2014 Annual Compliance Report for Biodiversity Offset & Cliffline

2014 Annual Compliance Report for Biodiversity Offset & Cliffline Management Areas (EPBC ref 2009/5252)

Prepared for Ulan Coal Mines Limited

13 February 2015 2014 Annual Compliance Report (EPBC ref 2009/5252)

2014 Annual Compliance Report for Biodiversity Offset & Cliffline Management Areas

EPBC ref 2009/5252

PREPARED FOR Ulan Coal Mines Limited

PROJECT NO 742

DATE 13 February 2015

DOCUMENT TRACKING

ITEM DETAIL Project Name 2014 UCML EPBC Compliance Report Project Number 742 File location W:\Projects\Mudgee\13MUDECO\13MUDECO-0038 UCML Floristic Monitoring Spring 2013 Prepared by Rachel Murray, Sarah Dickson-Hoyle, Kurtis Lindsay Approved by Dr Paul Frazier Status Final Version Number v1 Last saved on 13 February 2015

Flora monitoring sites BOB14, BOBE1 and RPA9 (Tammy Paartalu, ELA 2011) and Harp Cover photo trap along cliffline at BOB1 (Glenn Hoye, Fly By Night Bat Surveys 2011)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This document has been prepared by Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd with input from Glenn Hoye (Fly By Night Bat Surveys Pty Ltd) and Dr Martin Denny (Biodiversity Monitoring Services) and support from Ulan Coal Mines Limited.

Disclaimer This document may only be used for the purpose for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the contract between Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd and the Ulan Coal Mines Limited. The scope of services was defined in consultation with Ulan Coal Mines Limited, by time and budgetary constraints imposed by the client, and the availability of reports and other data on the subject area. Changes to available information, legislation and schedules are made on an ongoing basis and readers should obtain up to date information. Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report and its supporting material by any third party. Information provided is not intended to be a substitute for site specific assessment or legal advice in relation to any matter. Unauthorised use of this report in any form is prohibited.

Contents

Contents ...... ii

List of Figures...... v

List of Tables ...... vi

Abbreviations...... vii

1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Project Area ...... 1

2 EPBC Conditions & Compliance ...... 4 2.1 EPBC Conditions of Approval...... 4 2.2 EPBC Compliance...... 9 2.2.1 Condition 1 ...... 9 2.2.2 Condition 2 – Variation to Conditions Attached to Approval (23 July 2014) ...... 9 2.2.3 Condition 3 ...... 9 2.2.4 Condition 4 – Variation to Conditions Attached to Approval (23 July 2014) ...... 16 2.2.5 Condition 5 ...... 16 2.2.6 Condition 6 ...... 17 2.2.7 Condition 7 ...... 17 2.2.8 Condition 8 ...... 18 2.2.9 Condition 9 ...... 18 2.2.10 Condition 10 ...... 18

3 Biodiversity Offset & Cliffline Management Areas...... 19 3.1 Biodiversity Management Plan ...... 19 3.1.1 Biodiversity Offsets...... 19 3.1.2 Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Area Objectives...... 20 3.1.3 Monitoring...... 21

4 Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Area Monitoring ...... 24 4.1 Methodology ...... 24 4.1.1 Floristic Monitoring Methodology ...... 24 4.1.1.1 Residual Vegetation Monitoring (Analogue Sites) ...... 25 4.1.1.2 Revegetation/Regeneration Area Vegetation Monitoring...... 27

4.1.2 Landscape Function Analysis Methodology...... 29 4.1.2.1 Geographic Setting of the Site ...... 31 4.1.2.2 Landscape Organisation ...... 31 4.1.2.3 Soil Surface Assessment ...... 32 4.1.2.4 Vegetation Dynamics ...... 32 4.1.3 Fauna (excluding Microbats)...... 33 4.1.4 Fauna (Microbats) ...... 38 4.1.4.1 General Fauna Monitoring Sites ...... 38 4.1.4.2 Targeted Cliffline Microbat Monitoring ...... 38 4.1.5 Weather Conditions...... 40 4.2 Results...... 43 4.2.1 Floristic Surveys ...... 43 4.2.2 Landscape Function Analysis ...... 51 4.2.3 Fauna (excluding Microbats)...... 53 4.2.3.1 Mammals (excluding Microbats) ...... 54 4.2.3.2 Birds ...... 54 4.2.3.3 Reptiles ...... 56 4.2.3.4 Amphibians...... 56 4.2.3.5 Fauna Habitat...... 56 4.2.4 Fauna (Microbats) ...... 57 4.2.4.1 General Fauna Sites ...... 57 4.2.4.2 Targeted Microbat Cliffline Monitoring ...... 57

5 Discussion & Recommendations...... 59 5.1 Floristic Monitoring...... 59 5.2 Landscape Function Analysis...... 62 5.3 Fauna (excluding Microbats) ...... 63 5.4 Fauna Microbats...... 66 5.5 OMP Implementation...... 67 5.5.1 Seed Collection Program ...... 67 5.5.2 Revegetation ...... 67 5.5.3 Fauna Habitat...... 68 5.5.4 Weed & Feral Animal Control Activities ...... 70

References ...... 71

Appendix A: Security of Biodiversity Offsets Letter...... 72

Appendix B: BMP Approval ...... 73

Appendix C: Commencement of Operations Letter ...... 74

Appendix D: Floristic Species List...... 75

Appendix E: Fauna Monitoring Report ...... 81

Appendix F: Microbat Monitoring Report...... 82

List of Figures

Figure 1.1: UCML Regional Location ...... 3

Figure 3.1: UCML Biodiversity Offset & Cliffline Management Areas ...... 23

Figure 4.1: Residual vegetation monitoring sites ...... 26

Figure 4.2: Revegetation/Regeneration Area vegetation monitoring sites ...... 28

Figure 4.3: LFA monitoring sites ...... 30

Figure 4.4: Fauna monitoring sites...... 35

Figure 4.5: Microbat monitoring sites ...... 39

Figure 5.1: Native and exotic species richness recorded in residual EEC/CEEC monitoring sites ...... 60

Figure 5.2: Native and exotic species richness recorded in Bobadeen revegetation EEC/CEEC monitoring sites ...... 61

Figure 5.3: Native and exotic species richness recorded in Bobadeen East revegetation EEC/CEEC monitoring sites ...... 61

Figure 5.4: Landscape Organisation trends within LFABOB1, LFABOBE1, LFABOB2 and LFABOB3 .62

Figure 5.5: Landscape Organisation trends within LFABOB1, LFABOBE1, LFABOB2 and LFABOB3 .63

Figure 5.6: Fauna species richness over time (Biodiversity Monitoring Services, 2015)...... 64

Figure 5.7: Total number of threatened species from 2011 to 2014 (Biodiversity Monitoring Services, 2015) ...... 65

Figure 5.8: Fauna Monitoring undertaken at site SG8 ...... 66

Figure 5.9: Ground preparation undertaken (Ripping) ...... 68

Figure 5.10: Nest Box installation...... 69

Figure 5.11: Nest Box installation...... 70

List of Tables

Table 2.1: EPBC Conditions of Approval...... 5

Table 2.2: Summary of clearing undertaken ...... 9

Table 2.3: Update on Progress of Actions as required by the OMP for the Biodiversity and Offset Management Program...... 12

Table 4.1: Residual vegetation monitoring sites ...... 25

Table 4.2: Revegetation/regeneration vegetation monitoring sites...... 27

Table 4.3: LFA analogue sites...... 29

Table 4.4: Fauna monitoring sites...... 33

Table 4.5: Fauna monitoring technique and effort per site ...... 36

Table 4.6: Targeted Cliffline Microbat monitoring sites...... 38

Table 4.7: Weather conditions...... 40

Table 4.8: Floristic survey summary ...... 44

Table 4.9: Landscape Organisation summary ...... 51

Table 4.10: Soil Surface Assessment of individual zones summary...... 52

Table 4.11: Vegetation Dynamics summary ...... 53

Table 4.12 Native mammal species captures & observations summary ...... 53

Table 4.13: Native mammal species captures & observations summary ...... 54

Table 4.14: Threatened bird species recorded during the 2014 monitoring ...... 55

Table 4.15: Habitat characteristics identified during the fauna survey (Biodiversity Monitoring Services 2015) ...... 56

Table 5.1: Seed Species collected in 2014 ...... 67

Abbreviations

ABBREVIATION DESCRIPTION

BMP Biodiversity Management Plan

CEEC Critically Endangered Ecological Community

DP&E NSW Department of Planning and Environment

DotE Department of the Environment

EEC Endangered Ecological Community

ELA Eco Logical Australia

EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

GCAA Glencore Coal Assets Australia

LFA Landscape Function Analysis

OEH NSW Office of Environment and Heritage

OMP Offset Management Program

PCQ Point Centered Quarter

SSA Soil Surface Assessment

TSC Act Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (NSW)

UCML Ulan Coal Mines Limited

1 Introduction

Approval for the Ulan Coal Mines Limited (UCML) continued operations was granted of the project under the EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) ref 2009/5252 in November 2010.

The Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) (ULN SD PLN 0026), which includes the Offset Management Program (OMP) (ULN SD ANN 0048), was re-submitted in 2014 and approved by the Department of the Environment (DotE) on the 14 November 2014 (Appendix B).

Operations under EPBC approval 2009/5252 commenced on 14 February 2011. This compliance report is submitted to satisfy the requirement to report on or before the 12 month anniversary of the approval (see Section 2).

This report details the monitoring surveys undertaken for flora and fauna within the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas and lists each approval condition and the actions taken to address the conditions. Flora data for this report was collected by Eco Logical Australia (ELA), fauna data was collected by Biodiversity Monitoring Services and microchiropteran bat data was collected by Fly By Night Bat Surveys Pty Ltd.

1.1 PROJECT AREA The Ulan Coal Mine is situated in the central west of New South Wales. It is located in the Mid-Western Regional Council (MWRC) Local Government Area (LGA) near the village of Ulan; approximately 38 km north-northeast of Mudgee and 19 km northeast of Gulgong (refer to Figure 1.1). UCML is a joint venture between Glencore Coal Pty Limited (90%) and Mitsubishi Development (10%), Glencore Coal Assets Australia (GCAA) maintains management responsibility for UCML. The mining operations at Ulan are one of a number of mining assets owned and/or managed by Glencore.

Project Approval (PA 08_0184) was granted by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DP&E) on 15 November 2010 for continued operations over 21 years, and production of up to 20 Mtpa (million tonnes per annum) of product coal. Underground and open cut mining operations are undertaken twenty-four hours a day, 7 days per week.

The Project Area comprises a total of 13,435 ha, made up of:

 Open Cut Mining – approximately 239 ha of the recently approved open cut operations;  Previous Mining and Surface Infrastructure Areas – approximately 1004 ha of previous open cut mining areas that have a combination of rehabilitation areas and final voids that remain to support future mining activities (water storage, tailings disposal, underground access etc.), the rehabilitation makes up 500 ha of this area  Residual Project Area – the remainder of the Project Area includes large areas that were previously undermined, agricultural grazing land, irrigation pivots and large areas of remnant native vegetation; and  Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas, including: o Bobadeen Vegetation Offset Area – 991 ha;

o Bobadeen East Vegetation Offset Area – 232 ha; o Brokenback Conservation Area – 58 ha; o Spring Gully Cliffline Management Area – 211 ha; and o Bobadeen Vegetation Offset Corridor – 124 ha.

Figure 1.1: UCML Regional Location

2 EPBC Conditions & Compliance

2.1 EPBC CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL The conditions of EPBC Ref: 2009/5252 are identified below in Table 2.1, along with the relevant sections within the approved BMP and the revised BMP (April 2014). Detailed evidence of compliance is provided in sections of the report as referenced.

Table 2.1: EPBC Conditions of Approval.

Condition Requirement Approved BMP Revised BMP 2014 Compliance Section Section Report (22 Mar 2012) (April 2014) 1 The person taking the action must not clear more than 69 ha of White Box – Yellow Box Blakely’s Red Gum 3.2.2 of BMP 3.2.2 of BMP Section 2.2.1 Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands ecological community in the Project Area. 2 Variation to Conditions Attached to Approval (23 July 2014) To offset impacts on the listed White Box – Yellow Box Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands threatened ecological community, and foraging habitat of the listed Swift Parrot, Regent Honeyeater and Large-eared Pied Bat, the person taking the action must register a legally binding conservation 2.8 of BMP Section 2.2.2 & covenant in perpetuity over Bobadeen Offset Area and Bobadeen East Offset Area as described in Appendix 1. 2.7 of Appendix 1 2.8 of BMP Appendix A The covenants must be registered by no later than 30 June 2015 and covenant conditions must ensure that of OMP management is for the protection and enhancement of the matters of national environmental significance identified above.

3 To offset the impacts to the White Box – Yellow Box Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands ecological community, and to the habitat for the Swift Parrot, Regent Honeyeater and Large-eared Pied Bat, the person taking the action must, before commencement of operations (excluding first workings), 2.1, 2.2 & 4.2 of Section 2.2.3 & 2.1 & 2.2 of OMP obtain the Minister’s approval of an Offset Management Plan for the Bobadeen East Offset Area. OMP Appendix B This plan must include details of: a) the desired outcomes/objectives of implementing the plan;

b) details of the Bobadeen Offset area, clearly define the location and boundaries of Bobadeen Offset 1.1 of OMP 1.1 of OMP area, through maps and/or textual description as well as an accompanying shape file; Section 3.1.1 c) details of the Bobadeen East offset area, clearly define the location and boundaries of the Bobadeen 1.1 of OMP 1.1 of OMP East Offset area, through maps and/or textural descriptions as well as an accompanying shape file; d) management actions that are proposed to protect offset areas and to enhance the extent and condition of the White Box – Yellow Box Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands 3.0, 4.0 & 5.0 of 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 & 6.0 ecological community and habitat values including weed control, fire management, erosion and OMP of OMP sediment control, exclusion of livestock and restrictions on access; e) measures for the long-term protection of the established White Box – Yellow Box Blakely’s Red Gum 3.0, 4.0 & 5.0 of 3.0, 4.0 & 5.0 of Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands ecological community and habitat for the Swift N/A OMP OMP Parrot, Regent Honeyeater and Large-eared Pied Bat; f) measures to monitor subsidence and any proposed remediation works should subsidence occur; 4.0 of BMP & 4.0 of BMP & 5.10 of OMP 5.10 of OMP g) the timing, responsibilities and performance criteria for such actions; 3.0, 5.0 & 7.1 of 3.1 & 5.0 of OMP OMP

Condition Requirement Approved BMP Revised BMP 2014 Compliance Section Section Report (22 Mar 2012) (April 2014) h) the development and implementation of a monitoring program; 4.0 of BMP & 4.0 of BMP & Section 4.0 4.0 of OMP OMP i) a process to report to the Department the offset area management actions undertaken and the outcome of those actions, identifying any need for improved management. For the five years after the commencement of operations, reports are to be submitted annually on or before the anniversary of the 4.4 of BMP 4.4 of BMP Section 5.0 commencement of operations. Subsequently reports are to be submitted every fifth year on or before the anniversary of the commencement of operations; j) a description of the potential risks to successful management and rehabilitation in the offset areas, and 1.3 of OMP 1.3 of OMP a description of the contingency measures that would be implemented to mitigate these risks; and N/A k) details of parties responsible for monitoring, reviewing and implementing the plan. 7.0 of BMP & 7.0 of BMP & 8.0 of OMP 8.0 of OMP The approved Offset Management Plan must be implemented. Any changes to the Offset Management Plan must be approved by the Minister and approved variations to the Plan must be implemented. This plan may be publicly N/A N/A N/A available on the internet by the Department. 4 Variation to Conditions Attached to Approval (23 July 2014) To offset the impacts on Large-eared Pied Bat, the person taking the action must provide a legally binding conservation mechanism for the long term protection of the Brokenback Conservation Area and Spring Gully Cliffline Management Area as described in Appendix 1. The conservation mechanism must be agreed to in writing Section 2.2.4 & by the Department and must be finalised by no later than 30 June 2015. 2.3 of OMP 2.8 of OMP Appendix A

If the conservation mechanism cannot be finalised by 30 June 2015, the proponent must submit for the Minister’s approval an alternative offset within 4 years of the date of this approval. The alternative offset must provide at least an equivalent environmental outcome to those specified under condition 5. 5 To offset the impacts on the Large-eared Pied Bat, the person taking the action must, before commencement of operations, (excluding first workings), obtain the Minister’s approval of an Offset Management Plan for the 3.2.4 & 3.2.5 of Section 2.2.5 & Brokenback Conservation Area and Spring Gully Cliffline Management Area. 2.1 & 2.2 of OMP BMP & Appendix Appendix B This plan must include details of: 1 of OMP a) the desired outcomes/objectives of implementing the plan; b) details of the Brokenback Conservation Area, clearly define the location and boundaries of the Brokenback Conservation Area, through maps and/or textual descriptions as well as an accompanying 1.1 of OMP 1.1 of OMP Section 3.1.1 shape file; c) details of the Spring Gully Cliffline Management Area, clearly define the location and boundaries of the 1.1 of OMP 1.1 of OMP

Condition Requirement Approved BMP Revised BMP 2014 Compliance Section Section Report (22 Mar 2012) (April 2014) Spring Gully Cliffline Management Area, through maps and/or textual descriptions as well as an accompanying shape file; d) management actions that are proposed to protect areas and to enhance their value to Large-eared Pied 3.3, 4.0 & 5.0 of 3.0, 4.0 & 5.0 of Bat including weed control, fire management, erosion and sediment control, livestock management, OMP OMP and restrictions on access; N/A e) measures for the long-term protection of these areas; 3.3, 4.0 & 5.0 of 3.0, 4.0 & 5.0 of OMP OMP f) the timing responsibilities and performance criteria for such actions; 3.1 & 5.0 of OMP 3.1 & 5.0 of OMP g) the development and implementation of a monitoring program; 4.0 of BMP & 4.0 of BMP & Section 4.0 4.0 of OMP 5.0 of OMP h) a process to report to the department the offset area management actions undertaken and the outcome of those actions, identifying any need for improved management. For the five years after the commencement of operations, reports are to be submitted annually on or before the anniversary of the 4.4 of BMP 4.4 of BMP Section 5.0 commencement of operations. Subsequently reports are to be submitted every fifth year on or before the anniversary of the commencement of operations; i) a description of the potential risks to successful management and rehabilitation in the offset areas, and 1.3 of OMP 1.3 of OMP a description of the contingency measures that would be implemented to mitigate these risks; and j) details of parties responsible for monitoring, reviewing and implementing the plan. 7.0 of BMP & 7.0 of BMP & 8.0 of OMP 8.0 of OMP N/A The approved Offset Management Plan must be implemented. Any changes to the Offset Management Plan must be approved by the Minister and approved variations to the Plan must be implemented. This plan may be made N/A 4.4 of BMP publicly available on the internet by the Department. 6 Within 14 days after commencement of operations, the person taking the action must advise the Department in Section 2.2.6 & N/A N/A writing of the actual date of commencement of operations. Appendix C 7 On or before every 12 month anniversary of the commencement of the operations, the person taking the action must submit to the Department an annual report addressing compliance with the conditions of this approval. The annual reports must list each approval condition and the actions taken to address each approval condition. This Report Annual reports must be provided until the Minister is satisfied that the proponent has complied with all conditions 4.4 of BMP 4.4 of BMP (Section 2.2.7 & of the approval and the Department has advised the person taking the action, in writing, that all the approval Section 5.1) conditions have been complied with. This report may be made publicly available on the internet by the Department. 8 On the direction of the Minister, the person taking the action must ensure that an independent audit of compliance N/A N/A Section 2.2.8

Condition Requirement Approved BMP Revised BMP 2014 Compliance Section Section Report (22 Mar 2012) (April 2014) with these conditions of approval is conducted and a report submitted to the Minister. The independent auditor must be approved by the Minister prior to the commencement of the audit. Audit criteria must be agreed to by the Minister and the audit report must address the criteria to the satisfaction of the Minister. The report of the independent auditor may be made publicly available on the internet by the Department. 9 If the Minister believes that it is necessary or desirable for the better protection of the White Box – Yellow Box Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands ecological community, Regent Honeyeater, Swift Parrot or Large-eared Pied Bat to do so, the Minister may request that the person taking the N/A N/A Section 2.2.9 action make specified revisions to any plans approved pursuant to these conditions. The person taking the action must comply with any such request. The revised plans must be implemented. 10 If commencement of operations has not occurred within 5 years of the date of this approval, operations must not N/A N/A Section 2.2.10 commence without the written agreement of the Minister.

2.2 EPBC COMPLIANCE 2.2.1 Condition 1 The person taking the action must not clear more than 69 ha of White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands ecological community in the Project Area.

The BMP outlines the amount of White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland to be cleared for the associated open cut extension and associated infrastructure.

During 2014, approximately 2.67 ha of White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland were cleared within the Project Area. Table 2.2 shows the clearing undertaken within EEC/CEEC during 2014, and also shows the cumulative clearing undertaken since operations under the EPBC approval commenced.

From these results, it can be shown that the area of EEC/CEEC cleared within the Project Area has not exceeded the area permitted to be cleared under Condition 1 of the EPBC approval.

Table 2.2: Summary of clearing undertaken

Year Area cleared (ha) 2011 1.7 2012 1.24 2013 0.56 2014 2.67 Total 6.17

2.2.2 Condition 2 – Variation to Conditions Attached to Approval (23 July 2014) To offset the impacts on the listed White Box – Yellow Box, Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands threatened ecological community, and foraging habitat of the listed Swift Parrot, Regent Honeyeater and Large-eared Pied Bat, the person taking the action must register a legally binding conservation covenant in perpetuity over Bobadeen Offset Area and Bobadeen East Offset Area as described in Appendix 1. The covenants must be registered by no later than 30 June 2015 and covenant conditions must ensure that management is for the protection and enhancement of the matters of national environmental significance identified above. Variations to Condition 2 were granted on 24 December 2012, 6 January 2014, 12 June 2014 and the 23 July 2014 with the requirement to register a legally binding conservation covenant in perpetuity over its offset areas now due on 30 June 2015. The requests and approval variations are attached as Appendix A.

2.2.3 Condition 3 To offset the impacts to the White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands ecological community, and to the habitat for the Swift Parrot, Regent Honeyeater and Large-eared Pied Bat, the person taking the action must, before commencement of operations (excluding first workings), obtain the Minister’s approval of an Offset Management Plan for the Bobadeen and Bobadeen East Offset Area.

The plan must include details of:

a) The desired outcomes/objectives of implementing the plan;

b) Details of the Bobadeen Offset area, clearly define the location and boundaries of the Bobadeen Offset Area, through maps and/or textual description as well as an accompanying shape file;

c) Details of the Bobadeen East Offset area, clearly defined the location and boundaries of the Bobadeen East Offset Area, through maps and/or textual description as well as an accompanying shape file;

d) Management actions that are proposed to protect offset areas and to enhance the extent and condition of the White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands ecological community and habitat values, including weed control, fire management, erosion and sediment control, exclusion of livestock and restrictions on access;

e) Measures the long-term protection of the established White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands ecological community and habitat for the Swift Parrot, Regent Honeyeater and Large-eared Pied Bat;

f) Measures to monitor subsidence and any proposed remediation works should subsidence occur;

g) The timing responsibilities and performance criteria for such actions;

h) The development and implementation of a monitoring program;

i) A process to report to the Department the offset area management actions undertaken and the outcomes of those actions, identifying any need for improved management. For the five years after the commencement of operations, reports are to be submitted annually on or before the anniversary of the commencement of operations. Subsequently reports are to be submitted every fifth year on or before the anniversary of the commencement of operations.

j) A description of the potential risks to successful management and rehabilitation in the offset areas and a description of the contingency measures that would be implemented to mitigate these risks; and

k) Details of parties responsible for monitoring, reviewing and implementing the plan.

The approved Offset Management Plan must be implemented. Any changes to the Offset Management Plan must be approved by the Minister and approved variations to the Plan must be implemented. This plan may be made publicly available on the internet by the Department.

Approval for the revised Biodiversity and Offset Management Plans for the Bobadeen Vegetation Offset Area and Bobadeen East Vegetation Offset Area was granted by DotE on the 14 November 2014 (Appendix B).

The BMP includes a framework for ecological monitoring and associated reporting (refer to Section 3.1.3) consistent with the currently approved BMP.

The BMP (which includes the OMP) establishes a description of the land management works that will be undertaken within the Bobadeen and Bobadeen East Vegetation Offset Areas to enhance the quality and quantity of native vegetation and fauna habitat within these areas. The OMP was prepared to meet the overall objectives of the offset areas, including:  Bobadeen Vegetation Offset Area:

o to provide an immediate, long-term and direct offset for vegetation impacted as a result of the Project; o to protect and improve areas of White Box Woodland EEC/CEEC vegetation; o to protect and improve vegetation and habitat connectivity throughout the Project Area; o to protect and enhance fauna habitat, particularly for threatened fauna species; o to ensure all management actions within this area are supplementary to, and do not duplicate, the existing commitments to the Salinity Offset Area; o to provide monitoring to ensure mitigation strategies are effective.  Bobadeen East Vegetation Offset Area: o to provide an immediate, long-term and direct offset for vegetation lost as a result of the clearing activities of the Project; o to protect and improve areas of White Box Woodland EEC/CEEC within the Project Area; o to protect and improve vegetation and habitat connectivity throughout the Project Area; o to protect and enhance fauna habitat, particularly for threatened fauna species; o to provide monitoring to ensure mitigation strategies are effective.

Implementation of the Plan includes:

 Seed collection – Collection of local provenance seed provides for the required plantings under the Offset Management Plan. The seed collection program during 2014 collected approximately 140 kg of seed from native species.  Revegetation – Ground preparation (ripping and mounding) for the 2014 tree planting was completed ready for planting, over an area of 16.5 hectares. Plantings that were undertaken in 2013 in the Bobadeen East and Bobadeen Offset areas were being watered in early 2014, due to 36 months of lower than average rainfall. The poor seasonal conditions have impacted the survival rates of 2013 plantings, hence areas that were planned for revegetation were postponed and are incorporated in the 2015 revegetation plans.  Propagation of 48,000 tubestock commenced in November 2014 for planting in autumn 2015.  Fauna habitat – The installation of nest boxes commenced with 20 boxes being installed.  Maintenance – The installation and repair of boundary fences of the offset areas has continued in 2014 and signage erected.  Erosion Management – There were no areas of erosion within the Biodiversity Offset & Cliffline Management Areas that required remedial works during 2014.  Weed and Feral Animal Control – Feral pig, fox and wild dog baiting was conducted during 2014 within offset areas. Offset areas underwent weed management activities focussing upon Senecio madagascariensis (Fireweed), Heliotropium amplexicaule (Blue Heliotrope), Opuntia sp. (Prickly pear), Rubus ulmifolius (Blackberry) and Hypericum perforatum (St Johns Wort).  Monitoring – The annual monitoring for the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas commenced in 2011 and continued during 2014, as outlined in Section 4.0 of this report. During 2014, data continued to be collected at all existing sites as well as five new floristic sites and 3 new Landscape Function Analysis locations.

The OMP established a 10 year management plan for Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas. Table 2.3 below provides a summary of the plan and indicates the progress or completion of the actions required to fulfil offsetting requirements.

Table 2.3: Update on Progress of Actions as required by the OMP for the Biodiversity and Offset Management Program

Commitment Actions to be Completed and Information to be Included in Biodiversity and Offset Management Status Program

10 Year Biodiversity and Offset Management Program

To develop and submit for Conduct field surveys to collect baseline data. Data to be collected will include: Completed. approval, a draft Biodiversity and  Map of vegetation communities present in all offset areas, Offset Management Program.  Habitat features present in all offset areas, The latest approved version of both the BMP and  Current vegetation condition, OMP is 14 November 2014. The program will include a 10  Current weed densities present, year schedule of actions to be  Current feral animals impacting on offset areas and their population density, Baseline data was collected and included in undertaken on each of the offset  Current erosion and erosion prone areas current land management practice, revisions of the BMP and OMP. As new areas described in the EPBC  Opportunities for condition improvement for vegetation and/or habitat. monitoring sites are established, baseline data Conditions of approval continues to be collected. (2009/5252). Using data from field surveys, identify and map broad management zones. (Map to be included in OMP) Completed – Figures 4.1a & 4.1b of OMP

The actions will be undertaken to Determine condition improvement targets for vegetation and/or habitat in each management zone Completed – Appendix 1 of OMP achieve an improvement in the identified. condition of the vegetation and Provide scientific basis for defining rehabilitation objectives. habitat within the offset areas and In areas requiring revegetation, plan and describe actions which will be undertaken to achieve condition Completed – Sections 3.0 to 7.0 of OMP to provide an environmental gain improvement targets. which would not otherwise be achieved. Map revegetation areas where actions will occur (map to be included in OMP). Completed – Figures 3.1a & 3.1b of OMP

Plan and describe revegetation requirements including local provenance seed collection, handling and Completed – Section 5.2 of OMP propagation.

In areas prone to erosion or at risk of erosion, plan and describe actions which will be undertaken to Completed – Section 5.4 of OMP achieve condition improvement.

Map extent of areas prone to erosion and areas where stabilisation works will occur. Completed – Figures 5.2a & 5.2b of OMP

Determine bushfire risk and plan and describe actions which will be undertaken to manage bushfire risk Completed – Appendix 2 of BMP where necessary.

For all offset areas, determine current extent of weed infestation and plan and describe weed Completed – Section 5.1 of OMP management actions which will be undertaken to achieve reduction in weed infestation.

Map current extent of weed infestation across offset areas and broad weed management zones. Completed – Figures 5.1a & 5.1b of OMP

Commitment Actions to be Completed and Information to be Included in Biodiversity and Offset Management Status Program

For all offset areas, determine current feral animals impacting on offset areas and plan and describe Completed – Section 5.5 of OMP management actions which will be undertaken to achieve reduction in feral animal targets.

For areas which are to be rehabilitated using grazing management, determine grazing management Completed – Section 5.6 of OMP strategies which will be used to achieve rehabilitation targets. The strategy will include clear descriptions of trigger mechanisms which will be used to determine stock numbers, timing of stock placement and removal, any other changes to grazing practice, measures of success of practices and date by which stock will be finally excluded. Map all areas where grazing will occur.

Develop a detailed monitoring and reporting program for all of the above actions which will determine the Completed – Section 4.1.4 of BMP & Section 7.0 short and long term success of actions undertaken. The monitoring program should include triggers for of OMP reassessment and change of proposed actions.

Annual Reporting to DotE Describe the information to be included in the annual report to be provided to DotE. Section 4.4 of BMP & information within this report addresses this requirement.

To finalise for approval the In consultation with DotE, modify draft document for improved clarity and auditability of document and to Completed. Biodiversity and Offset modify actions to improve environmental gain. Management Program. Revisions to the BMP were submitted for DotE consideration in April 2014. On the 14 November 2014, the revised BMP was approved by the DotE.

Implement approved program Commence implementation of approved Biodiversity and Offset Management Program. Complete and ongoing

Progress outlined within Section 2.2.3 of this report.

To protect offset areas in Finalise all mechanisms to protect offset areas. Not yet complete. Due 30 June 2015. perpetuity using enforceable mechanism Progress outlined within Section 2.2.2 & 2.2.4 of this report.

Status of Implementation of Interim Action Plan

Commitment Actions to be Completed and Information to be Included in Biodiversity and Offset Management Status Program

Protection in perpetuity of offset Define process for protection in perpetuity of offsets Not yet complete. Due 30 June 2015. areas. Progress outlined within Section 2.2.2 & 2.2.4 of this report.

To protect the genetic integrity of Initiate collection and propagation of local provenance seed for future planting in offset areas. Completed. the offset areas The seed collection program targeting local provenance species for revegetation of the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas involves field work and seed banking throughout the year.

To commence high priority Commence with stabilisation works to prevent further erosion Completed. erosion control Minimal areas of significant erosion are present across the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas. Erosion control works for erosion in Bobadeen East were undertaken in 2013.

To only graze offset areas for the Reduction of stock numbers to minimum rates required to facilitate improvement in condition of native Completed. purpose of improved vegetation. Commencement of staged exclusion of cattle from offset area rehabilitation. Cattle were removed from Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas. No grazing currently occurs in these areas. Grazing may be undertaken in future, in accordance with Section 5.6 of OMP.

To undertake revegetation in To conduct ground preparation as necessary in areas which will later be revegetated. Revegetation Completed. accordance with current best combines planting of tubestock and direct seeding of species, as suitable to the propagation needs of practice species used. Ground preparation of 16.5 Ha in 2014 involved the use of a tractor to rip and then hill the rip lines for tree planting.

Commitment Actions to be Completed and Information to be Included in Biodiversity and Offset Management Status Program

To undertake weed and feral Continue on-going weed and feral animal control within offset areas Completed and ongoing. animal control in accordance with Senecio madagascariensis (Fireweed),Heliotropium amplexicaule (Blue Heliotrope), Genus Opuntia Weed control activities targeted noxious weeds current best practice. (Prickly pear),Rubus ulmifolius (Blackberry) and Hypericum perforatum (St Johns Wort). (particularly St Johns Wort, Blackberry, Blue Heliotrope, Tree of Heaven and Prickly Pear) plus other weeds. The 2014 program included spraying across offset areas and beyond. Feral animal control during the year included various baiting programs, targeting wild pigs, foxes, wild dogs and also rabbits. These activities are ongoing, and occur in accordance with best practice as outlined in Section 5.1 and 5.5 of this OMP.

2.2.4 Condition 4 – Variation to Conditions Attached to Approval (23 July 2014) To offset the impacts on Large-eared Pied Bat, the person taking the action must provide a legally binding conservation mechanism for the long term protection of the Brokenback Conservation Area and Spring Gully Cliffline Management Area as described in Appendix 1. The conservation mechanism must be agreed to in writing by the Department and must be finalised by no later than 30 June 2015. If the conservation mechanism cannot be by 30 June 2015, the proponent must submit for the Minister’s approval an alternative offset within 5 years of the date of this approval. The alternative offset must provide at least an equivalent environmental outcome to those specified under condition 5. Variations to the condition were granted on 24 December 2012, 6 January 2014, 12 June 2014 and the 23 July 2014 with the requirement to register a legally binding conservation covenant in perpetuity over its offset areas now due on 30 June 2015. The requests and approval variations are attached as Appendix A.

2.2.5 Condition 5 To offset the impacts on the Large-eared Pied Bat, the person taking the action must, before commencement of operations, (excluding first workings), obtain the Minister’s approval of an Offset Management Plan for the Brokenback Conservation Area and Spring Gully Cliffline Management Area.

The plan must include details of:

a) The desired outcomes/objectives of implementing the plan;

b) Details of the Brokenback Conservation Area, clearly defined the location and boundaries of the Brokenback Conservation Area, through maps and/or textual description as well as an accompanying shape file;

c) Details of the Spring Gully Cliffline Management Area, clearly defined the location and boundaries of the Spring Gully Cliffline Management Area, through maps and/or textual description as well as an accompanying shape file;

d) Management actions that are proposed to protect areas and to enhance their value to Large- eared Pied Bat including weed control, fire management, erosion and sediment control, exclusion of livestock and restrictions on access;

e) Measures the long-term protection of these areas;

f) The timing responsibilities and performance criteria for such actions;

g) The development and implementation of a monitoring program;

h) A process to report to the Department the offset area management actions undertaken and the outcomes of those actions, identifying any need for improved management. For the five years after the commencement of operations, reports are to be submitted annually on or before the anniversary of the commencement of operations. Subsequently reports are to be submitted every fifth year on or before the anniversary of the commencement of operations.

i) A description of the potential risks to successful management and rehabilitation in the offset areas and a description of the contingency measures that would be implemented to mitigate these risks; and

j) Details of parties responsible for monitoring, reviewing and implementing the plan.

The approved Offset Management Plan must be implemented. Any changes to the Offset Management Plan must be approved by the Minister and approved variations to the plan must be implemented. This plan may be publicly available on the internet by the Department.

An Offset Management Plan for the Brokenback Conservation Area and Spring Gully Cliffline Management Area is included in the BMP (Appendix 1) along with ecological monitoring and associated reporting (refer to Section 3.1.3). Approval for the revised plan was granted by DotE on the 14 November 2014 (Appendix B).

The Offset Management Plan (OMP) establishes a description of the land management works that are to be undertaken within the Brokenback Conservation Area and Spring Gully Cliffline Management Area. Objectives of the offset areas are:

 Brokenback Conservation Area and Spring Gully Cliffline Management Area: o to provide for the protection and management of cliffline areas (including associated cave habitat) to mitigate for that which will be removed as part of the Open Cut Disturbance Area, as well as that which may be subject to subsidence-related impacts, such as rock fall; o to protect and enhance fauna habitat, particularly cliffline areas for habitat specific threatened fauna species; o to provide monitoring to ensure mitigation strategies are effective (Umwelt 2011).

The Brokenback Conservation Area and Spring Gully Cliffline Management Area are located in areas of high quality contiguous vegetation, with little fragmentation in either of these areas. Revegetation activities are not planned to occur within either of these areas. These areas will be protected from disturbances and be allowed to continue to naturally regenerate. This will allow habitat complexity to develop and increase, without impacts such as timber removal, stock grazing or human-related disturbance.

Annual monitoring for the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas commenced in 2011 and has continued during 2014, as outlined in Section 4.0 of this report. The 2014 monitoring surveys continued collecting data from sites previously established, as well as 5 new floristic monitoring sites and 3 new Landscape Function Analysis locations. Monitoring results are used to determine what, if any, actions are to be implemented within these areas if a decline in ecological health or evidence of adverse impacts is recorded.

2.2.6 Condition 6 Within 14 days after commencement of operations, the person taking the action must advise the Department in writing of the actual date of commencement of operations.

Commencement of operations within the EPBC controlled action area occurred on 14 February 2011. The required letter was sent on 15 February 2011 (attached in Appendix C).

2.2.7 Condition 7 On or before every 12 month anniversary of the commencement of the operations, the person taking the action must submit to the Department an annual report addressing compliance with the conditions of

this approval. The annual reports must list each approval condition and the actions taken to address each approval condition. Annual reports must be provided until the Minister is satisfied that the proponent has complied with all conditions of the approval and the Department has advised the person taking the action, in writing, that all the approval conditions have been complied with. This report may be made publicly available on the internet by the Department.

This annual compliance report details compliance with the conditions of the EPBC approval by listing each approval condition and the actions taken to address each, as detailed in Section 4.4.1.1 of the BMP.

This report also details the monitoring survey undertaken for flora and fauna (including microbats) within the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas in accordance with the BMP (ULN SD PLN 0026), for which reporting is required annually in the implementation phase of the work.

2.2.8 Condition 8 On the direction of the Minister, the person taking the action must ensure that an independent audit of compliance with these conditions of approval is conducted and a report submitted to the Minister. The independent auditor must be approved by the Minister prior to the commencement of the audit. Audit criteria must be agreed to by the Minister and the audit report must address the criteria to the satisfaction of the Minister. The report of the independent auditor may be made publicly available on the internet by the Department.

The Minister has not directed an independent audit of compliance with the project approval conditions.

2.2.9 Condition 9 If the Minister believes that it is necessary or desirable for the better protection of the White Box – Yellow Box Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands ecological community, Regent Honeyeater, Swift Parrot or Large-eared Pied Bat to do so, the Minister may request that the person taking the action make specified revisions to any plans approved pursuant to these conditions. The person taking the action must comply with any such request. The revised plans must be implemented.

No directions have been given by the Minister for better protection of White Box – Yellow Box Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands ecological community, Regent Honeyeater, Swift Parrot or Large-eared Pied Bat.

2.2.10 Condition 10 If commencement of operations has not occurred within 5 years of the date of this approval, operations must not commence without the written agreement of the Minister.

Commencement of operations occurred on 14 February 2011 approximately 2.5 months after the date of the approval.

3 Biodiversity Offset & Cliffline Management Areas

3.1 BIODIVERSITY M ANAGEMENT PLAN UCML developed a BMP to satisfy the requirements of the DotE Approval (EPBC Ref: 2009/5252). This BMP was approved on 22 March 2012 (see Appendix B). The BMP was revised as described in Section 1.

The purpose of the BMP is to describe the ecological management strategies, procedures, controls and monitoring programs that are to be implemented for the management of flora and fauna within the Project Area. The BMP also details ecological monitoring and associated reporting (refer to Section 3).

The BMP represents the framework for the overall Biodiversity Management Structure. As part of this structure, the Integrated Mining Operations Plan (ULN SD PLN 0079), Offset Management Program (ULN SD ANN 0048) and Bushfire Management Plan (ULN SD ANN 0053) were developed to support the implementation of the BMP. The BMP and associated plans and programs outline the measures required to implement the biodiversity management commitments in the rehabilitation of mined areas and biodiversity offset areas.

The BMP divides the Project Area into 10 ecological management domains in order to assist in refining targeted ecological management requirements. These ecological management domains include:

1) Open Cut Domain; 2) Surface Infrastructure Domain; 3) Residual Project Area Domain; 4) Salinity Offset Area Domain; 5) Goulburn River Rehabilitation Domain; 6) Bobadeen Vegetation Offset Domain; 7) Bobadeen East Vegetation Offset Domain; 8) Bobadeen Vegetation Offset Corridor; 9) Brokenback Conservation Domain; and 10) Spring Gully Cliffline Management Domain.

3.1.1 Biodiversity Offsets The Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas (Domains 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 listed above) were developed to provide an immediate ecological outcome to offset the identified impacts of the Ulan Coal Continued Operations project. The Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas are located to address specific ecological impacts, primarily vegetation/habitat loss, impacts to the White Box Woodland endangered ecological community (EEC)/critically endangered ecological community (CEEC) and impacts to cliffline habitats. The revegetation/regeneration and protection of these Biodiversity

Offset and Cliffline Management Areas will provide habitat for a range of threatened fauna species, as well as protect and revegetate/regenerate substantial amounts of the White Box Woodland EEC/CEEC.

The Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas relevant to EPBC Ref: 2009/5252 are:

 Bobadeen Vegetation Offset Area (991 ha) – This offset area provides an immediate offset for the loss of vegetation from the Open Cut and Surface Infrastructure Disturbance Areas, as well as to provide for protection and enhancement of the White Box Woodland EEC/CEEC within the Project Area. This Area contains 239 ha of White Box Woodland EEC/CEEC, comprising six community variants reflecting varying condition, quality and dominant species (Figure 3.1).

 Bobadeen East Vegetation Offset Area (232 ha) – This offset area contains approximately 169 ha of White Box Woodland EEC/CEEC to provide for protection and enhancement of this vegetation community. This offset area was specifically established to address the offset requirements for the protection of matters of national environmental significance (MNES) (Figure 3.1).

 Brokenback Conservation Area (58 ha) and Spring Gully Cliffline Management Area (211 ha) – These offset areas provide for the protection of a number of significant rock shelters (in the case of Brokenback Conservation Area) and to compensate for the loss of cliffline and cave habitat from the Open Cut Disturbance Area, together with potential damage to cliffline and cave habitat from subsidence above the longwall areas. These areas contain approximately 12 km of cliffline, including numerous caves or other structures that are likely to provide habitat for microbats (Figure 3.1).

3.1.2 Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Area Objectives The BMP establishes objectives for each offset domain within the Project Area. Objectives for the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas include:

 Bobadeen Vegetation Offset Area: o to provide an immediate, long-term and direct offset for vegetation impacted as a result of the Project; o to protect and improve areas of White Box Woodland EEC/CEEC vegetation; o to protect and improve vegetation and habitat connectivity throughout the Project Area; o to protect and enhance fauna habitat, particularly for threatened fauna species; o to ensure all management actions within this area are supplementary to, and do not duplicate, the existing commitments to the Salinity Offset Area; and o to provide monitoring to ensure mitigation strategies are effective.

 Bobadeen East Vegetation Offset Area: o to provide an immediate, long-term and direct offset for vegetation lost as a result of the clearing activities of the Project; o to protect and improve areas of White Box Woodland EEC/CEEC within the Project Area; o to protect and improve vegetation and habitat connectivity throughout the Project Area; o to protect and enhance fauna habitat, particularly for threatened fauna species; and o to provide monitoring to ensure mitigation strategies are effective.

 Brokenback Conservation Area and Spring Gully Cliffline Management Area:

o to provide for the protection and management of cliffline areas (including associated cave habitat) to compensate for that which will be removed as part of the Open Cut Disturbance Area, as well as that which may be subject to subsidence-related impacts, such as rock fall; o to protect and enhance fauna habitat, particularly cliffline areas for habitat specific threatened fauna species; and o to provide monitoring to ensure mitigation strategies are effective.

3.1.3 Monitoring An integral part of the BMP is the measurement and evaluation of methodologies and processes. A comprehensive monitoring program was developed to assess the performance of biodiversity management measures and to determine whether both biodiversity offset and cliffline management areas are progressing towards meeting the specific condition improvement targets.

The BMP outlines a monitoring program relevant to the EPBC approval that is aimed at:  providing a scientific basis for defining rehabilitation and regeneration objectives;  assessing the long-term stability and functioning of revegetated areas within the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas;  facilitating continuous improvement in rehabilitation and revegetation practices;  recording and documenting changes in retained vegetation within Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas, through comparison with baseline data from permanent monitoring sites and comparison with predictions in the EA (Umwelt 2009);  recording and documenting changes in the structure, composition and condition of revegetation within the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas, over time;  assessing the biogeochemical functioning of the landscape in rehabilitation areas (and suitable analogue sites) using Landscape Function Analysis;  determining if the impacts on key threatened species are consistent with predictions in the EA (Umwelt 2009);  assessing progressive changes to flora and fauna species assemblages within Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas over time; and  ensuring the ecological integrity/function of the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas are maintained or improved as a result of ongoing management practices.

The ecological monitoring program involves the monitoring of revegetation areas, fauna species and their habitats, key threatened species, landscape function and aquatic features. The Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas monitoring methods and results are documented in this annual report. This report also provides details of the flora and fauna species and ecological communities present within Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas monitoring sites and will be used to inform the success of and improvements to management activities across the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas.

Baseline monitoring undertaken established both baseline data collection (additional LFA monitoring sites) and continued monitoring of sites in the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas. Monitoring conducted during 2014 continued to build on the datasets previously collected.

Monitoring undertaken within the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas during 2014 included:  Floristic and Landscape Function Analysis (LFA) sites (autumn and spring);

 Fauna (excluding microbats) – continuation of existing monitoring (autumn, winter and spring);  Microbats – continuation of existing monitoring (autumn and spring).

Figure 3.1: UCML Biodiversity Offset & Cliffline Management Areas

4 Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Area Monitoring

Monitoring during 2014 was undertaken in accordance with the methods and survey techniques prescribed in Section 4 of the BMP, consistent with the monitoring undertaken in previous years.

4.1 METHODOLOGY Floristic monitoring was undertaken by David Allworth, Sarah Dickson-Hoyle, Kurtis Lindsay and Ben Martin of ELA. Monitoring was undertaken between the 12 May and 6 June 2014, 21 October to 30 October 2014, 11 November 2014, 17 November to 20 November 2014, 25 November to 28 November 2014, and December 1 to 2 2014. LFA monitoring was undertaken concurrently with floristic monitoring during October, November and December 2014.

4.1.1 Floristic Monitoring Methodology Floristic monitoring was undertaken at 34 sites during autumn and spring 2014 across the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas (Figures 4.1-4.2). This monitoring included 4 new monitoring sites established in 2014.

Floristic monitoring has been split into two targeted categories:  Residual vegetation monitoring (analogue sites); and  Rehabilitation/revegetation area vegetation monitoring.

At each floristic monitoring site a 20 m x 20 m square plot was established (quadrat). Individual quadrat descriptions are included in Appendix D of this report for the 4 new sites established in 2014.

Within each floristic plot, visible vascular species were recorded, with each species being assigned to one of six foliage cover abundance classes using the Modified Braun-Blanquet Cover-abundance method (Braun-Blanquet 1927, Poore 1955). Vegetation structure was recorded for each plot, in particular the height and total foliage cover of each stratum. The general health, evidence of natural regeneration, occurrence and abundance of weeds, presence of threatened species, signs of disturbance, evidence of feral animals and any observable impacts of the project were also recorded.

Vascular plant species observed within the plots were identified to species level (where possible), recorded and compiled into a species list (Appendix E). Most taxa were identified in the field. Those unable to be identified in the field were collected for later identification using a microscope and a combination of field guides, the Flora of New South Wales and by comparison with herbarium specimens held in the Public Reference Collection of the National Herbarium of NSW in Sydney.

4.1.1.1 Residual Vegetation Monitoring (Analogue Sites) Residual vegetation monitoring was undertaken within the Brokenback Conservation Area, Spring Gully Cliffline Management Area, Bobadeen Vegetation Offset Area and Bobadeen East Vegetation Offset Area (Figure 4.1).

Vegetation monitoring continued at 15 permanent vegetation plots, including one within the Brokenback Conservation Area, one within the Spring Gully Cliffline Management Area, eight within the Bobadeen Vegetation Offset Area and five within the Bobadeen East Vegetation Offset Area (Table 4.1).

Table 4.1: Residual vegetation monitoring sites

Site Numbers by Location Spring Bobadeen East Brokenback Bobadeen (BOB) Gully Vegetation Type (BOBE) (BB) (SG)

Autumn Spring Autumn Spring Spring Spring

Blakely’s Red Gum Open Forest BOB 6

Ironbark Open Forest Complex on BOB 3 BOBE 3 BOB 7 BOBE10* Sandstone BOB 8 BOBE 4 Narrow-leaved Ironbark Open Forest BOB 2 on Alluvium/Colluvium Rough-barked Apple Open Forest on BOB 5 Alluvium/Colluvium Scribbly Gum Woodland - Heathland SG 1 on Sand Plateaux Stringybark-Ironbark Open Forest on BB 1 Sandstone Slopes

White Box Woodland BOB 4 BOB 1 BOBE 1

Yellow Box – Red Gum Woodland BOBE 2

*Indicates a new residual floristic site in 2014.

Figure 4.1: Residual vegetation monitoring sites

4.1.1.2 Revegetation/Regeneration Area Vegetation Monitoring Within the Bobadeen Vegetation Offset Area and Bobadeen East Vegetation Offset Area, vegetation monitoring quadrat surveys are undertaken within areas that will undergo either revegetation activities or natural regeneration (Figure 4.2). Monitoring of these sites continues once revegetation activities have been undertaken to determine progress towards the condition of the relevant residual vegetation monitoring quadrats.

Vegetation monitoring continued at 15 previously established vegetation quadrats with four new permanent vegetation quadrats established during 2014. Twelve sites are located within the Bobadeen Vegetation Offset Area and seven are within the Bobadeen East Vegetation Offset Area (Table 4.2).

Table 4.2: Revegetation/regeneration vegetation monitoring sites

Site Numbers by Location

Vegetation Type Bobadeen (BOB) Bobadeen East (BOBE)

Autumn Spring Autumn Spring Blakely’s Red Gum Open Forest BOB 11 BOB 14 (regenerating) Blakely’s Red Gum Open Forest Grassland BOB 10

Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone BOB 16 (regenerating) Modified White Box Woodland BOBE 7 BOBE 9 BOB 12 BOB19* BOBE 8 BOBE 12* Rough-barked Apple Open Forest on BOBE 5 Alluvium/Colluvium (regenerating) Rough-barked Apple Open Forest Grassland BOB 13 BOB 15 White Box Woodland Grassland BOB 12 BOB 9 BOB 18* BOB 17 White Box Woodland BOBE 11*

Yellow Box – Red Gum Woodland Grassland BOBE 6

*Indicates a new revegetation/regeneration floristic site in 2014.

Figure 4.2: Revegetation/Regeneration Area vegetation monitoring sites

4.1.2 Landscape Function Analysis Methodology LFA is a monitoring tool that assesses beyond floristic assemblage to look at vegetation orientation and structure, and ecosystem function at the soil level. The tool is widely applied to mine site rehabilitation projects. LFA data will be used to record the trajectory of change in revegetated and rehabilitated sites towards (or otherwise) comparable analogue sites.

LFA monitoring has been established at analogue sites for the vegetation communities that have undergone, or will undergo, revegetation/regeneration within the Biodiversity Offset areas. During the 2014 monitoring, LFA monitoring continued at seven existing analogue sites and three active rehabilitation sites across the Biodiversity Offset Areas.

Baseline data was collected at three new sites that will be undergoing revegetation and rehabilitation works as part of Year 3 and 4 of the OMP revegetation plan (Table 4.3, Figure 4.3). The rehabilitation sites were located through aerial photography interpretation, focusing on areas that indicate structural variation in the vegetation and the boundaries of revegetation areas. There were no new analogue sites established in 2014.

LFA monitoring was consistent with the methods of Tongway and Hindley (2005) and described in ELA (2012).

Table 4.3: LFA analogue sites

Biodiversity Offset Areas Vegetation Communities Bobadeen Vegetation Bobadeen East Vegetation Offset Area Offset Area Analogue Site Number Blakely’s Red Gum Open Forest LFABOB3(A)

Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone LFABOB4(A)

Narrow-leaved Ironbark Open Forest on LFABOB2(A) Alluvium/Colluvium

Narrow-leaved Ironbark Woodland LFABOB1(A)

Rough-barked Apple Open Forest LFABOBE1(A)

White Box Woodland LFABOB5(A)

Yellow Box – Red Gum Woodland LFABOBE2(A)

Revegetation/Rehabilitation Site Number Modified White Box Woodland LFABOBE2(R)*

Rough-barked Apple Open Forest LFABOB2(R)

LFABOB1(R) White Box Woodland LFABOB3(R)* LFABOBE1(R) LFABOB4(R)* *Indicates a new LFA site in 2014

Figure 4.3: LFA monitoring sites

At each LFA site, a 50 m transect line was established between permanent transect start and end markers. Along each transect, LFA attributes were recorded on electronic field data sheets, namely:

 Landscape organisation

 Soil surface assessment

Vegetation dynamics were also assessed along each newly established LFA transect.

4.1.2.1 Geographic Setting of the Site For each new site established during LFA monitoring, a description of each site was recorded, including position in the landscape, GPS coordinates (GDA94 Zone 55), transect bearing, slope, aspect, vegetation type and land use. The following topographic classification was used:

 Crest;  Upper slope;

 Mid slope;

 Lower slope;  Closed depression, or lake;

 Flat; and

 Open depression or stream channel.

4.1.2.2 Landscape Organisation Landscape organisation characterises and maps the spatial patterns of resource loss or accumulation at a site. The data collected recorded the patch/inter-patch parameters along the transect

According to the LFA method, patches are long-lived/term features that obstruct or divert water flow and/or collect/filter out material from runoff (such as perennial ground cover, rocks > 10 cm, tree branches in contact with the soil) and where there is evidence of resource accumulation. Inter-patches are zones where resources such as water, soil materials and litter may be mobilised and freely transported either down slope when water is the active agent or down-wind when aeolian processes are active.

The following data was recorded for each patch/inter-patch along each transect:

 The distance and interval along the tape;  The patch width; and  The patch/inter-patch identification. Rill survey was only completed where rills occurred, with the following recorded:

 Rill base (e.g. Rocky, alluvium or gravel);  Start of rill along the tape;  Finish of rill along the tape;  Rill width; and  Rill depth.

Data was entered into the LFA spreadsheets and was used to calculate the results of the LFA.

4.1.2.3 Soil Surface Assessment Each patch/inter-patch type identified in the landscape organisation data log was subject to a soil surface property assessment according to the Soil Surface Assessment (SSA) Method, via a set of query zones located within a subsample of each patch and inter-patch type. In selecting query zones the following guidelines were observed:

 Observations of soil surface features were estimated on a linear basis through measuring the estimated distance of each feature covered within each particular query zone.

 The transect data record was used to select ‘query zones’ within each patch type, with query zones distributed along the full length of the transect;

 The assessment had a minimum of five query zones (replicates) of each patch/inter-patch type (where possible) to improve statistical reliability. If fewer than five examples were available for a given patch/inter-patch type, more than one query zone was located in a long single patch. Sampling of five replicates was not always possible due to paucity of a given patch/inter-patch type, with a common example being “log” patches that may have only occurred once along a given transect;

 Each query zone was sited symmetrically within the selected zone patch/inter-patch;

 The standard query zone length was 1 m. If the patch/inter-patch length was insufficient for a 1 m query zone, particularly where individual grass plants were patch zones, simple fractions of a metre were used;

 The boundary between two zones was avoided where possible, as is in some cases there is a gradual transition between zones. The boundary was used only where the start and/or end of the zone was very distinct.

Within each query zone the appropriate score for each of the following SSA indicators was recorded:

 Rain splash protection;  Perennial vegetation cover;

 Litter cover, origin and decomposition;

 Cryptogam cover;  Crust brokenness;

 Soil erosion type and severity;

 Deposited materials;  Soil surface roughness;

 Surface nature (resistance to disturbance);

 Slake test; and  Soil surface nature.

The LFA data sheets and spreadsheets were used to calculate the results of the SSA.

4.1.2.4 Vegetation Dynamics In newly established LFA sites, the Point Centred Quarter (PCQ) method was applied to the 50 m transects to assess vegetation dynamics. This involved establishing sampling points at regular 10 m intervals along the LFA transect line. At each sampling point, the distance to the four nearest “plants of

interest” in each of the 4 quadrants around the tape were measured. The “plants of interest” were perennial ground cover, lower shrubs (<1m), upper shrub layer (>1m) and tree species. A minimum sampling effort of 80 plants per “plants of interest group” is recommended in the LFA method, but this was not always possible within 50 m transect. For each plant the following was recorded:

 The sampling point;

 The point quarter (ie a, b, c or d moving in a clockwise direction from the top right side quarter);

 Distance to the plant;  Plant species code;

 Height of the plant;

 Width, breadth and height to canopy (for grasses this was butt width, for shrubs and trees crown width was recorded); and

CSIRO Ecosystem Function Analysis data sheets and spreadsheets (CSIRO, 2011) were used to calculate the results of the Vegetation Dynamics.

4.1.3 Fauna (excluding Microbats) Fauna monitoring (excluding microbats) during 2014 was undertaken by Dr. Martin Denny of Biodiversity Monitoring Services. Fauna monitoring was undertaken during autumn, winter and spring, from 12 March to 30 April 2014 (autumn), 23 June to 28 June and one extra day on 31 August 2014 (winter), and 18 October to 1 December 2014 (spring).

Fauna monitoring was undertaken in accordance with the BMP and involved collecting data to assess the diversity and abundance of species at sites within the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas. The BMP required that seven monitoring sites were established across the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas. These were established during the spring/summer 2011 survey period and monitoring of those sites continued during 2014 (Table 4.4, Figure 4.4). There were no new sites established during 2014.

The locations identified as fauna monitoring sites were selected to allow a comparison to be made between the fauna utilisation of un-impacted vegetation and revegetation areas (Bobadeen Vegetation Offset Area and Bobadeen East Vegetation Offset Area) as well as areas that are managed for conservation (Brokenback Conservation Area and Spring Gully Cliffline Management Area) (Appendix E).

Table 4.4: Fauna monitoring sites

Location Site Vegetation Type

BO 1 Rough-barked Apple Open Forest on Alluvium/Colluvium

Bobadeen BO 2 Narrow-leaved Ironbark Open Forest on Alluvium/Colluvium Vegetation Offset Rough-barked Apple Open Forest on Alluvium/Colluvium and Ironbark Open Area BO 3 Forest Complex on Sandstone

BO 4 Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone

Blakely’s Red Gum Open Forest and Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Bobadeen East BE 1 Sandstone Vegetation Offset Rough-barked Apple Open Forest on Alluvium/Colluvium (regenerating) and Area BE 2 Unimproved Pasture

Location Site Vegetation Type Spring Gully Cliffline CR Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone Management Area

The fauna monitoring techniques used during 2014 were consistent with those used in previous monitoring periods. A summary of these methods are identified below in Table 4.5. Detailed methods are included within the Terrestrial Fauna and Habitats Report (Biodiversity Monitoring Services, 2015) in Appendix E.

Figure 4.4: Fauna monitoring sites

Table 4.5: Fauna monitoring technique and effort per site

Survey Details per Site Monitoring Effort per Technique Site per Year Elliott Trapping  25 small (8x10x33 cm) Elliott traps for 4 consecutive nights.  Baited with a mixture of rolled oats, peanut butter and bacon fat. Small 100 trap nights piece of Dacron was placed within each trap (as protection against the cold).  5 small Elliott traps were mounted on trees at equal distances along each transect. 20 trap nights  The tree trunk and trap were sprayed with a honey-water mixture to assist in attracting any nectar or sap feeding arboreal mammals.  2 large Elliott traps. 8 trap nights  Baited with apple, muesli bar and chicken. Cage Trapping  3 cage traps were laid on the ground and 3 traps were mounted on trees. 28 trap nights

Spotlighting  Tracks were spotlighted from a moving vehicle.  Spotlighting on foot was undertaken at each fauna survey site. Hair Funnels  5 hair funnels (from Faunatech) were set out for 4 nights  Baited with a mixture of rolled oats, peanut butter and bacon fat. 20 trap nights  Where possible, some of the hair funnels were set onto habitat trees. Glider Traps  2 vertical plastic tube traps were used as a tree-mounted pit-fall trap. 8 trap nights

Remote Cameras  Tree-mounted remote cameras were used to capture images of any animal using the area, particularly near the traps.  At some sites a small container of bait was placed in front of a camera to attract animals. Bird Surveys  Area-search method was used, involving a 30 minute search through walking around the site and from a single-point. 2 person hours  Up to four periods of observation were undertaken (two in the morning and two in the late afternoon). Targeted Winter  Vegetation communities that were likely to contain the Swift Parrot and Bird Survey Regent Honeyeater were surveyed visually.  37 sites were selected within the potential habitats and two people walked 2 person hours for one hour throughout the site searching for the presence of the Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater. Call Broadcasting  Calls were broadcast through a megaphone for approximately 5 minutes, with a 10 minute listening time.  Calls broadcast included Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua), Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae), Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides), Barking Owl (Ninox connivens), Barn Owl (Tyto alba), Southern Boobook (Ninox boobook) and the White-throated Nightjar (Eurostopodus mystacalis) as well as the Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis), Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps), Yellow-bellied Glider (Petaurus australis) and Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Amphibian  Water bodies were searched for frogs. Searches and  At night, each body of water was searched, using spotlights and any frog Call Recording calls recorded.  Stones beside water were turned over during the day and night. Pit fall traps  Pit fall traps were established at a number of the monitoring sites.  A series of 20 litre buckets was used, together with drift fencing made from wire gauze.  At all sites buckets were dug into the ground at 10 metres intervals and a 20cm high wire mesh fence run between each bucket. Herpetological  Systematic searches for reptiles and amphibians were undertaken within Searches each habitat type. 1 person hr  Litter was raked and rocks and logs turned over.

Survey Details per Site Monitoring Effort per Technique Site per Year  Loose bark was prised from the trunks of dead trees.  Each search took approximately 30 minutes and was repeated at each site.  Searches for amphibians took place at night using spotlights (particularly after rain) and recognition of characteristic calls.  Spotlighting searches were also attempted for reptiles. Animal Track  Areas of sand on tracks were inspected for evidence of animal movement. Recognition  Paw prints and other animal signs were identified and recorded. Opportunistic  Any sightings of fauna were recorded whilst moving throughout the Project Observations Area and located using a GPS.  Any scats were collected and their contents analysed.  Inspection of the clifflines was undertaken during the surveys. Brush-tailed  Cliffline ledges were searched for any sign of this species, including smallish Rock-wallaby foot prints and characteristically shaped scats.  Observations using binoculars were undertaken of inaccessible cliffline ledges, particularly during late afternoon when these animals may be active. Habitat  Trap Site Description – The first method for describing habitat characteristics Characteristics was to provide a description of the upper, middle and lower storey vegetation, as well as the ground cover, within an area of 1m radius surrounding each trap was undertaken. Where the traps sampled clifflines, the unique habitat characteristics of this environment are noted.  Walking Transects - A second method for describing habitat characteristics involved a 50 m walking transect at each survey site. Within each transect, the following habitat characteristics were measured: a) Upper and Middle Strata Vegetation Density – number of trees and saplings and shrubs. b) Tree and Shrub Height – height of any trees/saplings or shrubs. c) Lower Strata Vegetation Density – visual estimates of the relative proportions of ground cover contributed by grass, forbs, moss, vines, rocks, ferns, litter and logs. d) Diameter Breast Height (DBH) – the diameter of each tree at about breast height. e) Grass and Forb Height – the average height of the grasses and forbs. f) Litter Mass g) Presence of hollows and mistletoe – the presence of tree hollows and mistletoe was documented  Cliffline Habitat - The cliffline environment was divided into five features which were considered common to all areas at the UCML site. The features used were: a) Cliff Base – the boundary between the steep cliffline and the relatively level ground beyond the cliff. b) Overhang – an overhang comprises a large cave-like depression in the cliff-face which may or may not form a narrow dark-zone at the back of the depression. c) Ledge – ledges are found throughout the cliffline and range in size from large (more than 10 metres long) to small (less than 30cm). d) Cliff crack – this feature is found throughout the cliffline where cracks have formed. e) Rock fall – this common feature at the base of clifflines, comprises pieces of rock broken away from the cliffline.

4.1.4 Fauna (Microbats) Microchiropteran bat (microbat) monitoring during 2014 was undertaken by Glenn Hoye of Fly By Night Bat Surveys Pty Ltd. Monitoring was undertaken in accordance with the BMP and consisted of two components:

1) General Fauna Monitoring Sites; and 2) Targeted Cliffline Monitoring Sites.

Microbat monitoring was undertaken during autumn and spring, from 2 to 9 April 2014 (autumn), and 1 December to 11 December 2014 (spring – targeted sites).

4.1.4.1 General Fauna Monitoring Sites Microbat monitoring was undertaken at the seven existing general fauna sites (identified in Section 4.1.3). Microbats were sampled through capture using collapsible harp traps (Tidemann & Woodside, 1978) and recording and analysis of echolocation calls though the use of Anabat detection devices. Each site was sampled for three consecutive nights with harp traps while echolocation call recording was undertaken for a minimum of two complete nights.

Each morning microbats that had been captured in harp traps were identified, measured and fitted with an identification band and released. Detailed methods are included within Appendix F of Hoye, 2015 (Appendix F).

4.1.4.2 Targeted Cliffline Microbat Monitoring Microbat monitoring within targeted sites located along clifflines was undertaken at seven sites (Table 4.6) in addition to the general fauna monitoring locations. Microbats were sampled through captures using collapsible harp traps (Tidemann & Woodside, 1978) (with exception of site BD9 and SG5) that were left in place for two nights, and recording and analysis of echolocation calls through Anabat detection devices for a minimum of two complete nights. Each morning captured microbats were identified, measured and fitted with an identification band and released.

The locations of the targeted cliffline monitoring sites are indicated in Table 4.6 and in Figure 4.5. Detailed methods are included within Appendix F of Hoye, 2014 (Appendix F).

Table 4.6: Targeted Cliffline Microbat monitoring sites

GPS Coordinates Location Site Easting Northing

BD6 753428 6436595

BD7 753052 6436594 Brokenback Conservation Area BD8 752671 6436618

BD9 751864 6436925

SG5 761877 6432789 Spring Gully Cliffline SG7 761427 6432729 Management Area SG8 761438 6432916

Figure 4.5: Microbat monitoring sites

4.1.5 Weather Conditions Weather conditions during the monitoring were considered adequate for the surveys. Temperatures were generally mild to warm, with minimal rainfall recorded during the fauna monitoring, as shown in Table 4.7 (temperature records from the nearest weather station, Gulgong Post Office Weather Station BoM, 2014).

Table 4.7: Weather conditions 9am Monitoring Min Max 9am Rainfall Wind Date Temp Temp Temp (mm) (Dir./Spd Flora Microbats Fauna (°C) (°C) (°C) (km/h)) 12/03/2014  11.7 29.3 0.0 15.4 ESE 2 13/03/2014  12.5 28.9 0.0 19.3 ESE 6 14/03/2014  15.0 29.0 0.0 18.4 ESE 2 15/03/2014  12.5 27.5 6.2 17.5 E 2 16/03/2014  16.0 24.9 0.0 21.5 WNW 2 17/03/2014  7.4 23.9 0.0 12.0 S 2 18/03/2014  9.4 27.8 0.0 13.0 SW 2 19/03/2014  10.8 29.7 0.0 15.1 E 2 20/03/2014  13.4 27.5 0.0 19.4 SE 22 21/03/2014  14.9 27.5 0.0 18.1 SE 2 22/03/2014  13.5 29.0 0.0 16.5 ENE 2 23/03/2014  14.5 28.8 0.0 17.5 S 4 24/03/2014  11.8 24.5 13.0 12.9 SE 2 25/03/2014  11.5 25.7 3.4 16.5 E 6 26/03/2014  14.7 20.5 3.0 18.0 E 6 27/03/2014  16.0 20.0 20.0 17.6 NE 22 28/03/2014  15.8 19.5 1.3 17.3 NE 2 29/03/2014  11.0 25.0 5.8 16.0 NW 2 30/03/2014  14.5 24.8 0.0 18.5 SE 2 31/03/2014  13.2 26.0 0.0 17.3 SE 2 1/04/2014  12.3 27.0 0.0 14.6 SE 2 2/04/2014   13.0 28.4 0.0 16.1 E 2 3/04/2014   15.3 28.5 0.0 17.3 NE 2 4/04/2014   NA 23.5 16.1 19.1 E 4 5/04/2014   18.0 25.5 2.2 19.5 W 2 6/04/2014   13.5 25.7 0.4 18.0 SE 6 7/04/2014   12.3 22.4 1.6 17.8 ESE 41 8/04/2014   11.3 23.4 0.0 18.3 E 13 9/04/2014   9.9 24.4 0.0 16.8 NE 6 10/04/2014  12.4 24.6 0.0 17.1 NE 6 11/04/2014  16.3 24.0 22.4 18.2 NW 2 12/04/2014  14.5 25.5 0.6 18.0 W 2 13/04/2014  10.0 24.2 0.0 18.0 NE 2 14/04/2014  9.5 22.7 0.0 16.5 E 2 15/04/2014  9.3 21.2 0.0 16.3 E 11 16/04/2014  10.1 22.9 0.0 17.3 SE 2 17/04/2014  8.6 22.0 0.0 13.4 S 2 18/04/2014  6.0 22.0 0.0 12.0 CALM 19/04/2014  8.0 20.0 0.0 14.5 SW 2 20/04/2014  3.0 NA 0.0 11.0 CALM 21/04/2014  NA 20.4 0.0 NA NA 22/04/2014  2.8 22.4 0.0 10.0 CALM 23/04/2014  3.0 24.4 0.0 9.5 SW 2 24/04/2014  4.8 27.0 0.0 12.7 SW2 25/04/2014  10.5 23.0 0.0 18.0 ESE 6 26/04/2014  10.0 22.0 4.8 19.0 NNW 6

9am Monitoring Min Max 9am Rainfall Wind Date Temp Temp Temp (mm) (Dir./Spd Flora Microbats Fauna (°C) (°C) (°C) (km/h)) 27/04/2014  9.0 22.7 0.2 18.0 E 7 28/04/2014  12.9 21.5 0.0 16.4 E 19 29/04/2014  7.4 23.4 0.0 11.4 E 2 30/04/2014  10.1 19.1 5.9 15.1 SW 9 12/05/2014  6.9 21.0 0.8 12.0 SE 2 13/05/2014  7.3 20.2 0.0 13.6 SE 2 14/05/2014  7.1 21.1 0.0 12.0 NE 2 15/05/2014  4.5 21.2 0.0 9.5 E 2 16/05/2014  4.2 22.5 0.0 10.0 CALM 17/05/2014  3.5 21.5 0.0 11.5 NNE 2 18/05/2014  6.0 21.7 0.0 1.5 SW 2 19/05/2014  5.3 20.3 0.0 10.1 N 2 20/05/2014  3.9 19.9 0.0 8.8 CALM 21/05/2014  4.7 23.5 0.0 10.4 CALM 22/05/2014  5.5 22.9 0.0 11.0 CALM 23/05/2014  4.8 22.0 0.0 8.1 N 2 24/05/2014  5.5 23.0 0.0 12.0 SW 2 25/05/2014  8.5 23.7 0.0 14.5 SW 2 26/05/2014  5.0 25.0 0.0 10.4 CALM 27/05/2014  8.2 22.9 0.0 15.1 NE 11 28/05/2014  9.2 19.2 3.8 14.4 W 7 29/05/2014  2.6 19.7 0.1 7.4 CALM 30/05/2014  5.3 18.0 0.0 13.7 E 4 31/05/2014  11.0 15.5 0.0 15.0 ENE 2 1/06/2014  7.5 14.9 11.4 11.5 SSE 2 2/06/2014  8.0 16.9 12.1 12.1 N 6 3/06/2014  4.8 13.9 0.4 8.3 W 2 4/06/2014  3.8 18.4 0.0 8.6 CALM 5/06/2014  4.8 18.8 0.0 8.2 NE 2 6/06/2014  6.4 18.0 0.0 13.4 SE 6 23/06/2014  2.5 13.0 0.0 6.1 CALM 24/06/2014  5.0 12.1 0.0 7.0 WSW 19 25/06/2014  NA 13.6 0.0 9.2 W 22 26/06/2014  NA 14.9 0.0 10.0 SW 11 27/06/2014  2.0 16.5 0.0 5.4 W 2 28/06/2014  NA 16.5 0.0 12.0 NNW 2 31/08/2014  2.5 20.7 0.0 12.0 ESE 2 18/10/2014  6.5 24.0 0.0 13.5 E 4 19/10/2014  5.0 28.6 0.0 16.5 E 2 20/10/2014  9.2 30.0 0.0 17.4 CALM 21/10/2014   13.0 23.1 0.0 15.0 ENE 33 22/10/2014   8.4 28.0 0.0 14.6 ESE 15 23/10/2014   10.8 32.0 0.0 19.7 ESE 2 24/10/2014   16.5 34.5 0.5 21.0 ESE 9 25/10/2014   13.5 36.5 0.0 24.5 E 2 26/10/2014   16.5 35.7 0.0 26.0 NE 2 27/10/2014   15.8 31.0 0.0 21.4 CALM 28/10/2014   NA 25.0 0.0 17.0 WSW 6 29/10/2014   NA 28.1 0.0 17.6 SW 2 30/10/2014   NA 31.7 0.0 18.6 SSW 2 31/10/2014  NA 35.5 0.0 21.6 CALM 1/11/2014  17.5 31.0 0.4 24.0 NE 11 2/11/2014  7.0 23.0 2.8 13.5 S 2 3/11/2014  8.4 27.4 0.0 15.6 ESE 11

9am Monitoring Min Max 9am Rainfall Wind Date Temp Temp Temp (mm) (Dir./Spd Flora Microbats Fauna (°C) (°C) (°C) (km/h)) 4/11/2014  10.7 28.6 0.0 16.6 ENE 2 5/11/2014  13.6 28.6 0.8 20.8 N 9 6/11/2014  7.5 29.0 0.0 14.8 CALM 7/11/2014  11.1 31.0 0.0 17.0 ENE 2 8/11/2014  12.0 32.5 0.0 18.5 NE 15 9/11/2014  13.5 37.1 0.0 24.0 NE 2 10/11/2014  15.2 34.8 0.0 20.5 ENE 7 11/11/2014   18.5 28.6 0.0 18.5 SE 37 12/11/2014  18.1 32.0 0.0 18.1 NE 33 13/11/2014  18.0 33.7 0.0 18.0 ENE 15 14/11/2014  16.9 39.0 0.0 26.0 N 6 15/11/2014  NA 39.6 0.0 32.0 NE 7 16/11/2014  14.0 26.0 1.0 15.0 NW 2 17/11/2014   9.8 28.6 0.1 17.6 W 2 18/11/2014   10.1 30.1 0.0 20.7 ESE 11 19/11/2014   13.1 30.7 0.0 19.6 NE 31 20/11/2014   14.9 34.9 0.0 21.7 NNE 4 21/11/2014  20.4 35.5 0.0 29.0 NNE 17 22/11/2014  18.5 38.5 0.0 23.5 NE 2 23/11/2014  19.5 42.1 0.0 29.5 NE 2 24/11/2014  21.7 36.8 0.0 29.5 CALM 25/11/2014   20.6 26.1 22.6 20.6 SW 20 26/11/2014   14.9 20.9 0.1 19.5 NE 11 27/11/2014   NA 28.6 0.0 22.0 E 2 28/11/2014   15.2 29.5 0.0 18.8 ENE 28 29/11/2014  15.5 32.5 0.0 20.5 NE 7 30/11/2014  18.0 31.1 8.2 20.5 N 4 1/12/2014    18.7 29.9 8.2 21.5 ENE 2 2/12/2014  NA 33.6 0.9 23.3 ENE 11 3/12/2014  21.3 34.5 0.0 27.3 N 13 4/12/2014  18.6 32.2 3.5 22.1 NE 11 5/12/2014  16.1 31.5 10.1 21.0 WNW 4 6/12/2014  16.5 26.5 21.2 22.0 WNW 13 7/12/2014  15.5 28.9 16.8 21.0 ENE 6 8/12/2014  17.6 31.0 6.9 22.5 ENE 11 9/12/2014  NA 33.7 0.0 22.0 NE 11 10/12/2014  NA 32.0 0.0 21.4 NE 30 11/12/2014  19.5 27.2 5.0 21.0 CALM Weather observations were taken from Gulgong Post Office Weather Station.

4.2 RESULTS 4.2.1 Floristic Surveys The following section provides a summary of the floristic survey undertaken for the purposes of Residual and Revegetation/Regeneration Vegetation Monitoring. Floristic data that was collected during monitoring periods is summarised below in Table 4.8 with a full flora species list provided in Appendix E.

Floristic surveys identified a total of 247 species, with 183 native species, 52 introduced species and 12 species that could not be identified to species level and could not be confidently classified as either native or exotic.

Species diversity varied within each floristic site, as identified in Table 4.8, with total species identified ranging from 12 species (BOB7 – Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone) to 40 species (BOBE2 – Yellow Box – Red Gum Woodland).

Numbers of native and exotic species present varied within each floristic site, with the number of native species identified ranging from 8 (BOB19) to 33 (BOB1) species and the number of exotic species identified ranging from 0 at multiple sites to 20 (BOBE6 – Yellow Box – Red Gum Woodland Grassland) species.

No threatened flora species listed under the EPBC Act were recorded during the 2014 surveys, or in surveys undertaken in previous years.

Table 4.8: Floristic survey summary

Total Strata Total Survey Native Exotic Structural Cover Dominant Species Vegetation Community Site Type Site Number Species Season Species* Species* Layer (*=exotic) Number N E

Residual Vegetation Monitoring

Eucalyptus blakelyi Canopy 12 0 Eucalyptus crebra Blakeley’s Red Gum Open Bobadeen Acacia paradoxa BOB6 Autumn 26 26 0 Mid-storey 5 0 Forest Offset Cassinia arcuata Aristida vagans Ground 30 0 Gahnia aspera

Canopy 10 0 Eucalyptus fibrosa

Bobadeen BOB3 Autumn 23 23 0 Offset Mid-storey 50 0 Allocasuarina gymnanthera

Microlaena stipoides Ground 5 0 Phyllanthus spp.

Canopy 20 0 Eucalyptus fibrosa Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone Mid-storey 1 1 0 Callitris endlicheri Bobadeen BOB7 Spring 12 12 0 Offset Mid-storey 2 20 0 Acrotriche rigida

Lomandra spp. Ground 4 0 Joycea pallida Callitris endlicheri Canopy 20 0 Bobadeen Eucalyptus crebra BOBE3 Autumn 16 14 0 East Offset Cassinia quinquefaria Mid-storey 2 20 0 Acacia linearifolia

Total Strata Total Survey Native Exotic Structural Cover Dominant Species Vegetation Community Site Type Site Number Species Season Species* Species* Layer (*=exotic) Number N E

Goodenia hederacea Ground 2 0 Lomandra spp. Eucalyptus crebra, Canopy 15 0 Callitris endlicheri Bobadeen BOBE4 Spring 27 27 0 Mid-storey 5 0 Acrotriche rigida East Offset Goodenia hederacea Ground 1 0 Pomax umbellata

Canopy 20 0 Eucalyptus sparsifolia

Bobadeen BOBE10 Autumn 14 13 0 Mid-storey 1 30 0 Acacia linearifolia East Offset

Ground 1 0 Cleistochloa rigida

Canopy 20 0 Eucalyptus macrorhyncha

Ironbark Open Forest Mid-storey 1 5 0 Acacia linearifolia Bobadeen Complex on Sandstone BOB8 Autumn 24 23 0 Offset (regenerating) Mid-storey 2 5 0 Cassinia arcuata

Ground 60 0 Microlaena stipoides

Canopy 20 0 Eucalyptus blakelyi Narrow-leaved Ironbark Bobadeen Open Forest on BOB2 Spring 31 29 2 Mid-storey 10 0 Cassinia arcuata Offset Alluvium/Colluvium Aristida ramosa Arundinella Ground 65 <1 nepalensis

Total Strata Total Survey Native Exotic Structural Cover Dominant Species Vegetation Community Site Type Site Number Species Season Species* Species* Layer (*=exotic) Number N E

Canopy 15 0 Eucalyptus crebra

Rough-barked Apple Open Mid-storey 1 1 0 Acacia implexa Forest on Bobadeen BOB5 Spring 29 29 0 Alluvium/Colluvium Offset Cassinia arcuata Mid-storey 2 8 0 Leucopogon muticus Austrodanthonia sp. Aristida Ground 40 0 vagans

Canopy 5 0 Eucalyptus crebra

Acacia doratoxylon Scribbly Gum Woodland - Mid-storey 1 6 0 Acacia linearifolia Heathland on Sand Spring Gully SG1 Spring 24 24 0 Leucopogon muticus Plateaux Mid-storey 2 20 0 Sannantha cunninghamii

Ground 25 0 Microlaena stipoides

Canopy 10 0 Eucalyptus fibrosa

Allocasuarina gymnanthera Stringybark-Ironbark Open Mid-storey 1 2 0 Persoonia linearis Forest on Sandstone Brokenback BB1 Spring 29 29 0 Slopes Offset Mid-storey 2 35 0 Leucopogon muticus

Ground 2 0 Lomandra filiformis

Canopy 5 0 Eucalyptus blakelyi Bobadeen White Box Woodland BOB1 Spring 39 33 6 Offset Mid-storey 1 0 Cassinia arcuata

Total Strata Total Survey Native Exotic Structural Cover Dominant Species Vegetation Community Site Type Site Number Species Season Species* Species* Layer (*=exotic) Number N E

Ground 60 Aristida ramosa

Canopy 25 0 Eucalyptus albens Bobadeen BOB4 Autumn 28 24 3 Offset Ground 10 <1 Aristida vagans

Bobadeen Aristida ramosa BOBE1 Spring 31 20 11 Ground 50 10 East Offset Themeda australis

Canopy 25 0 Eucalyptus albens

Yellow Box - Red Gum Bobadeen Acacia decora BOBE2 Spring 40 26 13 Mid-storey 6 0 Woodland East Offset Cassinia arcuata Aristida ramosa Ground 70 5 Microlaena stipoides

Revegetation/Regeneration Vegetation Monitoring

Canopy 10 0 Eucalyptus blakelyi

Bobadeen BOB11 Autumn 29 24 2 Mid-storey 2 0 Cassinia arcuata Offset Aristida vagans Blakely’s Red Gum Open Ground 80 <1 Arundinella nepalensis Forest (regenerating) Canopy 15 0 Eucalyptus blakelyi

Bobadeen BOB14 Spring 31 23 8 Mid-storey 4 0 Melaleuca thymifolia Offset

Ground 55 <5 Arundinella nepalensis

Total Strata Total Survey Native Exotic Structural Cover Dominant Species Vegetation Community Site Type Site Number Species Season Species* Species* Layer (*=exotic) Number N E

Mid-storey 1 0 Cassinia arcuata Blakely’s Red Gum Open Bobadeen BOB10 Autumn 30 16 12 Forest Grassland Offset Bothriochloa macra, Ground 99 1 Microlaena stipoides Eucalyptus fibrosa, E. Canopy 21 0 sparsifolia

Ironbark Open Forest Mid-storey 1 1 0 Callitris endlicheri Bobadeen Complex on Sandstone BOB16 Spring 28 28 0 Offset (regenerating) Mid-storey 2 2 0 Acrotriche rigida

Joycea pallida, Lomandra Ground 5 0 spp.

Canopy 15 0 Angophora floribunda

Mid-storey 1 10 0 Acacia linearifolia Bobadeen BOB13 Spring 27 26 1 Offset Mid-storey 2 3 0 Cassinia arcuata Rough-barked Apple Open Forest Grassland Aristida ramosa, Gahnia Ground 35 <1 aspera

Mid-storey 1 0 Cassinia arcuata Bobadeen BOB15 Spring 21 13 8 Aristida ramosa, Offset Ground 40 <5 Bothriochloa macra, Sporobolus elongatus Rough-barked Apple Open Bobadeen Angophora floribunda, BOBE5 Autumn 24 17 4 Canopy 10 0 Forest on East Offset Eucalyptus crebra

Total Strata Total Survey Native Exotic Structural Cover Dominant Species Vegetation Community Site Type Site Number Species Season Species* Species* Layer (*=exotic) Number N E

Alluvium/Colluvium Mid-storey 5 0 Cassinia arcuata (regenerating)

Ground 85 <5 Microlaena stipoides

Bobadeen Aristida ramosa, Aristida White Box Woodland BOBE11 Autumn 29 20 5 Ground 98 2 East Offset vagans, Sporobolus creber White Box Woodland Bobadeen Eragrostis sp., Sporobolus BOB9 Spring 22 14 8 Ground 85 <5 Grassland Offset creber Bobadeen BOB12 Autumn 35 19 12 Ground 90 5 Bothriochloa macra Offset Bobadeen Aristida ramosa, BOB17 Spring 19 7 12 Ground 60 Offset Austrodanthonia sp. White Box Woodland Grassland Canopy 10 0 Eucalyptus albens

Bobadeen BOB18 Autumn 34 27 3 Mid-storey <1 0 Acacia implexa Offset Aristida ramosa, *Echium Ground 50 10 plantagineum Bobadeen Asperula conferta, *Cirsium BOBE7 Autumn 19 13 4 Ground 80 20 East Offset vulgare Bobadeen Aristida ramosa, BOBE8 Autumn 32 18 12 Ground 95 <5 East Offset Bothriochloa macra White Box Woodland Bobadeen Aristida ramosa, Sporobolus BOBE9 Spring 30 16 14 Ground 70 15 (Modified) East Offset elongates, Bobadeen Aristida ramosa, Sporobolus BOB19 Spring 18 8 10 Ground 65 <5 Offset elongatus Bobadeen Bothriochloa macra, BOBE12 Spring 18 11 7 Ground 60 1 East Offset Sporobolus sp.

Total Strata Total Survey Native Exotic Structural Cover Dominant Species Vegetation Community Site Type Site Number Species Season Species* Species* Layer (*=exotic) Number N E

Yellow Box - Red Gum Bobadeen BOBE6 Spring 32 11 20 Ground 65 20 Sporobolus elongatus Woodland Grassland East Offset *Species unable to be identified down to species level were included in total species count but excluded from native/exotic count

4.2.2 Landscape Function Analysis The following section provides a summary of the LFA and vegetation dynamics results obtained during the 2014 monitoring period for analogue and revegetation/regeneration sites located within the Biodiversity Offset Areas (Bobadeen Offset Area and Bobadeen East Offset Area). LFA and Vegetation Dynamics data that was collected during the 2014 monitoring is summarised below in Tables 4.9, 4.10 and 4.11.

The Landscape Organisation (LO) index reflects the percentage of the landscape consisting of patches, as opposed to bare soil. During 2014, the LO index remained relatively consistent across LFA analogue monitoring sites within the Biodiversity Offset Management Areas. Sites that had a consistent LO index also exhibited a low percentage of bare soil. The exceptions to this were LFABOB1(A) (Narrow-leaved Ironbark Open Forest on Alluvium/Colluvium) and LFABOBE1(A) (Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone), which had lower LO indices and higher bare soil percentages. Litter and ground cover contributed the greatest percentages to LO, with litter dominating within ironbark vegetation communities (LFABOB1A, LFABOB2A, LFABOB4A and LFABOBE1A), and ground cover dominating at box-gum woodland sites (LFABOB3A, LFABOB5A and LFABOBE2A).

Five of the six revegetation/rehabilitation sites were dominated by perennial ground cover, reflecting the grassland or grassy woodland structure of these communities. The exception to this was LFABOB2(R) (Rough-barked Apple Open Forest on Alluvium/Colluvium) which was dominated by litter (56.9%); a large proportion of this was annual ground cover. Four of the six sites had LO indices greater than 0.9, while LFABOB4(R) and LFABOBE1(R) had lower LO indices due to a higher percentage of bare soil.

Table 4.9: Landscape Organisation summary

Landscape Organisation (%) Landscape Site No. Ground Tree/ organisation Soil Litter Log Cryptogam Rock Other cover Shrub index

Analogue Sites

LFABOB1(A) 21.5 48.2 2.0 - 0.4 - - 27.9 0.78

LFABOB2(A) 8.1 59.9 - 0.3 - 31.7 - - 0.92

LFABOB3(A) 2.7 23.0 74.1 0.2 - - - - 0.97

LFABOB4(A) 7.7 71.0 - 8.6 4.1 5.7 2.9 - 0.92

LFABOB5(A) 5.9 11.1 83.0 - - - - - 0.94

LFABOBE1(A) 15.0 81.4 - - 3.6 - - - 0.85

LFABOBE2(A) 6.1 28.5 63.5 1.9 - - - - 0.94

Revegetation/Regenerating Sites

LFABOB1(R) - 0.9 98.8 - - - 0.3 - 1.00

LFABOB2(R) 7.8 56.9 31.3 - 4.0 - - - 0.92

LFABOB3(R) 5.2 8.6 85.5 - 0.3 - 0.4 - 0.95

LFABOB4(R) 16.7 10.7 71.8 - - - 0.8 - 0.83

LFABOBE1(R) 18.9 21.0 60.1 - - - - - 0.81

LFABOBE2(R) - 11.5 88.5 - - - - - 1.00

The Soil Surface Assessment results from the LFA revegetation/regeneration monitoring sites indicate that generally the stability, infiltration and nutrient indices for each patch and inter-patch type fall within the range of values recorded from analogue sites (Table 4.10). However, a number of nutrient cycling indices for revegetation/regeneration sites fall below the lower limit of the range set by analogue sites; in particular, the nutrient cycling indices for ground cover patches for all sites except LFABOBE2 are approximately 10% less than analogue values.

Table 4.10: Soil Surface Assessment of individual zones summary

Soil Surface Assessment – Zone Indices (%)

Site No. Stability Infiltration Nutrients

Soil Litter Ground Soil Litter Ground Soil Litter Ground cover cover cover

Analogue Sites

BOB1(A) 46.7 55.0 57.4 35.9 46.1 43.4 26.0 37.2 31.0

BOB2(A) 51.1 57.2 - 39.1 45.0 - 29.7 39.0 -

BOB3(A) 40.3 51.1 58.3 39.4 46.3 41.0 23.2 39.0 31.1

BOB4(A) 48.3 55.6 - 35.1 45.9 - 22.3 38.6 -

BOB5(A) 52.2 56.7 57.2 24.7 42.9 38.0 17.7 37.6 31.1

BOBE1(A) 41.4 53.3 - 32.1 45.4 - 21.8 38.5 -

BOBE2(A) 43.1 54.4 55.6 27.8 44.0 41.8 18.0 34.4 33.2

Rehabilitation/Regeneration Sites

BOB1(R) - 52.8 56.7 - 37.3 34.9 - 30.2 27.0

BOB2(R) 38.9 52.8 54.4 32.0 48.2 41.2 18.0 37.6 28.3

BOB3(R) 45.6 59.4 57.8 26.8 41.9 35.2 18.6 36.2 27.4

BOB4(R) 45.6 55.0 58.9 28.8 40.2 35.2 15.8 32.5 27.4

BOBE1(R) 46.1 58.3 60.0 37.0 42.2 38.1 22.8 34.4 28.8

BOBE2(R) - 54.4 55.6 - 44.0 41.8 - 34.4 33.2

Vegetation dynamic assessment was undertaken to collect baseline data for the three new LFA sites (Table 4.11). Vegetation Dynamics are assessed on a bi-annual basis, with the remainder of the existing LFA sites scheduled to undergo Vegetation Dynamics in spring 2015. Continued assessment of these sites will enable ongoing monitoring of stem densities, and tracking towards target densities established by analogue sites and benchmarks.

Table 4.11: Vegetation Dynamics summary

No. of Plants (per ha) Basal/butt area Vegetation Community Site No. (m2/ha) Trees* Shrubs Shrubs Total Perennial >1m <1m grasses Revegetation/regeneration Sites

Modified White Box Woodland BOBE2(R) <1 0 0 <1 8374

White Box Woodland BOB3(R) <1 0 0 <1 6374

White Box Woodland Grassland BOB4(R) 292 0 0 292 964

4.2.3 Fauna (excluding Microbats) A summary of the results of the fauna monitoring undertaken during the 2014 survey period within the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas is found below (report Appendix E).

Results of fauna monitoring, excluding microbats, are presented according to faunal groups. A total of 13 native and 11 introduced mammal species, 150 native and one introduced bird species, 20 reptile species and 11 amphibian species were recorded during the 2014 monitoring surveys (Table 4.12).

Table 4.12 Native mammal species captures & observations summary

Year Native (non-bat) Mammal Avifauna Reptile

1997 10 107 15

1998 12 77 14

1999 6 92 15

2001 9 73 11

2003 11 109 16

2004 9 101 16

2005 11 123 23

2006 11 84 11

2007 11 105 14

2009 12 83 10

2010 12 104 15

Average 1997 - 2010 10 96 15

2011 11 127 17

2012 13 142 20

Year Native (non-bat) Mammal Avifauna Reptile

2013 11 143 18

2014 13 150 20

4.2.3.1 Mammals (excluding Microbats) A summary of the native mammal captures and observations recorded during the 2014 monitoring surveys is presented in Table 4.13. Generally, trapping rates of mammals during 2014 were lower than expected, however the results remained consistent with the results from previous monitoring events.

Table 4.13: Native mammal species captures & observations summary

Species General & Site Specific Notes Scientific Name Common Name

Rattus fuscipes Bush Rat Trapping

Antechinus flavipes Yellow-footed Antechinus Trapping

Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail Possum Spotlighting, remote cameras and trapping

Pseudocheirus peregrinus Common Ringtail Possum Trapping, spotlighting and scat evidence

Petaurus norfolcensis Squirrel Glider Spotlighting

Petaurus breviceps Sugar Glider Spotlighting, call identification and trapping

Macropus giganteus Eastern Grey Kangaroo

Macropus robustus Common Wallaroo Scats, spotlighting and diurnal observation at a number of sites Macropus rufogriseus Red-necked Wallaby

Wallabia bicolor Swamp Wallaby

Vombatus ursinus Bare-nosed Wombat Frequently recorded within the Offset Areas

Phascolarctos cinereus Koala Observed during impact assessment surveys

Tachyglossus aculeatus Short-beaked Echidna Scat and scratches were found at a number of sites

Introduced mammal species were recorded within the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas, with Vulpes vulpes (Red Fox) and Sus scrofa (Feral Pig) occurring regularly. There were sightings of Oryctolagus cuniculus (Rabbit) and Lepus capensis (Brown Hare), and evidence of Felis catus (Cat) (tracks and sightings), Canis lupus (Wild Dog) and Dama dama (Fallow deer) were recorded.

4.2.3.2 Birds A complete list of bird species recorded is located within the report contained in Appendix E. The native birds came from a wide range of groups, including:

 15 species of honeyeaters including Entomyzon cyanotis (Scarlet Honeyeater), Lichenostomus chrysops (Yellow-faced Honeyeater), Melithreptus brevirostris (Brown-headed Honeyeater) and Plectorhyncha lanceolata (Striped Honeyeater);  33 upper storey foragers including Acanthiza lineata (Striated Thornbill), Acanthiza nana (Yellow Thornbill) and Pardalotus punctatus (Spotted Pardalote);  12 parrots including Alisterus scapularis (Australian King-Parrot), Glossopsitta concinna (Musk Lorikeet) and Psephotus haematonotus (Red-rumped Parrot);  8 raptors including Aquila audax (Wedge-tailed Eagle), Haliastur sphenurus (Whistling Kite) and Falco berigora (Brown Falcon); and  22 birds associated with water including Egretta novaehollandiae (White-faced Heron) and Tachybaptus novaehollandiae (Australasian Grebe).

During the 2014 monitoring, 16 threatened or migratory species listed under either the EPBC Act or NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) were recorded. These species are listed below in Table 4.14. Threatened species numbers and locations within the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas are provided in Appendix E.

Table 4.14: Threatened bird species recorded during the 2014 monitoring

TSC EPBC Act Act Scientific Name Common Name Status Status Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift - M

Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-eagle - M

Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater - M

Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail - M

Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher - M

Ninox strenua Powerful Owl V -

Calyptorhynchus lathami Glossy Black-Cockatoo V -

Glossopsitta pusilla Little Lorikeet V -

Climacteris picumnus Brown Treecreeper (eastern sub-species) V -

Pyrrholaemus sagittatus Speckled Warbler V -

Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sittella V -

Melithreptus gularis gularis Black-chinned Honeyeater (eastern subs.) V

Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler (south-eastern sub-species) V -

Grantiella picta Painted Honeyeater V -

Petroica boodang Scarlet Robin V -

Stagonopleura guttata Diamond Firetail V -

* Note – V- Vulnerable species (TSC Act), M – Migratory (EPBC Act)

A targeted survey for the Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater was undertaken during winter 2014, at a time when both species were most likely to be found within the region due to the expected flowering of eucalypt trees which these species feed from. Despite an intensive search for both the Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater, there was no evidence to suggest the presence of either bird.

4.2.3.3 Reptiles The survey periods through most of 2014 were not ideal for reptile survey as temperatures during the early part of the survey period were not sufficiently high to encourage movement of these species. As such, most records obtained were from active searches under rocks and bark. A greater emphasis was taken on searching for reptiles under rocks and bark with a total of 2850 rocks and logs being inspected. Only larger reptiles such as the Lace Monitor and the Eastern Bearded Dragon were seen moving.

Reptile species captured or observed in the study area included Chelodina longicollis (Eastern Long- necked Turtle), Oedura lesueurii (Lesueur's Velvet Gecko), Pseudechis porphyriacus (Red-bellied Black Snake), Pseudonaja textilis (Eastern Brown Snake), Varanus gouldii (Gould's Goanna), Pogona barbata (Eastern Bearded Dragon) and Varanus varius (Lace Monitor). A complete list of reptile species recorded during the survey is located within the report in Appendix E.

4.2.3.4 Amphibians Amphibian surveys during the 2014 monitoring identified 11 species. Amphibian species observed included Limnodynastes dumerilii (Eastern Banjo Frog), Litoria latopalmata (Broad-palmed Frog), Litoria peronii (Perons Tree Frog), Limnodynastes peronii (Striped Marsh Frog) and Crinia signifera (Common Eastern Froglet). A complete list of amphibian species recorded is located in Appendix E.

4.2.3.5 Fauna Habitat Fauna habitat characteristic measurements undertaken during the 2014 monitoring have been used to develop an overall picture of the landscape and its use by fauna within the Project Area. Table 4.15 provides a summary of the habitat characteristics for sites surveyed. The Habitat Complexity Scores averaged at 13.6 for all sites, which indicate that the habitat of the surveyed sites is of moderate to high quality in terms of value to woodland birds and ground fauna (Appendix E). The habitat characteristics are compatible with that measured during previous surveys and show no significant differences between the different sites.

Table 4.15: Habitat characteristics identified during the fauna survey (Biodiversity Monitoring Services 2015)

Spring Habitat Coverage Bobadeen East Bobadeen Gully (%) 1 2 1 2 3 4 1 Tree 16 36 24 20 20 16 12

Tall Shrub 4 20 12 28 12 12 24

Tall Sapling 36 0 28 12 16 12 24

Low Shrub 48 75 28 68 28 92 52

Low Sapling 8 0 12 4 0 0 4

Cutting Grass 4 0 12 8 24 28 20

Cycad 0 0 0 0 4 0 0

Spring Habitat Coverage Bobadeen East Bobadeen Gully (%) 1 2 1 2 3 4 1 Tall Fern 0 0 4 0 0 0 0

Grass 68 96 60 64 20 28 40

Forb 8 92 56 64 0 0 44

Fern 0 32 20 56 0 0 24

Vine 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Litter 100 100 80 96 96 100 92

Log 688 60 32 44 56 36 44

Tree Hollows 0 4 0 0 4 0 4

Rock 16 0 60 24 40 0 28

Habitat Complexity Scores 15 15 15 16 14 12 15

4.2.4 Fauna (Microbats) A summary of the microbat monitoring during the 2014 survey period at the general fauna sites and Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas (Appendix F) is provided below.

4.2.4.1 General Fauna Sites The microbat monitoring at the general fauna sites during 2014 recorded a total of 13 bat species. Two of these bat species were recorded from all of the sites; Chalinolobus gouldii (Gould’s Wattled Bat) and Vespadelus vulturnus (Little Forest Bat).

One microbat species listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act and three listed under the TSC Act were recorded during the survey period. The threatened species recorded include.

 Chalinolobus dwyeri (Large-eared Pied Bat) –an EPBC Act and TSC Act listed species, recorded through echolocation call detection at three sites (BO1, BO3 and CR).  Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis (Eastern Bentwing-bat) - a TSC Act listed species, recorded through echolocation call detection at all sites.  Saccolaimus flaviventris (Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat) – TSC Act listed species, recorded through echolocation call detection at two sites (BO2 and BO4).

4.2.4.2 Targeted Microbat Cliffline Monitoring Microbat monitoring along cliffline sites recorded a total of 12 bat species during the 2014 surveys. The number of species recorded at each site varied from seven to 11, as shown in Appendix F. Most of these bat species were recorded from at least half of the sites, the Austronomus australis (White– striped Mastiff Bat), Large–eared Pied Bat, Gould’s Wattled Bat, Chalinolobus morio (Chocolate Wattled Bat), Eastern Bentwing-bat, Long-eared Bat species (Nyctophilus sp.) and the Little Forest Bat.

One microbat species listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act and two listed under the TSC Act were recorded within the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas. The threatened species recorded include:

 Large-eared Pied Bat – this species was captured and recorded through echolocation call detection at two sites (SG7 and BD8) and recorded through echolocation call detection at all sites within the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas. The calls of this species recorded at site BD8 was only tentatively identified as this species.  Eastern Bentwing-bat – was recorded from echolocation call at all sites except BD7. Although, identification of the echolocation calls from sites BD8, SG7 and SG8 were tentatively made.

5 Discussion & Recommendations

5.1 Floristic Monitoring The floristic monitoring methods were consistent with those outlined within the BMP and previous monitoring survey’s which ensures data can be compared with previously collected data and builds on knowledge gained from ecological monitoring since 1994.

The results of the 2014 floristic monitoring has illustrated the difference between sites that are representative of vegetation communities across the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas (residual monitoring sites) and those sites that will or have undergone works for revegetation/rehabilitation.

The floristic monitoring addresses the aims established within the BMP for monitoring within the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas, reporting on changes within retained vegetation and revegetation areas. The structure, composition and condition of vegetation are recorded to address the aims of the monitoring program and changes from previous years monitoring is discussed below.

Figure 5.1 illustrates native and exotic species richness (composition) at the Box Gum Woodland EEC/CEEC analogue sites (BOB1, BOB4, BOB6, BOBE1 and BOBE2). Generally, the residual vegetation floristic monitoring plots located within Box Gum Woodlands had a higher total number of species in 2014 than 2013. Both years yielded a lower total number of species than 2012 and baseline surveys in 2011. This change in composition is could be attributed to variation in prevailing climatic conditions between survey years. Structural diversity remained relatively similar across monitoring periods. An increase in exotic species was recorded during 2014 monitoring, however this may be due to variation in prevailing climatic conditions experienced between the 2013 and 2014 monitoring periods. The 2012 monitoring and 2011 baseline surveys recording similar exotic species numbers.

Noxious weeds were recorded within the residual monitoring sites and it is recommended that this be incorporated into the ongoing weed management during 2015. Rubus fruticosus (Blackberry) was recorded at BOB4.

Figure 5.1: Native and exotic species richness recorded in residual EEC/CEEC monitoring sites Figure 5.2 and Figure 5.3 shows the number of native and exotic species found within Box Gum Woodland EEC/CEEC within revegetation/regeneration sites (BOB9, BOB10, BOB11, BOB12, BOB14, BOB17, BOB18, BOB19, BOBE6, BOBE7, BOBE8, BOBE9 and BOBE11) recorded within the Bobadeen and Bobadeen East Offset Areas over all monitoring periods completed.

Generally, the composition within the revegetation/regeneration floristic monitoring plots located within Box Gum Woodlands had a higher total number of species during 2014 and monitoring showed little change in native species richness during 2014 in comparison to previous monitoring years, with the exception of two sites (BOB12 and BOB14). An increase in exotic species was recorded during 2014 monitoring, however this this may be due to variation in prevailing climatic conditions experienced between the 2013 and 2014 monitoring periods, with the 2012 monitoring and 2011 baseline surveys recording similar or higher exotic species numbers.

Noxious weeds were recorded within the revegetation/regeneration monitoring sites, which are managed in ongoing weed management. The results of the survey will be used to inform the weed management program in during 2015. The noxious weeds include Xanthium spinosum (Bathurst Burr) at BOBE8 and Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s Wort) at BOB10, BOB12, BOB17, BOB18, BOBE8, BOBE9 and BOBE11.

Generally, species richness has been greater in spring survey periods than autumn surveys. Given the occurrence of spring and summer annual/biennials and perennial herbaceous species within the study area, the observed species richness during autumn surveys is expected to be reduced from spring surveys. The reason for this change is species assemblage with seasonal change is outlined in Burrows (2004). Continuing annual autumn surveys, in addition to spring surveys will ensure that seasonal variations in species assemblages are recorded, along with growth rates and any impacts. It is recommended that spring and autumn surveys continue within the current sites.

*Sites 18 and 19 are sites BOB18 and site BOB19 respectively

Figure 5.2: Native and exotic species richness recorded in Bobadeen revegetation EEC/CEEC monitoring sites

Figure 5.3: Native and exotic species richness recorded in Bobadeen East revegetation EEC/CEEC monitoring sites

5.2 LANDSCAPE FUNCTION ANALYSIS The LFA monitoring addresses the aim established within the BMP for monitoring within the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas, assessing the biogeochemical functioning of the landscape in rehabilitation areas. The Landscape Organisation across the LFA sites is generally stable, with litter and/or grass/sedge dominating and small variations in the remainder of the Landscape Organisations types. The Soil Surface Assessment appears to be stable across the LFA sites that have undergone more than three years monitoring. Small variations detected between monitoring periods considered not significant.

The LFA monitoring collected during the 2014 monitoring period showed little variation from data collected during previous surveys. The majority of LFA sites undergoing monitoring within the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas have been monitored for less than three years, with four sites having data recorded since 2011. Figure 5.4 below illustrates the landscape organisation trends recorded since 2011 at the four sites. The trends across survey periods are evident, with litter or grass/sedge dominating, small variations across the remaining types are evident within the landscape organisation.

Figure 5.4: Landscape Organisation trends within LFABOB1, LFABOBE1, LFABOB2 and LFABOB3

Further analysis of Landscape Organisation within the revegetation/rehabilitation sites can be undertaken upon the completion of the 2015 survey period; Figure 5.5 below illustrates the landscape organisation trends recorded since 2012 at the three sites. Litter and/or grass/sedge cover dominates, with small variations across the remaining ‘types’ within the landscape organisation.

Figure 5.5: Landscape Organisation trends within LFABOB1, LFABOBE1, LFABOB2 and LFABOB3 Baseline data was collected for sites that will undergo revegetation/regeneration works during 2015. These sites will form the basis for future monitoring and act as a reference point against which change can be measured. The results of the survey of these sites will allow recommendations for improvements in soil disbursement and vegetation structural dynamics to be made.

It is recommended that the 2015 LFA program includes: a) Survey of sites that will undergo revegetation/regeneration works in 2016 will be incorporated into the spring 2015 monitoring program. b) Reactively capture data immediately (within 2 months) after an event such as significant rainfall (1 in 100 year rainfall event) or bushfire, to sample any changes in landscape scores.

5.3 FAUNA (EXCLUDING MICROBATS) The fauna monitoring addresses the aims established within the BMP for monitoring within the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas through determining if impacts are having impacts upon key threatening species and assessing any progressive changes to fauna assemblages. As discussed below, threatened species are being recorded across the fauna monitoring sites and impacts associated with mining activities have not reduced the threatened species recorded and fauna assemblages are relatively stable across the monitoring sites.

The fauna monitoring undertaken in 2014 involved surveying sites previously established in 2011. Data collected during the fauna surveys completed during 2014 and from previous monitoring periods was compared and analysed. The aim of the analysis was to determine if there are any indications of mine- induced changes in fauna distribution and population numbers.

Despite a large number of bird species being observed during the survey period, the target species Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater were not observed and this result is consistent to previous survey periods. The movement of these species is erratic, and their absence from this or previous year’s survey does not suggest that habitat available on site is unsuitable. Not all eucalypt species that were expected to be in blossom were flowering at the time of the survey. The only species observed flowering during the survey was Corymbia maculata (Spotted Gum), a non-local species which has

historically been used in rehabilitation works. Most eucalypt species were yet to flower, while Eucalyptus albens (White Box) had finished flowering. Future targeted surveys will consider the timing of specific flowering species.

Detailed analysis of results has been undertaken using a set of criteria to compare fauna populations within an area over time and between areas i.e. temporally and spatially. Changes observed can then be related to changes in environmental factors, such as climate, changes in land use and landform. Indices that have been calculated from the results from the monitoring surveys are:

 Species richness of faunal groups;  Simpson’s Index of Dominance;  Evenness of occurrence of species within an area;  Population status of individual species;  Capture rates of individual species;  Population status of faunal groups;  Contribution to the faunal assemblages by threatened species, species dependent upon woodland and by species declining in the Central West; and  Habitat complexity scores

Further details of indices, methods of analysis and results are included in Appendix E.

Species richness across the fauna monitoring sites has stayed relatively the same for native mammals and reptiles over time and during the 2014 surveys. However, bird species richness continues to show an upwards trend line whilst native mammal and reptile diversities are relatively stable (Figure 5.6).

Figure 5.6: Fauna species richness over time (Biodiversity Monitoring Services, 2015) Threatened species numbers recorded form the fauna monitoring sites has increased during the 2014 surveys, with a total of 245 sightings of 14 threatened species, compared with 101 sightings of 8 threatened species in 2011, 151 sightings of 8 threatened species in 2012 and 182 sightings of 8 threatened species in 2013. The threatened fauna species are all associated with woodland habitats and are dependent upon such habitat. There are some differences in the numbers of threatened species located over the four years, with higher numbers recorded during 2014, as illustrated in Figure 5.8. Populations of threatened species change between years with the Little Lorikeet and Painted

Honeyeater recorded in higher numbers in previous years than in 2014. Such differences may be due to varying amounts of food resources at the time of surveys.

Figure 5.7: Total number of threatened species from 2011 to 2014 (Biodiversity Monitoring Services, 2015) There are no significant differences between the fauna assemblages found at each monitoring site. Similarly, habitat characteristics are comparable with those measured during previous surveys with statistical analyses completed on the data collected concluding that: “there have been no discernible impacts from subsidence upon threatened species, populations, habitats or ecological communities associated with the terrestrial environment” (Biodiversity Monitoring Services 2013).

Figure 5.8: Fauna Monitoring undertaken at site SG8

5.4 FAUNA MICROBATS The general fauna sites microbat monitoring identified that microbat diversity and activity was generally high, with 13 species recorded across the sites within the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas during 2014 surveys.

The Large-eared Pied Bat was captured twice during the 2014 survey at sites BD8 & SG7, and was recorded through echolocation call detection at most sites. The mean number of echolocation call passes of this species at the targeted cliffline sites varied from 4.5 to 29.5 passes per night. Higher levels of passes were recorded during 2012 and 2013 and may partly be due to sampling of breeding aggregations at two of the sites inflating activity during the breeding season.

A second threatened cave-roosting species, the Eastern Bentwing-bat was not captured at any site, but was confidently recorded from echolocation call at all general fauna sites and the majority of the targeted cliffline monitoring sites. Mean call activity rates varied between 2.5 and 5.5 passes per night. Echolocation call detection rates during 2014 were substantially higher than in the three previous monitoring periods. This species is likely to roost within deeper caves in sandstone escarpments or disused underground coal mine workings. Females migrate to select maternity roosts in spring to give birth (Hoye & Hall, 2008). These are normally located within limestone caves, but in recent years smaller groups of breeding females have been recorded using disused underground coal mines (Dwyer, 1995; Hoye, 2000).

The non-threatened but locally significant Rhinolophus megaphyllus (Eastern Horseshoe Bat) was captured at two sites (SG7 & SG8) and recorded confidently from echolocation calls at ten sites and tentatively at 1 (BD8). Results of the microbat surveys have suggested that populations of the three target cave-roosting microbats have remained relatively stable across surveyed areas since the current monitoring regime began. Ongoing monitoring will allow trends to become clearer and any fluctuations as a result of mining-related or natural effects (ie. climatic conditions) more observable.

5.5 OMP IMPLEMENTATION 5.5.1 Seed Collection Program Approximately 140kg of native seeds were collected, over an equivalent of 354 days of field collection. The seed collection program focuses on collection of seed species specific to the target communities for rehabilitation and revegetation of the Biodiversity Offset and Management Areas (Table 19).

Table 5.1: Seed Species collected in 2014 Acacia ausfeldii Acacia buxifolia Acacia caesiella

Acacia decora Acacia linearifolia Acacia verniciflua

Allocasuarina diminuta Allocasuarina gymnanthera Allocasuarina littoralis

Astroloma humifusum Boronia rubiginosa Callistemon linearis

Callitris endlicheri Cassinia arcuata Dodonaea boroniifolia

Eucalyptus agglomerata Eucalyptus albens Eucalyptus blakelyi

Eucalyptus crebra Eucalyptus dwyeri Eucalyptus fibrosa

Eucalyptus macrorhyncha Eucalyptus microcarpa Eucalyptus punctata

Eucalyptus sparsifolia Gahnia, aspera Leptospermum polygalifolium

Melaleuca thymifolia Styphelia triflora

5.5.2 Revegetation Revegetation – Ground preparation (ripping and mounding) for the 2014 tree planting was completed ready for planting, over an area of 16.5 hectares (Figure 5.9). Plantings that were undertaken in 2013 in the Bobadeen East and Bobadeen Offset areas were being watered in early 2014, due to 36 months of lower than average rainfall. The poor seasonal conditions have impacted the survival rates of 2013 plantings; hence areas that were planned for revegetation were postponed and are incorporated in the 2015 revegetation plans.

Propagation of 48,000 tubestock commenced in November 2014 for planting in autumn 2015.

Offset Area Maintenance Activities include:

 Maintenance of offset areas included; the installation and repair of boundary fences and signage erected along offset area boundaries; and  Offset area boundary fences were constructed or repaired in 2014, including the installation of a cattle grid to protect the Bobadeen East Offset Area.

Figure 5.9: Ground preparation undertaken (Ripping)

5.5.3 Fauna Habitat The installation of nest boxes has continued with 20 boxes installed (Figure 5.10 and 5.11) in 2014. The nest boxes are constructed to patterns suitable for a range of target species, including; treecreeper, Owlet Nightjar, Micro-bat, Black – cockatoo, Sugar Glider, Squirrel Glider, King Parrot and Kingfisher. Ecologists are employed to ensure next boxes are installed in clusters of a minimum of 10 in ideal locations. Clustering provides monitoring efficiencies and while also meeting the habitat requirements of species which utilise multiple hollow is an area (gliders and possums), maximising the potential for habitation.

Figure 5.10: Nest Box installation

Figure 5.11: Nest Box installation

5.5.4 Weed & Feral Animal Control Activities Weed and Feral Animal Control – Feral pig, fox and wild dog baiting was conducted during 2014 within offset areas. Offset areas underwent weed management activities focussing upon Senecio madagascariensis (Fireweed), Heliotropium amplexicaule (Blue Heliotrope), Opuntia sp. (Prickly pear), Rubus fruiticosus (Blackberry) and Hypericum perforatum (St Johns Wort).

References

Biodiversity Monitoring Services (2015) Ecological Monitoring Program for Ulan Mine 2014 – Terrestrial Fauna and Habitats. Report to Ulan Underground Coal Mine. January 2013.

Braun-Blanquet, J. (1927) Pflanzensoziologie. Springer, Vienna.

Bureau of Meteorology. 2014. Gulgong, NSW - Daily Weather Observations. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/IDCJDW2054.latest.shtml. [Accessed 23 January 15].

Burrows, G.E. (1999) A survey of 25 remnant vegetation sites in the South Western Slopes, New South Wales. Cunninghamia 6(2):283-314.

Burrows, G.E. (2004) The importance of seasonality in the timing of flora surveys in the South and Central Western Slopes of New South Wales. Cunninghamia 8(4):54-520

CSIRO. 2011. Ecosystem function analysis. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.csiro.au/Organisation- Structure/Divisions/Ecosystem-Sciences/Ecosystem FunctionAnalysis.aspx. [Accessed 02 February 15] Dwyer, P.D. (1995) Common Bentwing-bat Miniopterus schreibersii. in Strahan, R. ed. The Mammals of Australia. Reed Books, Chatswood. pp.494-495.Fly by night 2009

Eco Logical Australia (2012) 2013 Annual Compliance Report for Biodiversity Offset & Cliffline Management Areas. Report to Ulan Underground Coal Mine. February 2014.

Fly By Night Bat Surveys (2012) Microbat Monitoring of the Ulan Coal Mine Lease during 2014. Report to Ulan Underground Coal Mine. January 2015.

Hoye, G.A. (2000) The Discovery of Two and Distinctive Maternity Roosts of the Large Bent-wing Bat in the Hunter Valley, NSW. Spoken Presentation. 9th Australasian Bat Conference. Tocal, New South Wales. April 2000.

Poore, M. E. D. (1955) The use of phytosociological methods in ecological investigations. I. The Braun- Blanquet system. Journal of Ecology 42: 216-224.

Tidemann, C.R. and Woodside, D.P. (1978) A collapsible bat trap and comparison of results obtained with the trap and with mist-nets. Australian Wildlife Research 5:355-362.

Tongway, D.J. and Hindley, N.L. (2005) Landscape Function Analysis: Procedures for monitoring and assessing landscapes with special reference to mine sites and rangelands. CSIRO Sustainable ecosystems, Canberra, ACT.

Umwelt (Australia) Pty Limited (2009) Ulan Coal - Continued Operations Ecological Assessment. Appendix 8 of the Environmental Assessment. Report prepared for Ulan Coal.

Appendix A: Security of Biodiversity Offsets Letter

Nigel Charnock Manager - Land and Property Coal Assets Australia, Glencore Private Mail Bag 8 SINGLETON NSW 2330

Dear Mr Charnock,

I refer to your letter dated 11 June 2014, seeking a further extension to the period in which Glencore (or its various subsidiaries) is required to make suitable arrangements to provide appropriate long term security for offset areas at the Bulga, Mangoola, Mt Owen, Ulan and Ravensworth North mines.

At our meeting on 6 June 2014, both the Department and the Office of Environment & Heritage: . indicated that they were seeking to finalise the NSW Biodiversity Offset Policy as quickly as possible, and would give further consideration to the matters raised by the mining industry on the proposed methods for securing offsets; . agreed there are likely to be difficulties associated with trying to retrospectively apply the new policy to older offsets; . acknowledged that advice from various Government agencies on the preferred method for securing those older offsets was sometimes inconsistent and did not make adequate provision for the fact that offset obligations had changed substantially over the last decade; . agreed to prepare a policy to guide the securing of these older offsets within the next few months; and . agreed there would be some merit in the delaying the securing of older offsets untilthis new policy is in place.

Given it is likely to take up to 6 months to develop this policy, and another 6 months to make the necessary arrangements to secure these older offsets under the new policy, I hereby grant you an extension to make suitable arrangements to provide appropriate long term security for the offset areas referred to in your letter until 30 June 201 5.

Yours sincerely,

fi/Ålfr tztbl 1¡¡ David Kitto Director Mining Projects as nominee of the Secretary

Bridge St Office 23-33 Bridge St Sydney NSW 2000 GPO Box 39 Sydney NSW 2001 DX 22 Sydney Telephone: (02)9228 6111 Facsimile: (02)92286191 Website planntng.nsw.gov'au

2014 Annual Compliance Report (EPBC ref 2009/5252)

Appendix B: BMP Approval

Appendix C: Commencement of Operations Letter

Appendix D: Floristic Species List

Family Scientific name Common name Native/Exotic Fabaceae - Mimosoideae Acacia decora Western Silver Wattle Native Fabaceae - Mimosoideae Acacia doratoxylon Lancewood Native Fabaceae - Mimosoideae Acacia implexa Hickory Wattle Native Fabaceae - Mimosoideae Acacia leucolobia Wattle Native Fabaceae - Mimosoideae Acacia linearifolia Narrow-leaved Wattle Native Fabaceae - Mimosoideae Acacia paradoxa Kangaroo Thorn Native Fabaceae - Mimosoideae Acacia penninervis Mountain Hickory Native Fabaceae - Mimosoideae Acacia sp. Native Rosaceae Acaena ovina Native Ericaceae – Styphelioideae Acrotriche rigida Native Poaceae Aira sp. Exotic Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina gymnanthera Native Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina luehmannii Native Loranthaceae Amyema miquelii Native Loranthaceae Amyema sp. Native Myrsinaceae Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel Exotic Myrtaceae Angophora floribunda Rough-barked Apple Native Poaceae Aristida ramosa Purple Wiregrass Native Poaceae Aristida sp. Native Poaceae Aristida vagans Threeawn Speargrass Native Poaceae Aristida warburgii Native Anthericaceae Arthropodium minus Native Poaceae Arundinella nepalensis Reedgrass Native Rubiaceae Asperula conferta Common Woodruff Native Asteraceae Asteraceae sp. Native/Exotic Ericaceae – Styphelioideae Astroloma humifusum Native Cranberry Native Ericaceae – Styphelioideae Astroloma sp. Native Poaceae Austrodanthonia monticola Native Austrodanthonia racemosa var. Poaceae racemosa Native Poaceae Austrodanthonia sp. Native Poaceae Austrostipa aristiglumis Plains Grass Native Poaceae Austrostipa scabra Speargrass Native Poaceae Austrostipa scabra subsp. falcata Native Poaceae Austrostipa sp. Native Poaceae Austrostipa verticillata Slender Bamboo Grass Native Asteraceae Bidens pilosa Cobblers Pegs Exotic Fabaceae - Faboideae Bossiaea prostrata Native Poaceae Bothriochloa macra Red Grass Native Poaceae Bothriochloa sp. Native Malvaceae Brachychiton populneum Native

Family Scientific name Common name Native/Exotic Ericaceae - Styphelioideae Brachyloma daphnoides Daphne Heath Native Poaceae Briza minor Shivery Grass Exotic Poaceae Bromus diandrus Great Brome Exotic Poaceae Bromus molliformis Soft Brome Exotic Pittosporaceae Bursaria spinosa Blackthorn Native Cupressaceae Callitris endlicheri Black Cypress Pine Native Asteraceae Calotis cuneata Mountain Burr-daisy Native Asteraceae Calotis cuneifolia Purple Burr-daisy Native Asteraceae Calotis lappulacea Yellow Burr-daisy Native Myrtaceae Calytrix tetragona Common Fringe-myrtle Native Brassicaceae Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd's Purse Exotic Cyperaceae Carex appressa Tall Sedge Native Cyperaceae Carex inversa Native Asteraceae Carthamus lanatus Saffron Thistle Exotic Asteraceae Carthamus sp. Exotic Caryophyllaceae Caryophyllaceae sp. Exotic Asteraceae Cassinia arcuata Sifton Bush Native Asteraceae Cassinia quinquefaria Native Asteraceae Cassinia sp. Native Casuarinaceae Casuarina sp. Native Asteraceae Centaurea melitensis Maltese Cockspur Exotic Caryophyllaceae Cerastium glomeratum Mouse-ear Chickweed Exotic Euphorbiaceae Chamaesyce sp. Native Adiantaceae Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia Rock Fern Native Adiantaceae Cheilanthes sieberi Native Amaranthaceae - Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium sp. Goosefoot Native Poaceae Chloris sp. Native/Exotic Poaceae Chloris truncata Windmill Grass Native Asteraceae Chrysocephalum apiculatum Common Everlasting Native Asteraceae Chrysocephalum semipapposum Clustered Everlasting Native Asteraceae Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle Exotic Poaceae Cleistochloa rigida Native Asteraceae Conyza bonariensis Flaxleaf Fleabane Exotic Asteraceae Conyza sp. Exotic Rutaceae Correa reflexa Common Correa Native Crassulaceae Crassula colorata Native Asteraceae Cymbonotus lawsonianus Bears-ear Native Poaceae Cynodon dactylon Native Boraginaceae Cynoglossum sp. Exotic Cyperaceae Cyperus sp. Native/Exotic Apiaceae Daucus glochidiatus Australian Carrot Native Apiaceae Daucus sp. Native

Family Scientific name Common name Native/Exotic Fabaceae - Faboideae Desmodium sp. Native Fabaceae - Faboideae Desmodium varians Slender Tick-trefoil Native Phormiaceae Dianella revoluta Blueberry Lily Native Poaceae Dichanthium sericeum Queensland Bluegrass Native Poaceae Dichelachne macrantha Native Poaceae Dichelachne micrantha Shorthair Plumegrass Native Convolvulaceae Dichondra repens Kidney Weed Native Convolvulaceae Dichondra sp. Native Convolvulaceae Dichondra sp. A sensu Native Poaceae Digitaria brownii Cotton Panic Grass Native Poaceae Digitaria diffusa Open Summer-grass Native Poaceae Digitaria sp. Native Sapindaceae Dodonaea viscosa Sticky Hop-bush Native Boraginaceae Echium plantagineum Paterson's Curse Exotic Chenopodiaceae Einadia hastata Berry Saltbush Native Chenopodiaceae Einadia nutans Climbing Saltbush Native Chenopodiaceae Einadia polygonoides Native Chenopodiaceae Einadia sp. Native Poaceae Elymus scaber Native Poaceae Entolasia stricta Wiry Panic Native Poaceae Eragrostis benthamii Native Poaceae Eragrostis cilianensis Stink Grass Exotic Poaceae Eragrostis ciliaris Exotic Poaceae Eragrostis leptostachya Paddock Lovegrass Native Poaceae Eragrostis sp. Native Myrtaceae Eucalyptus albens White Box Native Myrtaceae Eucalyptus blakelyi Blakely's Red Gum Native Myrtaceae Eucalyptus crebra Narrow-leaved Ironbark Native Myrtaceae Eucalyptus dwyeri Dwyer's Red Gum Native Myrtaceae Eucalyptus fibrosa Red Ironbark Native Myrtaceae Eucalyptus macrorhyncha Inland Scribbly Gum Native Myrtaceae Eucalyptus melliodora Yellow Box Native Narrow-leaved Myrtaceae Eucalyptus sparsifolia Stringybark Native Asteraceae Euchiton sp. Native Asteraceae Euchiton sphaericus Native Cyperaceae Fimbristylis dichotoma Common Fringe-sedge Native Cyperaceae Gahnia aspera Rough Saw-sedge Native Asteraceae Gamochaeta purpurea Purple Cudweed Exotic Geraniaceae Geranium solanderi Native Geranium Native Geraniaceae Geranium sp. Native Fabaceae - Faboideae Glycine sp. Native Haloragaceae Gonocarpus elatus Native

Family Scientific name Common name Native/Exotic Haloragaceae Gonocarpus sp. Native Haloragaceae Gonocarpus tetragynus Native Haloragaceae Gonocarpus teucrioides Raspwort Native Goodeniaceae Goodenia hederacea Forest Goodenia Native Goodeniaceae Goodenia pinnatifida Native Goodeniaceae Goodenia sp. Native Proteaceae Grevillea ramosissima Native Proteaceae Grevillea sp. Native Haloragaceae Haloragis heterophylla Rough Raspwort Native Dilleniaceae Hibbertia circumdans Native Dilleniaceae Hibbertia obtusifolia Hoary Guinea Flower Native Dilleniaceae Hibbertia sp. Native Apiaceae Hydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking Pennywort Native Clusiaceae Hypericum gramineum Small St John's Wort Native Clusiaceae Hypericum perforatum St John's Wort Exotic Asteraceae Hypochaeris radicata Catsear Exotic Poaceae Joycea pallida Silvertop Wallaby Grass Native Juncaceae Juncus sp. Native Juncaceae Juncus usitatus Native Myrtaceae Kunzea parvifolia Violet Kunzea Native Asteraceae Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce Exotic Anthericaceae Laxmannia gracilis Slender Wire Lily Native Ericaceae - Styphelioideae Leucopogon muticus Blunt Beard-heath Native Ericaceae - Styphelioideae Lissanthe strigosa Peach Heath Native Poaceae Lolium perenne Perennial Ryegrass Exotic Poaceae Lolium sp. Exotic Lomandraceae Lomandra confertifolia Mat-rush Native Lomandraceae Lomandra filiformis Wattle Mat-rush Native Lomandraceae Lomandra filiformis subsp. coriacea Wattle Mat-rush Native Lomandraceae Lomandra filiformis subsp. filiformis Wattle Mat-rush Native Lomandraceae Lomandra glauca Pale Mat-rush Native Lomandraceae Lomandra multiflora Many-flowered Mat-rush Native Lomandra multiflora subsp. Lomandraceae multiflora Many-flowered Mat-rush Native Zamiaceae Macrozamia sp. Native Zamiaceae Macrozamia spiralis Native Lamiaceae Marrubium vulgare White Horehound Exotic Myrtaceae Melaleuca thymifolia Thyme Honey-myrtle Native Ericaceae - Styphelioideae Melichrus urceolatus Urn-heath Native Lamiaceae Mentha satureioides Native Pennyroyal Native Poaceae Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass Native Malvaceae Modiola caroliniana Red-flowered Mallow Exotic Ericaceae - Styphelioideae Monotoca elliptica Tree Broom-heath Native

Family Scientific name Common name Native/Exotic Lamiaceae Oncinocalyx betchei Native Oxalidaceae Oxalis perennans Native Oxalidaceae Oxalis sp. Native/Exotic Poaceae Panicum effusum Hairy Panic Native Caryophyllaceae Paronychia brasiliana Chilean Whitlow Wort Exotic Poaceae Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum Exotic Poaceae Paspalum sp. Paspalum Exotic Proteaceae Persoonia linearis Narrow-leaved Geebung Native Caryophyllaceae Petrorhagia nanteuilii Exotic Phyllanthaceae Phyllanthus hirtellus Thyme Spurge Native Phyllanthaceae Phyllanthus occidentalis Native Phyllanthaceae Phyllanthus sp. Native Phyllanthaceae Phyllanthus virgatus Native Thymelaeaceae Pimelea sp. Native Plantaginaceae Plantago gaudichaudii Narrow plantain Native Plantaginaceae Plantago lanceolata Lamb's Tongues Native Apiaceae Platysace linearifolia Native Asteraceae Podolepis sp. Native Fabaceae - Faboideae Podolobium ilicifolium Prickly Shaggy Pea Native Rhamnaceae Pomaderris sp. Native Rubiaceae Pomax umbellata Native Phyllanthaceae Poranthera microphylla Native Portulacaceae Portulaca sp. Native/Exotic Orchidaceae Prasophyllum sp. Native Orchidaceae Pterostylis sp. Native Fabaceae - Faboideae Pultenaea microphylla Native Fabaceae - Faboideae Pultenaea sp. Native Rosaceae Rubus sp. Native/Exotic Rosaceae Rubus ulmifolius Blackberry Exotic Polygonaceae Rumex dumosus Wiry Dock Native Polygonaceae Rumex sp. Native/Exotic Lamiaceae Salvia verbenaca Wild Sage Exotic Myrtaceae Sannantha cunninghamii Native Cyperaceae Schoenus sp. Native Asteraceae Senecio sp. Native/Exotic Poaceae Setaria pumila Pale Pigeon Grass Exotic Malvaceae Sida corrugata Corrugated Sida Native Malvaceae Sida sp. Native/Exotic Asteraceae Silybum marianum Variegated Thistle Exotic Brassicaceae Sisymbrium sp. Exotic Iridaceae Sisyrinchium sp. A sensu Exotic Solanaceae Solanum nigrum Black-berry Nightshade Exotic

Family Scientific name Common name Native/Exotic Solanaceae Solanum sp. Native/Exotic Asteraceae Sonchus oleraceus Common Sowthistle Exotic Asteraceae Sonchus sp. Exotic Poaceae Sporobolus creber Western Rat-tail Grass Native Poaceae Sporobolus elongatus Slender Rat's Tail Grass Native Poaceae Sporobolus sp. Native Stackhousiaceae Stackhousia muricata Western Stackhousia Native Stackhousiaceae Stackhousia sp. Native Ericaceae Styphelia sp. Native Ericaceae - Styphelioideae Styphelia triflora Pink Five-Corners Native Fabaceae - Faboideae Swainsona galegifolia Smooth Darling-pea Native Asteraceae Taraxacum officinale Dandelion Exotic Poaceae Themeda australis Kangaroo Grass Native Anthericaceae Tricoryne elatior Yellow Rush-lily Native Fabaceae - Faboideae Trifolium arvense Haresfoot Clover Exotic Fabaceae - Faboideae Trifolium campestre Hop Clover Exotic Fabaceae - Faboideae Trifolium repens White Clover Exotic Fabaceae Trifolium scabrum Rough Clover Exotic Fabaceae - Faboideae Trifolium sp. Exotic Asteraceae Triptilodiscus pygmaeus Common sunray Native Unknown Unknown species Native/Exotic Unknown species 2 Native/Exotic Scrophulariaceae Verbascum sp. Exotic Scrophulariaceae Veronica plebeia Trailing Speedwell Native Asteraceae Vittadinia cervicularis Native Asteraceae Vittadinia cuneata Fuzzweed Native Asteraceae Vittadinia muelleri Native Asteraceae Vittadinia sp. Native Poaceae Vulpia bromoides Squirrel Tail Fescue Exotic Poaceae Vulpia sp. Exotic Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia communis Tufted Bluebell Native Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia gracilis Sprawling Bluebell Native Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia luteola Native Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia sp. Native Asteraceae Xanthium spinosum Bathurst Burr Exotic Asteraceae Xanthium spp. Exotic Asteraceae Xerochrysum bracteatum Golden Everlasting Native

Appendix E: Fauna Monitoring Report

Ecological Monitoring Program for Ulan Coal Mine 2014

Terrestrial Fauna and Habitats

A Report by Biodiversity Monitoring Services, January 2015

Table of Contents 1.0 BACKGROUND...... 2 2.0 SURVEY SITES ...... 9 3.0 SURVEY TECHNIQUES...... 13 4.0 SURVEY EFFORT ...... 15 5.0 WEATHER ...... 16 6.0 RESULTS ...... 18 6.1 TERRESTRIAL FAUNA...... 18 6.1.1 General...... 18 6.1.2 Mammals ...... 28 6.1.3 Birds...... 37 6.1.4 Reptiles...... 39 6.1.5 Amphibians ...... 42 6.2 HABITAT...... 45 6.3 BAMM ANALYSES OF HABITAT...... 54 6.4 THREATENED SPECIES...... 58 6.4.1 Species Listed Under NSW TSC Act...... 58 6.4.2 Threatened Species Listed Under the Commonwealth EPBC Act ...... 62 7.0 COMPARISON BETWEEN SITES AND DOMAINS ...... 64 8.0 TARGETED WINTER BIRD SURVEY ...... 72 8.1 Background...... 72 8.2 Approach to Survey...... 72 8.3 Results ...... 83 9.0 GENERAL CONCLUSIONS ...... 87 APPENDIX 1: TERRESTRIAL FAUNA SURVEY SITES USED IN 2014 ...... 89 APPENDIX 2: FAUNA SURVEYS METHODOLOGY ...... 91 APPENDIX 3: STATISTICAL ANALYSIS DETAILS ...... 103

BIODIVERSITY MONITORING SERVICES [email protected] Ecological Monitoring Program for Ulan Coal Mine 2014 -Terrestrial Fauna and Habitats Page 2

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. As part of an approved Biodiversity Management Plan for Ulan Coal Continued Operations an ecological monitoring program involving the monitoring of terrestrial fauna species, including key threatened species, and their habitats has been developed and undertaken since 2011. Information derived from the terrestrial fauna monitoring program assists in the achieving the aims of the Draft Biodiversity, Rehabilitation and Offset Management Plan. 2. Baseline surveys were conducted to establish the pre-mining diversity and abundance of terrestrial fauna and their habitats at permanent control sites (analogues) within representative areas of the Project Area. Some of the fauna monitoring sites have prior baseline data, and these baseline results (and results from ongoing years of monitoring) are used to form part of the baseline dataset for many of the fauna monitoring sites, from which future monitoring will be compared. 3. Specifically, for terrestrial fauna (excluding bat fauna) there are 22 sites located within the Project Area that require on-going data. These sites sample a range of landscapes, vegetation communities as well as current and future uses by UCML. 4. Fauna and fauna habitat monitoring occurs within the Biodiversity Offset and Management Areas, areas adjoining Approved Project Disturbance Areas, Residual Project Area and post-mining rehabilitated areas (once habitat is sufficiently established). The location of these monitoring sites allows a comparison between the fauna utilisation of impacted vegetation (Residual Project Area), vegetation near to impact (adjacent to Approved Project Disturbance Areas), rehabilitated vegetation (post-mining Open Cut), revegetation areas (Bobadeen, Bobadeen Corridor and Bobadeen East Vegetation Offset Areas), and areas managed for conservation (Brokenback Conservation Area and Spring Gully Cliff Line Management Area). 5. A total of 11 amphibian, 20 reptile, 13 native mammal, 11 introduced mammal, 150 native bird and one introduced bird species were located during the 2014 surveys. 6. The species richness for all four groups surveyed is similar to that obtained at Ulan Coal Mine over the last 17 years. Systematic monitoring surveys have been undertaken since 1997 and these surveys have used similar techniques and survey effort. Some of the

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sites used in previous surveys were used in the current on-going monitoring program undertaken in 2011 to 2014. 7. Analysis shows that the species richness for native mammals and reptiles has stayed relatively constant over time and the results from the 2014 survey are comparable with that obtained in previous surveys. However, bird species richness continues to show an upwards trend line and this may indicate better survey effort for birds, or a greater diversity of birds at Ulan Coal Mine. Overall, the species diversities for the three faunal groups in 2014 were higher than most previous years. 8. Thirteen non-bat native mammals and 11 introduced mammals were located during the present surveys. The native mammal assemblage comprised four macropods, two large and small ground mammals and five arboreal mammals (including a sighting of a Koala). 9. A total of 150 native bird species were located during the 2014 surveys, in addition to one introduced species (Common Starling). The native birds came from a wide range of groups including water birds and waders. Some groups were represented by relatively high numbers of species. There were 15 species of honeyeaters, 33 upper storey foragers, 12 parrots, 8 raptors and 22 birds associated with water located. Many of these birds are considered to be dependent upon woodland habitat and some are declining in the Central West of NSW. 10. Twenty reptile species were located during the 2014 surveys, slightly higher than most years. Greater numbers of reptiles were located in 2012 onwards than in previous years and this increase could be due to the change in survey effort in 2011 when a greater number of sites were surveyed over a longer time. Eastern Long-necked Turtles were observed at several dams, but some dams did not appear to support this species. This may have been due to these dams drying out during the drought. There is a slight upward trend in the diversity index for reptiles 11. The species richness for amphibians varies over the years and may be related to rainfall in the year prior to the survey i.e. the rainfall during the year prior to survey year may influence the amphibian populations with higher diversity in years after high rainfall. 12. The habitat characteristics of each survey site were measured using a description of the placement site of each Elliott trap and from a walking transect through each site. Within the woodland habitat these characteristics covered the structural formation of

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the existing vegetation and the type of ground cover, whilst within the cliff-line habitat, the characteristics recorded were those which reflected the structure of this unique environment. 13. Comparison of the results derived from transects and trap site descriptions between 2011 to 2014 shows there were no significant differences between the habitat characteristics of each of the survey sites i.e. all sites sampled woodland habitat of approximately equal structural complexity. 14. A total of 245 sightings of 14 threatened species were recorded during the 2014 surveys (101 sightings of 8 threatened species in 2011, 151 sightings of 8 threatened species in 2012 and 182 sightings of 8 threatened species in 2013). The recording of a Grey- headed Flying-fox was unusual, but this species will range widely during periods of food shortage. An individual was rescued from a fence but it died shortly afterwards. 15. Evenness, Simpson’s Index of Diversity, number of individuals counted and species richness were calculated for birds and native mammals for each site and for each of the domains established within Ulan Coal. These assessments showed that there were no significant differences in the biodiversity indices between the sites and between the domains. 16. As part of the Biodiversity Management Plan it is necessary to undertake targeted searches for species listed under the Federal EPBC Act. In particular, the Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater are considered Endangered under the Act and both are known to occur in the Ulan region. All likely habitats within Ulan Coal Mine were searched during the peak migratory period for the Swift parrot and Regent Honeyeater. Preferred tree food species were targeted during the survey. Despite an intensive search for both species, there was no evidence for the presence of the Swift Parrot or the Regent Honeyeater. Not all eucalypt species expected to be in blossom were flowering at the time of the survey. 17. All 20 proposed sites were surveyed successfully using a wide range of techniques to ensure all terrestrial fauna groups were sampled. The data from the surveys show that, at present, there are no significant differences between the fauna assemblages located from 2011 to 2014. Also there are no significant differences between the fauna assemblages found at each site. Similarly, the habitat characteristics and fauna diversities

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are compatible with that measured during previous surveys and show no significant differences between the different sites. 18. At this stage there are no significant differences between the fauna diversities and habitat characteristics found within each domain. The Residual Domain samples land that has been and will be under-mined over time. The parameters measured within this domain are similar to that recorded from those domains that sample land that is considered as control (e.g. offsets). Thus the survey site choice and survey protocol provides a rigorous basis for on-going monitoring of any impacts. At this stage there have been no discernable impacts from subsidence upon threatened species, populations, habitats or ecological communities associated with the terrestrial environment.

BIODIVERSITY MONITORING SERVICES [email protected] Ecological Monitoring Program for Ulan Coal Mine 2014 -Terrestrial Fauna and Habitats Page 6

1.0 BACKGROUND

Ulan Coal Mines Limited (UCML) is located approximately 1.5 kilometres from the village of Ulan, within the Mid-Western Regional Council Local Government Area (LGA). Ulan Coal landholdings comprise approximately 19,000 hectares of land which occurs across the boundary between the Hunter River (eastern) and Macquarie River (western) catchments. The existing approved mining operations at Ulan Coal consist of Ulan No. 3 underground mine, the Ulan West underground mine, the Ulan Surface Operations (USO) which includes the existing surface, coal handling facilities and open cut operations. The 21 year conceptual mine plan involves open cut and longwall mining in the Ulan Seam.

An approved Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP), as required by the Project Approval 08_0184 (PA08_0184) has been developed to manage current and future operations of UCML. The BMP covers the Project Area, as described in the Ulan Coal Continued Operations Environmental Assessment 2009 (Environmental Assessment 2009). The Project Area consists of the Ulan West and Ulan No. 3 underground areas, including USO areas. The Project Area, as described in the Environmental Assessment 2009, is approximately 13,435 hectares in size and comprises:

 Ulan West Underground Area - the Ulan West area covers 3,093 hectares, to the west of the Ulan No. 3 Underground Area;  Ulan No.3 Underground Area - an area of 1,704 hectares to the north of the current No. 3 underground operations;  Open Cut Extension – the extent of the approved open cut operations, being approximately 239 hectares;  Previous Open Cut Mining Areas – covers approximately 475 hectares of previously open cut mining areas that have been rehabilitated and final voids that remain to support future mining activities (i.e. water storage, tailings disposal, underground access etc.);  Surface Infrastructure Area – the 169 hectare disturbance area required for construction of underground service infrastructure;  Residual Project Area – the remainder of the Project Area that is not subject to the current project. This includes large areas that have been previously undermined, agricultural grazing land, irrigation pivots and large areas of remnant native vegetation;  Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas – land that has been approved for Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas for the Project, being: o Bobadeen Vegetation Offset Area (991 hectares);

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o Bobadeen East Vegetation Offset Area (232 hectares); o Bobadeen Corridor Vegetation Offset Area (124 hectares); o Brokenback Conservation Area (58 hectares); and o Spring Gully Cliff Line Management Area (211 hectares).

The BMP has been prepared (in part) to document the existing ecological and rehabilitation monitoring commitments for all of the above areas, considering current and approved operations. This monitoring program has been designed to assess the adequacy of the ecological management strategies relevant to terrestrial fauna to be undertaken as part of the BMP, as well as the adequacy of the Operational Impact Mitigation Strategy and the Biodiversity Offset and Management Strategy as defined in the Environmental Assessment 2009. A rigorous and systematic monitoring program has been designed that includes a positive feedback loop, to allow for the adaptive management of all aspects of the monitoring program. The overall aims of the ecological and rehabilitation monitoring program as stated in the Draft Biodiversity, Rehabilitation and Offset Management Plan (Umwelt 2011) are to:

 demonstrate compliance in regards to the relevant federal and state approvals that apply to the project area;  provide the scientific basis for defining rehabilitation objectives and for developing closure criteria and a rehabilitation program that will facilitate lease relinquishment following closure;  assess the long-term stability and functioning of re-established ecosystems within post- mining rehabilitation areas, as well as revegetated areas within the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas;  facilitate continuous improvement in rehabilitation and revegetation practices;  record and document changes in retained vegetation within the Residual Project Area and Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas, through comparison with baseline data from permanent monitoring sites and comparison with predictions in the Ulan Coal EA;  record and document changes in the structure, composition and condition of revegetation within the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas, over time;  assess the biogeochemical functioning of the landscape in post-mining rehabilitation areas (and suitable analogue sites), using Landscape Function Analysis;  determine if the impacts on key threatened species are consistent with predictions in the Ulan Coal EA;  assess progressive changes to flora and fauna species assemblages within the Approved Project Disturbance Areas and Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas, as the Project progresses; and

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 ensure the ecological integrity/function of the Biodiversity Offset and Cliffline Management Areas are maintained or improved as a result of ongoing management practices. The ecological monitoring program described in this report involves the monitoring of terrestrial fauna species, including key threatened species, and their habitats. Information derived from the terrestrial fauna monitoring program will assist in the achieving the aims of the Draft Biodiversity, Rehabilitation and Offset Management Plan. Monitoring of aquatic ecosystems are provided as a separate report1. As the Project progresses, the ecological monitoring program for terrestrial fauna and habitats will be modified to include increased monitoring of post-mining rehabilitation areas and revegetation/regeneration areas (as these mature to a suitable age), as well as other activities required by the BMP, such as monitoring of nest boxes and habitat augmentation.

Baseline surveys were conducted to establish the pre-mining diversity and abundance of terrestrial fauna and their habitats at permanent control sites (analogues) within representative areas of the Project Area. Some of the fauna monitoring sites have prior baseline data, and these baseline results (and results from ongoing years of monitoring) are used to form part of the baseline dataset for many of the fauna monitoring sites, from which future monitoring will be compared.

Specifically, for terrestrial fauna (excluding bat fauna) there are 22 sites located within the Project Area that require on-going data. These sites sample a range of landscapes, vegetation communities as well as current and future uses by UCML. However, two of the sites are designed to monitor rehabilitation areas post-mining within the Open Cut Extension of the mine. As mining is still current, surveys of these two sites will be delayed until the rehabilitation process commences.

To ensure a complete cover of fauna usage, surveys of the Project Area were undertaken during autumn and spring, with a short survey in winter (June) targeting threatened species that may migrate into the area during this period (e.g. Swift Parrot). Consequently, 9 sites were

1 Ecological Monitoring Program for Ulan Coal Mine 2014 2. Aquatic Fauna and Riparian Habitats A Report by Biodiversity Monitoring Services to Ulan Coal Mines Ltd, September 2014

BIODIVERSITY MONITORING SERVICES [email protected] Ecological Monitoring Program for Ulan Coal Mine 2014 -Terrestrial Fauna and Habitats Page 9 surveyed in autumn (April – May) and 11 in spring (November). In addition, a short terrestrial fauna survey was undertaken in conjunction with the aquatic ecology surveys in September 2014. A further terrestrial fauna survey was undertaken in March 2014 of the proposed Southern Extension (Modification 3) Area at the western edge of Ulan Coal Mine. All of the data obtained from the five surveys has been used to provide a picture of fauna use within and close to the boundaries of Ulan Coal Mine. Detailed analysis of the data for monitoring only used that obtained by systematic surveys from the areas containing the 22 fauna monitoring sites.

This report provides information about the survey methodology and results from the 2014 surveys of terrestrial fauna within the Project Area.

2.0 SURVEY SITES

Fauna and fauna habitat monitoring occurs within the Biodiversity Offset and Management Areas, areas adjoining Approved Project Disturbance Areas, Residual Project Area and post- mining rehabilitated areas (once habitat is sufficiently established). The location of these monitoring sites allows a comparison between the fauna utilisation of impacted vegetation (Residual Project Area), vegetation near to impact (adjacent to Approved Project Disturbance Areas), rehabilitated vegetation (post-mining Open Cut), revegetation areas (Bobadeen, Bobadeen Corridor and Bobadeen East Vegetation Offset Areas), and areas managed for conservation (Brokenback Conservation Area and Spring Gully Cliff Line Management Area).

The Study Area is divided into five domains as well as the Open Cut Extension and various Surface Infrastructure areas. At present, the 20 sites are distributed within the domains to adequately sample each land use within the Project Area. The relevance of the domains and other areas to the terrestrial fauna monitoring program can be described as follows:

 Open Cut Extension Domain The current Open Cut mining operations, as described in the Environmental Assessment 2009, is being extended towards the west into natural bushland and some previously grazed areas. Two sites will be established

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within this domain to initially monitor changes to habitat then fauna during the post- mining rehabilitation phase. These sites were not surveyed in 2014 as mining is currently occurring.  Surface Infrastructure Domain Accompanying the underground mining activities is the construction of a number of surface structures. These include existing and new tracks, ventilation shafts, pipelines and transmission lines. Fauna will be monitored both pre and post-construction at selected sites. Four sites have been established within proposed infrastructure areas.  Bobadeen Vegetation Offset Domain This is one of two domains set aside for offset purposes. As well as providing increased biodiversity values, the two domains also give benchmark data on some vegetation communities and their fauna. There are four sites located within this domain. In 2012, this domain was extended to the east to include a patch of woodland and open grazed land to be set aside for creating a corridor between two areas of native vegetation. There are two sites within the Bobadeen Corridor Area.  Bobadeen East Vegetation Offset Domain This domain provides similar information as that above. This domain mainly comprises cleared and grazed land, with some timber cover. There are two sites located in this domain.  Brokenback Conservation Domain One of two domains set aside for conservation of important landscapes. Both domains include cliff lines and are considered sensitive to disturbance. There are no terrestrial fauna sites in this domain, but there are several micro-bat and cliff line survey sites.  Spring Gully Cliff Line Management Domain Another domain set aside for conservation purposes. This domain contains extensive cliff lines and Spring Gully Creek and the fauna has been monitored at several sites in the last decade. There is now one survey site established in this domain.  Residual EA Project Area Domain This domain covers the largest part of the Project Area and comprises land previously and potentially undermined, agricultural grazing land, irrigated areas and large areas of remnant vegetation. There are five sites established in this domain.

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In addition, there are two sites established within previous and established rehabilitated land that once formed part of the open cut mine. These sites sample vegetation established in 2003 and in 1985.

A description of each site in terms of grid references, domain sampled and vegetation sampled is provided in Appendix 1. The locations of the sites are given in Figure 1. The vegetation community at each site was obtained by overlaying the sites onto the digitised vegetation map for Ulan Coal Mine. The locations in Appendix 1 are given in MGA projection for WGS84. Because the two sites within the Open Cut Extension Area will be surveyed post-mining, only 20 of the 22 sites were surveyed in 2014.

Threatened Grey-headed Babblers at Ulan Coal Mine

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Figure 1: 2014 Survey Sites with Mine Boundaries.

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3.0 SURVEY TECHNIQUES

The techniques used in this survey are basically the same as those used at Ulan Coal Mine since 1994. However, over the years new techniques have been incorporated and some old techniques revised. The 2014 survey continues a set of techniques and survey effort (established in 2011) that will remain constant over the future years, to ensure each set of annual monitoring survey results can be used in a comparative basis. Because survey effort and techniques were different prior to the 2011 it is difficult to utilize the data obtained from 1994 to 2010 in any critical analysis. However, the data is of great use as to track changes over the years, particularly within sites that have been continually surveyed between 1994 and 2014. A description of the current survey techniques is provided as Appendix 1.

Denny (2011)2 has stated the principles required to be applied when undertaking monitoring assessment. The overriding principles determining how monitoring should occur can be stated as:

Principle 1: Monitoring should involve a sound experimental design e.g. monitoring of control and treatment areas and/or pre- and post-treatment sampling, with suitable replication.

Principle 2: Survey techniques and survey efforts need to be consistent and repeatable during the period of monitoring.

These principles are similar to that stated in the BACI (Before-After-Control-Investigation) system, as recommended by the Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.

2 Denny, M. 2011 Then and Now – Fauna Monitoring Within the Sydney Basin in Natural History of Sydney. Royal Zoological Society of NSW, Mosman

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At present several sites are sampling land that has been under-mined during 2014 or earlier. Such sites can be considered as treatment sites, whereas the remaining sites that have not been under-mined or disturbed in preparation for infrastructure construction can be considered as control sites. In the future there will be nine treatment and nine control sites plus four sites monitoring post-mining rehabilitation areas.

In accordance with Principle 1, as stated above, a monitoring design has been established that provides comparative data from sites sampling land affected by mining (treatment sites) and those unaffected (control or analogue sites). In addition, it is also possible to provide comparative data from sites prior to disturbance and then from these sites post-disturbance.

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4.0 SURVEY EFFORT

Table 1 shows the effort, in trap nights, for the techniques used during the 2014 surveys. The total number of trap nights expended was 3,932 during 2014.

Table 1: Trap Nights at Each Site during the 2014 Surveys

Rehabilitation Infrastructure Bobadee Bobadeen Offset Spring Bobadeen Residual Total n Gully Corridor Trap East Nights Offset 1985 2003 Inf1 Inf2 Inf3 Inf4 BE BE Bob Bob Bob Bob SG Cor1 Cor2 Res Res Res Res Res 1 2 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 Ground 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 2000 Elliott Traps Tree- 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 400 mounted Elliott Traps Tomahawk 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 480 Traps Large 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 160 Elliott Traps Pit Traps 8 16 16 12 12 8 24 12 12 16 16 12 8 172 Glider 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 160 Funnels Hair 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 400 Funnels Remote 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 160 Cameras Rock/log 50 200 300 150 50 100 300 100 200 100 150 300 250 50 200 200 150 200 2850 Turning Spotlightin 200.7 km; 24.0 hrs g Transects

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5.0 WEATHER

Table 2 provides the temperatures and rainfall for Gulgong during all the survey periods. The conditions for the 2014 surveys were relatively dry with some short periods of light rain and one episode of heavy rain in November. Minimum temperatures were higher in spring than autumn (mean 17.0 versus 6.7oC) and maximum temperatures showed a similar picture (mean 19.2 in autumn versus 32.7 oC in spring). Overall, the weather was ideal for fauna surveys, although the minimum temperatures could have discouraged movement by reptiles.

Table 2: Weather Records from Gulgong during the Survey Period

Date Minimum temperature Maximum temperature Rainfall (°C) (°C) (mm) 12/03/2014 11.7 29.3 0 13/03/2014 12.5 28.9 0 14/03/2014 15 29 0 15/03/2014 12.5 27.5 6.2 16/03/2014 16 24.9 0 17/03/2014 7.4 23.9 8.4 18/03/2014 9.4 27.8 0 19/03/2014 10.8 29.7 0 20/03/2014 13.4 27.5 0 21/03/2014 14.9 27.5 0 24/04/2014 4.8 27 0 25/04/2014 10.5 23 0 26/04/2014 10 22 4.8 27/04/2014 9 22.7 0.2 28/04/2014 12.9 21.5 0 29/04/2014 7.4 23.4 0 30/04/2014 10.1 19.1 5.9 1/05/2014 2.9 20.3 0.9 2/05/2014 7.5 16.5 0 3/05/2014 4.5 11 6 4/05/2014 6 13.1 2.8 5/05/2014 3.4 12.4 2 6/05/2014 1.8 17.8 0 7/05/2014 2.8 18.6 0 23/06/2014 2.5 13 0 24/06/2014 5 12.1 0

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25/06/2014 13.6 0 Date Minimum temperature Maximum temperature Rainfall (°C) (°C) (mm) 26/06/2014 14.9 0 27/06/2014 2 16.5 0 28/06/2014 16.5 0 31/08/2014 2.5 20.7 0 1/09/2014 1.9 20.8 0.2 2/09/2014 4.8 15 1.8 3/09/2014 3 15.9 0 4/09/2014 0.8 17.8 0 5/09/2014 4.2 19 0 18/11/2014 10.1 30.1 0 19/11/2014 13.1 30.7 0 20/11/2014 14.9 34.9 0 21/11/2014 20.4 35.5 0 22/11/2014 18.5 38.5 0 23/11/2014 19.5 42.1 0 24/11/2014 21.7 36.8 0 25/11/2014 20.6 26.1 22.6 26/11/2014 14.9 30.9 0.1 27/11/2014 28.6 0 28/11/2014 15.2 29.5 0 29/11/2014 15.5 32.5 0 30/11/2014 18 31.1 8.2 1/12/2014 18.7 29.9 8.2

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6.0 RESULTS

6.1 TERRESTRIAL FAUNA

6.1.1 General

A total of 11 amphibian, 20 reptile, 13 native mammal, 11 introduced mammal, 150 native bird and one introduced bird species were located during the 2014 surveys. In addition, seven bat species were located during the Southern Extension surveys. These are listed in Table 3.

Table 3: Terrestrial Fauna Located during the 2014 Surveys

Status Code: P – Protected under NSW NPW Act V – Listed as Vulnerable under the NSW TSC Act U – Introduced a. Amphibians

Scientific Name Common Name Status Hylidae Litoria latopalmata Broad-palmed Frog P Litoria peronii Peron's Tree Frog P Myobatrachidae Limnodynastes dumerilii Eastern Banjo Frog P Limnodynastes ornatus Ornate Burrowing Frog P Limnodynastes tasmaniensis Spotted Marsh Frog P Neobatrachus sudelli Painted Burrowing Frog P Pseudophryne bibronii Bibron's Toadlet P Uperoleia laevigata Smooth Toadlet P Limnodynastes terraereginae Northern Banjo Frog P Crinea signifera Common Eastern Froglet P Crinea parasignifera Eastern Sign-bearing Froglet P

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Scientific Name Common Name Status Cheluidae Chelodina longicollis Eastern Snake-necked Turtle P Agamidae Amphibolurus nobbi Nobbi P Pogona barbata Eastern Bearded Dragon P Gekkonidae Diplodactylus vittatus Eastern Stone Gecko P Oedura lesueurii Lesueur's Velvet Gecko P Underwoodisaurus milii Thick-tailed Gecko P Varanidae Varanus gouldii Gould's Goanna P Varanus varius Lace Monitor P Scincidae Anomalopus leuckartii Two-claw Worm-skink P Carlia tetradactyla Southern Rainbow Skink P Cryptoblepharus virgatus Cream-striped Shining-skink P Ctenotus taeniolatus Copper-tailed Ctenotus P Egernia whitii White's Rock-skink P Eulamprus tenuis Bar-sided Forest-skink P Lampropholis guichenoti Garden Skink P Morethia boulengeri South-eastern Morethia Skink P Typhlopidae Ramphotyphlops weidii Blind Snake P Elapidae Pseudechis porphyriacus Red-bellied Black Snake P Pseudonaja textilis Eastern Brown Snake P Suta spectabilis dwyeri Variable Black-naped Snake P

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Scientific Name Common Name Status Tachyglossidae Tachyglossus aculeatus Short-beaked Echidna P Dasyuridae Antechinus flavipes Yellow-footed Antechinus P Petauridae Petaurus breviceps Sugar Glider P Petaurus norfolcensis Squirrel Glider V Phalangeridae Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail Possum P Pseudocheiridae Pseudocheirus peregrinus Common Ringtail Possum P Phascolarctidae Phascolarctos cinereus Koala V Vombatidae Vombatus ursinus Bare-nosed Wombat P Macropodidae Macropus giganteus Eastern Grey Kangaroo P Macropus robustus Common Wallaroo P Macropus rufogriseus Red-necked Wallaby P Wallabia bicolor Swamp Wallaby P Muridae Mus musculus House Mouse U Rattus rattus Black Rat U Rattus fuscipes Southern Bush Rat P Pteropodidae Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox V Vespertilionidae Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat P Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat P Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat P Nyctophilus gouldi Gould's Long-eared Bat P Tadarida australis White-striped Mastiff Bat P Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat P Canidae Canis lupus Dingo, domestic dog U Vulpes vulpes Red Fox U Felidae Felis catus Cat U

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Scientific Name Common Name Status Bovidae Bos taurus European cattle U Capra hircus Goat U Suidae Sus scrofa Feral Pig U Leporidae Lepus capensis Brown Hare U Oryctolagus cuniculus Rabbit U Cervidae Dama dama Fallow Deer U

d. Birds

Scientific Name Common Name Status Dromaiidae Dromaius novaehollandiae Emu P Anatidae Anas gracilis Grey Teal P Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck P Aythya australis Hardhead P Biziura lobata Musk Duck P Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck P Cygnus atratus Black Swan P Podicipedidae Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Australasian Grebe P Phalacrocoracidae Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Little Pied Cormorant P Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Little Black Cormorant P Phalacrocorax carbo Great Cormorant P Phalacrocorax varius Pied Cormorant P Pelecanidae Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian Pelican P Ardeidae Egretta pacifica White-necked Heron P Egretta intermedia Intermediate Egret P Threskiornithidae Threskiornis spinicollis Straw-necked Ibis P

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Scientific Name Common Name Status Accipitridae Accipiter cirrocephalus Collared Sparrowhawk P Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle P White-bellied Sea-Eagle Elanus axillaris Black-shouldered Kite P Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite P Falconidae Falco berigora Brown Falcon P Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel P Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon P Recurvirostridae Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt P Rallidae Fulica atra Eurasian Coot P Gallinula tenebrosa Dusky Moorhen P Porphyrio porphyrio Purple Swamphen P Turnicidae Turnix velox Little Button-quail P Charadriidae Elseyornis melanops Black-fronted Dotterel P Vanellus miles Masked Lapwing P Laridae Chlidonias hybrida Whiskered Tern P Columbidae Geopelia placida Peaceful Dove P Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon P Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing P Cacatuidae Cacatua galerita Sulphur-crested Cockatoo P Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella P Calyptorhynchus funereus Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo P Calyptorhynchus lathami Glossy Black-Cockatoo V Eolophus roseicapillus Galah P Psittacidae Alisterus scapularis Australian King-Parrot P Glossopsitta concinna Musk Lorikeet P Glossopsitta pusilla Little Lorikeet V Platycercus adscitus eximius Eastern Rosella P Platycercus elegans Crimson Rosella P Psephotus haematonotus Red-rumped Parrot P Aprosmictus erythropterus Red-winged Parrot P

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Scientific Name Common Name Status Cuculidae Cacomantis flabelliformis Fan-tailed Cuckoo P Chalcites basalis Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo P Chalcites lucidus Shining Bronze-Cuckoo P Chalcites osculans Black-eared Cuckoo P Cuculus pallidus Pallid Cuckoo P Scythrops novaehollandiae Channel-billed Cuckoo P Strigidae Ninox novaeseelandiae Southern Boobook P Ninox strenua Powerful Owl V Tytonidae Tyto alba Barn Owl P Podargidae Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth P Caprimulgidae Eurostopodus mystacalis White-throated Nightjar P Aegothelidae Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar P Apodidae Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift P Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail P Halcyonidae Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra P Alcedo azurea Azure Kingfisher P Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher P Meropidae Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater P Coraciidae Eurystomus orientalis Dollarbird P Menuridae Menura novaehollandiae Superb Lyrebird P Climacteridae Climacteris picumnus Brown Treecreeper (eastern sub-species) V Maluridae Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy-wren P Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren P Pardalotidae Pardalotus punctatus Spotted Pardalote P Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote P Acanthizidae Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Yellow-rumped Thornbill P

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Acanthiza lineata Striated Thornbill P Scientific Name Common Name Status Acanthiza nana Yellow Thornbill P Acanthiza reguloides Buff-rumped Thornbill P Acanthiza apicalis Inland Thornbill P Calamanthus pyrrhopygius Chestnut-rumped Heathwren P Gerygone fusca Western Gerygone P Gerygone olivacea White-throated Gerygone P Origma solitaria Rockwarbler P Pyrrholaemus sagittatus Speckled Warbler V Sericornis frontalis White-browed Scrubwren P Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill P Meliphagidae Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater P Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Eastern Spinebill P Anthochaera carunculata Red Wattlebird P Grantiella picta Painted Honeyeater V Lichenostomus chrysops Yellow-faced Honeyeater P Lichenostomus leucotis White-eared Honeyeater P Lichenostomus melanops Yellow-tufted Honeyeater P Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater P Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner P Melithreptus brevirostris Brown-headed Honeyeater P Melithreptus gularis gularis Black-chinned Honeyeater (eastern subsp.) V Melithreptus lunatus White-naped Honeyeater P Myzomela sanguinolenta Scarlet Honeyeater P Philemon corniculatus Noisy Friarbird P Plectorhyncha lanceolata Striped Honeyeater P Petroicidae Eopsaltria australis Eastern Yellow Robin P Microeca fascinans Jacky Winter P Petroica boodang Scarlet Robin V Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin P Petroica rosea Rose Robin P Pomatostomidae Pomatostomus superciliosus White-browed Babbler P Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler (south-eastern sub- V temporalis species) Eupetidae Cinclosoma punctatum Spotted Quail-thrush P Psophodes olivaceus Eastern Whipbird P Neosittidae Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sittella V

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Scientific Name Common Name Status Pachycephalidae Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush P Falcunculus frontatus Eastern Shrike-tit P Pachycephala pectoralis Golden Whistler P Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler P Dicruridae Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark P Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher P Myiagra inquieta Restless Flycatcher P Myiagra rubecula Leaden Flycatcher P Rhipidura albiscapa Grey Fantail P Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail P Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail P Artamidae Artamus cyanopterus Dusky Woodswallow P Artamus superciliosus White-browed Woodswallow P Artamus personatus Masked Woodswallow P Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird P Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird P Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie P Strepera graculina Pied Currawong P Campephagidae Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike P Coracina tenuirostris Cicadabird P Lalage tricolor White-winged Triller P Oriolidae Oriolus sagittatus Olive-backed Oriole P Corvidae Corvus coronoides Australian Raven P Corcoracidae Corcorax melanorhamphos White-winged Chough P Sturnidae Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling U Hirundinae Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow P Petrochelidon ariel Fairy Martin P Petrochelidon nigricans Tree Martin P Cheramoeca leucosternus White-backed Swallow P Zosteropidae Zosterops lateralis Silvereye P

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Scientific Name Common Name Status Sylviidae Cincloramphus mathewsi Rufous Songlark P Cisticola exilis Golden-headed Cisticola P Acrocephalus australis Australian Reed-Warbler P Dicaeidae Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird P Motacillidae Anthus australis Australasian Pipit P Estrilidae Neochmia temporalis Red-browed Finch P Stagonopleura guttata Diamond Firetail V Taeniopygia bichenovii Double-barred Finch P Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch P

The species richness for all four groups is similar to that obtained at Ulan Coal Mine over the last 17 years. Systematic monitoring surveys have been undertaken since 1997 and these surveys have used similar techniques and survey effort. Some of the sites used in previous surveys were used in the current on-going monitoring program undertaken in 2011 to 2014. Thus, it is possible to compare the results from previous surveys with that obtained in 2014. The species richness for three of the groups between 1997 and 2014 are given in Table 4, and illustrated in Figure 2.

This analysis shows that the species richness for native mammals and reptiles has stayed relatively constant over time and the results from the 2014 survey are comparable with that obtained in previous surveys. A non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis One Way Analysis of Variance on Ranks shows no significant differences3 in the data obtained over the past 17 years, nor over the last four years (when there has been constant survey effort). However, bird species richness continues to show an upwards trend line whilst native mammal and reptile diversities are relatively stable. This may indicate better survey effort for birds, or a greater diversity of birds at Ulan Coal Mine. Overall, the species

3 Details of statistical analysis are given in Appendix 3

BIODIVERSITY MONITORING SERVICES [email protected] Ecological Monitoring Program for Ulan Coal Mine 2014 -Terrestrial Fauna and Habitats Page 27 diversities for the three faunal groups in 2014 were higher than most previous years. Whatever the reason, the results from the 2014 survey continue to provide baseline data that can be used in the future and be compared with that obtained in the past.

Table 4: Species Richness over Time

Year Native (non-bat) Mammal Avifauna Reptile

1997 10 107 15 1998 12 77 14 1999 6 92 15 2001 9 73 11 2003 11 109 16 2004 9 101 16 2005 11 123 23 2006 11 84 11 2007 11 105 14 2009 12 83 10 2010 12 104 15 2011 11 127 17 2012 13 142 20 2013 11 143 18 2014 13 151 21

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Figure 2: Species Richness at Ulan Coal Mine Over Time

160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 1997 1998 1999 2001 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Native (non-bat) Mammal Avifauna Reptile Linear (Native (non-bat) Mammal) Linear (Avifauna) Linear (Reptile)

6.1.2 Mammals

Thirteen non-bat native mammals and 11 introduced mammals were located during the present surveys. In addition, seven bat species were located during the surveys of the Southern Extension (Modification 3) Area.

Terrestrial Mammals

A variety of native and introduced terrestrial mammals were located during the 2014 surveys with diversities that are similar to that found in previous surveys. Two small ground native mammals were trapped at a number of locations during the year (Southern Bush Rat and Yellow-footed Antechinus). Overall, the trapping rates were lower than expected, but consistent with previous year’s results. Trapping results, as captures per 100 trap nights (%), are given in Table 5. This year, the trapping rates are higher during the autumn survey than during spring. This is due to the captures of Yellow-footed Antechinus and Southern Bush Rat at the Infrastructure 1 site, although more introduced mammals were trapped than native species. Several Common

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Brushtail Possums were captured in tree-mounted and ground cage traps at various sites. Common Brushtail Possums were also found to be utilizing a number of nest boxes erected throughout Ulan Coal (see Photograph 1).

Photograph 1: Common Brushtail Possum utilizing a nest box at Ulan Coal Mine

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Infra1 Res3 Infra2 BO S BO Res4 BE Co Res5 Infra3 Infra4 BO BO Res2 O Rehab1 BE Res1 Cor 1 G 2 2 r 1 4 3 C 1 2

AUTUMN SPRING Antechinus 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 flavipes

Rattus 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 fuscipes

Sugar Glider 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Mus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 3 musculus

Rattus rattus 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0

TOTAL 7 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 2 1 0 3 Seasonal Mean 1.33 0.82

Table 5: Trapping Rates (as number of captures per 100 trap nights) at Each Site during 2014 Surveys

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Four macropod species were located, with the Eastern Grey Kangaroo being in the highest numbers (3247 recorded) and the Swamp Wallaby and Common Wallaroo being in the lowest numbers (132 and 127 respectively). Relatively high numbers of Red- necked Wallabies were sighted within the survey area (1326). The Bare-nosed (Common) Wombat was frequently recorded throughout the area (312 records). The numbers of macropods recorded were marginally higher in 2014 than in previous years. Scats and scratchings from Short-beaked Echidna were found at a number of sites.

Arboreal Mammals

Five arboreal marsupial species were also recorded. A total of 72 records of the Common Brushtail Possum and 21 records of Common Ringtail Possum were obtained. These records came from trapping, remote cameras and spotlighting. Eight Sugar Glider records were obtained from spotlighting, calls and captured in tree-mounted traps. A single Squirrel Glider was spotlighted during the surveys. Smooth-barked trees showing scratches from arboreal animals were noted during each site inspection.

The bases of trees preferred by Koalas were searched for the characteristically shaped droppings. No indirect evidence was found for the presence of these animals during the present survey, nor during surveys undertaken during the last 33 years (the first survey of the area proposed for the original open cut mine undertaken in 1981). However, a Koala was observed within the proposed Southern Extension Area during the impact assessment surveys. This is the second record of a Koala at Ulan Coal Mine (a Koala was observed crossing a haul road within the open cut at Ulan Coal Mine in 2012).

Introduced Mammals

There was little evidence for the recent presence of Feral Goats this year. Evidence of their camps was noted within several overhangs in the area, but these were old camps that had not been used in recent months. One set of scats was noted. There were 59 records of Red Foxes and 180 records of Feral Pigs, showing an increase in foxes but a

BIODIVERSITY MONITORING SERVICES [email protected] Ecological Monitoring Program for Ulan Coal Mine 2014 -Terrestrial Fauna and Habitats Page 32 decrease in pigs (see Table 6 and Figure 3). The decrease in pig numbers may be due to the baiting campaign currently in use at Ulan Coal Mine.

Table 6: Records of Feral Pigs and Red Foxes 2011 – 2014

Species 2011 2012 2013 2014 Feral Pig 78 158 317 180 Red Fox 21 41 48 59

There were several sightings of Rabbits and Brown Hares. There was also evidence for the presence of Cats (tracks and sightings) and Wild Dogs. Small groups of feral deer were observed throughout the mine (Fallow Deer, see Photograph 2).

. 350

300

250

200

150

100

0 2011 2012 2013 2014

Feral Pig Red Fox

Figure 3: Numbers of Feral Pigs and Red Foxes Sighted between 2011 and 2014

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Photograph 2: Fallow Deer Captured on Remote Camera at Site Bio-Offset 1

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There was sufficient data from the present survey to calculate biodiversity indices for the mammal fauna assemblages within Ulan Coal Mine. These are given in Table 7.

Table 7: Biodiversity Indices for Native Mammal Fauna 2014

Mammal Group Evenness Simpson’s Species Total Diversity Richness Numbers Native 0.419 0.536 13 5167 Native less abundant species 0.677 0.761 11 594

Because two species (Eastern Grey Kangaroo and Red-necked Wallaby) were in high numbers, this influenced the Evenness score and consequently Simpson’s Index of Diversity of native mammals. Removal of these two species provided a better picture of the diversity of native mammals during the 2014 surveys (from 0.536 to 0.761). The Simpson’s Index for native mammals obtained from the results of the 2014 survey is similar to that found in earlier years, although there is a downward trend over the years (see Figure 4). However, a regression analysis shows that the relationship between years and diversity has been stable over the years. Table 8 shows the Simpson’s Indices from 2005 to 2014 for all the native mammals and for an index corrected for high numbers of macropods.

Table 8: Simpson’s Index of Diversity for Native Mammals between 2005 and 2014

Year Simpson’s Index for All Simpson’s Index less Abundant Native Mammal Species Species 2005 0.62 Not calculated 2006 0.61 Not calculated 2007 0.47 0.79 2009 0.67 0.80 2010 0.68 0.88 2011 0.60 0.78 2012 0.65 0.73 2013 0.59 0.74 2014 0.54 0.76

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0.7

0.65

0.6

0.55

0.5

0.45

0.4 2005 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Figure 4: Simpson’s Index of Diversity for Native Mammals

Regression, Conf. & Pred.

0.9

0.8

0.7

0.6

0.5 Simpson)2s Index forSimpson)2s Index All Nativ

0.4

0.3 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 Year

Simpson’s Index (mammals) = 0.101 + (0.00025 X Year) R2 = 0.00014

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R indicates the strength of the relationship between the two factors. A value of 1 indicates a complete relationship and zero indicates no relationship.

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6.1.3 Birds

A total of 150 native bird species were located during the 2014 surveys, in addition to one introduced species (Common Starling). The native birds came from a wide range of groups including water birds and waders. Some groups were represented by relatively high numbers of species. There were 15 species of honeyeaters, 33 upper storey foragers, 12 parrots, 8 raptors and 22 birds associated with water located. Many of these birds are considered to be dependent upon woodland habitat and some are declining in the Central West of NSW.

As with the mammals, there is sufficient data from the present survey to calculate biodiversity indices for the bird fauna assemblages within Ulan Coal Mine. These are given in Table 9a. For comparison, the Simpson’s Index of Diversity between 1997 and 2013 is given in Table 9b and shown in Figure 5.

Table 9 Biodiversity Indices for Birds Location during the 2014 Surveys a. Biodiversity Indices for the 2014 Surveys at Ulan Coal Mine

Evenness Simpson’s Index Total Numbers Species Richness of Diversity Recorded 0.787 0.968 17748 151 b. Simpson’s Index of Diversity for Total Counts over the Years

1997 1998 1999 2001 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Mean 0.898 0.847 0.929 0.893 0.898 0.864 0.944 0.963 0.957 0.941 0.970 0.968 0.971 0.977 0.968 Index

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Figure 5: Simpson’s Index of Diversity for Birds between 1997 and 2014

0.95

0.9

0.85

0.8

0.75 1997 1998 1999 2001 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Regression, Conf. & Pred.

1.10

1.05

1.00

0.95 Bird Simpson's Index 0.90

0.85

0.80 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 Year

Bird Simpson’s Index = -11.34 + (0.006 X Year) R2=0.647 R indicates the strength of the relationship between the two factors. A value of 1 indicates a complete relationship and zero indicates no relationship.

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Although there has been rise in the Simpson’s Index over the years, the indices for 2010 to 2014 are similar. The upwards trend is possibly due to the improved conditions over the years, as the region has gone through drought conditions to a time of higher rainfall. The values obtained in recent years possibly provide a baseline dataset that can be used comparatively in the future. The similarity between the results from 2010 to 2014 do indicate that the survey methodology and effort now used is compatible with that in previous years.

6.1.4 Reptiles

Twenty reptile species were located during the 2014 surveys, slightly higher than most years. Overnight and daytime temperatures during autumn were not sufficiently high to encourage movement of these cold-blooded species, and there was not sufficient movement to catch many animals in traps. Consequently most records were obtained by displacing animals from under rocks and bark. A greater emphasis in being taken on searching for reptiles under rocks and bark and a total of 2850 rocks and logs being inspected. There was more movement in the latter part of the survey (spring) when some species were captured in pit traps. Greater numbers of reptiles were located in 2012 onwards than in previous years (see Table 10). This increase could be due to the change in survey effort in 2011 when a greater number of sites were surveyed over a longer time.

Eastern Long-necked Turtles were observed at several dams, but some dams did not appear to support this species. This may have been due to these dams drying out during the drought. There is a slight upward trend in the diversity index for reptiles over the years and this is illustrated in Figure 6. Again, this index appears to have levelled off in recent years indicating constancy in the baseline data that can be used in the future.

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Table 10: Species Diversity Indices for Reptiles from 2006 to 2014

Year Evenness Simpson’s Numbers Species Index of Recorded Richness Diversity 2006 0.805 0.773 30 11 2007 0.667 0.669 52 14 2009 0.898 0.848 19 10 2010 0.867 0.848 85 15 2011 0.757 0.814 110 17 2011 less turtle 0.854 0.880 69 16 2012 0.726 0.834 122 20 2013 0.787 0.869 131 18 2014 0.635 0.742 363 20 2014 less turtle 0.785 0.867 191 19

Figure 6: Simpson’s Index of Diversity and Species Richness for Reptiles between 2006 and 2014

25 1

0.9

20 0.8

0.7

15 0.6

0.5

10 0.4

0.3

5 0.2

0.1

0 0 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Species Richness Simpson’s Index of Diversity Linear (Species Richness) Linear (Simpson’s Index of Diversity)

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Regression, Conf. & Pred.

1.1

1.0

0.9

0.8

0.7 Simpson)2s Index of Diversity

0.6

0.5 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 Year

Simpson’s Index (reptiles) = -17.7 + (0.009 X year) R2 = 0.147 R indicates the strength of the relationship between the two factors. A value of 1 indicates a complete relationship and zero indicates no relationship.

Photograph 3: Variable Black-headed Snake at Site BO1

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6.1.5 Amphibians

The species richness for amphibians varies over the years. Table 11 shows the amphibian species richness for the years since the current monitoring surveys have been undertaken. The mean diversity over the four years is 10.7 and most values are close to that value. The exception is that for 2012 when species richness was 7. There appears to be no significant relationship between annual rainfall and species richness, nor between rainfall for the year prior to the survey and species richness. However, there is a pattern between previous rainfall and amphibian species richness (see Figure 7) i.e. the rainfall during the year prior to survey year may influence the amphibian populations. Thus, a low rainfall in 2011 resulted in low species richness in 2012.

Table 11: Amphibian Species Richness and Rainfall (2011 – 2014)

Year Amphibian Species Richness Annual Rainfall (mm) 2011 13 700 2012 7 739 2013 12 486 2014 11 467

Figure 7: Relationship between Previous Rainfall and Amphibian Species Richness

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1200 14

1000 12 10 800 8 600 6 400 4 200 2 0 0 1 2 3 4

Annual Rainfall (mm) Previous Year Amphibian Species Richness

The number and diversity of amphibians appears to vary widely over the year. The variation in diversities and numbers may be due to changes in the extent of rainfall each year. Many dams and creeks dry out during the drier years and such ephemeral water bodies may not be able to be colonized by amphibians when wet. There is now sufficient data from previous years to allow for a comparative analysis and the data from 2011 to 2013 is given in Table 12 and shown in Figures 8a and 8b. Despite the low results in 2012, there are no statistical differences between the years (non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis One Way Analysis of Variance on Ranks).

Table 12: Biodiversity Indices for Amphibians for 2011 to 2014

Evenness Simpson’s Numbers Located Species Index of Richness Diversity 2014 0.668 0.717 86 11 2013 0.673 0.747 62 11 2012 Less Common 0.798 0.684 14 6 Eastern Toadlet 2011 0.784 0.807 72 13

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0.9

0.8

0.7

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0 2011 2012 2013 2014

Evenness Simpson’s Index of Diversity

Figure 8a: Biodiversity Indices Amphibians 2011 – 2014

100

0 2011 2012 2013 2014

Numbers Located Species Richness

Figure 8b: Numbers and Species Richness Amphibians 2011 - 2014

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6.2 HABITAT

The habitat characteristics of each survey site were measured using a description of the placement site of each Elliott trap and from a walking transect through each site. Within the woodland habitat these characteristics covered the structural formation of the existing vegetation and the type of ground cover, whilst within the cliff-line habitat, the characteristics recorded were those which reflected the structure of this unique environment.

The results of these habitat characteristic measurements are used to develop an overall picture of the landscape and its use by fauna in the Ulan area. Such an approach is called “landscape ecology”4 and is useful in assessing changes to the landscape as a result of underground mining activity. Table 13 and Figures 9a to 9c provide information on the habitat characteristics of all sites surveyed by Elliott traps. Calculations of the Habitat Complexity Scores for the means of all survey sites sampled in 2014 were undertaken and the results are also shown in Table 13 and in Figure 9. A non-parametric Kruskal- Wallis One Way Analysis of Variance on Ranks showed that there were no significant differences between the habitat characteristics of each of the survey sites i.e. all sites sampled woodland habitat of approximately equal structural complexity.

However, there are differences between sites, with regards to the degree of cover from different vegetation strata and the presence of some categories. Cycads were found in 7 of the 20 sites, prickly pear in one site, vines in 3 sites, bracken in 2 sites and rocks were found in 15 of the 20 sites. Similarly there is variation in the degree of cover of some categories e.g. tree cover ranged from 8% to 68% and tall shrubs from 0% to 88%. Differences will be discussed greater detail in Section 7.0. Habitat characteristics derived from transect surveys are given in Table 14 and are discussed in Section 7.0.

4 Landscape ecology is defined as “the study of the structure, function and change in a heterogenous land area composed of interacting ecosystems.” (Forman, R.T and Godron, M. 1986 “Landscape Ecology” Wiley, New York)

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Table 13: Habitat Characteristics of all 20 Survey Sites at Ulan Coal Mine in 2014 based on Trap Site Descriptions

Bobadeen Bobadeen Spring Rehabilitation Infrastructure East Bobadeen Offset Residual Corridor Gully % Cover Offset Mean 1985 2003 Inf1 Inf2 Inf3 Inf4 BE1 BE2 Bob1 Bob2 Bob3 Bob4 Cor1 Cor2 SG Res1 Res2 Res3 Res4 Res5 Tree 24 8 12 24 4 12 16 36 24 20 20 16 40 20 12 12 12 20 40 12 19.2 Tall Shrub 32 72 48 8 12 16 4 20 12 28 12 12 0 4 24 12 20 28 12 12 19.4 Tall Sapling 8 12 8 12 20 8 36 0 28 12 16 12 12 4 24 12 4 28 48 4 15.4 Low Shrub 40 44 76 44 32 32 48 75 28 68 28 92 64 32 52 36 48 76 16 40 48.55 Low 16 0 0 4 24 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 4 0 0 4 0 0 3.4 Sapling Cutting 12 16 40 28 20 36 4 0 12 8 24 28 44 12 20 28 20 0 16 28 19.8 Grass Cycad 0 0 0 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 4 0 0 4 8 16 8 0 2.8 Tall Fern 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Grass 80 56 4 20 68 12 68 96 60 64 20 28 84 64 40 4 16 96 84 4 48.4 Forb 44 4 16 36 0 0 8 92 56 64 0 0 80 48 44 8 0 84 48 0 31.6 Fern 12 12 0 12 4 4 0 32 20 56 0 0 12 12 24 0 0 44 36 0 14

Vine 0 4 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.4 Litter 100 100 96 100 80 96 100 100 80 96 96 100 100 92 92 96 100 100 100 84 95.4 Log 36 16 12 32 16 56 88 60 32 44 56 36 40 40 28 36 60 64 44 20 40.8

Rock 0 20 72 64 40 20 16 0 60 24 40 0 0 76 80 80 24 0 0 56 33.6 % Tree 0 0 0 16 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 8 8 4 0 4 8 8 4 3.4 Hollows Habitat Complexity Scores 13 12 15 15 12 12 15 15 15 16 14 12 14 13 15 13 12 15 14 11 13.6

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Table 14: Habitat Characteristics of all 20 Survey Sites at Ulan Coal Mine in 2013 based on Transect Data

Proposed Infrastructure Areas Open Cut Offset Areas Residual Areas Rehabilitation Infra 1 Infra 2 Infra 3 Infra 4 Open Rehab Bob Off Bob Off Bob Off 3 Bob Off Bio East Bio East Bob Corr Bob Corr Spring Res 1 Res 2 Res 3 Res 4 Res 5 Cut 3 1 2 4 1 2 1 2 Gully Tree Ht 8 8.9 11.8 11.7 6.5 8.8 9.2 8.3 6.4 12.9 9.2 9.7 9.7 8.4 9.5 12.2 11.2 8.6 9.7 9.6 (m) Tree 27 29.9 36.3 29.7 12 21.9 18.6 21.7 20.7 38.6 28.6 38.5 30 18.8 23.2 46.4 39.4 22.3 27.9 27.4 DBH (cm) Shrub Ht 129.2 139.9 66.4 236.5 112.7 137.3 180 95 104.8 84.4 82 84.1 92.8 97.2 134.2 159.7 106.3 92.7 116.3 121.9 (cm) Sapling 3,4 2.7 1.3 4.6 4.3 3.75 5.3 2.4 4.2 6 2.3 4 3.3 6 3.7 4 3.3 1.5 0 2.9 Ht (m) Grass % 19 6.2 13 17.8 4.4 14 54 26 17.4 4.8 15.4 54 11.2 6 60 4.8 15.4 8 4.4 1.2

Forb % 5.4 9.4 4 2.8 1.4 1.4 11 6.4 8.4 0.4 2 30 6.6 2.2 14 0.4 4.4 20 5 3.6

Litter % 68 74 89 66 82 88 66 66 34 76 81 75 90 68 46 94 88 77 66 58

Stick % 10 8.4 3.8 2.4 2.8 5.4 6.8 2.2 2.8 4.8 4.8 2 9 4.4 2.8 5.8 3.4 13.4 9 5.4

Rock % 12.4 0 0 0 12 2.8 5 0 0.8 5.8 0 3 0 4 1.8 0.4 1 0 0 3

Tree/ha 2500 2043 1430 2004 2288 1833 1714 2407 1589 2171 2004 1670 2002 2171 2200 1000 1000 1750 3632 2338

Sapling/ha 2250 1135 3003 1169 2396 666 500 2035 908 167 1002 334 429 501 800 200 600 750 0 501

Shrub/ha 9000 5902 1430 1837 5824 1165 1811 4810 7945 3006 4175 5511 1859 1670 2600 5400 8400 14250 2724 2338

Grass Ht 20.2 6 8.8 2.8 4.5 4 5.4 9.2 6.3 15 14 7.6 7.4 5.6 4.2 10.7 21.7 4.5 6.3 5.3 (cm) Forb Ht 15.5 3 30 7 3 3 18.3 4.4 9.7 7 10 9 4 5.5 3.6 7 15.7 8.5 8.3 6.7 (cm) Litter Wt 592 668 560 504 856 640 492 332 308 640 488 392 656 456 488 608 820 916 392 520 (g/m2) Log Area 2.1 5.3 1.1 3.8 0.21 0.65 2.9 0.7 0.15 3.2 1.5 2.4 1.0 2.8 8.6 1.3 4.1 4.0 1.4 2.5 (cm2) Log Area 5.3 11.9 1.6 6.4 0.44 1.1 4.8 1.3 0.3 5.2 2.5 3.9 1.4 4.7 17.1 2.6 8.2 10.1 3.5 4.2 % Tree 50 33.3 33.3 25 0 0 8.3 0 0 15.4 8.3 30 14.3 7.7 0 20 40 28.6 12.5 14.3 hollow % Tree 20 0 0 16.7 9.1 9.1 25 0 0 0 8.3 40 7.1 0 9.1 0 40 0 6.2 7.1 scratch % Stag/ha 250 454 0 334 0 499 167 185 227 0 167 501 0 668 0 0 200 1000 908 167

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Figure 9: % Cover at Each Survey Site Derived from Trap Site Descriptions During 2014 a. Rehabilitation and Infrastructure Domain

UPPER AND MIDDLE STRATA

80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 1985 2003 Inf1 Inf2 Inf3 Inf4

Tree Tall Shrub Tall Sapling Low Shrub Low Sapling Cutting Grass Cycad

LOWER STRATA AND GROUND COVER

120

100

0 1985 2003 Inf1 Inf2 Inf3 Inf4

Grass Forb Fern Vine Litter Log Rock % Tree Hollows Habitat Complexity Score

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UPPER AND MIDDLE STRATA

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 BE1 BE2 Bob1 Bob2 Bob3 Bob4 Cor1 Cor2 SG

Tree Tall Shrub Tall Sapling Low Shrub Low Sapling Cutting Grass Cycad

LOWER STRATA AND GROUND COVER

120

100

0 BE1 BE2 Bob1 Bob2 Bob3 Bob4 Cor1 Cor2 SG

Grass Forb Fern Vine Litter Log Rock % Tree Hollows Habitat Complexity Score

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c. Residual Domain

UPPER AND MIDDLE STRATA

0 Res1 Res2 Res3 Res4 Res5

Tree Tall Shrub Tall Sapling Low Shrub Low Sapling Cutting Grass Cycad

LOWER STRATA AND GROUND COVER

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120

100

0 Res1 Res2 Res3 Res4 Res5

Grass Forb Fern Vine Litter Log Rock % Tree Hollows Habitat Complexity Score

Comparison of the means for habitat characteristics derived from transects in 2011 to 2014 show no significant differences (non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis One Way Analysis of Variance on Ranks). Table 15 and Figure 10 show the results from the three surveys.

Table 15: Habitat Characteristics based on Transect Data at Ulan Coal Mine in 2011 to 2014

2011 2012 2013 2014 Log Area 0.5 2.6 2.6 2.1 Rock % 1.4 3.2 3.0 2.6

Sapling Height (m) 3.2 3.7 3.1 3.4

Stick % 4.3 7.3 6.1 5.5

Forb Height (cm) 10.0 9.9 9.7 9

Grass Height (cm) 10.1 8.9 10.0 8.5

Tree Height (m) 10.3 9.0 8.4 9.5

Forb % 13.3 10.0 9.2 6.9

Grass % 23.3 29.3 29.4 17.8

Tree Hollow % 26.1 11.0 21.8 17.1

Tree DBH (cm) 27.0 25.9 24.8 27.9

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Tree Scratches % 27.9 19.8 21.7 9.9 Litter % 68.2 79.7 80.6 72.6 Shrub Height (cm) 116.1 132.1 131.3 118.7 Stag/ha 153.2 269.8 304.5 286.3

Litter Weight (g/m2) 404.7 492.0 486.7 566.4 Sapling/ha 673.2 842.7 1157.3 967.3 Tree/ha 1164.0 1870.6 2413.6 1987.3 Shrub/ha 4094.6 4634.8 4687.7 4582.8

Figure 10: Comparison between Habitat Characteristics at Ulan Coal Mine in 2011, 2012 and 2013

12.0

10.0

8.0

6.0

4.0

2.0

0.0 2011 2012 2013 2014

Log Area Rock % Sapling Height (m) Stick % Forb Height (cm)

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90.0 80.0 70.0 60.0 50.0 40.0 30.0 20.0 10.0 0.0 2011 2012 2013 2014

Grass Height (cm) Tree Height (m) Forb % Grass % Tree hollow % Tree DBH (cm) Tree scratch % Litter %

5000.0 4500.0 4000.0 3500.0 3000.0 2500.0 2000.0 1500.0 1000.0 500.0 0.0 2011 2012 2013 2014

Shrub Height (cm) Stag/ha Litter Weight (g/m2) Sapling/ha Tree/ha Shrub/ha

Seven sites sampled cliff lines and an estimate of the various cliff line habitat types was obtained. It is possible to compare this data with that obtained from previous surveys of cliff line sites. Results of the cliff line habitat analysis are given in Table 16. The results from previous surveys and the mean results from the 2014 surveys are given in Table 17.

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Table 16: Cliff Line Habitat Characteristics as % of Trap Placement Sites

Characteristic Bob1 Bob3 Infra1 Infra3 Res1 Res5 Res 2 Spring Mean

Overhang 32 12 16 16 8 16 0 32 16.5

Cliff Base 32 24 16 16 24 16 24 48 25

Rockfall 32 28 52 24 48 40 24 52 37.5 Ledge 8 4 12 0 0 0 0 12 4.5

Table 17: Comparison between Cliff Line Habitat Characteristics

Cliffline Habitat 1995 – 2011 2012 2013 2014 Cliff Base 8.7% 12% 10% 25% Overhang 12.3% 7% 22% 16.5% Ledge 6.5% 2% 24% 4.5% Rock-fall 17.2% 28% 10% 37.5%

An ANOVA test showed no significant differences between the sets of data, indicating that the present survey site choice, survey methodology and effort allows for a comparison of the 2014 survey data and that obtained in the past at Ulan Coal Mine.

6.3 BAMM ANALYSES OF HABITAT

The BAMM system uses a simple allocation to categories for each data value based on measure-specific thresholds. The resultant categorical data are independent of the raw data type and may be analysed further (see Section 3.3 for more background detail). Basically a body of data is analysed and the various percentiles are obtained to provide

BIODIVERSITY MONITORING SERVICES [email protected] Ecological Monitoring Program for Ulan Coal Mine 2014 -Terrestrial Fauna and Habitats Page 55 the 25th percentile, median and 75th percentile. In the case of the habitat at Ulan Coal Mine, the transect data from 2014 was analysed using SigmaStat. There are four measure categories: Low, Medium, High and Very High. The assumption being that a measurement that is greater than the 75th percentile can be considered of very high value and a value that is lower than the 25th percentile is considered as having a low value. Put simply, the higher the tree cover or tree DBH, the greater its value as habitat. The habitat data obtained from transect methodology (see Appendix 2 for methodology and Table 14 for the results) for 2014 has been used to examine BAMM analyses for this year’s survey.

Table 19 provides the BAMM scores for all habitat characteristics of the sites surveyed in 2014. These are given as categories, but they could be also scored as numbers. The BAMM system scores each category as 1 = Low; 2 = Medium; 3 = High and 4 = Very High. Thus it is possible to mean all the scores for each site or domain to provide an overall score that can be tracked over time or compared spatially. The mean numerical scores are given for each site as well as the resultant category in Table 18 and the numerical scores are shown in Figure 11. Section 7.0 will utilise this data to compare the characteristics of each domain within Ulan Coal Mines.

Figure 11: Numerical BAMM Scores for All Sites in 2014

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Numerical Mean Scores 3.5

2.5

1.5

0.5

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Table 18: BAMM Scores for all Sites Surveyed in 2014

Infra 1 Infra 2 Infra 3 Infra 4 Open Cut Rehab Bob Off Bob Off Bob Off Bob Off Bio East Bio East Bob Corr Bob Corr Spring Res 1 Res 2 Res 3 Res 4 Res 5 3 1 2 3 4 1 2 1 2 Gully Tree Ht (m) Low Low Very Very Low Mediu Medium Low Low Very High Medium High High Low High Very Very Mediu High High High High m High High m Tree DBH (cm) Mediu High Very High Low Mediu Low Low Low Very High High Very High High Low Medium Very Very Mediu High Mediu m High m High High m m

Shrub Ht (cm) High Very Low Very High Very Very High Medium Medium Low Low Low Medium Medium High Very Medium Mediu High High High High High High m Sapling Ht (m) Mediu Mediu Low Very Very High High Very High Low High Very High Low High Medium Very High High High Medium Low Low Mediu m m High m Grass % Very Mediu Mediu High Low High Very High Very High High Low High Very High Medium Medium Very Low High Mediu Low Low High m m High m Forb % High Very Mediu Mediu Low Low Very High High High Low Low Very High High Medium Very Low Medium Very High Mediu High m m High High m Litter % Mediu Mediu Very Mediu High Very Medium Medium Low High High High Very High Medium Low Very Very High Mediu Low m m High m High High High m Stick % Very Very Mediu Low Medium High High Low Medium High High Low Very High Medium Medium High Medium Very Very High High High m High High Rock % Very Low Low Low Very High High Very High Low Medium Very High Low High Low Very High High Mediu High Low Low High High m Tree/ha Very High Low High Very High Mediu Medium Very High Low High High Low Medium High High Low Low Mediu Very Very High m m High High Sapling/ha Very High Very Very Very High Mediu Medium Very High Low Low High Low Low Medium High Low Medium High Low Mediu High High High m m Shrub/ha Very High Low Low High Low Low High Very High Medium High High Low Low Medium High Very Very Mediu Mediu High High High m m Grass Ht (cm) Very Mediu High Low Low Low Medium High High Very High Very High High High Medium Low Very Very Low High Mediu High m High High m Forb Ht (cm) Very Low Very High Low Low Very High Medium High High Very High High Low Medium Low High Very High High Mediu High High High m Litter Wt (g/m2) High Very High Mediu Very High High Medium Low Low High Medium Low Very High Low Medium High Very Very Low Mediu High m High High m Log Area (cm2) Mediu Very Mediu Very Low Low High Low Low High Medium High Low High Very Mediu Very Very Mediu High m High m High High m High High m Log Area % High Very Mediu High Low Low High Low Low High Medium Medium Low High Very Mediu Very Very Mediu High High m High m High High m Tree hollow % Very Very Very Very Low Low Very High Low Low Very High Very High Very High Very High Very High Low Very Very Very Very Very High High High High High High High High High Tree scratch % Very Low Low Very High High Very High Low Low Low Medium Very High High Low High Low Very Low Mediu High High High High m Stag/ha High High Low High Low Very Medium Medium High Low Medium Very High Low Very High Low Low High Very Very Mediu High High High m Numerical Mean 2.9 2.5 2.1 2.7 2.1 2.1 2.8 1.9 1.8 2.5 2.3 2.6 2.2 2.2 2.4 2.4 3 2.6 2.3 2.3 Scores BAMM High Mediu Mediu High Medium Mediu High Medium Medium Medium Medium High Medium Medium Medium Mediu High High Mediu Mediu Categories m m m m m m

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6.4 THREATENED SPECIES

6.4.1 Species Listed Under NSW TSC Act

A total of 245 sightings of 14 threatened species were recorded during the 2014 surveys (101 sightings of 8 threatened species in 2011, 151 sightings of 8 threatened species in 2012 and 182 sightings of 8 threatened species in 2013). The species located are listed in Table 19 and the numbers located are shown in Figures 12a and 12b. Their distribution at Ulan is given in Figure 13. Both the numbers and diversity of threatened species were higher than in the past. The location of a Grey-headed Flying-fox was unusual, but this species will range widely during periods of food shortage. An individual was rescued from a fence but it died shortly afterwards.

Table 19: Threatened Species Located During 2014 Surveys

Scientific Name Common Name Calyptorhynchus lathami Glossy Black-Cockatoo Glossopsitta pusilla Little Lorikeet Ninox strenua Powerful Owl Climacteris picumnus Brown Treecreeper (eastern sub-species) Pyrrholaemus sagittatus Speckled Warbler Grantiella picta Painted Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis gularis Black-chinned Honeyeater (eastern subsp.) Petroica boodang Scarlet Robin Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler (south-eastern sub- temporalis species) Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sittella Stagonopleura guttata Diamond Firetail Petaurus norfolcensis Squirrel Glider Phascolarctos cinereus Koala Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox

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Figure 12a: Numbers of Threatened Species Located in 2014

Figure 12b: Proportion of Numbers of Threatened Species Located in 2014

Black-chinned Honeyeater Brown Treecreeper Diamond Firetail Glossy Black-Cockatoo Grey-crowned Babbler Grey-headed Flying-fox Koala Little Lorikeet Painted Honeyeater Powerful Owl Scarlet Robin Speckled Warbler Squirrel Glider

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Figure 13: Distribution of Threatened Species during 2014 Surveys

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It can be seen that the most common threatened species at Ulan Coal Mine are the Glossy Black-cockatoo, Speckled Warbler, Grey-crowned Babbler and Varied Sittella. These species are all associated with woodland habitats and are dependent upon such habitat. There are some differences in the numbers of threatened species located over the four years, with higher numbers located in 2014. The different numbers are shown in Figure 14. Populations of Threatened species change between years with the Little Lorikeet and Painted Honeyeater recorded in higher numbers in previous years than in 2014. Such differences may be due to varying amounts of food resources at the time of surveys.

2011 2012 2013 2014

Figure 14: Numbers of Threatened Species Located from 2011 to 2014

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6.4.2 Threatened Species Listed Under the Commonwealth EPBC Act

There are 13 terrestrial vertebrates listed as threatened under the EPBC Act that could occur within 10km of Ulan Coal Mine. These are listed in Table 20.

Table 20: Threatened Species Listed Under EPBC Act

Common Name Status Regent Honeyeater Endangered Australasian Bittern Endangered Swift Parrot Endangered Malleefowl Vulnerable Superb Parrot Vulnerable Australian Painted Snipe Vulnerable Large-eared Pied Bat Vulnerable Greater Long-eared Bat Vulnerable Spotted-tailed Quoll Endangered Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Vulnerable New Holland Mouse Vulnerable Grey-headed Flying-fox Vulnerable

To date five of these species (Swift Parrot, Large-eared Pied Bat, Greater Long-eared Bat, Grey-headed Flying-fox and Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby) have been recorded from Ulan Coal Mine with the Grey-headed Flying-fox being located during the 2014 fauna survey. A targeted survey was undertaken for the Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater during winter 2014, at a time when both species may be found in the region. The results from this survey are reported in Section 8.0 – neither species were located in 2014.

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Photograph 4: Grey-headed Flying-fox Rescued from Barbed-wire Fence 7.0 COMPARISON BETWEEN SITES AND DOMAINS

The 20 survey sites sample a range of vegetation communities, landscapes and domains established as part of the Environmental Assessment process. There is sufficient data about the bird and native mammal assemblages to provide biodiversity indices for each site and to determine whether each site provides an adequate sample. Evenness, Simpson’s Index of Diversity, number of individuals counted and species richness were calculated for each site and these are given for birds and native mammals in Table 21. Any significant differences between the sites were calculated using a non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis One Way Analysis of Variance on Ranks. The means of the results from the sites sampling different domains were also calculated and any significant differences between the groups of sites were calculated using a non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis One Way Analysis of Variance on Ranks. The means for each domain are shown in Figure 15. These assessments showed that there were no significant differences in the biodiversity indices between the sites and between the domains.

The domains are considered to be three clusters of sites sampling different past, present and future land uses. The infrastructure domain consists of those sites sampling areas where some form of infrastructure construction will occur e.g. roads, transmission lines as well as the sites located within the open cut i.e. the rehabilitation sites. The offset domain contains those sites that sample land set aside for conservation purposes and will not be mined or otherwise disturbed. The residual domain comprises those sites that sample land that have been undermined in the past or in the future.

Although there are no significant differences there is some variation between sites, particularly in bird species richness. Figures 16a and 16b show the bird species richness and number sighted for each site as well as the overall mean value. Six of the sites have bird diversities that are less than the average and eleven of the sites have lower than average numbers recorded. However, there is no obvious relationship between

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Table 21: Biodiversity Indices of all Survey Sites in 2014

Indices 1985 Rehab 2003 Rehab Infra 1 Infra 2 Infra 3 Infra 4 Mean BIRDS Evenness 0.928 0.931 0.939 0.725 0.911 0.906 0.890 Simpson's Index 0.958 0.964 0.959 0.856 0.958 0.958 0.942 Number 112 269 101 245 146 137 168 Species Richness 32 40 29 33 42 42 36 Bob Offset Bobadeen Bobadeen Bob Offset 1 Bob Offset 2 Bob Offset 3 4 East 1 East 2 Evenness 0.846 0.915 0.844 0.878 0.863 0.879 Simpson's Index 0.935 0.969 0.937 0.960 0.954 0.954 Number 198 261 275 365 446 333 Species Richness 40 51 44 51 62 52 Bob Corr 1 Bob Corr 2 Spring Gully Mean Evenness 0.847 0.742 0.813 0.847 Simpson's Index 0.945 0.881 0.911 0.938 Number 357 439 184 318 Species Richness 46 53 32 48 Residual 1 Residual 2 Residual 3 Residual 4 Residual 5 Mean Evenness 0.942 0.920 0.908 0.717 0.901 0.878 Simpson's Index 0.968 0.965 0.952 0.870 0.962 0.943 Number 125 158 132 607 216 248 Species Richness 37 41 34 41 47 40

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Indices 1985 Rehab 2003 Rehab Infra 1 Infra 2 Infra 3 Infra 4 Mean MAMMALS Evenness 0.506 0.538 0.952 0.852 0.948 0.478 0.712 Simpson's Index 0.233 0.430 0.833 0.712 0.740 0.399 0.558 Number 16 27 12 12 31 92 32 Species Richness 2 4 5 4 4 5 4 Bob Offset Bobadeen Bobadeen Bob Offset 1 Bob Offset 2 Bob Offset 3 4 East 1 East 2 Evenness 0.892 0.724 0.577 0.595 0.617 0.524 Simpson's Index 0.774 0.683 0.527 0.581 0.549 0.450 Number 20 45 117 213 66 83 Species Richness 5 6 5 6 5 5 Bob Corr 1 Bob Corr 2 Spring Gully Mean Evenness 0.713 0.670 0.906 0.691 Simpson's Index 0.589 0.585 0.866 0.623 Number 75 75 24 85 Species Richness 4 4 8 5.4 Residual 1 Residual 2 Residual 3 Residual 4 Residual 5 Mean Evenness 1 0.884 0.901 0.741 0.843 0.874 Simpson's Index 0.9 0.798 0.772 0.588 0.738 0.759 Number 5 27 19 72 28 30 Species Richness 4 6 5 4 5 4.8

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Figure 15: Biodiversity Indices for Domains a. Birds

0.960

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There are no significant differences between the sites nor between the domains, based on biodiversity indices (Kruskal-Wallis One Way Analysis of Variance on Ranks).

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Figure 16a: Bird Species Richness for Each Site

Figure 16b: Numbers of Birds Sighted at each Site

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There are some differences in bird species richness and numbers over the past four years of the monitoring surveys and these are shown in Figures 17a and 17b.

Figure 17a: Bird Species Richness in Domains between 2011 and 2014

0 2011 2012 2013 2014

Infrastructure Bird Species Richness Offset Bird Species Richness Residual Bird Species Richness

Figure 17b: Bird Numbers in Domains between 2011 and 2014

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Both Offset and Residual Domains have shown increases in bird numbers over the years, whilst the values for the Infrastructure Domain have declined.

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8.0 TARGETED WINTER BIRD SURVEY

8.1 Background

As part of the Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) it is necessary to undertake targeted searches for species listed under the Federal EPBC Act. In particular, the Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater are considered Endangered under the Act and both are known to occur in the Ulan region. As both are most active in NSW during the cooler months and are associated with flowering eucalypts at that time it is imperative to undertake bird surveys during winter when certain eucalypt species can be in blossom and the Swift Parrot migrates from its breeding grounds in Tasmania. Information about the distribution, behavior and food preferences of the two species was provided in the 2012 report.

8.2 Approach to Survey

To ensure the maximum possible coverage of the Project Area, areas were initially prioritised based upon the presence of likely habitat for the Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater. Likely habitat was considered to be vegetation communities that contained those eucalypt species used by the two bird species and were in flower at the time when the birds could be present. The plant species likely to be used by the Swift Parrot are listed in Table 22 together with the likelihood of their presence at Ulan Coal Mine. It was assumed that the same plant species would be used by the Regent Honeyeater if present. Table 23 lists the vegetation communities described in the Ulan Coal – Continued Operations Ecological Assessment (Umwelt, October 2009) and highlights those plant species that may be used by the Swift Parrot.

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Table 22: Plant Species Likely to be used by the Swift Parrot

Swift Parrot Feed Common Flowering Species Name Period In Ulan Area? Eucalyptus tricarpa Red Ironbark Autumn No E. sideroxylon Mugga Ironbark May-October Yes E. microcarpa Inland Grey Box February-August Yes E. mollucana Grey Box January-April Yes E. albens White Box March-May Yes May- E. leucoxylon Yellow Gum September/Spring No E. maculata Spotted Gum May-September Planted Swamp E. robusta Mahogany May-July No E. pilularis Blackbutt September-March No December- E. camaldulensis River Red Gum February Yes Blakely's Red E. blakelyii Gum August-December Yes September- E. melliodora Yellow Box February Yes

Table 23: Vegetation Communities at Ulan Coal Mine with Main Eucalypt Species

Vegetation Vegetation Community Unit Main Canopy Feed Species Communities Code No. Species Present Ironbark Open Forest Ironbark, Complex IBOF 1 Stringybark Stringybark-Ironbark Stringybark, Open Forest SBOF 2 Ironbark Occasional E. blakelyii Scribbly Gum, Occasional E. blakelyii Scribbly Gum Woodland SGWL-HL 3 Ironbark in depressions She-Oak Low Forest SOLF 4 Casuarina Dry Heathland Dry HL 5 Heath Acacia Forest AF 6 Acacia Black Cypress Forest CF 7 Callitris

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Red Gum - Rough- barked Apple Open E. blakelyii, E. Forest RG-Apple OF 8 floribunda E. blakelyii Vegetation Vegetation Community Unit Main Canopy Feed Species Communities Code No. Species Present E. blakelyii, occasional E. albens, E. molluccana, E. blakelyii, E. E. melliodora, E. Red Gum Open Forest 8b tereticornis microcarpa Narrow-leaved Ironbark Open Forest NLIBOF 9 Ironbark occasional E. blakelyii NOT Shrubland MAPPED 10 emergent E. blakelyii E. albens, E. E. albens, E. microcarpa, White Box Woodland WBWL 11 microcarpa occasional E. blakelyii E. albens, E. microcarpa, Box-Red Gum Open E. albens, E. blakelyii, E. blakelyii, occasional Forest Box-RGOF 12 E. microcarpa E. melliodora E. melliodora, Rough Barked Apple - 13 (14 in E. floribunda, E. occasional E. Box Open Forest Apple-Box notes) melliodora microcarpa 14 (13 in Grey Box Woodland GBWL notes) Grey Box E. microcarpa Scattered E. Derrived Grassland GL 15 Remnant Trees microcarpa, E. blakelyii Grey Gum - Ironbark Open Forest GG-IBOF 16 Ironbark, Grey Gum

It was possible to map the areas where likely feed species could be found by modelling the data obtained from vegetation surveys and used to develop the vegetation map for Ulan Coal Mine. The communities were divided into three categories (likely, possible and unlikely) based on the presence of preferred eucalypt species. This map is shown in Figure 18.

Those areas where there is likely or possible Swift Parrot habitat were surveyed visually. Any tree in blossom was particularly searched and bird calls identified using the Michael Morcombe Guide to Australian Birds loaded onto a iPad.

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Figure 18: Distribution of Likely Swift Parrot Habitat at Ulan Coal Mine

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Unfortunately few trees were in flower during this year’s survey so the initial survey was augmented by a wider search for bird species. As much of the native woodland within Ulan Coal Mines was inspected as possible, either by driving all tracks within the mine boundaries or by undertaking 30 minute bird searches at a number of sites. A total of 57 sites were established and the 30 minute bird survey transects were undertaken by two people, each going in opposite directions. The distribution of transects is shown in Figure 19 and some typical transects overlaid on vegetation mapping are shown in Figure 20.

All transects were mapped using a GPS and the routes could be overlaid onto a map of vegetation known from Ulan Coal Mine (Ulan Coal – Continued Operations Ecological Assessment Umwelt, October 2009). The vegetation communities sampled at each site are given in Table 24.

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Figure 19: Distribution of Bird Survey Routes

Figure 20: Some Bird Survey Routes Overlaid on Vegetation Mapping

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Table 24: Vegetation Communities Sampled during the Survey

Site Number Date Site Name Vegetation Communities Flowering? 1 23/06/2014 E-A Narrow-leaved Ironbark Open Forest No 1 23/06/2014 E-A Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 1 23/06/2014 E-A Narrow-leaved Ironbark Open Forest + Scribbly Gum Open Forest No 2 23/06/2014 E-M Narrow-leaved Ironbark Open Forest No 2 23/06/2014 E-M Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 3 23/06/2014 Ulan Ck-A Scribbly Gum Woodland - Heathland on Sand Plateaux No 4 23/06/2014 Ulan Ck-M Scribbly Gum Woodland - Heathland on Sand Plateaux No 4 23/06/2014 Ulan Ck-M Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 5 24/06/2014 BE1-A Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 5 24/06/2014 BE1-A Blakely's Red Gum Open Forest No 6 24/06/2014 BE1-M Blakely's Red Gum Open Forest No 6 24/06/2014 BE1-M Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 7 24/06/2014 BE2-A Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 7 24/06/2014 BE2-A Rough-barked Apple Open Forest Grassland No 7 24/06/2014 BE2-A White Box Woodland Grassland No 8 24/06/2014 BE2-M Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 8 24/06/2014 BE2-M Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 8 24/06/2014 BE2-M Rough-barked Apple Open Forest Grassland No 9 24/06/2014 Apple Rd-A Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 9 24/06/2014 Apple Rd-A Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 10 24/06/2014 Apple Rd-M Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 10 24/06/2014 Apple Rd-M Acacia Forest on Sandstone No 11 24/06/2014 Scribbly Gum-A Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 11 24/06/2014 Scribbly Gum-A Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 12 24/06/2014 I4-A Blakely's Red Gum Open Forest No 12 24/06/2014 I4-A Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No

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Site Number Date Site Name Vegetation Communities Flowering? 12 24/06/2014 I4-A Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 13 24/06/2014 I4-M Blakely's Red Gum Open Forest No 13 24/06/2014 I4-M Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 13 24/06/2014 I4-M Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 14 24/06/2014 SO-A Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 14 24/06/2014 SO-A Unimproved Pasture No 15 24/06/2014 SO-M Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 15 24/06/2014 SO-M Scribbly Gum Woodland - Heathland on Sand Plateaux No 16 25/06/2014 Old Ulan-A Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 16 25/06/2014 Old Ulan-A Narrow-leaved Ironbark Open Forest + Scribbly Gum Open Forest No 16 25/06/2014 Old Ulan-A Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 16 25/06/2014 Old Ulan-A Unimproved Pasture No 17 25/06/2014 Old Ulan-M Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 17 25/06/2014 Old Ulan-M Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 17 25/06/2014 Old Ulan-M Unimproved Pasture No 18 25/06/2014 UW1-A Blakely's Red Gum Open Forest No 18 25/06/2014 UW1-A Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 19 25/06/2014 UW1-M Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 19 25/06/2014 UW1-M Narrow-leaved Ironbark Open Forest No 20 25/06/2014 UW3-A White Box Woodland No 20 25/06/2014 UW3-A Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 21 25/06/2014 UW3-M White Box Woodland No 21 25/06/2014 UW3-M Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 22 25/06/2014 Valley Way-A Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 22 25/06/2014 Valley Way-A Narrow-leaved Ironbark Open Forest No 22 25/06/2014 Valley Way-A Scribbly Gum Woodland - Heathland on Sand Plateaux No 23 25/06/2014 Valley Way-M Scribbly Gum Woodland - Heathland on Sand Plateaux No 24 25/06/2014 Pipe-A Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 24 25/06/2014 Pipe-A Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No

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Site Number Date Site Name Vegetation Communities Flowering? 25 25/06/2014 K-A Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 25 25/06/2014 K-A Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 26 25/06/2014 K-M Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 27 26/06/2014 Knoll-A Grey Box Woodland No 27 26/06/2014 Knoll-A Derived Native Grassland No 28 26/06/2014 Knoll-M Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 28 26/06/2014 Knoll-M Yellow Box - Red Gum Woodland No 28 26/06/2014 Knoll-M Derived Native Grassland No 29 26/06/2014 R5-A Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 29 26/06/2014 R5-A Unimproved Pasture No 29 26/06/2014 R5-A Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 30 26/06/2014 R5-M Derived Native Grassland No 30 26/06/2014 R5-M Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 31 26/06/2014 UWNth-A Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 31 26/06/2014 UWNth-A Scribbly Gum Woodland - Heathland on Sand Plateaux No 31 26/06/2014 UWNth-A Unimproved Pasture No 32 26/06/2014 UWNth-M Unimproved Pasture No 32 26/06/2014 UWNth-M Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 32 26/06/2014 UWNth-M Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 32 26/06/2014 UWNth-M Yellow Box - Red Gum Woodland No 33 26/06/2014 Brokenback-A Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 33 26/06/2014 Brokenback-A Blakely's Red Gum Open Forest No 34 26/06/2014 I3-A Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 34 26/06/2014 I3-A Blakely's Red Gum Open Forest No 34 26/06/2014 I3-A Unimproved Pasture No 34 26/06/2014 I3-A Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 35 26/06/2014 I3-M Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 35 26/06/2014 I3-M Blakely's Red Gum Open Forest No 36 27/06/2014 Open Cut-A Rehab Pre 1997 Some Spotted Gum

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Site Number Date Site Name Vegetation Communities Flowering? 37 27/06/2014 Open Cut-M Rehab Pre 1997 Some Spotted Gum 38 27/06/2014 UG Office-A Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 39 27/06/2014 UG Office-M Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 40 27/06/2014 Milton Rd-A Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 40 27/06/2014 Milton Rd-A Narrow-leaved Ironbark Open Forest No 41 27/06/2014 Milton Rd-M Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 42 27/06/2014 Spring Gully-A Stringybark - Ironbark Open Forest on Sandstone No 42 27/06/2014 Spring Gully-A Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 42 27/06/2014 Spring Gully-A Scribbly Gum Woodland - Heathland on Sand Plateaux No 43 27/06/2014 Short Road-A Scribbly Gum Woodland - Heathland on Sand Plateaux No 43 27/06/2014 Short Road-A Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 43 27/06/2014 Short Road-A Stringybark - Ironbark Open Forest on Sandstone No 43 27/06/2014 Short Road-A Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 44 27/06/2014 Short Road-M Scribbly Gum Woodland - Heathland on Sand Plateaux No 44 27/06/2014 Short Road-M Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 44 27/06/2014 Short Road-M Stringybark - Ironbark Open Forest on Sandstone No 44 27/06/2014 Short Road-M Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 45 27/06/2014 Millenium Rd-A Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 45 27/06/2014 Millenium Rd-A Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 45 27/06/2014 Millenium Road-A Narrow-leaved Ironbark Open Forest No 46 27/06/2014 Millenium Road-M Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 47 28/06/2014 Bobadeen Loop-A Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 47 28/06/2014 Bobadeen Loop-A Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 47 28/06/2014 Bobadeen Loop-A Rough-barked Apple Open Forest Grassland No 47 28/06/2014 Bobadeen Loop-A White Box Woodland No 47 28/06/2014 Bobadeen Loop-A White Box Woodland Grassland No 48 28/06/2014 Bobadeen Loop-M Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 48 28/06/2014 Bobadeen Loop-M White Box Woodland Grassland No 48 28/06/2014 Bobadeen Loop-M Modified White Box Woodland No

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Site Number Date Site Name Vegetation Communities Flowering? 49 28/06/2014 UW4-A Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 49 28/06/2014 UW4-A Narrow-leaved Ironbark Open Forest No 49 28/06/2014 UW4-A Stringybark - Ironbark Open Forest on Sandstone No 49 28/06/2014 UW4-A Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 50 28/06/2014 UW4-M Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 50 28/06/2014 UW4-M Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 50 28/06/2014 UW4-M Narrow-leaved Ironbark Open Forest No 51 28/06/2014 UW Corner-A Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 51 28/06/2014 UW Corner-A Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 52 28/06/2014 UW Corner-M Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 53 28/06/2014 I2-A Rough-barked Apple Open Forest No 54 28/06/2014 Culbunya Corner-A Acacia Forest on Sandstone No 54 28/06/2014 Culbunya Corner-A Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 54 28/06/2014 Culbunya Corner-A Unimproved Pasture No 55 28/06/2014 Culbunya Corner-M Unimproved Pasture No 55 28/06/2014 Culbunya Corner-M Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 56 28/06/2014 BC1-A Blakely's Red Gum Open Forest No 56 28/06/2014 BC1-A Stringybark - Ironbark Open Forest on Sandstone No 56 28/06/2014 BC1-A Derived Native Grassland No 57 28/06/2014 BC1-M Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone No 57 28/06/2014 BC1-M Blakely's Red Gum Open Forest No

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8.3 Results

Despite an intensive search for both species, there was no evidence for the presence of the Swift Parrot or the Regent Honeyeater. Not all eucalypt species expected to be in blossom were flowering at the time of the survey, the species observed flowering were some Spotted Gum and Acacia. Most eucalypt species were still to flower and White Box had finished flowering. The flowering (and occupancy) period is autumn to early spring so there is a certain amount of flexibility to the movements of the two bird species. Spring surveys at Ulan Coal Mine were undertaken in October, still within the period when Regent Honeyeaters could be observed in the region.

A wide range of bird species were located during the survey. A total of 90 bird species were located including six threatened species and these are listed in Table 25. Several species were breeding at the time of the survey.

Next year’s survey may be undertaken earlier or later than this year, but advice will be sought from a bee-keeper resident in Mudgee to provide an indication of which eucalypts are flowering at the time. Flowering times can vary between years, depending upon the dominant climatic conditions and this factor must be accounted for.

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Table 25: Species Located During Winter Bird Surveys

BIRDS Number MAMMALS Number Australasian Grebe 7 Bare-nosed Wombat 39 Australasian Pipit 2 Common Brushtail 4 Possum Australian King-Parrot 11 Common Wallaroo 19 Australian Magpie 173 Eastern Grey Kangaroo 339 Australian Pelican 10 Red-necked Wallaby 135 Australian Raven 68 Short-beaked Echidna 3 Australian Wood Duck 123 Swamp Wallaby 16 Black Swan 1 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 27 Brown Hare 2 Black-shouldered Kite 1 Cat 1 Brown Falcon 4 Dingo, domestic dog 2 Brown Thornbill 42 European Cattle 4 Brown Treecreeper 7 Fallow Deer 3 Brown-headed Honeyeater 37 Feral Pig 34 Buff-rumped Thornbill 34 Rabbit 12 Chestnut-rumped Heathwren 2 Red Fox 12 Common Bronzewing 4 Common Starling 98 Crested Pigeon 16 REPTILES Number Diamond Firetail 10 Eastern Bearded Dragon 1 Double-barred Finch 21 Eastern Snake-necked 1 Turtle Dusky Moorhen 1 Lesueur's Velvet Gecko 1 Eastern Rosella 93 Eastern Shrike-tit 1 Eastern Spinebill 43 AMPHIBIANS Number Eastern Yellow Robin 14 Bibron's Toadlet 1 Emu 26 Common Eastern Froglet 2 Eurasian Coot 5 Fan-tailed Cuckoo 5 Galah 75 Glossy Black-Cockatoo 3 Golden Whistler 40 Grey Butcherbird 4 Grey Fantail 13 Grey Shrike-thrush 19 Grey Teal 10 Grey-crowned Babbler (south-eastern sub- 42 species) Hardhead 11 Jacky Winter 24 Laughing Kookaburra 37

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Magpie-lark 15 BIRDS Number Masked Lapwing 16 Mistletoebird 7 Musk Lorikeet 8 Nankeen Kestrel 8 Noisy Miner 136 Pacific Black Duck 2 Pied Butcherbird 23 Pied Currawong 32 Red Wattlebird 4 Red-browed Finch 15 Red-capped Robin 3 Red-rumped Parrot 14 Rockwarbler 2 Rose Robin 4 Rufous Whistler 1 Scarlet Robin 3 Silvereye 6 Speckled Warbler 11 Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater 5 Spotted Pardalote 23 Spotted Quail-thrush 1 Straw-necked Ibis 2 Striated Pardalote 15 Striated Thornbill 130 Striped Honeyeater 14 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 101 Superb Fairy-wren 62 Superb Lyrebird 9 Tree Martin 1 Varied Sittella 8 Variegated Fairy-wren 5 Wedge-tailed Eagle 8 Weebill 17 Welcome Swallow 10 Whistling Kite 1 White-browed Babbler 18 White-browed Scrubwren 3 White-eared Honeyeater 56 White-faced Heron 3 White-naped Honeyeater 21 White-necked Heron 2 White-plumed Honeyeater 22 White-throated Treecreeper 81 White-winged Chough 54 Willie Wagtail 18

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Yellow Thornbill 86 BIRDS Number Yellow-faced Honeyeater 25 Yellow-rumped Thornbill 41 Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo 4

Photograph 5: Thick-tailed Gecko (Underwoodisaurus milii) at Site Infrastructure 2

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9.0 GENERAL CONCLUSIONS

The main aim of the 2014 survey was to continue to survey fauna at a series of sites that would adequately sample the range of landscapes and land uses at Ulan Coal Mine. The data from the surveys will be used as a baseline dataset that forms the basis of on-going monitoring of any potential impacts from underground mining and surface infrastructure construction and operation. Although Ulan Coal Mine has been monitored for fauna for more than 14 years, some changes occurred in 2011 to allow for the mine’s expansion and to rationalise the selection of survey sites. It is now possible to focus on past, present and future land uses by selecting sites that sample these different strategies.

All 20 proposed sites were surveyed successfully using a wide range of techniques to ensure all terrestrial fauna groups were sampled. The data from the surveys show that, at present, there are no significant differences between the fauna assemblages located from 2011 to 2014. Also there are no significant differences between the fauna assemblages found at each site. Similarly, the habitat characteristics and fauna diversities are compatible with that measured during previous surveys and show no significant differences between the different sites.

At this stage there are no significant differences between the fauna diversities and habitat characteristics found within each domain. The Residual Domain samples land that has been and will be under-mined over time. The parameters measured within this domain are similar to that recorded from those domains that sample land that is considered as control (e.g. offsets). Thus the survey site choice and survey protocol provides a rigorous basis for on-going monitoring of any impacts. At this stage there have been no discernable impacts from subsidence upon threatened species, populations, habitats or ecological communities associated with the terrestrial environment.

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At present the analyses of the data obtained from the annual surveys that sample the major seasons of the year are just scraping the surface. Over time it will be possible to draw together information from the present on-going surveys and that from the past surveys to provide a comprehensive assessment of Ulan Coal Mine.

Dr Martin Denny BSc (Hons) PhD FRZS MECA

20th January 2015

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APPENDIX 1: TERRESTRIAL FAUNA SURVEY SITES USED IN 2014

VEGETATION SITE EASTING NORTHING COMMUNITY Blakely’s Red Gum Open Forest Bobadeen East Vegetation and Ironbark Open Forest Offset Domain 1 762981 6436130 Complex on Sandstone Rough-barked Apple Open Forest on Alluvium/Colluvium Bobadeen East Vegetation (regenerating) and Unimproved Offset Domain 2 763337 6438264 Pasture Bobadeen Vegetation Rough-barked Apple Open Offset Domain 1 757270 6435224 Forest on Alluvium/Colluvium Bobadeen Vegetation Narrow-leaved Ironbark Open Offset Domain 2 760508 6434901 Forest on Alluvium/Colluvium Rough-barked Apple Open Forest on Alluvium/Colluvium Bobadeen Vegetation and Ironbark Open Forest Offset Domain 3 757418 6436726 Complex on Sandstone Bobadeen Vegetation Ironbark Open Forest Complex Offset Domain 4 759268 6437178 on Sandstone Blakely’s Red Gum Open Forest and Ironbark Open Forest Bobadeen Corridor 1 761276 6436043 Complex Stringybark-Ironbark Open Forest on Sandstone Slopes and Bobadeen Corridor 2 760508 6436112 Derived Native Grassland Ironbark Open Forest Complex Surface Infrastructure 1 754997 6431645 on Sandstone Ironbark Open Forest Complex on Sandstone and Rough-barked Apple Open Forest on Surface Infrastructure 2 755423 6437096 Alluvium/Colluvium Rough-barked Apple Open Surface Infrastructure 3 755368 6439015 Forest on Alluvium/Colluvium Rough-barked Apple Open Forest on Alluvium/Colluvium and Blakely’s Red Gum Open Surface Infrastructure 4 758716 6439768 Forest Rehabilitation 2003 758404 6428920 Mixed community post 1987 Rehabilitation 1985 759907 6426817 Mixed community pre 1987 Scribbly Gum Residual EA Project Area Woodland/Heathland on Sand Domain 1 759024 6432653 Plateaux Residual EA Project Area 756505 6432873 Scribbly Gum

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Domain 2 Woodland/Heathland on Sand Plateaux

VEGETATION SITE EASTING NORTHING COMMUNITY Narrow-leaved Ironbark Open Forest, Scribbly Gum Woodland/Heathland on Sand Plateaux and Rough-barked Residual EA Project Area Apple Open Forest on Domain 3 752768 6434841 Alluvium/Colluvium Residual EA Project Area Ironbark Open Forest Complex Domain 4 759286 6439049 on Sandstone Residual EA Project Area Rough-barked Apple Open Domain 5 755335 6442225 Forest on Alluvium/Colluvium Spring Gully Cliff Line Ironbark Open Forest Complex Management Domain 759671 6433436 on Sandstone

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APPENDIX 2: FAUNA SURVEYS METHODOLOGY a. Elliott Trapping

Twenty-five small (8x10x33 cm) Elliott traps were laid in straight lines for five days through the habitats at each site. This is equivalent to 100 trap nights over four consecutive nights at each site. The traps were baited with a mixture of rolled oats, peanut butter and bacon fat, and a small piece of dacron was placed within each trap (as protection against the cold). A freezer bag was placed over the end of each trap to prevent the contents becoming wet from the rain. At each trap site a description of the physical characteristics of the habitat within a one metre radius was noted. This information was used in the analysis of habitat values.

To sample any small arboreal mammals, five small Elliott traps were mounted on trees at equal distances along each transect (20 trap nights over five consecutive days at each site). Aluminium tree mounts were attached to trees and a baited Elliott trap attached to the mount. The tree trunk and trap were sprayed with a honey-water mixture to assist in attracting any nectar or sap feeding arboreal mammals. Again, dacron and freezer bags were used to combat the cold and wet conditions. b. Cage Traps

Three Tomahawk cage traps were laid on the ground and three Tomahawk traps were mounted on trees at each site (28 trap-nights). Two large Elliott traps were also placed at each site (8 trap-nights). All of these traps were baited with apple, muesli bar and chicken.

Biodiversity Monitoring Services [email protected] Ecological Monitoring Program for Ulan Coal Mine 2014 -Terrestrial Fauna and Habitats Page 92 c. Spotlighting

Two forms of spotlighting transect were undertaken. Tracks within the survey area were spotlighted from a moving vehicle. In addition, spotlighting on foot was undertaken at the detailed fauna survey sites. d. Hair Funnels

Hair funnels (from Faunatech) were used instead of large and small hair tubes. The design of the tapered hair funnels is such that both large and small animals can be detected by a single funnel. Five hair funnels were set out at each site for four nights and baited with a mixture of rolled oats, peanut butter and bacon fat. Where possible, some of the hair funnels were set onto ‘habitat trees’ (these were considered to be trees that showed signs of use by arboreal marsupials and had obvious hollows). e. Glider Traps

Two vertical plastic tube traps were set up at each site and used as a tree-mounted pit- fall traps. These have been developed to trap small gliders (Squirrel and Sugar Gliders) and have been used successfully in coastal areas5. f. Remote Cameras

Tree-mounted remote cameras (Digital Scouting Camera 5.0 MP) were used at each site to capture images of any animal using the area, particularly near the traps. At some sites a small container of bait was placed in front of a camera to attract animals.

5 Winning, G. and King, J. 2008 A new trap design for capturing squirrel gliders and sugar gliders. Australian Mammalogy 29: 245-249

Biodiversity Monitoring Services [email protected] Ecological Monitoring Program for Ulan Coal Mine 2014 -Terrestrial Fauna and Habitats Page 93 g. Bird Surveys

In addition to the results obtained from general observations and spotlighting, listening and observing periods were undertaken at the two sites. Taking into consideration the discussion in the working draft on methods to survey diurnal birds (DECC 2006), an area-search method was used at each site. A 30 minute search was used where the observer walked around each site, as well as observing and listening for calls from a single point. At each site up to four periods of observation were undertaken (two in the morning and two in the late afternoon). h. Call Broadcasting

Calls of several species of nocturnal bird were broadcast during the night in the general area. Calls were broadcast through a megaphone for approximately five minutes, with a ten minute listening time. Calls from the Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua), Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae), Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides), Barking Owl (Ninox connivens), Barn Owl (Tyto alba), Southern Boobook (Ninox boobook) and the White- throated Nightjar (Eurostopodus mystacalis) as well as the Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis), Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps), Yellow-bellied Glider (Petaurus australis) and Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) were broadcast. i. Amphibian Searches and Call Recording

Water bodies located at or near the survey sites were searched for frogs. At night, each body of water was searched, using spotlights and any frog calls recorded. These calls were later analysed using reference recordings. Stones beside water were turned over during the day and night.

Biodiversity Monitoring Services [email protected] Ecological Monitoring Program for Ulan Coal Mine 2014 -Terrestrial Fauna and Habitats Page 94 j. Pit fall traps

Pit fall traps were established at a number of the monitoring sites. A series of 20 litre buckets was used, together with drift fencing made from wire gauze. At all sites buckets were dug into the ground at 10 metres intervals and a 20cm high wire mesh fence run between each bucket. k. Herpetological Searches

Systematic searches for reptiles and amphibians were undertaken within each habitat type at each survey site. Litter was raked and rocks and logs turned over. Loose bark was prised from the trunks of dead trees. Each search took approximately 30 minutes and was repeated at each site. Where possible a number of rocks and/or logs were turned over. Depending upon the number available between 30 to 100 rocks/logs would be turned over. Searches for amphibians took place at night using spotlights (particularly after rain) and recognition of characteristic calls. Spotlighting searches were also attempted for reptiles. l. Animal Track Recognition

Areas of sand on tracks were inspected for evidence of animal movement. Paw prints and other animal signs were identified and recorded. m. Opportunistic Observations

Any sightings of fauna were recorded whilst moving throughout the SMP area and located using a Global Positioning System (GPS). Any scats were collected and their contents analysed. n. Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby

The presence of this species in this rocky area is of great interest (a single animal may have been observed at the Cicada Road Site in 2001). As this endangered species is known from the region there is a possibility that it may be found at Ulan. Inspection of the cliff-lines became part of the protocol during the surveys. As there are many kilometres of cliff-line within the area and much of this preferred habitat is difficult to

Biodiversity Monitoring Services [email protected] Ecological Monitoring Program for Ulan Coal Mine 2014 -Terrestrial Fauna and Habitats Page 95 access, only a proportion of the area could be searched during each survey. Cliff-line searches will continue during each annual monitoring survey. Cliff-line ledges were searched for any sign of this species. In particular, smallish foot prints and characteristically shaped scats were searched for. Observations using binoculars were undertaken of inaccessible cliff-line ledges, particularly during late afternoon when these animals may be active.

HABITAT CHARACTERISTICS

Habitat characteristics for each site have been obtained from information gathered from two methods. a. Trap Site Description

A description of the upper, middle and lower storey vegetation, as well as the ground cover, within an area of 1m radius surrounding each trap, is used to develop a picture of each survey site. Thus, if 20 trap sites out of a trap line of 25 Elliott traps contained a shrub, then it is estimated that the shrub cover in that survey site was 80%. Where the traps sampled cliff-lines, the unique habitat characteristics of this environment are noted.

Measurements of habitat characteristics derived from trap site descriptions can be used to provide an index of habitat complexity that can be helpful in determining changes over time. One system used is that developed by Catling and Burt (19956), called the Habitat Complexity Score. This system scores the following parameters: Tree cover, tall and low middle storey (mainly shrub and sapling) cover, ground cover, logs/rocks and litter cover. The scores range from 0 to 3, hence the maximum score is 18.

6 Catling, P. C. and Burt, R.J. 1995 Studies of the ground-dwelling mammals of eucalypt forests in south-eastern New South Wales: the effect of habitat variables on distribution and abundance Wildlife Research 22: 271-288

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A second method for describing habitat characteristics involves a 50 m walking transect at each survey site. Within each transect, the following habitat characteristics are measured:

1. Upper and Middle Strata Vegetation Density. During walking transects the number of trees and saplings (upper strata) and shrubs (middle strata) are counted within a strip 50m long and 2m wide. The densities of trees and shrubs are calculated as number per hectare. 2. Tree and Shrub Height. Any trees/saplings or shrubs located during the transect are measured for height. Trees are measured to the nearest metre and shrubs and saplings to the nearest 10cm. Mean heights are calculated from these measurements. 3. Lower Strata Vegetation Density. At five points along each transect, a quarter square metre quadrat is laid upon the ground. Visual estimates are made of the relative proportions of ground cover contributed by grass, forbs, moss, vines, rocks, ferns, litter and logs. These are measured as % cover, using canopy cover as the parameter for grass, forbs and ferns. Total % ground cover within some quadrats is more than 100% because of the overlapping nature of some of the components. 4. Diameter Breast Height (DBH). The diameter of each tree within the transect is measured at about breast height (this is a standard forestry measurement of tree size). 5. Grass and Forb Height. The average height of the grasses and forbs within each quadrat is measured to the nearest 1cm, when the plants are less than 10cm tall, and in 5cm intervals if taller than 10cm. 6. Litter Mass. All leaf litter is cleared from each quadrat and placed in a plastic bag and weighed to the nearest 10g. Larger sticks and rocks are rejected. 7. Presence of hollows and mistletoe. Each tree encountered along the transect was inspected and the presence of tree hollows and mistletoe was documented.

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c. Cliff Line Habitat

The cliff-line environment was divided into five features which were considered common to all areas at Ulan. The features used are: Cliff Base The boundary between the steep cliff-line and the relatively level ground beyond the cliff. This boundary is often abrupt and may contain small overhangs at the edge. Ferns, moss and small forbs are usually found in this habitat.

Overhang An overhang comprises a large cave-like depression in the cliff-face which may or may not form a narrow dark-zone at the back of the depression. The floor of an overhang has usually accumulated soil and litter from the outside and sometimes ferns and other plants grow at the entrance. This feature is usually found at the base of the cliff-lines, but sometimes it is located further up the cliff-line, where the cliff has formed a plateau.

Ledge Ledges are found throughout the cliff-line and range in size from large (more than 10 metres long) to small (less than 30cm). This feature is divided into three types, depending upon the type of cover found on the ledge. Bare ledges have no cover on their surface and are usually too small or too high on the cliff-line to accumulate any material. The second type of ledge is covered by soil and litter, and third type of ledge contains plant material such as moss, ferns, grass and/or forbs.

Cliff crack This feature is found throughout the cliff-line where cracks have formed. Some of the cracks are large enough to accumulate soil and support the growth of plants, whilst other cracks are small (less than 10cm wide).

Rock fall This common feature at the base of cliff-lines, comprises pieces of rock broken away from the cliff-line. Rock falls may be relatively recent and not contain any

Biodiversity Monitoring Services [email protected] Ecological Monitoring Program for Ulan Coal Mine 2014 -Terrestrial Fauna and Habitats Page 98 soil or plant growth, or have accumulated soil and vegetation over time. Rock falls may be a single rock or a mixture of large and small rocks forming small caves and ledges.

3.3 ANALYSIS OF DATA

Because of the accumulation of data under formal survey conditions (consistent survey effort and techniques at each survey site) it is possible to calculate some comparisons and relationships from the results of the survey. The main aim of the analysis is to determine if there are any indications of mine-induced changes in the fauna distribution and population numbers. Tracking a number of indices over time and across different treatments allows such an aim to be satisfied. Most fauna monitoring surveys produce a species list that shows what animals are found within a specified area. However, a list alone does not provide the necessary criteria to determine whether an activity is affecting fauna populations over time.

Consequently, it is important to provide a set of criteria that can be used to compare fauna populations within an area over time and between areas i.e. temporally and spatially. The criteria must be relatively simple, easy to interpret and the processes required to develop each criteria must be consistent and repeatable. To ensure such criteria are used in the long-term monitoring of fauna within the mine areas, a set of quantifiable indices have been developed and adopted for this project. The indices are a set of single values, changes in which indicate changes in the fauna populations and their habitats. These changes can then be related to changes in environmental factors, such as climate, as well as to changes in land use and landform.

The detailed surveys now provide sufficient information to establish a series of indices that can be used as ‘monitoring trigger points’ i.e. single values that can be used to determine whether any significant changes have occurred in fauna populations over time.

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Indices that have been calculated from the results from the monitoring surveys are:

. Species richness of faunal groups . Simpson’s Index of Dominance . Evenness of occurrence of species within an area . Population status of individual species . Capture rates of individual species . Population status of faunal groups . Contribution to the faunal assemblages by threatened species, species dependant upon woodland and by species declining in the Central West . Habitat complexity scores

Some of these indices will require more information than that obtained from one year’s survey and will be developed over time. The previous surveys at Ulan Coal Mine have produced sufficient data to allow the development of the above indices and a comparison can be undertaken between the indices produced from the 2014 surveys and those undertaken in previous years.

Species richness of faunal groups This is the number of species located within each fauna group at each site during each survey.

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

Biodiversity Monitoring Services [email protected] Ecological Monitoring Program for Ulan Coal Mine 2014 -Terrestrial Fauna and Habitats Page 100 mammal, bird and reptile populations from the autumn and spring survey periods (and summer for birds). Evenness Score An evenness score is also calculated. Evenness is a measure of the relative abundance of different species making up the richness of an area. A low value for evenness means that the sample is dominated by a large number of one or two species. A high evenness value means that most species in the sample have a similar abundance. A high value is indicative of a well maintained population of fauna as an even distribution of species means there is sufficient resources for a high diversity of species to be supported. A low value indicates that, although there may be high numbers of animals in a population there are few species as the numbers are dominated by one or two species and many others are not represented. This indicates that the resources may not be sufficient to allow some species to survive.

Population status of individual species Each small mammal captured is given an individual ear mark for recognition if re- captured. The ear marks allow for further analysis of fauna populations. It is possible to calculate an estimated population size using a Capture-Mark-Recapture technique. Although it is not possible to calculate densities (no home ranges are known) population numbers and trapping rates provide an on-going scoring system for population dynamics. By recording such parameters the sizes of populations of small mammals at each site can be tracked over time. Any significant changes can then be related to environmental and other changes that may have occurred at each site.

Population status of faunal groups This index is still being developed as it requires data from many years. Population status of a species within a large area e.g. Ulan Coal Mine, can be determined from the number of individuals found in a set area (e.g. survey area) and the distribution over that area. A species that is found in high numbers and is well distributed over an area can be classed as common or abundant, whereas a species found in low numbers and is sparsely distributed could be classed as uncommon or rare.

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Contribution to the faunal assemblages by threatened species, species dependant upon woodland and by species declining in the Central West Lists are available of bird species that are considered to be declining and/or woodland dependent in the Central West. These lists are used to calculate the proportion of birds located within an area that are considered to be under threat. The higher the proportion, then the greater the value that can be placed on the present habitat in the area. Bird species have been classed by Reid (2000) into woodland dependant and declining in the Central West.

Habitat complexity scores Measurements of habitat characteristics derived from trap site descriptions have been used to provide an index of habitat complexity that can be helpful in determining changes over time of the habitats surveyed over an area. One system used to assess habitat values is that called the Habitat Complexity Score. This system scores the following parameters: Tree cover, tall and low shrub cover, ground cover, logs/rocks and litter cover. The scores range from 0 to 3, with a maximum score of 18.

BAMM System The other habitat scoring system is relatively simple. This system has been adopted by the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency where ‘conversion or standardisation of data to a consistent format for assessment is necessary’. The system, called AquaBAMM7 (to be called the BAMM system here), uses a simple allocation to categories for each data value based on measure-specific thresholds. The resultant categorical data are independent of the raw data type and may be analysed further.

There are four measure categories: Low, Medium, High and Very High. These categories are based upon quartile divisions of the data range. Measure scores are assigned to the data using the following categories:

7 Clayton, P.D., Fielder, D.P., Howell, S. and Hill, C.J. 2006 Aquatic Biodiversity and Mapping Method: a conservation values assessment tool for wetlands with trail application in the Burnett River catchment. Environmental Protection Agency, Brisbane

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0 to 25th percentile value (1st quartile) 1 = Low > 25th percentile value to 50th percentile (median) 2 = Medium > 50th percentile value to 75th percentile (3rd quartile) 3 = High > 75th percentile value 4 = Very High

These categories allow some conclusions to be made concerning the values of the habitat measured. High to very high categories could indicate habitat of equivalent values. Habitat values change for every species, but overall, it can be assumed that more trees, shrubs, grasses, forbs, litter and other ground cover would be beneficial to most fauna. By averaging the different categories, the final score provides a single number to be used for future monitoring.

Biodiversity Monitoring Services [email protected] Ecological Monitoring Program for Ulan Coal Mine 2014 -Terrestrial Fauna and Habitats Page 103

APPENDIX 3: STATISTICAL ANALYSIS DETAILS

One Way Analysis of Variance Thursday, December 11, 2014, 8:27:36 AM

Data source: Data 1 in Ulan terrestrial analysis

Normality Test (Shapiro-Wilk) Failed (P < 0.050)

Test execution ended by user request, ANOVA on Ranks begun

Kruskal-Wallis One Way Analysis of Variance on Ranks Thursday, December 11, 2014, 8:27:36 AM

Data source: Data 1 in Ulan terrestrial analysis

Group N Missing Median 25% 75% 1997.0000 3 0 15.000 10.000 107.000 1998.0000 3 0 14.000 12.000 77.000 1999.0000 3 0 15.000 6.000 92.000 2001.0000 3 0 11.000 9.000 73.000 2003.0000 3 0 16.000 11.000 109.000 2004.0000 3 0 16.000 9.000 101.000 2005.0000 3 0 23.000 11.000 123.000 2006.0000 3 0 11.000 11.000 84.000 2007.0000 3 0 14.000 11.000 105.000 2009.0000 3 0 12.000 10.000 83.000 2010.0000 3 0 15.000 12.000 104.000 2011.0000 3 0 17.000 11.000 127.000 2012.0000 3 0 20.000 13.000 142.000 2013.0000 3 0 18.000 11.000 143.000 2014.0000 3 0 21.000 13.000 151.000

H = 5.167 with 14 degrees of freedom. (P = 0.983)

The differences in the median values among the treatment groups are not great enough to exclude the possibility that the difference is due to random sampling variability; there is not a statistically significant difference (P = 0.983)

Biodiversity Monitoring Services [email protected] Ecological Monitoring Program for Ulan Coal Mine 2014 -Terrestrial Fauna and Habitats Page 104

Linear Regression Thursday, December 11, 2014, 10:42:47 AM

Data source: Data 3 in Ulan terrestrial analysis

Simpson)2s Index for All Nativ = 0.101 + (0.000250 * Year)

N = 9

R = 0.0120 Rsqr = 0.000144 Adj Rsqr = 0.000

Standard Error of Estimate = 0.071

Coefficient Std. Error t P Constant 0.101 15.841 0.00637 0.995 Year 0.000250 0.00788 0.0317 0.976

Analysis of Variance: DF SS MS F P Regression 1 0.00000500 0.00000500 0.00101 0.976 Residual 7 0.0348 0.00497 Total 8 0.0348 0.00435

Normality Test (Shapiro-Wilk) Passed (P = 0.466)

Constant Variance Test: Passed (P = 0.878)

Power of performed test with alpha = 0.050: 0.027

The power of the performed test (0.027) is below the desired power of 0.800. Less than desired power indicates you are less likely to detect a difference when one actually exists. Negative results should be interpreted cautiously.

Biodiversity Monitoring Services [email protected] Ecological Monitoring Program for Ulan Coal Mine 2014 -Terrestrial Fauna and Habitats Page 105

Linear Regression Thursday, December 11, 2014, 11:40:06 AM

Data source: Data 4 in Ulan terrestrial analysis

Bird Simpson's Index = -11.344 + (0.00612 * Year)

N = 15

R = 0.804 Rsqr = 0.647 Adj Rsqr = 0.619

Standard Error of Estimate = 0.026

Coefficient Std. Error t P Constant -11.344 2.517 -4.506 <0.001 Year 0.00612 0.00126 4.876 <0.001

Analysis of Variance: DF SS MS F P Regression 1 0.0162 0.0162 23.779 <0.001 Residual 13 0.00886 0.000682 Total 14 0.0251 0.00179

Normality Test (Shapiro-Wilk) Passed (P = 0.724)

Constant Variance Test: Failed (P = 0.005)

Power of performed test with alpha = 0.050: 0.970

Biodiversity Monitoring Services [email protected] Ecological Monitoring Program for Ulan Coal Mine 2014 -Terrestrial Fauna and Habitats Page 106

Linear Regression Thursday, December 11, 2014, 11:53:03 AM

Data source: Data 5 in Ulan terrestrial analysis

Simpson)2s Index of Diversity = -17.700 + (0.00920 * Year)

N = 8

R = 0.383 Rsqr = 0.147 Adj Rsqr = 0.00484

Standard Error of Estimate = 0.067

Coefficient Std. Error t P Constant -17.700 18.193 -0.973 0.368 Year 0.00920 0.00905 1.017 0.348

Analysis of Variance: DF SS MS F P Regression 1 0.00470 0.00470 1.034 0.348 Residual 6 0.0273 0.00455 Total 7 0.0320 0.00457

Normality Test (Shapiro-Wilk) Failed (P = 0.041)

Constant Variance Test: Passed (P = 0.931)

Power of performed test with alpha = 0.050: 0.145

The power of the performed test (0.145) is below the desired power of 0.800. Less than desired power indicates you are less likely to detect a difference when one actually exists. Negative results should be interpreted cautiously.

Biodiversity Monitoring Services [email protected] Ecological Monitoring Program for Ulan Coal Mine 2014 -Terrestrial Fauna and Habitats Page 107

One Way Analysis of Variance Friday, December 12, 2014, 10:49:05 AM

Data source: Data 6 in Ulan terrestrial analysis

Normality Test (Shapiro-Wilk) Failed (P < 0.050)

Test execution ended by user request, ANOVA on Ranks begun

Kruskal-Wallis One Way Analysis of Variance on Ranks Friday, December 12, 2014, 10:49:05 AM

Data source: Data 6 in Ulan terrestrial analysis

Group N Missing Median 25% 75% 2011.0000 4 0 6.904 0.790 57.250 2012.0000 4 0 3.399 0.713 12.000 2013.0000 4 0 5.873 0.692 49.250 2014.0000 4 0 5.859 0.680 67.250

H = 0.723 with 3 degrees of freedom. (P = 0.868)

Biodiversity Monitoring Services [email protected] Ecological Monitoring Program for Ulan Coal Mine 2014 -Terrestrial Fauna and Habitats Page 108

One Way Analysis of Variance Sunday, December 28, 2014, 9:14:41 PM

Data source: Data 7 in Ulan terrestrial analysis

Normality Test (Shapiro-Wilk) Failed (P < 0.050)

Test execution ended by user request, ANOVA on Ranks begun

Kruskal-Wallis One Way Analysis of Variance on Ranks Sunday, December 28, 2014, 9:14:41 PM

Data source: Data 7 in Ulan terrestrial analysis

Group N Missing Median 25% 75% 2011.0000 19 0 26.111 9.976 153.222 2012.0000 19 0 19.800 8.922 269.800 2013.0000 19 0 21.830 8.390 304.460 2014.0000 19 0 17.100 6.900 286.300

H = 0.208 with 3 degrees of freedom. (P = 0.976)

Biodiversity Monitoring Services [email protected] Ecological Monitoring Program for Ulan Coal Mine 2014 -Terrestrial Fauna and Habitats Page 109

One Way Analysis of Variance Sunday, December 28, 2014, 9:28:17 PM

Data source: Data 8 in Ulan terrestrial analysis

Normality Test (Shapiro-Wilk) Passed (P = 0.764)

Equal Variance Test: Passed (P = 0.378)

Group Name N Missing Mean Std Dev SEM 1995 )6 2011 4 0 0.112 0.0467 0.0234 2012.0000 4 0 0.123 0.113 0.0563 2013.0000 4 0 0.165 0.0755 0.0377 2014.0000 4 0 0.209 0.139 0.0696

Source of Variation DF SS MS F P Between Groups 3 0.0235 0.00784 0.785 0.525 Residual 12 0.120 0.00998 Total 15 0.143

The differences in the mean values among the treatment groups are not great enough to exclude the possibility that the difference is due to random sampling variability; there is not a statistically significant difference (P = 0.525).

Power of performed test with alpha = 0.050: 0.050

The power of the performed test (0.050) is below the desired power of 0.800. Less than desired power indicates you are less likely to detect a difference when one actually exists. Negative results should be interpreted cautiously.

Biodiversity Monitoring Services [email protected] Ecological Monitoring Program for Ulan Coal Mine 2014 -Terrestrial Fauna and Habitats Page 110

Descriptive Statistics: Monday, December 29, 2014, 4:14:29 PM

Data source: Data 9 in Ulan terrestrial analysis

Column Size Missing Mean Std Dev Std. Error C.I. of Mean Tree Ht (m) 20 0 9.515 1.737 0.388 0.813 Tree DBH (cm) 20 0 27.945 8.544 1.910 3.999 Shrub Ht (cm) 20 0 118.670 39.528 8.839 18.500 Sapling Ht (m) 20 1 3.450 1.554 0.356 0.749 Grass % 20 0 17.850 17.630 3.942 8.251 Forb % 20 0 6.940 7.329 1.639 3.430 Litter % 20 0 72.600 15.094 3.375 7.064 Stick % 20 0 5.470 3.090 0.691 1.446 Rock % 20 0 2.600 3.756 0.840 1.758 Tree/ha 20 0 1987.300 568.854 127.200 266.232 Sapling/ha 20 0 967.300 822.511 183.919 384.947 Shrub/ha 20 0 4582.850 3336.633 746.094 1561.592 Grass Ht (cm) 20 0 8.475 5.324 1.190 2.492 Forb Ht (cm) 20 0 8.960 6.608 1.478 3.093 Litter Wt (g/m2) 20 0 566.400 165.533 37.014 77.472 Log Area (cm2) 20 0 2.486 2.023 0.452 0.947 Log Area % 20 0 4.827 4.257 0.952 1.992 Tree hollow % 20 0 17.050 14.949 3.343 6.996 Tree scratch % 20 0 9.885 12.579 2.813 5.887 Stag/ha 20 0 286.350 300.907 67.285 140.829

Column Range Max Min Median 25% 75% Tree Ht (m) 6.500 12.900 6.400 9.350 8.500 10.450 Tree DBH (cm) 34.400 46.400 12.000 27.650 21.800 33.150 Shrub Ht (cm) 170.100 236.500 66.400 109.500 92.750 135.750 Sapling Ht (m) 6.000 6.000 0.000 3.700 2.475 4.275 Grass % 58.800 60.000 1.200 13.500 5.400 18.400 Forb % 29.600 30.000 0.400 4.700 2.100 8.900 Litter % 60.000 94.000 34.000 74.500 66.000 85.000 Stick % 11.400 13.400 2.000 4.800 2.800 7.600 Rock % 12.400 12.400 0.000 0.900 0.000 3.500 Tree/ha 2632.000 3632.000 1000.000 2004.000 1692.000 2244.000 Sapling/ha 3003.000 3003.000 0.000 708.000 464.500 1152.000 Shrub/ha 13085.000 14250.000 1165.000 3590.500 1848.000 5863.000 Grass Ht (cm) 18.900 21.700 2.800 6.300 4.900 9.950 Forb Ht (cm) 27.000 30.000 3.000 7.000 4.200 9.850 Litter Wt (g/m2) 608.000 916.000 308.000 540.000 472.000 648.000 Log Area (cm2) 8.450 8.600 0.150 2.250 1.050 3.500 Log Area % 16.800 17.100 0.300 4.050 1.500 5.850 Tree hollow % 50.000 50.000 0.000 14.300 3.850 29.300 Tree scratch % 40.000 40.000 0.000 7.100 0.000 12.900 Stag/ha 1000.000 1000.000 0.000 192.500 0.000 476.500

Column Skewness Kurtosis K-S Dist. K-S Prob. SWilk W SWilk Prob Tree Ht (m) 0.219 -0.143 0.208 0.024 0.950 0.360 Tree DBH (cm) 0.376 -0.152 0.155 0.231 0.966 0.666 Shrub Ht (cm) 1.534 3.080 0.146 0.310 0.882 0.019 Sapling Ht (m) -0.319 0.154 0.0931 0.825 0.976 0.883 Grass % 1.615 1.566 0.274 <0.001 0.754 <0.001 Forb % 2.026 4.519 0.219 0.013 0.783 <0.001

Biodiversity Monitoring Services [email protected] Ecological Monitoring Program for Ulan Coal Mine 2014 -Terrestrial Fauna and Habitats Page 111

Litter % -0.892 1.017 0.181 0.085 0.929 0.151 Stick % 1.048 0.651 0.159 0.200 0.898 0.037 Rock % 1.831 2.840 0.244 0.003 0.720 <0.001 Tree/ha 0.801 3.005 0.134 0.428 0.915 0.080 Sapling/ha 1.263 0.785 0.203 0.030 0.856 0.007 Shrub/ha 1.419 2.288 0.182 0.082 0.858 0.007 Grass Ht (cm) 1.467 1.396 0.215 0.016 0.820 0.002 Forb Ht (cm) 1.952 4.543 0.237 0.004 0.795 <0.001 Litter Wt (g/m2) 0.544 -0.0810 0.120 0.579 0.956 0.459 Log Area (cm2) 1.519 3.221 0.137 0.395 0.879 0.017 Log Area % 1.530 2.520 0.206 0.026 0.859 0.008 Tree hollow % 0.588 -0.519 0.144 0.326 0.920 0.098 Tree scratch % 1.516 1.616 0.275 <0.001 0.768 <0.001 Stag/ha 1.150 0.655 0.198 0.039 0.853 0.006

Column Sum Sum of Squares Tree Ht (m) 190.300 1868.050 Tree DBH (cm) 558.900 17005.370 Shrub Ht (cm) 2373.400 311338.340 Sapling Ht (m) 65.550 269.603 Grass % 357.000 12278.040 Forb % 138.800 1983.840 Litter % 1452.000 109744.000 Stick % 109.400 779.880 Rock % 52.000 403.280 Tree/ha 39746.000 85135534.000 Sapling/ha 19346.000 31567348.000 Shrub/ha 91657.000 631579603.000 Grass Ht (cm) 169.500 1974.990 Forb Ht (cm) 179.200 2435.320 Litter Wt (g/m2) 11328.000 6936800.000 Log Area (cm2) 49.710 201.299 Log Area % 96.540 810.304 Tree hollow % 341.000 10060.200 Tree scratch % 197.700 4960.470 Stag/ha 5727.000 3360283.000

Biodiversity Monitoring Services [email protected] Ecological Monitoring Program for Ulan Coal Mine 2014 -Terrestrial Fauna and Habitats Page 112

One Way Analysis of Variance Sunday, January 04, 2015, 12:21:48 PM

Data source: Data 10 in Ulan terrestrial analysis

Normality Test (Shapiro-Wilk) Failed (P < 0.050)

Test execution ended by user request, ANOVA on Ranks begun

Kruskal-Wallis One Way Analysis of Variance on Ranks Sunday, January 04, 2015, 12:21:48 PM

Data source: Data 10 in Ulan terrestrial analysis

Group N Missing Median 25% 75% Open Cut 3 8 0 1.479 0.611 28.000 Rehab 8 0 2.482 0.636 36.750 Infra 1 8 0 2.979 0.942 24.750 Infra 2 8 0 2.428 0.757 27.750 Infra 3 8 0 2.479 0.920 39.250 Infra 4 8 0 2.979 0.585 79.500 Bob Off 1 8 0 2.967 0.857 35.000 Bob Off 2 8 0 3.484 0.772 49.500 Bob Off 3 8 0 2.969 0.643 98.750 Bob Off 4 8 0 3.480 0.666 172.500 Bio East 1 8 0 2.977 0.678 65.000 Bio East 2 8 0 2.977 0.612 75.250 Bob Corr 1 8 0 2.473 0.746 67.750 Bob Corr 2 8 0 2.941 0.688 103.250 Spring Gully 8 0 4.455 0.876 30.000 Res 1 8 0 2.500 0.949 29.000 Res 2 8 0 3.483 0.893 37.500 Res 3 8 0 2.976 0.903 30.250 Res 4 8 0 2.435 0.723 64.250 Res 5 8 0 2.981 0.857 42.250

H = 1.433 with 19 degrees of freedom. (P = 1.000)

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One Way Analysis of Variance Sunday, January 04, 2015, 12:25:09 PM

Data source: Data 11 in Ulan terrestrial analysis

Normality Test (Shapiro-Wilk) Failed (P < 0.050)

Test execution ended by user request, ANOVA on Ranks begun

Kruskal-Wallis One Way Analysis of Variance on Ranks Sunday, January 04, 2015, 12:25:09 PM

Data source: Data 11 in Ulan terrestrial analysis

Group N Missing Median 25% 75% Infrastructure 8 0 2.471 0.757 35.250 Offsets 8 0 3.169 0.730 75.722 Residual 8 0 2.872 0.875 37.550

H = 0.105 with 2 degrees of freedom. (P = 0.949)

Biodiversity Monitoring Services [email protected] 2014 Annual Compliance Report (EPBC ref 2009/5252)

Appendix F: Microbat Monitoring Report

______Monitoring of the microbat fauna of the Ulan Coal Mine lease during 2014.

Microbat Monitoring of the Ulan Coal Mine Lease during 2014

A report to Ulan Coal Mines Limited

G.A. Hoye & M.M. Hoye Fly By Night Bat Surveys Pty Ltd ABN 48 068 562 005

PO Box 271 BELMONT NSW 2280 Tel 4947 7794 Fax 4947 7537

January 2015

January 2015 Fly By Night Bat Surveys Pty Ltd ______

______Monitoring of the microbat fauna of the Ulan Coal Mine lease during 2014.

1 INTRODUCTION

This report details the results of microbat monitoring undertaken during 2014 to fulfil monitoring requirements associated with approval conditions for previous and recently approved extensions within the Ulan Coal Mine lease. The Project Area comprises a total of 13,435 hectares and includes areas referred to in the Environmental Assessment (Umwelt 2009) and the subsequent Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP). This area consists of the Ulan West and No. 3 underground areas, as well as the open cut. They include;

 Open Cut Extension – the extent of the recently approved open cut operations, being approximately 239 hectares;

 Previous Open Cut Mining Areas – covers approximately 475 hectares of previously open cut mining areas that have been rehabilitated and final voids that remain to support future mining activities (i.e. water storage, tailings disposal, underground access etc.);

 Surface Infrastructure Area – the 169 hectare disturbance area required for construction of underground service infrastructure;

 Residual Project Area – the remainder of the Project Area that is not subject to the current project. This includes large areas that have been previously undermined, agricultural grazing land, irrigation pivots and large areas of remnant native vegetation;

 Biodiversity Offset and Management Areas – land that has been approved for Biodiversity Offset and Management Areas for the Project, being:

1. Bobadeen Vegetation Offset Area including Bobadeen Corridor (1116 hectares);

2. Bobadeen East Vegetation Offset Area (232 hectares);

3. Brokenback Conservation Area (58 hectares); and

4. Spring Gully Cliff Line Management Area (211 hectares).

The BMP was prepared (in part) to document the existing ecological and rehabilitation monitoring commitments for the Project Area, considering current and approved operations. The aims of the ecological and rehabilitation monitoring program are to:

 demonstrate compliance in regards to the relevant federal and state approvals that apply to the project area;

January 2015 Fly By Night Bat Surveys Pty Ltd ______

______Monitoring of the microbat fauna of the Ulan Coal Mine lease during 2014.

 provide the scientific basis for defining rehabilitation objectives and for developing closure criteria and a rehabilitation program that will facilitate lease relinquishment following closure;

 assess the long-term stability and functioning of re-established ecosystems within post-mining rehabilitation areas, as well as revegetated areas within the Biodiversity Offset and Management.

Microbats were surveyed at nineteen general fauna monitoring sites across many of the above areas as well as targeted sites along clifflines in selected areas. Bat species at each site were surveyed through captures in harp traps and through recording and subsequent analysis of echolocation calls.

Monitoring was also commenced during 2014 at selected sites above the first three longwall panels of Ulan West SMP. These sites will be monitored to assess any observable impacts to the three target cave roosting microbat species due to subsidence any other potential impacts. Additional sites will be added as clifflines are examined prior to mining in future years.

January 2015 Fly By Night Bat Surveys Pty Ltd ______

______Monitoring of the microbat fauna of the Ulan Coal Mine lease during 2014.

2 SURVEY METHODOLOGY a General Fauna Sites

Nineteen sites were sampled for bats through captures using collapsible harp traps (Tidemann & Woodside, 1978) as well as recording and subsequent analysis of echolocation calls via Anabat II detectors. Each site was sampled for three consecutive nights with harp traps and had echolocation call recording undertaken for a minimum of two complete nights. Echolocation calls were recorded for subsequent analysis. Bats captured in harp traps were identified, measured and fitted with an identification band. Survey for bats in forest above existing and planned underground workings was undertaken from 2nd to 9th April and 1st to 10th December 2014. Ten of the sites were sampled during April and the remaining nine sites were sampled during the following summer.

The location of the nineteen general fauna monitoring sites are as follows;

Bobadeen Corridor 1 (BC1) 761520E 6436115N Durridgere 8833-1-S Bobadeen Offset 1 (BO1) 757171E 6435205N Narragamba 8833-4-S Bobadeen Offset 2 (BO2) 760452E 6435200N Durridgere 8833-1-S Bobadeen Offset 3 (BO3) 757453E 6436742N Narragamba 8833-4-S Bobadeen Offset 4 (BO4) 759186E 6436912N Narragamba 8833-4-S Bobadeen East 1 (BE1) 762922E 6436183N Durridgere 8833-1-S Bobadeen East 2 (BE2) 763374E 6438349N Durridgere 8833-1-S Spring Gully 1 (CR) 760096E 6433625N Durridgere 8833-1-S Infrastructure 1 (INF1) 754636E 6431861N Narragamba 8833-4-S Infrastructure 2 (INF2) 755148E 6437151N Narragamba 8833-4-S Infrastructure 3 (INF3) 755352E 6438919N Narragamba 8833-4-S Infrastructure 4 (INF4) 758717E 6439744N Durridgere 8833-1-S Residual 1 (RES1) 758719E 6432538N Narragamba 8833-4-S Residual 2 (RES2) 756620E 6433058N Narragamba 8833-4-S Residual 3 (RES3) 752509E 6434120N Narragamba 8833-4-S Residual 4 (RES4) 759263E 6439041N Durridgere 8833-1-S Residual 5 (RES5) 755562E 6442346N Narragamba 8833-4-S Open Cut 1 (OC1) 759955E 6426893N Narragamba 8833-4-S Open Cut 3 (OC3) 758345E 6428917N Narragamba 8833-4-S

January 2015 Fly By Night Bat Surveys Pty Ltd ______

______Monitoring of the microbat fauna of the Ulan Coal Mine lease during 2014.

Figure 1 General fauna sites sampled for microbats during 2014.

January 2015 Fly By Night Bat Surveys Pty Ltd ______

______Monitoring of the microbat fauna of the Ulan Coal Mine lease during 2014.

B Targeted Microbat Sites

Ten sites in three areas were sampled for microbats through captures using collapsible harp traps (Tidemann & Woodside, 1978) as well as recording and subsequent analysis of echolocation calls via Anabat II detectors, with the exception of sites BD9 and SG5 where no harp trapping was undertaken. Each site had echolocation call recording undertaken for two complete nights. Echolocation calls were recorded onto storage zcaims for subsequent analysis. Bats were captured in harp traps which were left in place for two nights. Bats captured in harp traps were identified, measured and fitted with an identification band. Survey for microbats at the targeted cliffline sites was undertaken from 2nd to 9th April and 1st to 11th December 2014.

The location of the ten targeted microbat cliffline sites is as follows;

BD6 753428E 6436595N Narragamba 8833-4-S BD7 753052E 6436594N Narragamba 8833-4-S BD8 752671E 6436618N Narragamba 8833-4-S BD9 751864E 6436925N Narragamba 8833-4-S E 754050E 6435900N Narragamba 8833-4-S SG5 761877E 6432689N Durridgere 8833-1-S SG7 761427E 6432729N Durridgere 8833-1-S SG8 761438E 6432916N Durridgere 8833-1-S UG1 756847E 6431191N Durridgere 8833-1-S UG2 756887E 6431198N Durridgere 8833-1-S

An additional four sites above the first three longwall panels of Ulan West SMP were monitored for target microbat species as recommended (Fly By Night 2014b). Sites VW4, VW5 and UTN1 were sampled for two consecutive nights through echolocation call detection. Site VW3 was sampled for two consecutive nights through echolocation call detection as well as harp trap capture. Survey for microbats at these cliffline sites was undertaken from 1st to 10th December 2014.

UTN1 756586E 6433823N Narragamba 8833-4-S VW3 756229E 6434374N Narragamba 8833-4-S VW4 755840E 6434284N Narragamba 8833-4-S VW5 755730E 6434129N Narragamba 8833-4-S

January 2015 Fly By Night Bat Surveys Pty Ltd ______

______Monitoring of the microbat fauna of the Ulan Coal Mine lease during 2014.

Figure 2 Targeted microbat cliffline sites surveyed during 2014.

January 2015 Fly By Night Bat Surveys Pty Ltd ______

______Monitoring of the microbat fauna of the Ulan Coal Mine lease during 2014.

Plate 3 Harp trap set in cave overhang at site UG21 along Ulan Creek.

Plate 4 Harp trap and detector set along cliffline at targeted microbat site SG8.

January 2015 Fly By Night Bat Surveys Pty Ltd ______

______Monitoring of the microbat fauna of the Ulan Coal Mine lease during 2014.

Weather Conditions during Surveys

Weather experienced during the 2014 microbat survey was varied from mild to hot. During the April 2014 section of the monitoring, minimum temperatures occured from 9.9 to 15.30C while maximum temperatures ranged from 22.4 to 28.50C (refer to Table 1) . Storms & heavy rainfall fell on the 4th April and very light rain was experienced on three other days.

During the December 2014 section of the monitoring, minimum temperatures varied from 15.5 to 21.30C while maximum temperatures ranged from 26.5 to 34.50C (refer to Table 1) . Storms and heavy rainfall occurred on the 1st,5th, 6th & 7th December and light rain was experienced on four other days.

Gulgong Post Office (Site 62013), Latitude: 32.36°S, Longitude: 149.53°E, Elevation: 475m.

Table 1 Weather conditions during the 2014 microbat monitoring.

Date Minimum temperature (°C) Maximum temperature (°C) Rainfall (mm) 1/04/2014 12.3 27 0 2/04/2014 13 28.4 0 3/04/2014 15.3 28.5 0 4/04/2014 23.5 16.1 5/04/2014 18 25.5 2.2 6/04/2014 13.5 25.7 0.4 7/04/2014 12.3 22.4 1.6 8/04/2014 11.3 23.4 0 9/04/2014 9.9 24.4 0

1/12/2014 18.7 29.9 8.2 2/12/2014 33.6 0.9 3/12/2014 21.3 34.5 0 4/12/2014 18.6 32.2 3.5 5/12/2014 16.1 31.5 10.1 6/12/2014 16.5 26.5 21.2 7/12/2014 15.5 28.9 16.8 8/12/2014 17.6 31 6.9 9/12/2014 33.7 0 10/12/2014 32 0 11/12/2014 19.5 27.2 5

January 2015 Fly By Night Bat Surveys Pty Ltd ______

______Monitoring of the microbat fauna of the Ulan Coal Mine lease during 2014.

3 SURVEY RESULTS a General Fauna Sites

As seen in Table 2, thirteen microbat species were recorded in total at the general fauna sites during the 2014 surveys. The number of species recorded at each site varied from six to eleven across both surveys. Two of these bat species, Gould’s Wattled Bat (Chalinolobus gouldii) and the Little Forest Bat (Vespadelus vulturnus) were recorded from all nineteen sites.

94 individuals of nine species were captured in harp traps, the Southern Freetail Bat (Mormopterus planiceps), Eastern Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus megaphyllus), Gould’s Wattled Bat (Chalinolobus gouldii), the Chocolate Wattled Bat (Chalinolobus morio), South- eastern Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus corbeni), Lesser Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus geoffroyi), Gould’s Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus gouldi), Inland Broad-nosed Bat (Scotorepens balstoni) and Little Forest Bat (Vespadelus vulturnus). The male South-eastern Long-eared Bat captured at site OC1 presents the first individual of this species recorded from habitat on rehabilitated open cut mine spoil at Ulan.

A total of 3425 echolocation call passes were recorded across the general fauna sites during the April 2014 survey and a total of 2241 passes were recorded during the December 2014 survey. Eleven microbat species were confidently recorded from echolocation calls during these surveys; the Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris), White Striped Mastiff Bat (Austronomus australis), Southern Freetail Bat (Mormopterus planiceps), Eastern Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus megaphyllus), Gould’s Wattled Bat (Chalinolobus gouldii), Chocolate Wattled Bat (Chalinolobus morio), Large-eared Pied Bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri), Eastern Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus oceanensis), Unidentified Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus sp.), Inland Broad-nosed Bat (Scotorepens balstoni) and Little Forest Bat (Vespadelus vulturnus).

Four microbat species listed as Vulnerable on Schedule 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 were recorded from the general fauna sites during the 2014 surveys. The Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris) was recorded from echolocation call at two sites (BO2 & BO4). The Large-eared Pied Bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri) was not captured at the general fauna sites during 2014 but was confidently recorded through echolocation call detection at seven sites (BO1, BO3, CR1, INF1, INF3, INF4 & RES5) and tentatively recorded from a further 5 sites. The South-eastern Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus corbeni) was captured at one site (OC1) during April 2014. The Eastern Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus oceanensis was not captured at the general fauna sites during 2014 but was confidently recorded from echolocation call at most sites.

January 2015 Fly By Night Bat Surveys Pty Ltd ______

______Monitoring of the microbat fauna of the Ulan Coal Mine lease during 2014.

Table 2 Microbat species recorded from all general monitoring sites during the 2014 monitoring period.

Monitoring Site

Forest Regen

Bat Species BC1 BO1 BO2 BO3 BO4 BE1 BE2 CR INF1 INF2 INF3 INF4 RES1 RES2 RES3 RES4 RES5 OC1 OC3

Saccolaimus flaviventris E E Austronomus australis E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E Mormopterus planiceps E E E E E E E? E E E E? E E E H, E E Rhinolophus megaphyllus E E E E E E E E H E Chalinolobus dwyeri E E? E E? E? E E E E E? E E? Chalinolobus gouldii E? E H, E E E E E E E E E E E E H, E H, E E E E Chalinolobus morio E? E E E E E E H, E E E E H, E H, E E E H, E H, E E Miniopterus oceanensis E E E E E E? E E E E E? E E E E E E E Nyctophilus corbeni H Nyctophilus geoffroyi H H H H H H H H H Nyctophilus gouldi H H H H Nyctophilus sp. E? E? E E E? E E? E E E E E E E E? E? E E? E? Scotorepens balstoni E? E? E E? E? E? E? E E H, E Vespadelus vulturnus E H, E H, E H E E H, E H, E E H, E E H, E H, E E E H, E E H, E H, E TOTAL SPECIES 6 9 10 9 11 9 9 9 8 8 7 8 10 8 9 10 8 8 8 KEY H Captured in harp traps E Recorded from echolocation call E? Tentatively recorded from echolocation call Threatened bat species are marked in bold

January 2015 Fly By Night Bat Surveys Pty Ltd ______

______Monitoring of the microbat fauna of the Ulan Coal Mine lease during 2014.

b Targeted Microbat Sites

As seen in Table 3, twelve microbat species were recorded in total during survey of the targeted microbat cliffline sites during the 2014 surveys. The number of species recorded at each site varied from seven to eleven. Most of these bat species; the White-striped Mastiff Bat (Tadarida australis), Large-eared Pied Bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri), Gould’s Wattled Bat (Chalinolobus gouldii), Chocolate Wattled Bat (Chalinolobus morio), Eastern Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus oceanensis), Long-eared Bat species (Nyctophilus sp.) and Little Forest Bat (Vespadelus vulturnus) were recorded from at least half of the sites.

16 individuals of four species; the Eastern Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus megaphyllus), Large- eared Pied Bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri), Gould’s Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus gouldi) and Little Forest Bat (Vespadelus vulturnus) were captured in harp traps. The threatened cave–roosting microbat the Large-eared Pied Bat was captured during the surveys as well as the non- threatened but locally significant species, the Eastern Horseshoe Bat.

Three targeted microbat species were recorded during the 2014 surveys. The Eastern Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus megaphyllus) was captured at two sites (SG7 &, SG8) and confidently recorded through echolocation call detection at eleven sites (BD6, BD7, BD9, E, SG5, SG7, SG8, UG1, UG2, UTN1 & VW4). The Large-eared Pied Bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri) was captured at two sites (BD8 and SG7) and confidently recorded through echolocation call detection at nine sites (BD6, BD7, BD9, SG5, SG7, SG8, UG1, UG2 & VW3). The Eastern Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus oceanensis) was not captured during the 2014 surveys but was confidently recorded from echolocation call at eight sites (BD6, BD9, SG5, UG1, UG2, UTN1, VW3, & VW5).

No target microbats were captured at the four sites sampled over longwall extraction areas of the first three panels of Ulan West SMP, but eleven species were recorded from echolocation call. The sites located over the first three longwall panels of Ulan West SMP (UTN1, VW3, VW4 & VW5) have not experienced subsidence or other impacts from mining to date as the longwall panels have not reached these areas.

January 2015 Fly By Night Bat Surveys Pty Ltd ______

______Monitoring of the microbat fauna of the Ulan Coal Mine lease during 2014. Table 3 Microbat species recorded from all targeted microbat cliffline sites during the 2014 monitoring period.

Monitoring Sites Control Sites Impact Sites

Bat Species BD6 BD7 BD8 BD9 SG5 SG7 SG8 UG1 UG2 E UTN1 VW3 VW4 VW5

Saccolaimus flaviventris E E

Austronomus australis E E E E E E E E E E E E

Mormopterus planiceps E E E? E E E E E E E? E E E? E

Rhinolophus megaphyllus E E E? E E H, E H, E E E E E E? E

Chalinolobus dwyeri E E H, E? E E H, E E E E E? E? E E? Chalinolobus gouldii E E E E E E E E E E E E E

Chalinolobus morio E E E? E E E E E E E E E E E

Miniopterus oceansensis E E? E E E? E? E E E? E E E? E

Nyctophilus geoffroyi H

Nyctophilus gouldi H

Nyctophilus sp. E E? E E E E E? E? E E? E? E?

Scotorepens balstoni E E? E? E E E? E E E E? E? E?

Vespadelus vulturnus H, E E H, E? E E E E E H,E E E E E

TOTAL SPECIES 10 9 8 10 10 10 7 11 10 9 10 11 8 8

KEY H Captured in harp traps E Recorded from echolocation call E? Tentatively recorded from echolocation call Target microbat species are marked in bold Results are pooled for the autumn and summer surveys.

January 2015 Fly By Night Bat Surveys Pty Ltd ______

______Monitoring of the microbat fauna of the Ulan Coal Mine lease during 2014.

4 DISCUSSION a General Fauna Sites

Thirteen microbat species were recorded during microbat surveys of the nineteen general fauna monitoring sites for the Ulan Coal Mine lease during the 2014 monitoring period. Four microbat species listed as Vulnerable on Schedule 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 were recorded during the surveys; the Large-eared Pied Bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri) was not captured at the general fauna sites during 2014 but was confidently recorded through echolocation call detection at seven sites (BO1, BO3, CR1, INF1, INF3, INF4 & RES5) and tentatively recorded from a further 5 sites. The Eastern Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus oceanensis) was not captured at the general fauna sites during 2014 but was confidently recorded from echolocation call at most sites. A male South-eastern Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus corbeni) was captured at site OC1 during the April survey. The Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris) was recorded from echolocation call at two sites (BO2 & BO4). Two species tentatively recorded from echolocation call during previous surveys, the Fishing Bat (Myotis macropus) and Little Pied Bat (Chalinolobus picatus) were not recorded during the current surveys.

Graph 1 Simpsons Diversity Index for captures and echolocation call detection at the general monitoring sites from 2011 to 2014.

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______Monitoring of the microbat fauna of the Ulan Coal Mine lease during 2014.

Graph 1 shows the species diversity of bats captured at the general fauna monitoring sites for the current and previous monitoring periods since these sites were designated in 2011. The results indicate that microbat diversity has been relatively stable across the period from 2011 to 2014. There has been a gradual increase in diversity when measured by echolocation call. Conversely, a slight drop in diversity has been recorded when measured by captures.

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______Monitoring of the microbat fauna of the Ulan Coal Mine lease during 2014.

Body Condition

Graph 2 shows the mean Body Condition Index (BCI) for two most regularly captured microbats at the general monitoring sites for each year since the current monitoring program commenced in 2011. BCI is derived from the weight and forearm length of individuals and provides a measure of the fat reserves held by bats. Individuals under stress from natural phenomena such as drought or stress from impacts due to mining would be expected to loss condition. Measured body condition has been very stable for the Lesser Long-eared Bat and has shown only a small degree of variation across years in the Little Forest Bat. This suggests that no decline in the condition of these two species is occurring across the lease.

Graph 2 Mean body condition of the two most regularly captured bat species at the general monitoring sites from 2011 to 2014.

Age Composition

Graph 3 shows the mean canine length (CL) for two most regularly captured microbats at the general monitoring sites, the Lesser Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus geoffroyi) and Little Forest Bat (Vespadelus vulturnus). Canine length provides a measure of the age distribution of bats. As individuals age, their canines gradually wear. Because microbats can be long-lived with individuals of some species reaching 20 years plus, their canines can wear down to gum level over time. The age structure and hence mean canine length of a particular population of microbats will be dependent on the mortality factors at play. Where young animals are not being recruited into a population, mean canine length can be expected to decrease over time

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______Monitoring of the microbat fauna of the Ulan Coal Mine lease during 2014.

as the population is biased to older animals. Conversely, if older animals are selectively removed from the population, mean canine length can be expected to increase over time as the population is biased to younger animals. Mean canine length has remained reasonably stable for the Lesser Long-eared Bat and the Little Forest Bat across the four years of monitoring under the current regime. There has been no significant change in canine length of the Lesser Long-eared Bat (Anova, F3,88, n.s.) and the Little Forest Bat (Anova, F3,227, n.s.) over this time. This indicates that no substantial change in the age structure of populations of these two microbats has occurred across the lease since the commencement of the current monitoring regime in 2011.

Graph 3 Mean canine length of the two most regularly captured microbat species at the general monitoring sites from 2011 to 2014.

Open Cut Rehabilitation

Bat diversity and activity at the two sites sampled in open cut rehabilitation (OC1 & OC3) was generally high with eight species recorded at both sites. As shown in Graph 4, overall microbat diversity in both 1991 and 2003 open cut regeneration was higher than that seen in forest sites away from the open cut. This is consistent with results achieved in previous monitoring (Fly By Night 1995-2013). For many species the older mine rehabilitation provides additional foraging habitat. Some species such as long-eared bats have been observed utilising roosts under decorticating bark in dead acacias within the older rehabilitated areas (Fly By Night, 2009).

January 2015 Fly By Night Bat Surveys Pty Ltd ______

______Monitoring of the microbat fauna of the Ulan Coal Mine lease during 2014.

Roosts are not yet present for many of the hollow dependent microbat species such as the Little Forest Bat and Gould’s Wattled Bat. These will develop with time but may not be present for at least 50 years (as per Mackowski 1984).

The threatened South-eastern Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus corbeni) was recorded from the open cut mine rehabilitation for the first time during the current monitoring. A male was captured in a harp trap at OC1 on the night of the 3rd April 2014.

Graph 4 Bat diversity based on echolocation calls and captures in open cut mine regeneration and forest during 2013.

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______Monitoring of the microbat fauna of the Ulan Coal Mine lease during 2014.

b Targeted Microbat Sites

Three predominantly cave roosting microbats that occur across the lease could potentially be impacted through mining induced subsidence and other impacts, the Large-eared Pied Bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri), Eastern Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus oceanensis) and Eastern Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus megaphyllus). These species are being monitored at selected sites of the lease that contain well developed sandstone escarpments where roosts of the species are most likely to occur. Table 3 details the results of survey at the sites during 2013.

Large-eared Pied Bat Chalinolobus dwyeri

The Large-eared Pied Bat was captured at two sites and recorded confidently from echolocation call at nine of the detection sites sampled along clifflines at the targeted microbat sites.. No evidence of breeding by this species was obtained during the current surveys. Previously, lactating females and free-flying young have been recorded at UG1 east of old Ulan homestead and at Spring Gully in November 2004.

Graph 5 Mean capture and activity levels of Large-eared Pied Bats at targeted microbat sites from 2011 to 2014.

Graph 5 shows the mean capture rate and echolocation call rate of Large-eared Pied Bats at targeted microbat sites for each year since 2011 when monitoring at these sites commenced. Mean call activity rates have varied substantially between 4.5 and 29.5 passes per night. Activity levels during 2014 fell back to that recorded during 2011. The higher levels during

January 2015 Fly By Night Bat Surveys Pty Ltd ______

______Monitoring of the microbat fauna of the Ulan Coal Mine lease during 2014.

2012 and 2013 may partly be due to sampling of breeding aggregations at two of the sites inflating activity during the breeding season.

Eastern Bent-wing Bat Miniopterus oceanensis

A second threatened cave-roosting species, the Eastern Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus oceanensis) was not captured during the surveys but was confidently recorded from echolocation call at eight sites. Females migrate to select maternity roosts in spring to give birth (Hoye & Hall, 2008). These are normally located within limestone caves, but in recent years smaller groups of breeding females have been recorded using disused underground coal mines (Hoye & Hall, 2008; Hoye, 2000). During the survey individuals would be present at overwintering and other sites, possibly located in disused workings or sandstones caves.

Graph 6 Mean capture and activity levels of Eastern Bent-wing Bats at targeted microbat sites from 2011 to 2013.

Graph 6 shows the mean capture rate and echolocation call rate of Eastern Bent-wing Bats at targeted microbat sites for the each year since 2011 when monitoring at these sites commenced. Mean call activity rates have varied between 2.5 and 5.5 passes per night. Echolocation call detection rates during 2014 were substantially higher than in the three previous monitoring periods. The number of individuals of this species can change rapidly in a given area as transiting bats move into roosts in their hundreds or even thousands as they disperse from roosts up to 100 kilometres away.

January 2015 Fly By Night Bat Surveys Pty Ltd ______

______Monitoring of the microbat fauna of the Ulan Coal Mine lease during 2014.

The non-threatened but locally significant Eastern Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus megaphyllus) was captured at two sites (SG7 & SG8) and recorded confidently from echolocation call at eleven sites.

Graph 7 Mean capture and activity levels of Eastern Horseshoe Bats at targeted microbat sites from 2011 to 2014.

Graph 7 shows the mean capture rate and echolocation call rate of Eastern Horseshoe Bats at targeted microbat sites for each year since 2011 when monitoring at these sites commenced. Mean call activity rates have varied between 0.8 and 3.5 passes per night. An increase in detection rates of this species since 2011 suggests that its numbers may be increasing within the lease area. This could be due to favourable environmental conditions aiding with the recruitment of young or recovery from a previous decline. Monitoring over future years will indicate if this trend continues.

January 2015 Fly By Night Bat Surveys Pty Ltd ______

______Monitoring of the microbat fauna of the Ulan Coal Mine lease during 2014.

4 CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

The Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) was prepared in part to document the existing ecological and rehabilitation monitoring commitments for the Project Area, considering current and approved operations. This area consists of the Ulan West and No. 3 underground areas, as well as the Surface Operations.

Monitoring of microbat populations at the general fauna monitoring sites was productive during 2014 with thirteen species recorded. Of these, four are listed as threatened under State legislation, the Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris); Large-eared Pied Bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri), Eastern Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus oceanensis) and South-eastern Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus corbeni). The Large-eared Pied Bat is also listed under Commonwealth legislation. Monitoring of these sites over the past four years indicates that overall microbat diversity has not declined during this time. The age composition and body condition of the two most regularly captured species has remained relatively stable over this period. These three indicators provide a means of assessing the overall composition and health of the populations within the lease. Body condition in particular should respond to prevailing conditions. Bats store fat during spring and summer to allow them to survive during the winter months when insect populations are dormant or in larval stages. Rainfall and other factors dictate the abundance of insects in any year and hence the food available to microbat populations. While the current microbat monitoring regime has only been in place for four years, future monitoring should reveal natural fluctuations in body condition. A gradual decline in body condition would be expected if microbat populations are under stress from mining related impacts.

The current and previous microbat monitoring has established that microbat diversity in the older open cut mine rehabilitation is equivalent or higher than that at sites in surrounding forest. Microbats are certainly using the rehabilitation for foraging and to some extent for roosting. Some species of bats have previously been observed roosting under decorticating bark of dead wattles. Unfortunately, the density of wattles has decreased in the older regeneration as it has matured. Roosts within eucalypts will take substantial time to develop and are unlikely to be a significant resource for at least 50 years. The hollow dependent species are able to commute from roosts within the surrounding forest to forage within the mine rehabilitation. Augmentation of roosts within the mine rehabilitation can also be undertaken through the provision of artificial roost boxes.

While the regeneration has been utilised by a suite of microbat species, some species present in the surrounding forest have not been recorded. The South-eastern Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus corbeni) has been recorded intermittently at forest sites throughout the lease area, but had remained undetected within the open cut rehabilitation. A male was captured during the April survey in the older rehabilitation planted in 1991. This may indicate that the regeneration is reaching sufficient maturity to provide foraging habitat for this species. Repeated captures of this species and in particular females within the regeneration in future

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______Monitoring of the microbat fauna of the Ulan Coal Mine lease during 2014.

years will provide a sound basis for assessing the degree to which this species is utilising revegetated mine spoil.

Monitoring at the targeted microbat sites during 2014 has provided information on the continued presence and abundance of the three target bat species within these areas. The Large-eared Pied Bat was captured at two and recorded from echolocation call at all eight of the control sites. Mean activity of this species at the sites declined to equivalent levels recorded during 2011 after increasing substantially during 2012 and 2013. Capture of lactating females and free-flying young during 2013 at UG1 along Ulan Creek confirmed breeding in this area. One possibility is that breeding undertaken near several of the sites during 2012 and 2013 skewed overall activity substantially. The activity levels recorded during 2011 and 2014 should be considered more indicative of that away from breeding aggregations. Activity of the remaining two target species, the Eastern Horseshoe Bat and Eastern Bent-wing Bat, increased over the four years from 2011 to 2014. It is currently uncertain at this stage whether this represents a real increase in abundance of the two species or is part of natural fluctuations in the populations utilising the lease due to prevailing climatic conditions or other effects.

Monitoring commenced in 2014 at four sites above the first three panels of Ulan West SMP. The three target microbat species were recorded at most of these sites during the monitoring which suggests that they are suitable for ongoing monitoring to assess any detrimental effects to the microbat populations from subsidence or related impacts. Any changes to microbat populations above Ulan West SMP would not be detectable for at least several years following mining.

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______Monitoring of the microbat fauna of the Ulan Coal Mine lease during 2014.

5 REFERENCES

Fly By Night Bat Surveys (2011) Microbat Monitoring of the Ulan Coal Mine Lease during 2011. Report to Ulan Coal Mines Ltd. January 2012. Fly By Night Bat Surveys (2012a) Microbat Monitoring of the Ulan Coal Mine Lease during 2011. Report to Ulan Coal Mines Ltd. January 2012. Fly By Night Bat Surveys (2012b) Microbat Monitoring of the Ulan Coal Mine Lease during autumn/winter 2012. Report to Ulan Coal Mines Ltd. October 2012. Fly By Night Bat Surveys (2014a) Microbat Monitoring of the Ulan Coal Mine Lease during 2013. Report to Ulan Coal Mines Ltd. January 2014. Fly By Night Bat Surveys (2014b) Ulan West SMP Premining Microbat Cliffline Survey, Panels 1 to 3. Report to Ulan Coal Mines Ltd. January 2014. Hoye, G.A. The Discovery of Two and Distinctive Maternity Roosts of the Large Bent-wing Bat in the Hunter Valley, NSW. Spoken Presentation. 9th Australasian Bat Conference. Tocal, New South Wales. April 2000. Hoye, G.A. and Schulz, M. (2008) Large-eared Pied Bat Chalinolobus dwyeri. in Van Dyck, S. and Strahan, R. ed. The Mammals of Australia. Third Edition. Reed New Holland, Chatswood. p 531-532. Hoye, G.A. and Hall, L.S. (2008) Eastern Bent-winged Bat Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis in Van Dyck, S. and Strahan, R. ed. The Mammals of Australia. Third Edition. Reed New Holland, Chatswood. p 507-508. Hoye, G.A. and Richards, G.C. (2008) Greater Broad-nosed Bat (Scoteanax rueppellii) in Van Dyck, S. & Strahan, R. ed. The Mammals of Australia. Third Edition. Reed New Holland, Chatswood. p.551-552. Mackowski, C.M. (1984) The ontogeny of hollows in Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis) and its relevance to the management of forests for possums, gliders and timber. Pp 553-67 in Possums and Gliders, edited by A.P. Smith and I.D. Hume. Australian Mammal Society, Surrey Beatty and Sons, NSW. Tidemann, C.R. and Woodside, D.P. (1978) A collapsible bat trap and comparison of results obtained with the trap and with mist-nets. Australian Wildlife Research 5:355-362.

Glenn Hoye

15 January 2015

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