa Pig [6] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Plants Andropogon gayanus Gamba Grass [66895] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Annona glabra Pond Apple, Pond-apple Tree, Alligator Apple, Species or species habitat Bullock's Heart, Cherimoya, Monkey Apple, Bobwood, may occur within area Corkwood [6311] Brachiaria mutica Para Grass [5879] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Cabomba caroliniana Cabomba, Fanwort, Carolina Watershield, Fish Grass, Species or species habitat Washington Grass, Watershield, Carolina Fanwort, likely to occur within area Common Cabomba [5171] Cenchrus ciliaris Buffel-grass, Black Buffel-grass [20213] Species or species habitat may occur within area
Dolichandra unguis-cati Cat's Claw Vine, Yellow Trumpet Vine, Cat's Claw Species or species habitat Creeper, Funnel Creeper [85119] likely to occur within area
Eichhornia crassipes Water Hyacinth, Water Orchid, Nile Lily [13466] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Name Status Type of Presence Jatropha gossypifolia Cotton-leaved Physic-Nut, Bellyache Bush, Cotton-leaf Species or species habitat Physic Nut, Cotton-leaf Jatropha, Black Physic Nut likely to occur within area [7507] Lantana camara Lantana, Common Lantana, Kamara Lantana, Large- Species or species habitat leaf Lantana, Pink Flowered Lantana, Red Flowered likely to occur within area Lantana, Red-Flowered Sage, White Sage, Wild Sage [10892] Mimosa pigra Mimosa, Giant Mimosa, Giant Sensitive Plant, Species or species habitat ThornySensitive Plant, Black Mimosa, Catclaw likely to occur within area Mimosa, Bashful Plant [11223] Parkinsonia aculeata Parkinsonia, Jerusalem Thorn, Jelly Bean Tree, Horse Species or species habitat Bean [12301] likely to occur within area
Pennisetum polystachyon Mission Grass, Perennial Mission Grass, Species or species habitat Missiongrass, Feathery Pennisetum, Feather likely to occur within area Pennisetum, Thin Napier Grass, West Indian Pennisetum, Blue Buffel Grass [21194] Salvinia molesta Salvinia, Giant Salvinia, Aquarium Watermoss, Kariba Species or species habitat Weed [13665] likely to occur within area
Reptiles Hemidactylus frenatus Asian House Gecko [1708] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Lepidodactylus lugubris Mourning Gecko [1712] Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Ramphotyphlops braminus Flowerpot Blind Snake, Brahminy Blind Snake, Cacing Species or species habitat Besi [1258] likely to occur within area
Caveat The information presented in this report has been provided by a range of data sources as acknowledged at the end of the report. This report is designed to assist in identifying the locations of places which may be relevant in determining obligations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It holds mapped locations of World and National Heritage properties, Wetlands of International and National Importance, Commonwealth and State/Territory reserves, listed threatened, migratory and marine species and listed threatened ecological communities. Mapping of Commonwealth land is not complete at this stage. Maps have been collated from a range of sources at various resolutions.
Not all species listed under the EPBC Act have been mapped (see below) and therefore a report is a general guide only. Where available data supports mapping, the type of presence that can be determined from the data is indicated in general terms. People using this information in making a referral may need to consider the qualifications below and may need to seek and consider other information sources.
For threatened ecological communities where the distribution is well known, maps are derived from recovery plans, State vegetation maps, remote sensing imagery and other sources. Where threatened ecological community distributions are less well known, existing vegetation maps and point location data are used to produce indicative distribution maps.
For species where the distributions are well known, maps are digitised from sources such as recovery plans and detailed habitat studies. Where appropriate, core breeding, foraging and roosting areas are indicated under 'type of presence'. For species whose distributions are less well known, point locations are collated from government wildlife authorities, museums, and non-government organisations; bioclimatic distribution models are generated and these validated by experts. In some cases, the distribution maps are based solely on expert knowledge.
Only selected species covered by the following provisions of the EPBC Act have been mapped: - migratory and - marine The following species and ecological communities have not been mapped and do not appear in reports produced from this database: - threatened species listed as extinct or considered as vagrants - some species and ecological communities that have only recently been listed - some terrestrial species that overfly the Commonwealth marine area - migratory species that are very widespread, vagrant, or only occur in small numbers The following groups have been mapped, but may not cover the complete distribution of the species: - non-threatened seabirds which have only been mapped for recorded breeding sites - seals which have only been mapped for breeding sites near the Australian continent Such breeding sites may be important for the protection of the Commonwealth Marine environment.
Coordinates
-12.3457 130.8912
Acknowledgements This database has been compiled from a range of data sources. The department acknowledges the following custodians who have contributed valuable data and advice: -Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, New South Wales -Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria -Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Tasmania -Department of Environment and Natural Resources, South Australia -Parks and Wildlife Service NT, NT Dept of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts -Environmental and Resource Management, Queensland -Department of Environment and Conservation, Western Australia -Department of the Environment, Climate Change, Energy and Water -Birds Australia -Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme -Australian National Wildlife Collection -Natural history museums of Australia -Museum Victoria -Australian Museum -SA Museum -Queensland Museum -Online Zoological Collections of Australian Museums -Queensland Herbarium -National Herbarium of NSW -Royal Botanic Gardens and National Herbarium of Victoria -Tasmanian Herbarium -State Herbarium of South Australia -Northern Territory Herbarium -Western Australian Herbarium -Australian National Herbarium, Atherton and Canberra -University of New England -Ocean Biogeographic Information System -Australian Government, Department of Defence -State Forests of NSW -Geoscience Australia -CSIRO -Other groups and individuals
The Department is extremely grateful to the many organisations and individuals who provided expert advice and information on numerous draft distributions.
Please feel free to provide feedback via the Contact Us page.
© Commonwealth of Australia Department of the Environment GPO Box 787 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia +61 2 6274 1111
Appendix C – VDM-EcOz flora and fauna survey report for Muirhead (2008)
Client: Defence Housing Australia Doc Title: Ecological Assessment of Muirhead North and 2CRU
Flora and Fauna Survey
of the proposed
Muirhead Development Site
December 2008
Prepared for: Connell Wagner Pty Ltd
Prepared by: EcOz Environmental Services
Suite 1, Third Floor Winlow house 75 Woods Street, Darwin (cnr Lindsay & Woods St) GPO Box 381, Darwin Northern Territory 0801 T: 08 8981 1100 F: 08 8981 1102 Freecall: 1800 801 208 E: [email protected] I: www.ecoz.com.au VDM (WA) Pty Ltd t/a EcOz Environmental Services ABN 59 009 351 400
DOCUMENT CONTROL:
Project number: ConWag0801
File ref: Z:\EcOz_Documents\ecoz_projects\Con_Wagner_0801\03 Report\Muirhead_Report.doc Report by: Huon Clark, David van den Hoek
Date: Revision Status: Reviewed by: Document distribution:
13/1/08 final RH Jan Salmon CW
RELIANCE STATEMENT AND USES This report is copyright and to be used only for its intended purpose by the intended recipient, and is not to be copied or used in any other way. The report may be relied upon for its intended purpose within the limits of the following disclaimer.
LIMITATIONS This study, report and analyses have been based on the information available to EcOz at the time of the study. EcOz accepts responsibility for the report and its conclusions to the extent that the information was sufficient and accurate. EcOz does not take responsibility for errors and omissions due to incorrect information or information not available to EcOz at the time of the study.
© EcOz Environmental Services 2008
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Defence Housing Australia (DHA) is proposing to develop a planned community in the northern suburbs of Darwin. Referred to as Muirhead, the site of this proposed development has been used for anti-aircraft activity during WWII, and for radio communications, but otherwise contains relatively undisturbed bush land. Ecoz Environmental Services was contracted to conduct a Flora and Fauna survey to determine which species occur, or are likely to occur within the proposed development site, with specific attention paid to species of conservation significance. This report presents and discusses the results of the comprehensive survey conducted at the Muirhead site. The Flora and Fauna survey was conducted over a 4 day period in early December 2008.
Muirhead Development Site A number of similar residential developments similar to that proposed by DHA already border this site (Leanyer/Woodleigh, Lyons and Wanguri) to the west and south. The Leanyer/Sanderson treatment facility and Leanyer Swamp lie to the east of the development, while the north of the property is bounded by a caravan park and beyond that, native vegetation of Casuarina Coastal Reserve and Lee Point. The site is accessed via Lee Point Rd, which runs along the western boundary of Muirhead. A locality map is provided in Appendix A
Muirhead Development Fauna Survey A total of 79 fauna species were recorded at the Muirhead, comprising:
• 3 Amphibians; • 12 Reptiles; • 60 Birds; and • 4 mammals (not including microchiropteran bat calls identified) and • Between 5 and 10 potentially detected microchiropteran bat species The desk top review of the NT Fauna Atlas revealed a total of 350 species that have been previously recorded within 10 km of the proposed development site. The following eight species recorded during the fauna survey are new additions to the NT Atlas:
• The Striped Rainbow Skink – Carlia munda; • The Red-sided Rainbow Skink – Carlia rufilatus; • Douglas’ Skink – Glaphyromorphus douglasi; • Black-headed Monitor – Varanus tristis; • The Great Crested Grebe – Podiceps cristatus; • Torresian Crow – Corvus orru; • Dingo – Canus lupis dingo; and • Dog – Canus lupis familiaris.
Flora and Fauna Survey of Muirhead Development I
The short duration of the fauna survey is reflected in the low number of species records when compared to the NT fauna atlas (approximately 23%). This is not an uncommon result for a standard fauna survey. The Bush-stone Curlew Burhinus grallarius, listed as Near Threatened under the Territory Parks and Wildlife Act (TPWC Act 2000), was recorded as present on the Muirhead property. The Bush-stone Curlew is locally common in the Darwin region, however numbers have been in decline in the more southern reaches of Australia. Rainbow bee-eaters Merops ornatus were also observed perching and feeding within the boundaries of the site. Rainbow bee-eaters are listed as a migratory species under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act 1999). The proposed development is not considered to be a significant threat to this species as it is highly mobile and relatively common in the Darwin Region. Of the NT Fauna Atlas records within 10 kms of the Muirhead site, a further 18 species are listed under the TPWC Act 2000, and a further 8 species listed under the EPBC Act 1999. Some of these species live in habitats not found on the site (such as marine) and thus are not included in this report. Further information on species of conservation significance that were not recorded during the survey, yet may inhabit the site, is provided in the survey report.
Muirhead Development Flora Survey Flora and habitat surveys were conducted at each of the six fauna survey quadrats and comprehensively assessed the dominant flora and physical characteristics of the quadrats. A total of 70 flora species were identified, the majority of which are widespread species common in Eucalyptus woodlands of the Top End’s tropical savannas country. The NT Flora Atlas Database contains records of five Near Threatened and one Vulnerable species listed under the TPWC Act 2000 within 10km of the site. Despite these species being specifically targeted during the survey only one species, the vulnerable Cycas armstrongii, was located on the site. The conservation significance of the Cycad prompted further survey and mapping of a high density cycad community within the Muirhead Development boundaries. A total of nine introduced plant species were located on the Muirhead property. Four of these species were located within the survey quadrats while a further five were located while travelling between survey quadrats. Of these nine introduced species, four are classified as B/C class weeds under the Northern Territory Weeds Act 2001(NTW Act), which requires that growth and spread are controlled and that these species must also not be introduced in the Northern Territory.
Conclusions The Muirhead Development survey showed the presence and activity of a healthy population of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Apart from past human disturbance such as the dumping of unwanted cars and defence activity the area shows minimal levels of erosion and disturbance across a variety of Eucalyptus woodland types. It is this that has allowed the continued presence of animals such as the Northern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon macrourus and a healthy diversity of birds – 60 in total. Eight of the 79 fauna species located during the Muirhead survey were new additions to the NT Fauna Atlas, which revealed a total of 350 species previously recorded within 10 km of the Muirhead site. No threatened fauna species were located during the December 2008 Muirhead survey. A total of 70 plants were identified inside the six survey sites during the Muirhead Development survey. A number of habitat types were surveyed, each of varying quality. Fire had been a major
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influence at a couple of locations while weeds were seen scattered across most sites. Site 3 was the only site to record no weed species. Of the six threatened or vulnerable plant species identified by the NT Flora Atlas, only one was located on the Muirhead property. This was the Vulnerable Cycad Cycas armstrongii which was identified in high numbers at various locations throughout the property and should be protected through appropriate management plans.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY I
2 INTRODUCTION 1
2.1 Background 1
2.2 The Muirhead Development Site 1 Climate prior to Survey 1
3 METHODOLOGY 3
3.1 Desktop Review for the Muirhead development Site 3 NT Fauna and Flora Atlas Database 3 EPBC Database Search Tool 3 Muirhead Development Fauna Survey 3 Fauna Survey Limitations 5
3.2 Muirhead Development Flora Survey 5
3.3 Evaluation of Conservation Significance 6
4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 7
4.1 Muirhead Development Flora Survey 7 Habitat and Vegetation Type 7 Significant Flora Species 13 Introduced Flora Species 13
4.2 Muirhead Development Fauna Survey 14 Amphibians 15 Reptiles 15 Birds 15 Mammals 16 Introduced fauna species 17
5 CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE AND POTENTIAL IMPACTS 18
5.1 Threatened Fauna Species 18 Nationally Listed Species 18 Migratory Species 19 Protected Fauna in the Northern Territory 20 Near Threatened Fauna Species 20
5.2 Protected Flora under the TPWC Act 2000 within the Muirhead survey site 21
6 CONCLUSION 22
7 REFERENCES 23
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APPENDICES
Appendix A Locality Map Appendix B Map of the Muirhead Development Survey Site Setup Appendix C Table of Fauna (Muirhead Development and NT Fauna Atlas to 10 km) Appendix D Table of Flora Species Located within Muirhead Development Survey Quadrats Appendix E Plates of Survey Quadrats Appendix F Plates of Fauna Appendix G EPBC Act Protected Matters Report Appendix H Plates of Cycas armstrongii Site
List of Tables Figure 1: Darwin Rainfall (mm) and Max Temperature (ºC) for the 2008 year Figure 2: Darwin Relative Humidity (%) for the 2008 year Table 1: Vegetation and Landform Description of each Survey Quadrat within the Muirhead Development Site Table 2: Weed species identified from within the Muirhead Development site. Table 3: Table of Microchiropteran Bat call analysis from Anabat recordings taken during the Muirhead development night surveys Table 4: Threatened Terrestrial Fauna Species (EPBC Act 1999) Table 5: Threatened and near threatened flora (TPWC Act 2000) and likelihood of occurrence
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We would like to thank Jan Salmon from Connell Wagner Pty Ltd for providing us with background flora and fauna information. Quick and timely flora identification by the NT Herbarium was also greatly appreciated.
Cover Photo: Glaphyromorphus douglasi found within Site 2.
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2 INTRODUCTION
2.1 Background Defence Housing Australia (DHA) is proposing the development of a planned community in the northern suburbs of Darwin. Referred to as Muirhead, the site of this proposed development contains relatively undisturbed bush land. Due to the extent of undisturbed bushland, Ecoz Environmental Services was contracted to conduct a Flora and Fauna survey to determine which species occur, or are likely to occur within the proposed development site, with specific attention paid to species of conservation significance. This report presents and discusses the results of the comprehensive survey conducted at the Muirhead site. The Flora and Fauna survey was conducted over a 4 day period from the 8th of December 2008 to the 11th of December 2008.
2.2 The Muirhead Development Site DHA is proposing development on the Muirhead site with the view of constructing a planned community similar to those already in existence in the area (Leanyer/Woodleigh, Lyons and Wanguri). Bordered by these communities to the south and west, Muirhead also has the Leanyer/Sanderson treatment facility and Leanyer Swamp directly to the east. These areas are considered ideal sites for birds and bird watching. To the North is an established caravan park and beyond that lies Lee point, which is part of the Casuarina Coastal Reserve that extends along the coast either side of the point. Both marine and terrestrial birds find sanctuary at the Casuarina Coastal Reserve. The Muirhead site is accessed from Lee Point Rd, which runs along the western boundary of the site. Several anti-aircraft Bofor gun positions were established within the Muirhead site (refer to Appendix E, Plate 6 and Appendix H, Plate 2) during the 1960’s. In addition to the WWII activity, an area toward the centre of the Muirhead site was cleared for the construction of radio towers, known as the receiver station site. This remains as the largest disturbed area on the site, and is currently used to stockpile small quantities of soil. Otherwise, the Muirhead site is relatively undisturbed, predominantly containing Eucalypt woodland. A few members of the public were observed using the property for recreational purposes (walking, motorbike riding etc).
Climate prior to Survey
Darwin International Airport (within 7 kms of the Muirhead site) received more rain than the monthly mean for most months of 2008 (12 months preceding the survey). As expected, the majority of the rain fell from January to March and October to December (the wet season) while April through to September (the dry season), received little or no rainfall (Figure 1). Similarly, maximum monthly temperatures for 2008 were generally above the monthly mean maximum temperature (Figure 1). Following the same trend, humidity both at 9 am and 3 pm were above average fairly consistently throughout 2008 (Figure 2). As a result, the 2008 year was a wetter and hotter year than the averages recorded from 1941 to 2007.
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Total Rainfall Max temp Mean max temp Mean Rainfall
800 35
700 34
600 33
500 32 Rainfall Temp 400 (mm) (C) 31 300 30 200
100 29
0 28
Jul-08 Jan-08Feb-08Mar-08Apr-08May-08Jun-08 Aug-08Sep-08Oct-08Nov-08Dec-08
Figure 1: Darwin Rainfall (mm) and Max Temperature (ºC) for the 2008 year
9am Humidity 3pm Humidity Mean Humidity 9am Mean Humidity 3pm
90
80
70
60
Humidity 50 (%) 40
30
20
10
0 Jan- Feb- Mar- Apr- May- Jun- Jul-08 Aug- Sep- Oct- Nov- Dec- 08 08 08 08 08 08 08 08 08 08 08
Figure 2: Darwin Relative Humidity (%) for the 2008 year
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3 METHODOLOGY
This study was conducted using standardised methods described in the Guidelines for the Terrestrial Biodiversity Component of Environmental Impact Assessment developed by the Biodiversity Conservation Division of DIPE (now NRETAS) in 2005.
3.1 Desktop Review for the Muirhead development Site The main data sources utilised in the desktop review were:
• NT Fauna Atlas records provided by the PWSNT; • NT Flora Atlas records provided by the PWSNT; • EPBC Act Protected Matters Database Search; and • Scientific papers and reference books. The results of the desktop review were used to identify fauna species and habitats of conservation significance that have been recorded within, or may inhabit the proposed Muirhead development site, and to focus the field assessments on areas of potential significance to fauna.
NT Fauna and Flora Atlas Database The NT Fauna Atlas is maintained by the Parks and Wildlife Service of the Northern Territory (PWSNT). The fauna atlas contains point locations of fauna species identified during previous surveys and recorded incidental observations. Survey effort has been concentrated in certain areas and as a result many areas in the Northern Territory are currently data deficient. The NT Fauna Atlas was utilised to identify species likely to occur within 10 km radius of the survey site, and to assess whether or not species classified as Threatened under Northern Territory or Commonwealth legislation have been previously recorded. The flora Atlas is also maintained by PWSNT and was utilised in a similar manner as the Fauna Atlas.
EPBC Database Search Tool The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) database is maintained by the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) – a department of the Federal Government. This database is provided to assist members of the public in understanding the EPBC Act and their rights, obligations and requirements under the Act. The database holds mapped locations of World Heritage properties, Ramsar wetlands, threatened, migratory and marine species, threatened ecological communities and protected areas. It is used to determine whether development is likely to affect a matter of National Environmental Significance and consequently require referral for assessment and approval under the EPBC Act 1999. Whether or not an action will trigger assessment under the EPBC Act 1999 depends on the particular location, scope, timing and other circumstances of the proposed action. The EPBC database was used to identify matters of national environmental significance that occur within 5 km of the Muirhead development survey site.
Muirhead Development Fauna Survey The fauna survey of the Muirhead Development site was conducted between the 8th and 11th of December 2008 by Environmental Scientists Tom Reilly, Huon Clark and David van den Hoek. The survey was conducted using methods described in the Guidelines for the Terrestrial Biodiversity Component of Environmental Impact Assessment. This methodology is the standard methodology for fauna surveys in the Northern Territory.
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The Muirhead Development survey area contains a variety of Eucalyptus woodland communities. Towards the centre of the property lies a vast cleared patch used in the past for radio receivers. Therefore, in an effort to capture each woodland type, six fauna quadrats (1-6) were selected in the uncleared parts of the Muirhead site. Each fauna quadrat measured approximately 50 m x 50 m. Quadrat locations were recorded by GPS (Datum: GDA 94) and are described in Table 1 and plotted in Map 2 (Appendix B) using ArcView 9.1. Photographs of each quadrat are provided in Appendix E. The layout of traps in each quadrat involved:
• 20 Elliott traps around the perimeter – 5 on each side, approximately 8 m apart;
• 4 Cage traps – one in each corner; and • 4 Pitfall traps – scattered within each quadrat. The pit traps consisted of 20 L plastic buckets dug to ground level, with 10 m of drift-fence erected across the centre of the bucket. Where possible, the pits were located within different microhabitats in the quadrat. The pit traps were opened for 3 nights, checked early each morning and rechecked at midday. The Elliott traps and cage traps were rebaited each afternoon, opened overnight and closed in the mornings. The bait involved a mixture of oats, peanut butter and sardine oil. Trapped animals were identified and released near the capture point. There was no need to mark captured animals. The EcOz survey team established the traps and monitored each quadrat continuously for three days and nights. Traps and flagging tape were removed at the end of the survey period, and the pit trap holes filled and compacted to ground level. Birds were counted in a 100 m x 100 m quadrat (i.e. including 25 m radius outside of the quadrat). Each quadrat was censused for birds eight times in daylight and twice during two nocturnal visits. Bird counts mainly occurred in the early morning and evening (dusk), with a few spread throughout the day. Each count was considered an instantaneous count of all the birds within the quadrat, and involved viewing the quadrat for five minutes. Birds that were noted outside of the time of bird count, or outside the quadrat were noted as incidentals. Only birds using the quadrat were counted, birds merely flying across or overhead were not included. Raptors were included if they were hunting overhead. The quadrats were also actively searched five times each for reptiles, mammals, and their scats and signs; three daytime searches were conducted (morning, midday, late afternoon), and two nocturnal searches were conducted. The active searches were for 10 minutes duration and involved:
• Turning rocks and logs, raking through leaf litter and grass, looking under bark, behind trees, in crevices, etc;
• Recording the number of individuals of each species seen; and • Recording scats, bones and other signs where they could be confidently attributed to species. Sightings of mammals, amphibians and reptiles outside of the quadrat area or search periods were also recorded as incidental observations, along with opportunistic observations made whilst travelling between the survey sites. The surveys were conducted by a team of experienced fauna surveyors and field assistants that assisted with site preparation, including installing the traps, checking the traps, collecting animals, loading and unloading equipment. The following resources were used for species identification and classification:
• Amphibians – A Field Guide to Australian Frogs (Barker et al. 1995); Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia (Cogger 2000);
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• Reptiles – A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia (Wilson and Swan 2003); Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia (Cogger 2000); Skinks of the Northern Territory (Horner 1991);
• Birds – The Field Guide to the Birds of Australian (Pizzey and Knight 1997); and • Mammals – The Mammals of Australia (Menkhorst & Knight 2001); Mammals of Australia (Strahan 1995); Australian Bats (Churchill 1998); Tracks, Scats and Other Traces (Triggs 1996). Bats were surveyed using an Anabat bat detector, which was set up to record for the duration of the nocturnal search nights. Analysis of calls was performed utilising a key to the bat calls of the Top End of the Northern Territory by Damian Milne (2002). Although using the Anabat to record bat calls is a non-intrusive means of bat detection and identification it can only result in presence of bat species rather than quantification of bat populations (i.e. an individual bat could fly over the detector several times in one survey session. Furthermore, even expert users may only identify as few as 10% of call files to species level (Milne 2002). For the purpose of this report, information on habitat use and range from the book on Australian Bats (Churchill 1998) and Mammals of Australia (Menkhorst and Knight 2001) was used to confirm possible identifications from the bat key (Milne 2002).
Fauna Survey Limitations • The results of the fauna surveys are only a ‘snapshot’ in time, and do not allow for seasonal variations or migrations;
• Scats cannot always be correctly attributed to species, however where they can be confidently identified, they provide an accurate indication of the presence and habitat preferences of certain species (Telfer et al. 2006).
• Detection of nocturnal species by spotlight potentially only detects about 25% of the animals present (e.g. Goldingay & Sharpe 2004), and is affected by environmental factors (Wayne et al. 2005). Specific survey conditions can be selected to improve spotlight detection efficiency (Wayne et al. 2005).
• Another study (Read & Moseby 2001a) also concluded that environmental factors affect the capture rates of small reptiles. Unfortunately, planning logistics for fauna surveys around specific environmental conditions is very difficult.
• The trap types and trapping methodologies utilised in this study do not necessarily provide an unbiased or complete indication of species diversity within an area (Cunningham et al. 2005, Read & Moseby 2001b, Thompson et al. 2005).
3.2 Muirhead Development Flora Survey Flora and habitat surveys were conducted on each of the 50m x 50m fauna survey quadrats, providing a comprehensive assessment of the dominant flora (flora contributing to more than 5% of the total flora composition). Flora species of conservation significance under the TPWC Act 2000 or the EPBC Act 1999 previously recorded in the region were also specifically targeted during flora surveys. Information was collected on habitat description datasheets based on standards provided by PWSNT to assess floristic structure/composition and the nature of the surrounding landscape. Data collected for each site included the following:
• GPS Coordinates recorded with a hand-held 12-satellite GPS set to GDA94 (accuracy of +/- 5 m); • Site description;
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• Description of physical environment;
• Description of the level of disturbance, if any; • Vegetation classification and species identified; • Fire history and impact; • Evidence of weeds (scaled from 0=no evidence to 5=evidence of high numbers); • Soil description; • Digital photographs; and • Any other relevant information. Field identifications of flora species were made using a variety of books and reference materials, including:
• Booth et al. 2001; • Brock 1993; • Brooker & Kleinig 2004; • Cowie & Albrecht 2005; • Dunlop et al. 1995; • Maslin 2001; • Sharp & Simon 2002; • Smith 2002; and • Wightman & Andrews 1989. Plant species that could not be identified in the field were sampled and preserved for later identification at the Northern Territory Herbarium. Botanical identification of vouchered herbarium specimens have been incorporated into the results for each site.
3.3 Evaluation of Conservation Significance The conservation significance of flora, fauna and habitats within and surrounding the project area were assessed with reference to:
• Species and habitats classified as threatened in accordance with the EPBC Act 1999; and • Species classified as threatened in accordance with the TPWC Act 2000. Threatened species are those classified as extinct in the wild, critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable as assessed against International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categories. The TPWC Act 2000 gives protected status to all species classified as ‘threatened’ in the NT and requires a person to apply for a permit to take or interfere with protected species. Nationally ‘threatened’ species constitute a Matter of National Environmental Significance under the EPBC Act 1999. In accordance with this Act, a person cannot take an action that will have a significant impact on a ‘threatened’ species without prior approval of the Commonwealth. The TPWC Act also classifies certain species as Near Threatened and Data Deficient. Species that fall under these categories are not currently regarded as holding significant conservation status, however, efforts to improve ecological knowledge and determine more detailed information on these species is regarded as important.
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4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Muirhead Development Flora Survey A total of 70 flora species were identified within the Muirhead survey quadrats. The majority of identified flora are widespread species common in Eucalyptus woodlands across the Tropical Savannas of the Top End, Northern Territory. A list of the flora species found at each survey site is shown in Appendix D. A search of the NT Flora Atlas Database identified five near threatened and one vulnerable species listed under the TPWC Act 2000 within 10km of the site, shown in Table 3. Despite these species being specifically targeted during the survey, only Cycas armstrongii, listed as Vulnerable under the TPWC Act, The conservation significance of the cycad prompted further survey and mapping of a high density cycad community within the Muirhead development boundaries. A total of nine introduced flora species were recorded during the survey (Table 1), four within the survey quadrats, and a further five were located while travelling between quadrats. Of these nine introduced species, four are classified as B/C class weeds under the Northern Territory Weeds Act 2001(NTW Act 2001), which requires that growth and spread of these species is controlled, and they must not be introduced into the Northern Territory.
Habitat and Vegetation Type The floristic composition and physical description for each quadrat is summarised in Table 1. Photographs of each quadrat are provided in Appendix E, and a floristic species list for the Muirhead survey quadrats is provided in Appendix D.
Quadrat 1 – Open Eucalyptus miniata woodland (Appendix E, Plate 1) Quadrat 1 was located in the Bushland to the south west of the property. Lying just south of an east west running track, the vegetation structure is considered a tall open forest. The most dominant species found in the upper story was Eucalyptus miniata, while Pandanas spiralis and Eucalyptus tetrodonta were also commonly found. The mid storey was very sparse, with a low overall cover of 5%, which we anticipate was due to fire regimes. Pandanas spiralis and Livistona humilis were the dominant species in the mid storey. A few other plant species such as Brachychiton diversifolius and Planchonia careya were also present, but in very low numbers. Buchanania obovata, Planchonia careya and the grass Heteropogon triticeus dominated the lower storey, which was also affected by the past fires. Despite this, the lower storey was the most diverse stratum at Quadrat 1, with 18 species recorded. There was no erosion recorded at this quadrat, however a recent fire had severely damaged the mid-storey species and structure. This resulted in very few mid-storey species and a very sparse mid-storey structure when compared to other quadrats. Human impact at this quadrat was evident in the old cars and metal scraps that had been dumped there in the past. Weed species were also found to be scattered throughout the quadrat. The soils at this quadrat were dominated by brown clayey sand that allows for rapid drainage (5% slope). Some litter and gravel cover there is a large percentage (40%) of bare soil at this site. No tree hollows were located, mistletoe was absent and fallen logs were abundant.
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Quadrat 2 – Tall open Eucalyptus forest (Appendix E Plate 2). Also located in the southern section of bush, Quadrat 2 was, in contrast to Quadrat 1, just to the North of the east-west running track and positioned near the western boundary of the site. The upper storey of this tall open forest was dominated by eucalypt and bloodwood species (Eucalyptus polycarpa, Eucalyptus tetrodonta, Corymbia bleeseri and Corymbia confertiflora). A well established mid-storey was dominated by Planchonia careya, along with a variety species including Pandanas spiralis, Terminalia ferdinandiana, and a number of acacias. The vulnerable Cycad Cycas armstrongii was also found at this quadrat. The lower storey was dominated by Lophostemon lactifluus, Terminalia ferdinandiana, Livistona humilis and Alloteropsis semialata. Weeds were also found scattered throughout the quadrat. Erosion was absent at Quadrat 2, and the last fire was estimated to have been over two years prior to the survey, allowing for a well developed lower and mid stratum as opposed to that found at Quadrat 1. No other disturbances were recorded for Quadrat 2. With poor drainage, the brown silty clay loam soils of Quadrat 2 are seasonally inundated, with a large proportion of litter cover throughout the quadrat. Gravel and patches of bare soil was present at the time of the survey however only in low proportions. Fauna refuge sites such as tree hollows were common throughout the site and fallen logs were recorded as abundant. Quadrat 3 – Open Eucalyptus tetrodonta woodland with Calytrix exstipulata scrubland (Appendix E, Plate 3) Positioned between the Calytrix exstipulata dominant cleared area and the eastern boundary, this site contains areas of scrubland and open Eucalyptus woodland with a grassy understorey. A relatively sparse upperstorey with only two species, the dominant Eucalyptus tetrodonta and the sparsely distributed Terminalia ferdinandiana, was recorded at this quadrat. The western border of the quadrat was dominated by the Calytrix exstipulata scrubland while other mid-storey species included Terminalia ferdinandiana and Planchonia careya. The lower storey was made up of a diverse array of grasses and vines, the most dominant of which was Sarga intrans and Dichanthium fecundum. Sixteen other species made up the lower storey. Quadrat 3 was the only quadrat where weed species were not recorded. With no erosion, the only form of disturbance at this site was a man-made drainage line to the east of the quadrat. The last fire to pass through the area was of low impact and was over 2 years prior to the survey period. With soils of greyish brown silty clay loam, this quadrat drains moderately well with only occasional seasonal waterlogging. A vast proportion (70%) of this quadrat had vegetation cover, however 80% of the soils underneath the vegetation had a laterite gravel coating. Tree hollows, fallen logs and mistletoe were all scattered throughout the site. Quadrat 4 – Open Melaleuca leucadendra woodland (Appendix E, Plate 4) Positioned to the centre of the northern end of the Muirhead site, Quadrat 4 is an artificially (old borrow pit) created Melaleuca swamp with seasonally inundated grassland and sedgeland surrounding it. Area of this habitat observed during the survey was around 100m². Only two upper storey species were observed within this quadrat. Melaleuca leucadendra dominates this quadrat, and Acacia latescens is also present. A very sparse mid- storey is dominated by Livistonia humilis with Acacia latescens, Acacia difficilis and Grevillea pteridifolia). Eriachne sp. dominates the understorey, while Erogrostis cumingii and Fimbristylis pauciflora are also relatively common. Weeds are scattered around the borders of this site, predominantly the southern border. Erosion was not present at Quadrat 4, however human disturbance in the form of dumped cars and scrap metal was found in and around the quadrat, not to mention that the quadrat was changed in the past through
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the creation of a borrow pit. Over two years prior to survey, a low impact fire passed through this quadrat, however the vegetation seems to have recovered. With brown loam soils, this depression in the landscape has very poor drainage with seasonal inundation/waterlogging expected most years. Predominately covered by leaf litter (90%) there is very little of any other form of ground cover. The quadrat contained scattered tree hollows and fallen logs, and Mistletoe was absent. Quadrat 5 - Eucalypus tetradonta and Corymbia bleeseri Woodland (Appendix E, Plate 5 and 6) Situated at the north-west corner of the Muirhead site, this quadrat has a caravan park to the north and an Indonesian conflict bofor gun site lies to the west between the quadrat and Lee Point Road. The upper storey is dominated by Eucalyptus tetrodonta, however Corymbia bleeseri and Eucalyptus miniata are also commonly found throughout Quadrat 5. Other species such as Acacias were also scattered throughout the upper storey. A highly diverse mid-storey was dominated by Callytrix exstipulata and Planchonia careya, whilst the vulnerable Cycad Cycas armstrongii was also common throughout the mid-storey. The lower storey of Quadrat 5 was also diverse, dominated by the native grass Sarga intrans, the weed Andropogon gayanus, Jasminium aemulum, Ampelocissus acetosa and Erythrophleum chlorostachys. Juvenile Cycas armstrongii also constituted part of the lower stratum. Erosion was absent from this quadrat and the only form of disturbance detected was the histrorical gun site, which was fenced off and sign posted outside of the survey quadrat. Fire damage was relatively severe from a fire estimated to have occurred one year prior to the survey period. Situated on an upper slope of approximately 5º, drainage at this quadrat is rapid. The soils are brown sandy clay loams. 70% of the ground cover at Quadrat 5 was vegetation cover, and the majority of the remainding 30% was made up of litter and gravel cover. Tree hollows and fallen logs were scattered throughout the quadrat, providing some refuge for fauna species. Quadrat 6 - Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Corymbia confertiflora Woodland (Appendix E, Plate 7) Lying on the northern boundary of the Muirhead property, Quadrat 6 is within 300 meters of a permanent water body (the water body is not within the bounds of Muirhead). Vegetated by open woodland, the upper storey of this quadrat is dominated by Corymbia confertiflora. Corymbia polycarpa and Eucalyptus tetrodonta are also commonin the upper stratum. The mid-storey is made up of a diverse array of species dominated by Planchonia careya, Terminalia ferdinandiana, Livistona humilis, Acacia latescens, Acacia difficilis, Lophostemon lactifluus and Melaleuca leucadendra. The lower storey is made up predominantly of grasses. The most dominant species in this stratum were Lophostemon lactifluus, Pennisetum polystachion, Andropogon gayanus and Impertata cyclindrica. Infestations of weed species; Gamba grass Andropogon gayanus and Mission Grass Pennisetum polystachion, were distributed throughout the quadrat. There was no erosion present within Quadrat 6, however a vehicle track dissected the quadrat through the south-western corner. This quadrat has poor drainage, resulting in seasonal waterlogging in most years. It was estimated that a low intensity fire passed through this area over two years prior to the survey period. The soil at Quadrat 6 is a brown loam, and 95% of the ground cover is made up of vegetation or leaf litter. Tree hollows were scattered throughout the quadrat, and fallen logs were a common occurrence. Mistletoe was abundant at this quadrat, more so than any other of the survey quadrats.
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Table 1: Vegetation and Landform Description of each Survey Quadrat within the Muirhead Development Site Note: Flora species in bold are dominant within the stratum. Eastings and Northings were recorded in GDA94, Zone 52.
Upper Stratum Species Mid Stratum Species Lower stratum Species
Height Height Height Soil Distance Disturbance Rock Fallen Range Range Range Landform Drainage, to Tree Vegetation Structural Site Easting Northing Type and Size and Logs Mistletoe (m) (m) (m) and slope Colour and Permanent Hollows Description formation Extent Type (>50cm) % % % Texture Water (m) Cover Average Species Cover Avera Species Cover Average Species Height ge Height (m) Height (m) (m) Eucalyptus miniata, Pandanus Buchanania obovata, Pandanus spiralis, spiralis, Livistona Planchonia careya, Eucalyptus humilis, Heteropogon triticeus, tetrodonta, Brachychiton Flemingia parviflolia, Brachychiton diversifolius, Persoonia falcata, <2% diversifolius, Planchonia Brachychiton Pebbles, 15 - 5 Alstonia 5 - 1 careya, Acacia 1 - 0 megaphyllus, Acacia 10 - 20% actinophylla, oncinocarpa, oncinocarpa, Weeds Small Corymbia porrecta Terminalia Brachychiton Rapidly Scattered Stones, 2 Eucalyptus ferdinandiana, diversifolius, Premna Site Simple Draining, 500 - Tall Open 705936 8632614 Recent fire - 10% Absent Abundant Absent miniata 25 5 Cycas armstrongii 20 acuminate, Denhamia 1 Slope Brown, 1000 Forest -high Stones, Woodland obscura, Pouteria Clayey Sand impact <2% arnhemica, Capparis Small umbonata, Livistona Rocks humilis, Clerodendrum (Laterite) floribundum, Gardenia megasperma, Cycas 12 3 0.6 armstrongii, Ampelocissus acetosa, Pennisetum polystachion Eucalyptus Planchonia Lophostemon polycarpa, careya, Pandanus lactifluus, Terminalia Corymbia bleeseri, spiralis, ferdinandiana, Eucalyptus Lophostemon Livistona humilis, tetrodonta, lactifluus, Alloteropsis semialata, Corymbia Terminalia Pandanus spiralis, 18 - 8 confertiflora, 8 - 1 ferdinandiana, 1 - 0 Planchonia careya, Erythrophleum Petalostigma Smilax australis, chlorostachys, pubescens, Sarga plumosum, <2% Petalostigma Livistona humilis, Pennisetum Weeds Pebbles, Poor pubescens Cycas polystachion, Gardenia Scattered , 2 - 10% Drainage, armstrongii, megasperma, Persoonia Site Fire 2+ Small Seasonally 500 - Eucalyptus Tall Open Acacia falcata, Bridelia 706554 8632701 Flat Common Abundant Absent 40 40 30 2 years Stones, Waterlogged 1000 woodland Forest lamprocarpa, tomentosa, Syzygium moderate 2 - 10% Brown, Silty Melaleuca eucalyptoides bleeseri, impact Stones Clay Loam, dealbata, Pouteria arnhemica, (Laterite) Erythrophleum Acacia auriculiformis, chlorostachys, Passiflora foetida, Acacia Alphitonia excelsa 15 2.5 auriculiformis, 0.5 Buchanania obovata, Alphitonia excelsa
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Upper Stratum Species Mid Stratum Species Lower stratum Species
Height Height Height Soil Distance Disturbance Rock Fallen Range Range Range Landform Drainage, to Tree Vegetation Structural Site Easting Northing Type and Size and Logs Mistletoe (m) (m) (m) and slope Colour and Permanent Hollows Description formation Extent Type (>50cm) % % % Texture Water (m) Cover Average Species Cover Avera Species Cover Average Species Height ge Height (m) Height (m) (m) Eucalyptus Calytrix Sarga intrans, tetrodonta, exstipulata, Dichanthium Terminalia Terminalia fecundum, Alloteropsis ferdinandiana ferdinandiana, semialata, Galactia sp., 10 - 20% Planchonia Calytrix exstipulata, Pebbles, 15 - 8 8 - 2 careya, 2 - 0 Eucalyptus tetrodonta, 20 - 50 Brachychiton Terminalia Small Eucalyptus Moderately diversifolius, ferdinandiana, Weeds Stones, tetradonta Well Eucalyptus Livistona humilis, Absent, 2 - 10% woodland Site Simple Draining, 500 - tetrodonta Heteropogon contortus , 706571 8633291 Fire 2+ Stones, 2 Scattered Scattered Scattered adjoining Woodland 30 10 70 3 Slope Greyish 1000 Capparis umbonata, years low - 10 Calitrix Brown Silty Croton arrnhemicus, impact Smal extipulata Clay Loam Gardenia megasperma, Rocks, shrubland Buchanania obovata, 2 - 10 Acacia dimidiata, Rocks 13 4 0.3 Grevillea dryandri (Laterite) dryandri, Ficus aculeata, Acacia lamprocarpa, Dioscorea transversa Melaleuca Livistona humilis, Eriachne sp., leucadendra, Acacia Acacia latescens, Erogrostis cumingii, latescens Acacia difficilis, Fimbristylis pauciflora, Grevillea Drosera sp., pteridifolia Xyris complanata, Livistona humilis, 15 - 8 8 - 1 1 - 0 Andropogon gayanus, Persoonia falcata, Smilax australis, 2 - 10 Grevillea pteridifolia, Pebbles, Weeds Acacia holosericea, 20 - 50 Very poor Lower Scattered, Melaleuca Stylosanthes viscose Site Small drainage, 500 - Open 706283 8633886 slope Fire 2+ Scattered Scattered Absent sp. In 30 10 10 4 Stone, Brown 1000 Woodland (depression) years low depression 10 - 20 Loam impact Stones
(Laterite)
10 5 0.5
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Upper Stratum Species Mid Stratum Species Lower stratum Species
Height Height Height Soil Distance Disturbance Rock Fallen Range Range Range Landform Drainage, to Tree Vegetation Structural Site Easting Northing Type and Size and Logs Mistletoe (m) (m) (m) and slope Colour and Permanent Hollows Description formation Extent Type (>50cm) % % % Texture Water (m) Cover Average Species Cover Avera Species Cover Average Species Height ge Height (m) Height (m) (m) Eucalyptus Calytrix Sarga intrans, tetrodonta, exstipulata, Andropogon gayanus, Corymbia bleeseri, Planchonia Jasminium aemulum, Eucalyptus miniata, careya, Cycas Ampelocissus acetosa, Syzygium armstrongii, Erythrophleum eucalyptoides Acacia latescens, chlorostachys, bleeseri, Terminalia Sterculia quadrifida, 18 - 6 Acacia latescens, 6 - 1.5 ferdinandiana, 1.5 - 0 Cycas armstrongii, Erythrophleum Acacia Pouteria arnhemica, chlorostachys, lamprocarpa, Buchanania obovata, 10 - 20 Melaleuca dealbata, Croton Brachychiton Pebbles, Acacia lamprocarpa, arrnhemicus, megaphyllus, 20 - 50 Weeds Eucalypus Erythrophleum Calytrix exstipulata, Small Rapidly Abundant , tetradonta chlorostachys, Livistona humilis, Stones, Draining, Site Upper Fire last 500 - and Open Brachychiton Petalostigma 705677 8634396 10 - 20 Brown, Scattered Scattered Absent 10 - 15 5 - 10 80 5 Slope Year, 1000 Corymbia Forest megaphyllus, quadriloculare, Stones, Sandy Clay moderately bleeseri Buchanania Exocarpos latifolius, 2 - 10 Loam high impact Woodland obovata, Livistona Tabernaemontana Small humilis, orientalis, Rocks Persoonia falcata, Denhamia obscura, (Laterite) Vitex glabrata, Protasparagus Brachychiton racemosus, diversifolius, Passiflora foetida, 15 3 Acacia 0.4 Heteropogon contortus holosericea, Gardenia megasperma, Ficus aculeata, Acacia oncinocarpa
Corymbia Planchonia Lophostemon confertiflora, careya, lactifluus, Pennisetum Corymbia Terminalia polystachion, polycarpa, ferdinandiana, Andropogon gayanus, Eucalyptus Livistona humilis, Impertata cyclindrica, 15 - 8 8 - 1 1 - 0 tetrodonta, Acacia latescens, Terminalia <2 Melaleuca Acacia difficilis, ferdinandiana, Pebbles, leucadendra, Acacia Lophostemon Buchanania obovata, Weeds Poor Eucalyptus 2 - 10 latescens, lactifluus, Tabernaemontana Dense, Fire Drainage, tetrodonta Site Simple Small Open Terminalia 15 - Melaleuca orientalis, Smilax 706379 8634252 2+ years Seasonally 100 - 300 Scattered Common Abundant and 15 - 20 45 6 Slope Stones, Forest ferdinandiana, 20 leucadendra, australis, Ampelocissus moderately Waterlogged Corymbia 2 - 10 Erythrophleum Syzygium acetosa, Heteropogon low impact Brown Loam Woodland Stones chlorostachys, eucalyptoides contortus, Acacia (Laterite) Lophostemon bleeseri, holosericea, Acacia lactifluus, Pandanus Buchanania lamprocarpa 10 spiralis 6 obovata, 0.6 Erythrophleum chlorostachys, Vitex glabrata
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Significant Flora Species Despite targeting plant species of conservation significance recorded previously in the Muirhead area, only one threatened plant species was recorded during the survey. Cycas armstrongii, listed as Vulnerable under the TPWC Act 2000, was recorded at three (Quadrats 1, 2 and 5) of the six Muirhead Development survey sites (refer to Appendix B for locations). At Quadrat 5, Cycas armstrongii was one of the dominant species in the mid-stratum (plants ranging from 1m to 8m). Cycas armstrongii was scattered or rare in the mid- stratum of Quadrats 1 and 2. Recruitment in the lower-stratum (0-1m) was recorded as scattered at Quadrats 1 and 5, and absent (<5% of total floristic composition) at Quadrat 2. Due to its conservation significance, the distribution of this threatened species within the proposed Muirhead development boundarieswas further surveyed and mapped. An additional cycad community was identified near UTM GDA94 coordinates 706124E, 8633994N, Zone 52. This community displays a high density (ca. 18 per 10m²) of cycads in comparison to the fauna sites surveyed (Appendix H). The cycad community and Quadrat 5, where cycads were common, are both located near 1960’s Defence infrastructure, constructed to house 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns. The methods employed to survey and map cycads within the Muirhead site were not particularly thorough, and results provide a general estimation only, aimed at highlighting areas of high C. armstrongii population abundance. A more accurate representation of the cycad population distribution and abundance would require an additional survey that specifically targets C. armstrongii individuals within the Muirhead Development boundary.
Introduced Flora Species A total of nine introduced flora species were located on the Muirhead property (Table 2). Four of these species were located within the survey quadrats, whilst a further five species were recorded while travelling between survey sites. Of these nine introduced species, four are classified as B/C class weeds under the Northern Territory Weeds Act 2001, which states that growth and spread of these species must be controlled, and these species must not be introduced into the Northern Territory. Table 2: Weed species recorded at Muirhead during the survey period Status Quadrats Family Species Name Common Name (NTW Act Located 2001) Outside survey Not listed Fabaceae Stylosanthes hamata Stylo quadrats Stylosanthes sp (v11) Stylo Not listed 4 Outside survey B/C Lamiaceae Hyptis suaveolens Hyptis quadrats Passifloraceae Passiflora foetida Wild Passion Fruit Not listed 2 and 5 Andropogon gayanus Gamba Grass B/C 4, 5 and 6 Perennial Mission B/C 1, 2 and 6 Pennisetum polystachion Grass Poaceae Giant Rat's Tail Outside survey Not listed Sporobolus sp. Grass quadrats Outside survey Not listed Urochloa mosambicensis Sabi Grass quadrats Stachytarpheta Outside survey B/C Verbenaceae cayennensis Snakeweed quadrats
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Grassy weeds make up the majority of the weed impact on the site and were found on five of the six survey quadrats. Quadrat 3 was the only quadrat that didn’t contain introduced flora. Both Gamba Grass Andropogon gayanus and Mission Grass Pennisetum polystachion have the potential to produce greatly accelerated fuel loads compared to native grasses (Kerrigan et al. 2006). The increase in fire intensity resulting from higher fuel loads could pose a threat to surrounding infrastructure and native vegetation if these class B/C weeds are not managed on the site. Weed management actions should also be undertaken to control the spread of these species as required by the NTW Act 2001. The majority of additional weeds identified outside the survey quadrats were located along the highly disturbed western boundary of the Muirhead site. Two of these species (Hyptis Hyptis suaveolens and Snakeweed Stachytarpheta cayennensis) are B/C class weeds. Care must be taken to control the spread of these species as required by the NTW Act 2001.
4.2 Muirhead Development Fauna Survey A total of 79 fauna species were recorded at the Muirhead site (listed in Appendix C). The total fauna list is comprised of:
• 3 Amphibians; • 12 Reptiles; • 60 Birds; and • 4 mammals (not including microchiropteran bat calls identified). The desk top review of the NT Fauna Atlas revealed a total of 350 species that have been previously recorded within 10 km of the proposed development site. Eight of the species located during the fauna survey are new additions to the NT atlas for this particular area. The following additions will enhance the NT Fauna Atlas:
• Striped Rainbow Skink Carlia munda; • Red-sided Rainbow Skink Carlia rufilatus; • Douglas’ Skink Glaphyromorphus douglasi; • Black-headed Monitor Varanus tristis; • Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus; • Torresian Crow Corvus orru; • Dingo Canus lupis dingo; and • Dog Canus lupis familiaris. A full fauna list from the Muirhead survey and. a full list from the NT Fauna Atlas of the 350 animal species recorded within 10 km of the development site is provided in Appendix C. The NT Fauna Atlas records are comprised of survey results from a wider area, greater habitat range, and longer time range than the current Muirhead survey. Therefore, it is not surprising that the NT Atlas list exceeds the current survey list. Approximately 23% of the previously recorded species were located during the Muirhead survey, which reflects the property size and short time period available for the survey. Limitations, as documented in Section 3.1of this report, apply not only to this survey, but to all fauna survey methodologies. The accepted NT methodology employed for this survey maximised the statistical validity and habitat coverage.
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Amphibians Three amphibian species were observed during the Muirhead survey, all of which had previously been recorded within 10 km of the survey quadrats (refer to species list in Appendix C). Two of the three amphibian species; Litoria caerulea and Uperoleia inundata, are native, whilst the Cane Toad Chaunus marinus, is a noxious pest in Australia that arrived in the Darwin region in 2004 or 2005 (Phillips et al. 2007). More discussion on the Cane Toad is provided at the end of Section 4.2. Surprisingly the amphibians recorded during the survey were not necessarily located close to permanent water bodies, however, this may be explained by the rainfall events in the months leading up to the survey (refer to Figure 1 for weather charts). A further ten species of amphibian have previously been recorded within 10 km of the area, according to the NT Atlas
Reptiles The Muirhead survey recorded a total of 12 species of reptiles, all of which are Native to the region. The reptiles recorded included skinks, dragons and monitors (refer to Appendix C for species list). Of the skinks, the Rainbow skinks (Carlia sp. Appendix F, Plate 5), especially the Striped Rainbow Skink Carlia munda, were the most common, found in both active searches and in pitfall traps. The arboreal Snake-eyed Skinks Cryptoblepharus spp. were also commonly found throughout the property. Ctenotus hilli, Glaphyromorphus douglasi (Appendix F, Plate 2) and Morethia storri were also recorded. Two dragon species were captured on site, the most common of which was the Northern Water Dragon Amphibolurus temporalis. Black-headed monitors Varanus tristis were captured in pitfall traps at Quadrats 5 and 6. Both captured Varanus tristis were small juveniles, which demonstrates that there may be a breeding population at Muirhead. None of the reptiles observed during the survey are listed under the EPBC Act 1999 or TPWC Act 2000. The NT Fauna Atlas contains records for 54 reptile species within 10 km of the Muirhead development site (refer to Appendix C for species list). Two of these species are listed as vulnerable under the TPWC Act 2000; the Floodplain Monitor Varanus panoptes and Mertens’ Water Monitor Varanus mertensi. It is possible that both threatened species utilise the Muirhead site, as their preferred habitat includes floodplains and drainages, which are present on the proposed development site. Four reptile species located during the survey are new additions to the NT Fauna Atlas; Carlia munda, Carlia rufilatus, Glaphyromorphus douglasi and Varanus tristis.
Birds Sixty birds were identified within the Muirhead development property during the course of the survey. The Honeyeaters were the most active throughout the property, particularly the White-throated Honeyeater Melithreptus albogularis and the White-gaped Honeyeater Lichenostomus unicolor. Red-backed Fairy-wrens Malurus melanocephalus were also abundant at the Muirhead site, recorded at 5 of the 6 survey quadrats. Double-barred Finches Taeniopygia bichenovii were recorded in high numbers at four of the quadrats, as were Bar-shouldered Doves Geopelia humeralis. Long-tailed Finches Poephila acuticauda (Appendix F, Plate 1) and a Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis were seen nesting at site 3. Birds of prey were well represented on the property, and many incidental observations were made in the cleared area towards the centre of the property in particular. The most common birds of prey were the Black Kites Milvus migrans that were observed either perching in or feeding over 4 of the selected sites. Bush Stone-curlews Burhinus grallarius, which were recorded within the property boundaries, are considered Near Threatened under the Northern Territory’s TPWC Act 2000. The complete bird list from the Muirhead survey is located in Appendix C. The NT Fauna Atlas lists a total of 263 bird species that have been found within 10km of the Muirhead site. Seven of these birds (The Square-tailed Kite, The Bush Hen, The Bush-stone Curlew, The Flock Bronzewing, The Buff-sided Robin, The Australian Reed-warbler and The Yellow-rumped Manikin) are
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listed as Near Threatened while a further four (The Christmas Island Frigatebird, The Australian Bustard, The Red Goshawk and The Partridge Pigeon) are considered Vulnerable. One of these birds, the Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae is listed as Endangered. More detail on these species is provided in Section 5.
Mammals Four mammal species were observed within the Muirhead development boundaries during the time of the survey. Only one species was trapped during the survey, the Northern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon macrourus. While this species was only captured in a cage trap at Quadrat 5, there was evidence of their presence at other quadrats in the form of scratchings and tracks. A tentative sighting was recorded at Quadrat 1 during one of the nocturnal search events. Northern Brown Bandicoots are a common species in the Darwin region and have no conservation significance. The Black Flying Fox Pteropus alecto was observed during night surveys on the property. Black Flying Foxes are common in the Darwin region and their preferred habitat is common outside of the development site. They do not have any conservation significance. Both the Dingo Canis lupus dingo and the introduced Dog Canis lupus familiaris were observed on the property. Both of these animals are common throughout the Top End. The Dingo does not have any conservation significance, and the Dog is an introduced species. Canine tracks and diggings were also observed at a number of the quadrats, and dogs or dingos appeared to have tampered with traps in some instances. Both canine species prey on small mammals and some reptiles (Menkhorst and Knight, 2001) and therefore dogs pose some threat to the native fauna species. More information on introduced species is provided at the end of Section 4.2 below. Both the Dingo and Dog are new additions to the NT Fauna Atlas. A further 20 mammal species have previously been found within 10km of the development site according to the NT Fauna Atlas. Two of these are of conservation significance; the Black-footed Tree-rat Mesembriomys gouldii and the Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus. Neither of these listed species were located during the survey. More information on Threatened species is provided in Section 5. Several microcheropteran bat species were detected using an Anabat recorder during the night surveys of the Muirhead Development survey. The echolocation calls by some bats are very similar and cannot be confidently identified, resulting in the grouping of some species. The analysis of the bat calls revealed that a maximum of 10 microchiropteran bats and a minimum of five microchiropteran bats were recorded flying around the Muirhead site (Table 3). Two bats were confidently identified from the anabat recorder. These were the Northern Myotis Myotis macropus and the Cape York pipistrelle Pipistrellus adamsi. The eight other potential bats detected were split into three groups. The first was the Northern Pipistrelle Pipistrellus westralis and the Northern bent- wing bat Miniopterus schreibersii orianae. The second was the Lesser long-eared bat Nyctophilus geoffroyi, the Arnhem long-eared bat N. arnhemensis and the Northern long-eared bat N. bifax. Finally, the Little broad-nosed bat Scotorepens greyii, the Northern broad-nosed bat S. sanborni and the Hoary-wattled bat Chalinolobus nigrogriseus made the third and final group. The detection of these species indicates presence data only, and provides no information of the abundance of these species in the area as one bat may fly over the Anabat recorder several times throughout the course of the survey.
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Table 3: Table of Microchiropteran Bat call analysis from Anabat recordings taken during the Muirhead development night surveys Pipistrellus Nyctophilus westralis / Scotorepens greyii / S. Scientific Myotis Pipistrellus geoffroyi / N. Miniopterus sanborni / Chalinolobus Name macropus adamsi arnhemensis / schreibersii nigrogriseus N. bifax orianae Lesser long- Northern eared bat / Little broad-nosed bat / Common Northern pipistrelle / Cape York Arnhem long- Northern broad-nosed bat Name Myotis Northern bent- pipistrelle eared bat / / Hoary wattled bat wing bat Northern long- eared bat 10/12/2008 H M M
11/12/2008 M M H M M
H - Unambiguous identification of the species at the site based on measured call characteristics and comparison with available reference material. M - Either call quality was poor, or the species cannot be distinguished reliably from another that makes similar calls.
Introduced fauna species Approximately 40 Cane toads Chaunus marinus were located over the four day survey period. The majority of these were seen moving throughout the property during nocturnal searches. The Cane toad is an introduced species in Australia and arrived in Darwin in 2004/05 from Queensland, where it was first introduced (Phillips, B. et al. 2007). The cane toad has now spread across the top end of the NT, possibly as far as Western Australia. Cane Toads are listed as a ‘key threatening process’ under the EPBC Act 1999 due to their opportunistic and generalist feeding habits, high reproductive rates and competitive ability, and their lethal toxicity when consumed by other animals. Domestic dogs Canis lupus familiaris were also seen on the property. It is believed that people walk their dogs here. If dogs are controlled, they are not considered to pose a great threat to the native wildlife. However one Dog was observed wandering through the property during the survey. Unsupervised or feral dogs do have the potential to impact on the native animals present in the area.
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5 CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE AND POTENTIAL IMPACTS
5.1 Threatened Fauna Species
Nationally Listed Species A search of the Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 revealed that no threatened ecological communities occur within the Muirhead property. The database also revealed that five Threatened species and 23 Migratory species may utilise this area either permanently or periodically. None of these nationally listed species were identified during the field surveys. Table 4: Threatened Terrestrial Fauna Species (EPBC Act 1999)
Family Species Name Common Name EPBC Act Likelyhood
Christmas Island Very Fregatidae Fregata andrewsi Vulnerable Frigatebird Unlikely Possible but not Accipitridae Erythrotriorchis radiatus Red Goshawk Vulnerable prime habitat Columbidae Geophaps smithii smitii Partridge pigeon Vulnerable Possible
Estrildidae Erythrura gouldiae Gouldian Finch Endangered Unlikely
Dasyuridae Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll Endangered Possible
Several marine and estuarine species were detected in the EPBC Act database search and have not been included in Table 3 due to the Muirhead Development site not overlapping or possibly impacting on these environments (Refer to Appendix G for full report). The Christmas Island Frigatebird is a marine bird and is considered vagrant within Australia. Due to the close proximity to the marine environment at Lee Point and the surrounding coast line it is not surprising that some sightings of marine bird occur around the Muirhead site. However, since the preferred habitat of these species lie outside of the specified property boundaries these birds would not inhabit the Muirhead site. Gouldian Finches prefer Salmon Gum Woodlands (Eucalyptus tintinnans) in hilly areas and feed on the seeds of Sarga and other species during the dry season, and move to lowland drainage areas that support perennial grasses in the wet season (Woinarski 2006c – Gouldian Finch Fact Sheet). These habitats do not occur within or near to the Muirhead Development site and it is expected that Gouldian Finches do not reside within the area. Red Goshawks prefer tall open Eucalyptus woodlands and riparian areas typically supporting Paperbark (Melaleuca sp.) and gallery forests (Aumann 1991). Red Goshawks can travel far distances during their hunting and social activities (i.e. can cover an area up to 200 km2), however, nests generally occur close to permanent drainage lines (Woinarski 2006d – Red Goshawk Fact Sheet). Therefore, habitat and nesting
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preferences of Red Goshawks indicates a small chance of the species occurring or utilising the Muirhead Development sites E. tetrodonta Woodland. Partridge Pigeons typically occur in low open woodland communities over a native grass understorey. Partridge Pigeon populations are found to have been adversely impacted by altered fire patterns and the recent invasion of exotic grass species such as Gamba Grass Andropogon gayanus (Woinarski 2006b – Partridge Pigeon Fact Sheet). The presence of Gamba Grass and the small amount of adequate habitat suggests the Muirhead site is unfavourable for Partridge Pigeons. Northern Quoll populations have been in decline for the past few decades, and are especially susceptible to Cane Toad poisoning when they attempt to predate on the toads (Woinarski 2006a – Northern Quoll Fact Sheet). Currently, Cane Toads are the Northern Quoll’s primary threat (Woinarski 2006 – Northern Quoll Fact Sheet) and despite previous sightings within the region populations are not expected to occur in areas of high Cane Toad abundance such as the Muirhead Development site.
Migratory Species
Several EPBC Act listed migratory species were detected in the threatened species database as potentially occurring within the survey site. These include:
• Melville Cicadabird Coracina tenuirostris melvillensis • White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster • Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica • Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus • Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons • Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos • Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta • Cattle Egret Ardea ibis • Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres • Sanderling Calidris alba • Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris • Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii • Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus • Oriental Plover Charadrius veredus • Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum • Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica • Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa • Little Curlew Numenius minutus • Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus • Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola • Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus
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• Little Tern Sterna albifrons
• Salt-water Crocodile Crocodylus porosus Of these species, the Rainbow Bee-eater was observed on several separate occasions feeding over, and perching within the survey quadrats. However, it is unlikely that the development of the Muirhead site will impact on this highly mobile and common species in the Darwin region. The close location of the site, to both Lee Point (ca. 1.82 km) and the Leanyer sewage works (ca. 0.46 km) is likely to have resulted in a high number of migratory birds being recorded on the database as occurring within 5km of the Muirhead development site. These areas are attractive for local bird watchers as they obviously attract birdlife, especially, in the case of the sewerage ponds at times of the year when natural water bodies are scarce . Well over 200 different bird species have been record within the immediate area of the sewerage ponds (McCrie & Watson 2003). The habitat and vegetation community within the survey site does not hold importance towards conservation of any potential migratory species that could overfly the site. Therefore, it is unlikely that migratory species listed above will be impacted by the development of the Muirhead site.
Protected Fauna in the Northern Territory The NT Fauna Atlas indicates that 8 threatened species have been previously recorded within 10 km of the survey site (see below). This list includes several species (such as the Loggerhead Turtle Caretta caretta) whose habitat does not occur within or will be adversely affected by the Muirhead development proposal.
• Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus Critically Endangered • Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae Endangered • Loggerhead Turtle Caretta caretta Endangered • Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis Vulnerable • Red Goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiatus Vulnerable • Partridge Pigeon Geophaps smithii smithii Vulnerable • Merten’s Water Monitor Varanus mertensi Vulnerable • Flood Plain Monitor Varanus panoptes Vulnerable None of these species were recorded during the December 2008 survey of the Muirhead Development area. An assessment of the Nationally listed species can be found above at the start of Section 5.1. This proposed development is very unlikely to further impact the status of these species.
Near Threatened Fauna Species The NT Fauna Atlas shows that eight species with a current Near Threatened status have been previously identified within 10 km of the Muirhead Development site. These species are listed below:
• Bush-hen Amaurornis olivaceus; • Bush-stone Curlew Burhinus grallarius; • Square-tailed Kite Lophoictina isura; • Flock Bronzewing Phaps histrionica; • Buff-sided Robin poecilodryas cerviniventris;
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• Australian Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus australis;
• Yellow-rumped Mannikin Lonchura flaviprymna; • Black-footed Tree Rat Mesembriomys gouldii One of these species was located during the Muirhead survey. The Bush-stone Curlew Burhinus grallarius was observed on several occasions. Common in the Darwin region, they are a relatively mobile bird, other local refuge habitats are likely to be available within the area. The increase in grassland associated with human occupied sites may be advantageous to this species. Other marine and estuarine animals were highlighted by the NT Fauna Atlas database, however they were not included in this list due to their habitat type not occurring on the development property.
5.2 Protected Flora under the TPWC Act 2000 within the Muirhead survey site A search of the NT Flora Atlas database identified five near threatened and one vulnerable species under the TPWC Act 2000 within 10km of the site, shown in Table 5. Table 5: Threatened and near threatened flora (TPWC Act 2000) and likelihood of occurrence Status Preferred Habitat and Likelihood of Species Name (TPWC Act 2000) Known Distribution Occurrence Cycas armstrongii Vulnerable Eucalypt woodland in the Present Darwin area Avicennia integra Near Threatened Soft mud banks in intertidal Highly Unlikely estuaries Byblis aquatica Near Threatened Near freshwater lagoons, also Possible occurs in both grassland and sedgeland Crotalaria quinquefolia Near Threatened Recorded at Holmes jungle Possible in the Darwin area on areas of grassland, sedgeland and floodplain. Pittosporum moluccanum Near Threatened Coastal dunes and coastal Unlikely monsoon vine thickets in the Lee Point area. Peplidium maritimum Near Threatened Brackish to freshwater Unlikely swamps and claypans. Found in Leanyer swamp
Despite these species being specifically targeted during the survey only one species (Cycas armstrongii) was located on the site. Two of the remaining five near threatened species (Byblis aquatica and Crotalaria quinquefolia) are commonly found in habitats that are present within the Muirhead Development site but given the rarity of these species and the lack of quality of potential habitat (seasonally inundated grasslands and sedgelands) it is thought possible but not likely that these species occur on the site. The vulnerable cycad species Cycas armstrongii was located on the Muirhead Development site. This species is locally abundant but is vulnerable to land clearing in the Darwin area (Holmes et al. 2007). The Mangrove species Avicennia integra inhabits soft mud banks in intertidal estuaries along the Northern Territory coastline (Duke & Kleine 2006). This habitat is not found inside the Muirhead Development site. Byblis aquatica is a delicate annual herb growing in shallow water in seasonally inundated grasslands and sedgelands (Holmes et al. 2007). This habitat is found within the Muirhead Development site and this species has the potential to occur on the site.
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The annual herb Crotalaria quinquefolia is found in moist grasslands, sedgelands and floodplains. It has been previously recorded in Holmes Jungle in the Darwin region (Holmes et al. 2007). This habitat is found within the Muirhead Development site and this species has the potential to occur on the site. Pittosporum moluccanum is not likely to inhabit the site as it is restricted to areas of coastal monsoon vine thicket (Holmes et al. 2007). This habitat is not represented within the Muirhead Development site. The annual herb Peplidium maritimum inhabits areas of swamps and seasonally inundated claypans often near mangroves (Holmes et al. 2007). This habitat is not found inside the Muirhead Development site.
6 CONCLUSION
The Muirhead Development survey showed the presence and activity of a healthy population of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Apart from past human disturbance such as the dumping of unwanted cars and defence activity the area shows minimal levels of erosion and disturbance across a variety of Eucalyptus woodland types. It is this that has allowed the continued presence of animals such as the Northern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon macrourus and a healthy diversity of birds – 60 in total. Eight of the 79 fauna species located during the Muirhead survey were new additions to the NT Fauna Atlas, which revealed a total of 350 species previously recorded within 10 km of the Muirhead site. No threatened fauna species were located during the December 2008 Muirhead survey. A total of 70 plants were identified inside the six survey sites during the Muirhead Development survey. A number of habitat types were surveyed, each of varying quality. Fire had been a major influence at a some locations while weeds were observed scattered across most sites. Site 3 was the only site to record no weed species. Of the six threatened or vulnerable plant species identified by the NT Flora Atlas, only one was located on the Muirhead property. This was the Vulnerable Cycad Cycas armstrongii which was identified in high numbers at various locations throughout the property and should be protected through appropriate management plans.
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Note: Appendices removed to reduce file size. Can be provided on request.
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