Red-naped Snake under sheet of fibro, Mt Owen Complex

Yellow-faced Whipsnake under sheet of fibro, Mt Owen Complex

MT OWEN COMPLEX, FAUNA MONITORING 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Report to

MT. OWEN COMPLEX

30 May 2017

Forest Fauna Surveys Pty Ltd Mt. Owen Complex Fauna Monitoring 2016

MT. OWEN COMPLEX

FAUNA MONITORING 2016

ANNUAL REPORT

Report prepared for

MT. OWEN COMPLEX

This report prepared by

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

Acknowledgements. Glenn Cook and Sarah Monckton (Glencore Mt Owen) and Peter York (Thiess Senior Environment and Community Advisor) kindly provided information and assistance with a number of tasks throughout the year.

Document History

Document No. Prep. Date Version Checked by Date 00354.a 22.03.2017 Draft v.1 Sarah Moore 00354.0 30.05.2017 FINAL

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... i 1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 Background ...... 1 1.2 Prescriptions for Fauna Monitoring ...... 1 2.0 METHODOLOGY ...... 2 2.1 Birds ...... 7 2.1.1 Opportunistic Sightings ...... 7 2.1.2 Nocturnal Surveys ...... 7 2.1.3 Diurnal Census ...... 8 2.2.1 Small Terrestrial Mammals ...... 8 2.2.1.1 Trapping with Elliott Aluminium Traps ...... 8 2.2.1.2 Pitfall Trapping ...... 8 2.2.2 Larger Terrestrial Mammals...... 9 2.2.2.1 Spotlight Searches ...... 9 2.2.2.2 Remote Infra-red Cameras ...... 9 2.2.3 Arboreal Mammals ...... 9 2.2.3.1 Spotlight Searches ...... 9 2.2.3.3 Nest Box Inspections ...... 9 2.2.4 Bats ...... 9 2.2.4.1 Captures ...... 9 2.2.4.2 Echolocation Calls ...... 10 2.2.4.3 Spotlight Searches ...... 10 2.2.4.4 Roost Box Inspection ...... 10 2.3 Reptiles ...... 10 2.3.1 Systematic and Opportunistic Searches ...... 10 2.3.2 Pitfall Captures ...... 10 2.4 Frogs ...... 10 2.4.1 Monitoring of Frog Populations and Diversity ...... 10 2.4.2 General Surveying Methods ...... 11 2.4.3 Frog Conservation Zones (from 2006) ...... 11 2.5 Threatened Birds ...... 11 2.6 Threatened Mammals ...... 12 2.7 Threatened Frogs ...... 12 2.7.1 Introduction ...... 12 2.7.2 Monitoring of Bell Frog Habitat ...... 13 2.7.3 Captive Breeding ...... 13 2.8 Research Licensing ...... 13 3.0 RESULTS ...... 14 3.1 Birds ...... 14 3.1.1 Opportunistic Bird Sightings ...... 14 3.1.2 Diurnal Bird Census ...... 15 3.2 Mammals ...... 16 3.2.1 Small Terrestrial Mammals ...... 16 3.2.1.1 Trapping with Elliott Aluminium Traps ...... 16

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3.2.1.1 Trapping with Pitfall Traps ...... 17 3.2.1.2 Opportunistic Sightings ...... 18 3.2.2 Larger Mammals ...... 18 3.2.2.1 Mammals recorded by Opportunistic Sampling and Remote Cameras ...... 18 3.2.3 Arboreal Mammals ...... 19 3.2.4 Bats ...... 19 3.2.4.1 Captures ...... 20 3.2.4.2 Echolocation Calls ...... 21 3.2.4.3 Spotlight Searches ...... 24 3.2.4.4 Roost Box Inspections ...... 24 3.3 Reptiles ...... 25 3.3.1 Reptile Captures ...... 26 3.4 Frogs ...... 27 3.4.1 Monitoring of Frog Populations and Diversity ...... 27 3.4.1.1 Rainfall Trend ...... 27 3.4.1.2 Frog species recorded during the 2016 fauna monitoring period ...... 28 3.4.1.3 Frog Conservation Zones and GGBF Habitat Ponds (Mt Owen Mine Offset Areas) ...... 29 3.4.1.4 Frogs and Frog Habitat on the Rehabilitated Landscape 2016 ...... 29 3.5 Threatened Species ...... 30 3.5.1 Threatened Birds ...... 32 3.5.1.1 White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster ...... 32 3.5.1.2 Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla ...... 32 3.5.1.3 Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus...... 32 3.5.1.4 Speckled Warbler Chthonicola sagittata ...... 32 3.5.1.5 Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis ...... 32 3.5.1.6 Dusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterus ...... 34 3.5.2 Threatened Mammals ...... 34 3.5.2.1 Brush-tailed Phascogale ...... 34 3.5.2.2 Eastern Freetail-bat Micronomus norfolkensis ...... 34 3.5.2.3 Eastern Bentwing-bat Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis ...... 34 3.5.2.4 Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus ...... 36 3.5.3 Threatened Frogs ...... 36 3.5.3.1 Green & Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea ...... 36 3.6 Performance Targets – Fauna ...... 36 3.6.1 Threatened Species ...... 40 3.7 Habitat Clearing ...... 41 4.0 DISCUSSION ...... 42 4.1 General Monitoring...... 42 5.0 REFERENCES ...... 44 APPENDIX ONE – FAUNA LIST, 2016...... 45

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Fauna Monitoring Sites 2016, Mt Owen Complex...... 4 Figure 2. Location of Microchiropteran Bat Monitoring Sites 2016, Mt Owen Complex...... 5 Figure 3. Frog Monitoring Locations, Mt Owen Complex [2016]...... 6 Figure 4. Bird Species Cumulative Total, Mt Owen Complex 1994 – 2016...... 14 Figure 5. 2016 Bird Species Diversity Index, Mt Owen Complex...... 15 Figure 6. Comparison of Capture Rates, native small mammals by Elliott A traps, Mt Owen Complex...... 17 Figure 7. Bat Capture Rates between years, Mt Owen Complex...... 20 Figure 8. Comparison of Species Capture Rates at each site between years, Mt Owen Complex...... 21 Figure 9. Comparison of Number of Echolocation Calls per Site between years, Mt Owen Complex...... 22 Figure 10. Little Red Flying-fox, May 2016...... 24 Figure 11 Monthly Rainfall Comparison 2002 – 2016 ...... 27 Figure 12. Location of Threatened Bird Species, Mt Owen Complex 2016...... 33 Figure 13. Location of Threatened Mammals, Mt Owen Complex 2016 ...... 35 Figure 14 Review of Bird Species Performance Indicators, 2006 – 2016 ...... 39 Figure 15 Threatened Bird Species Performance Indicators, 2006 – 2016...... 40 Figure 16 Threatened Eastern Bent-wing Bat Performance Indicator, 2006 – 2016 ...... 41 Figure 17 Threatened East-coast Freetail-bat Performance Indicator, 2006 – 2016...... 41

LIST OF TABLES

Table ES1. Threatened Fauna Species recorded in Mt Owen Mine Complex 1996 to 2016...... i Table 1. Fauna Monitoring Sites, Mt Owen Complex ...... 2 Table 2. Microchiropteran Bat and Frog Monitoring Sites, Mt Owen Complex...... 3 Table 3. Survey Dates for Fauna Groups, Mt Owen Complex, 2016...... 7 Table 4. Survey Effort, Small Terrestrial Mammals, Mt Owen Complex, 2016...... 8 Table 5. Survey dates, frog monitoring sites, Mt Owen Complex 1995 – 2016 ...... 11 Table 6. Survey Methodologies for Threatened Birds, Mt Owen Complex 1995 – 2016...... 11 Table 7. Survey Methodologies for Threatened Mammals recorded at Mt Owen Complex 1995 - 2016...... 12 Table 8. Small Mammals recorded during 2016 fauna monitoring period, Mt Owen Complex...... 16 Table 9. Fauna captured by Elliott A trapping, 2016 fauna monitoring period, Mt Owen Complex...... 17 Table 10. Fauna captured by pitfall trapping, 2016 fauna monitoring period, Mt Owen Complex...... 18 Table 11. Mammal records, Mt Owen Complex 2016 ...... 18 Table 12. Bat Species recorded at Mt Owen Complex, 1996 - 2016...... 19 Table 13 Total Bat Captures at Mt Owen Complex, 2016...... 20 Table 14. Bat Species and number of echolocation calls, Mt Owen Complex, 2016...... 23 Table 15 Bat Roost Boxes located in Management Zones, Mt Owen Complex, 2016...... 25 Table 16 Bat Species and Other Fauna utilising Bat Roost Boxes, Mt Owen Complex, 2016...... 25 Table 17 Reptile Species recorded in the Mt Owen Complex, 2016 ...... 26 Table 18 Frog species recorded at Mt Owen Complex, 2016...... 28 Table 19 Frog Ponds – Rehabilitation Summary Data, 2016...... 29 Table 20. Threatened Fauna Species recorded in Mt Owen Mine Complex 1994 to 2016...... 31 Table 21. Benchmark Performance Targets for Fauna Groups, Mt Owen Complex, 2016...... 37

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A total of 107 bird species were recorded in 2016, of which 54 bird species were detected during diurnal census surveys, and 53 bird species observed opportunistically. No new bird species were recorded within the Mt Owen Complex in 2016. The cumulative total of bird species recorded for the Mt Owen Complex since inception of the fauna monitoring is 168 species

Bird species diversity for each site was variable in 2016, with 5 of the 10 sites having higher diversity index scores to the mean value from the years 2002 – 2015. Sites Reh1 recorded the highest value overall in 2016, whilst For2 was significantly lower in 2016, with average results for Site For3. The regeneration sites were variable, with Reg1 recording a low score in 2016 despite having a higher average score than the other 3 regeneration sites. Site Reg4 will be removed from the monitoring schedule now that approval for the Mt Owen Complex expansion is approved.

A total of 9 native and 7 introduced terrestrial mammals, 3 arboreal / scansorial and 11 bat species were recorded during the 2016 fauna monitoring period. A number of additional mammal species were not recorded in 2016, but have been recorded during previous monitoring surveys. The Yellow-footed Antechinus and Common Dunnart recorded higher capture rates in 2016 to the previous 2 years (2013, 2014), with the rehabilitation and regeneration sites not supporting populations of the Yellow-footed Antechinus. In comparison, the native Common Dunnart was widespread across all habitat types. The use of remote cameras for monitoring of mammals resulted in the detection of the threatened Brush- tailed Phascogale. This species was previously recorded at the Mt Owen Complex in 2011. No evidence of the Spotted- tail Quoll or Squirrel Glider was detected in 2016.

Eleven bat species were recorded in 2016, which is comparable to previous monitoring years. The number of captures by trapping surveys was low in 2016. The Forest monitoring sites continue to record the majority of captures of microbats. In contrast, the regeneration and rehabilitation sites still support young regrowth or newly established forest. The mid to upper Hunter recorded significant flowering in 2016, with large numbers of Grey-headed Flying-fox and Little Red Flying-fox recorded within the Complex. A total of 72 individuals belonging to two species of microbats were recorded in bat roost boxes in 2016.

Thirteen species of reptiles were recorded in 2016, compared to only 7 in 2014. Reptiles were detected by direct searches, opportunistic observations and pitfall trapping. Five species of small litter skinks, one larger dragon, Lace Monitor and one Gecko species were detected in 2016. Searches of log and rock piles deposited on the rehabilitation sites (Reh2, Reh3) recorded five reptile species, the Eastern Brown Snake, Southern Rainbow Skink, Striped Skink, Tree-crevice Skink and Copper-tailed Skink . Reptile diversity in the rehabilitation sites is high, due to habitat augmentation measures such as rock and log piles, which provided shelter and basking sites for several species.

Monitoring of frogs in 2016 recorded 9 of the 15 species known within the Mt Owen Complex. Rainfall was slightly above average in 2016, although conditions dried out in the latter part of the year. By October to December, many smaller water bodies and shallow impoundments were dry, resulting in low scores for frog species. In May 2016, a large breeding aggregation of the Stony Creek Frog Litoria wilcoxi was observed in the remnant forest. This species has been infrequently recorded at the Mt Owen Complex, and is associated with riparian creeks in remnant forest. No evidence of the endangered Green & Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea was detected in 2016. This species has not been recorded at Mt Owen since 1999.

A total of 26 threatened species have been detected at the Mt Owen Complex since the commencement of fauna monitoring. In 2016, 11 threatened species were detected, being 6 bird species and 5 mammal species. For several ______30 May 2017 Forest Fauna Surveys Pty Ltd 00354.0 Executive Summary i Mt. Owen Complex Fauna Monitoring 2016

threatened species, their occurrence at the Mt Owen Complex is irregular, being present during favourable environmental conditions and absent outside of those periods. For example, the nationally endangered Swift Parrot has been infrequently recorded at Mt Owen, being present in 2005, 2007 and 2014.

Two new threatened species listings were determined under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 in 2016, the Dusky Woodswallow (August 2016) and White-bellied Sea Eagle (December 2016). Both species have been regularly recorded within the Complex since 1996. A pair of the White-bellied Sea Eagle constructed a large stick nest one a dead tree in one of the dams at Mt Owen, and have raised a number of young since the year 1999.

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Table ES1. Threatened Fauna Species recorded in Mt Owen Mine Complex 1996 to 2016.

Status Monitoring Year Common Name EPBC TSC 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Swift Parrot E E √ √ √ Green & Golden Bell Frog E E √ √ √ ? White-bellied Sea Eagle √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Little Eagle V √ √ √ √ Little Lorikeet V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Powerful Owl V √ √ √ √ Masked Owl V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Brown Treecreeper V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Speckled Warbler V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Black-chinned Honeyeater V √ √ √ √ Scarlet Robin V √ √ Flame Robin V √ √ Hooded Robin V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Grey-crowned Babbler V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Varied Sittella V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Dusky Woodswallow V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Diamond Firetail V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Spotted-tail Quoll V V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Brush-tailed Phascogale V √ √ Koala ? V ? Squirrel Glider V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ New Holland Mouse V √ √ √ √ √ √ Grey-headed Flying-fox V V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat V √ ? √ √ √ East-coast Freetail Bat V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Large-eared Pied Bat V V ? ? ? ? √ √ Eastern Bentwing-bat V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Little Bentwing-bat V ? ? √ Large-footed Myotis V √ √ √ √ ? ? √ Greater Broad-nosed Bat V √ √ √ √ ? ? √ √ √

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

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

A Plan of Management for Revegetation and Wildlife Management (POM) was developed following the granting of consent for Mt Owen in 1994. The POM was developed by a working group consisting of representatives from the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) (formerly the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service), Department of Industry (Mining, Resources & Energy), the Hunter Environment Lobby and Mt Owen Complex to guide flora and fauna management and rehabilitation and revegetation practices at Mt Owen. The principal goal of the POM was to “ re- establish and improve the ecological values of the RSF and specified adjoining area ”.

Monitoring of protected and threatened fauna species and their habitat has been undertaken at the Mt Owen Complex since 1996 in accordance with the prescriptions and guidelines specified in the:

• Mt Owen Mine Plan of Management for Revegetation and Wildlife Management (1995) and revisions of that Plan, and • Mt Owen Complex Flora and Fauna Management Plan (Xstrata Coal & Thiess, 2006) and subsequent revisions, including the Mt Owen Complex Biodiversity Management Plan (2014).

The Flora and Fauna Management Plan (2006) has undergone revision and is now referred to as the Biodiversity Management Plan (2014). The next version will be released in 2016, and will direct future prescriptions for monitoring of fauna within the Mt Owen Complex. However, for the 2016 monitoring year, the fauna surveys complied with the prescriptions in the FFMP (2006) and subsequent revisions. This 2016 Annual Fauna Monitoring Report details the results of fauna monitoring undertaken at the Mt Owen Complex during the period January to December 2016 for fauna.

1.2 Prescriptions for Fauna Monitoring

The fauna monitoring program has been devised to monitor the distribution and abundance of native fauna in the remaining natural area of Ravensworth State Forest (including the Southern Remnant), but also the New Forest Area to the north of Ravensworth State Forest, Biodiversity Offset Areas and Mine Rehabilitation areas.

The fauna monitoring has been designed to monitor the distribution and abundance of protected and threatened species of fauna over time in the different habitats so as to provide detailed information about habitat use for management of the area and also the usefulness of such habitat establishment programs for conservation of native fauna. Modifications to the fauna monitoring program have been made in accordance with new listings of threatened species and or detection of new threatened species in the Mt Owen Complex area. The fauna monitoring survey methodologies are detailed in the following Section 2.0 of this document.

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2.0 METHODOLOGY

The fauna survey methodologies follow the procedures specified in the Mt Owen Complex Flora and Fauna Management Plan (Xstrata Coal & Thiess, 2006) and subsequent revisions. As a background, the Mt Owen Mine Plan of Management (1995) specified 11 fauna monitoring sites to be sampled annually. However, during the period 1997 – 2005, three fauna monitoring sites were removed from the program as they were located within the mine operation area. Three additional fauna monitoring sites were removed from the monitoring program following the year 2000 review. To offset the loss of monitoring sites from mining operations and reviews, four replacement sites were selected and included in the monitoring program. The new sites were located in rehabilitation and biodiversity offsite areas.

The Mt Owen Complex Flora and Fauna Management Plan (FFMP) (Xstrata Coal & Thiess, 2006) specifies nine fauna monitoring sites for general fauna, ten monitoring sites for microchiropteran bats and thirteen frog monitoring sites. Following implementation of the FFMP (2006), the naming of fauna monitoring sites was revised to reflect the broad habitat types occurring at each site. Below in Table 1 is a summary of fauna monitoring sites established in the Mt Owen Complex.

Table 1. Fauna Monitoring Sites, Mt Owen Complex

Fauna Monitoring Site Year Fauna Monitoring Site (FFMP, 2006) Established (PoM 1995) Habitat Type For1 1995 C Remnant Open Forest For2 1995 E Remnant Open Forest For3 1995 I Remnant Open Forest Reg1 1995 A Regeneration Woodland Reg2 2004 - Regeneration Woodland Reg3 2004 - Regeneration Woodland Reg4 1995 G Regeneration Woodland Reh1 1998 K2 Rehabilitation Reh2 2005 - Rehabilitation Reh3 2015 Close to Site J Rehabilitation Sites H, J, K cleared 1997 – 2005 1995 Sites B, D and F removed following review in Year 2000

In 2015, a further monitoring site was installed in new rehabilitation area. This site was established to increase the number of sites in rehabilitation, but also to offset the future loss of one regeneration site (Reg4). This site will be lost by clearing for the approved southern expansion of the C-Pit.

Below in Table 2 is a summary of the microchiropteran bat and frog monitoring sites

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Table 2. Microchiropteran Bat and Frog Monitoring Sites, Mt Owen Complex

Monitoring Site (FFMP, 2006) Habitat Type Microchiropteran Bat Monitoring Sites For1 – For4 Remnant Open Forest Reg1 – Reg4 Regeneration Woodland Reh1 - Reh3 Rehabilitation Frog Monitoring Sites NC1 – NC3 Regeneration Woodland, Eastern Biodiversity Offsets SC1 – SC4 Regeneration Woodland, South-eastern Biodiversity Offsets RH1 –RH8 Northern Rehabilitation Area

The location of fauna monitoring sites is illustrated below in the following figures:

• Figure 1 (general fauna monitoring sites) • Figure 2 (microchiropteran bat monitoring sites) • Figure 3 (frogs).

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Figure 1 . Fauna Monitoring Sites 2016, Mt Owen Complex.

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Figure 2. Location of Microchiropteran Bat Monitoring Sites 2016, Mt Owen Complex.

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Figure 3. Frog Monitoring Locations, Mt Owen Complex [2016].

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Water bodies (farm dams/natural ponds) were established or modified to improve green and golden bell frog habitat values (N1-N3; S1-S4). Remaining ponds (NC1-NC3; SC1-SC4) were not modified, but retained as additional frog habitat, and act as “controls” for the modified water bodies. A summary of the fauna monitoring schedule undertaken during the year 2016 is outlined below in Table 3 .

Table 3. Survey Dates for Fauna Groups, Mt Owen Complex, 2016.

Survey Dates, Fauna Monitoring 2016 Fauna Group Jan /Feb Mar / Apr May / Jun Jul / Aug Sep / Oct. Nov / Dec BIRDS Diurnal Census 10 – 20/5/16 16/09/16 Nocturnal Census 10 – 20/5/16 MAMMALS Small (Elliott trapping) 10 – 20/5/16 Small (pitfall trapping) 10 – 20/5/16 Spotlight searches 10 – 20/5/16 Larger (cage trapping) 10 – 20/5/16 16/09/16 + Nest box inspections 19/10/16 Micro-bats (trap / Anabat) 15-18/3/16

Remote Camera monitoring Install 15/3/16 Remove 25/5/16 REPTILES Pitfall Trapping 10 – 20/5/16 Diurnal Searches 15-18/3/16 10 – 20/5/16 AMPHIBIANS Pitfall Trapping 10 – 20/5/16 Green & Golden Bell Frog (Nocturnal Searches) – site 16/03/16 + specific 6/04/16 19/10/16

2.1 Birds

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

2.1.1 Opportunistic Sightings

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

2.1.2 Nocturnal Surveys

Nocturnal bird census follows the standard survey methodology. This was undertaken during the period 10 to 20 May 2016 survey. This involves quiet listening for calls of owls during spotlight searches. Playback of pre-recorded calls of the threatened Powerful, Masked and Barking Owl are broadcast through a 15 watt portable amplifier at four survey sites, For1, Reg1, Reg3 and Reh2. Following playback calls, a period of 15 minutes quiet listening to detect any vocal responses from the owls.

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2.1.3 Diurnal Census

Sample plot counts employ a standard 40 minute search within a 1 hectare area (i.e. 100m x 100m, 50m x 200m, etc.) at each of the 9 fauna monitoring sites. Counts of all bird species observed or heard are conducted only during periods of relatively high bird activity (i.e. early morning or late afternoon), and with reasonable detectability. All bird species and individuals seen or heard are recorded, being scored as on-site if detected within plot, or off-site if recorded in adjacent vegetation types or flying overhead. Diurnal census was undertaken during period 10 – 20 May 2016.

A list of the bird species recorded during the 2016 fauna monitoring period is presented in Appendix 1 . This list also indicates bird species recorded in previous monitoring years (including the pilot wildlife study) and fauna impact statement.

2.2.1 Small Terrestrial Mammals

Trapping for small terrestrial mammals was conducted over the period 10 – 20 May 2016. The details for each fauna monitoring sites is summarised below in Table 4 .

Table 4. Survey Effort, Small Terrestrial Mammals, Mt Owen Complex, 2016.

Survey Survey Dates For1 For2 For3 Reg1 Reg2 Reg3 Reg4 Reh1 Reh2 Reh3 Effort Elliott A Traps 10-13/05/2016 147 147 147 147 147 735 17-20/05/2016 147 147 147 147 147 735 Total Elliott A trap nights 1,470 Pitfall Traps 10-13/05/2016 63 63 66 66 63 321 17-20/05/2016 57 57 66 66 66 312 Total Pitfall trap nights 633

2.2.1.1 Trapping with Elliott Aluminium Traps

At each site Elliott A traps (15 x 16 x 33cm) were set in a grid pattern of 7 x 7 (total of 49 traps) with each trap spaced 20 metres apart. Each trap was baited with a mixture of peanut butter, rolled oats and honey and set for three consecutive nights. Traps were inspected daily and any individuals captured were identified, weighed, sexed, measured and released at point of capture. A total of 147 traps nights per site was undertaken during May 2016 (49 traps x 3 nights = 147 trap nights). Total survey effort by Elliott traps for all sites is 1,470 trap nights.

2.2.1.2 Pitfall Trapping

Two parallel pitfall trap lines occur at each survey site with 11 pits per trap line. Each pit measures 150 mm diameter by 600 mm deep and spaced at 10 metre intervals. Pitfall traps are capped outside of the survey periods to prevent animals being captured. As indicated above in Table 4 , sampling periods were conducted in May 2016 for a total of 633 pitfall trap nights.

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2.2.2 Larger Terrestrial Mammals

2.2.2.1 Spotlight Searches

Spotlight searches was undertaken on foot at 9 transects with a 1,000 lumen spotlight for a period of 30 to 40 minutes per transect. Each transect was surveyed once during the survey period in May 2016. The following data is recorded during each transect;

• time at commencement and completion of transects, and • the identity and number of animal's observed and weather conditions.

2.2.2.2 Remote Infra-red Cameras

Infra-red motion detection digital cameras were installed at selected monitoring sites to photograph fauna. Bait stations were set up in the field of view of each camera and cameras were activated for a period 15 March to 25 May 2016 (a total of 71 continuous nights). The cameras were retrieved at completion of monitoring on 25 May 2016 and photographs analysed for species identification.

2.2.3 Arboreal Mammals

2.2.3.1 Spotlight Searches

Spotlight searches was undertaken on foot at nine transects with a 1,000 lumen spotlight for a period of 30 to 40 minutes per transect. Each transect was surveyed once during the survey period in May 2016. The following data is recorded during each transect;

• time at commencement and completion of transects, and • the identity and number of animal's observed and weather conditions.

2.2.3.3 Nest Box Inspections

Nest boxes for possums and gliders are distributed around the Mt Owen Complex. These boxes are inspected annually for occupation by possums and gliders (and any additional tree hollow dependent fauna species). Nest boxes were inspected in September and October 2016.

2.2.4 Bats

Surveys for microchiropteran (insectivorous) and mega-chiropteran (flying foxes) bat species comprise:

• trapping using two bank Harp traps (4.2 m 2) at eleven sites to determine the presence of sub-canopy species; • Detection of echolocation calls via Anabat II detectors (x3) onto digital Zcaim storage discs or SD2 (x2) for subsequent computer analysis. • Spotlighting for flying foxes and large microchiropteran bats.

2.2.4.1 Captures

Harp traps are used to capture bats to determine the diversity within the Mt Owen Complex. Ten sites were sampled by harp trap in March 2016. Harp traps were set at each site for two consecutive nights during each survey. Total trapping survey effort for 2016 was 18 harp trap nights (9 sites x 2 nights).

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2.2.4.2 Echolocation Calls

Echolocation calls of microchiropteran bats are recorded at each bat monitoring site. Calls are recorded by an Anabat detector (Anabat 2, SD2 or Express) and stored onto a digital storage cards. This technique enables sampling of bat activity for the duration of the night, providing a more comprehensive recording of bat species utilising each site. All recorded calls were down loaded to a computer for analysis by Analook software. Sampling with Anabat detectors was undertaken at the same time as harp trapping at each site.

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

2.2.4.3 Spotlight Searches

Flying-foxes were surveyed by spotlighting of potential food trees and by identification of their characteristic social calls. The presence of flying bats was also monitored by dusk activity by visually watching the skyline for bats.

2.2.4.4 Roost Box Inspection

Roost boxes were inspected for usage by bats during September and October 2016. Bats located in boxes were removed, identified to species and specific measurements taken before being returned to the roost box.

2.3 Reptiles

2.3.1 Systematic and Opportunistic Searches

Reptiles were searched for under natural (ground logs) and artificial cover (corrugated iron and fibro sheets) distributed at selected survey sites (For1, For2, Reg1, Reg2, Reg4). Searches for reptiles were conducted in March and May 2016, as well as opportunistic records of reptiles noted during other phases of field survey. Nocturnal reptiles such as geckos were searched for during spotlight searches.

2.3.2 Pitfall Captures

A description of the pitfall trap survey effort is presented above in Section 2.2.1.2.

2.4 Frogs

2.4.1 Monitoring of Frog Populations and Diversity

Frogs were monitored in 2016 as indicated for previous reports (Forest Fauna Surveys P/L & Newcastle Innovation 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015). Site specific, targeted surveys, as well as opportunistic surveys utilising pitfall trapping, and diurnal/nocturnal observations and call detection were undertaken for Green and Golden Bell Frogs and other species recorded within the Mt Owen Complex.

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2.4.2 General Surveying Methods

Surveying methods, as outlined (Forest Fauna Surveys & Newcastle Innovation 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015) included targeted nocturnal surveys for Bell Frogs and other species at Frog Conservation Zones, as well as opportunistic records obtained during non-frog targeted surveys.

2.4.3 Frog Conservation Zones (from 2006)

Targeted surveys for Green and Golden Bell Frogs were conducted at established, compensatory bell frog habitat ponds (Northern and Southern Zones) during March, April and October 2016.

A summary of survey dates and frog monitoring sites conducted in 2016 is presented below in Table 5 .

Table 5. Survey dates, frog monitoring sites, Mt Owen Complex 1995 – 2016

Frog Monitoring Sites 16.03.2016 6.04.2016 19.10.2016 RR01 – RR07 √ √ Reh1 – Reh9 √ √ √ For1, For4, ShepHut √ √ √ BFHNG1 – BHNG3, BFHN1 – BFHN3 √ √ BFHSG1 – BFHSG2, BFHS1 – BFHS4 √ √

2.5 Threatened Birds

Fourteen diurnal and 2 nocturnal threatened bird species have been recorded in the Mt Owen Complex study area by fauna surveys since the environmental impact statement conducted in 1993. A number of new threatened birds were added to Schedule 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 during the period 2009 – 2016, including several species previously recorded within the Mt Owen Complex. In 2016, the Dusky Woodswallow and White-bellied Sea Eagle were added to Schedule 2 (Vulnerable) of the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

Surveys for threatened diurnal birds include the standard census at each fauna monitoring site, and opportunistic observations whilst undertaking other duties. Threatened large forest owls are sampled by nocturnal census and opportunistic observations. The location of all threatened bird species recorded during the 2016 monitoring year is recorded by GPS and stored on the (GIS) for the Mt Owen Complex. A summary of monitoring techniques to detect their presence (and abundance) is presented below in Table 6.

Table 6. Survey Methodologies for Threatened Birds, Mt Owen Complex 1995 – 2016.

Threatened Bird Diurnal Census Nocturnal Census Opportunistic Little Eagle √ √ White-bellied Sea Eagle √ √ Powerful Owl √ √ Masked Owl √ √ Swift Parrot √ √ Little Lorikeet √ √ Brown Treecreeper √ √ Speckled Warbler √ √ Black-chinned Honeyeater √ √ Flame Robin √ √ ______30 May 2017 Forest Fauna Surveys Pty Ltd 00354.0 Page 11 Mt. Owen Complex Fauna Monitoring 2016

Threatened Bird Diurnal Census Nocturnal Census Opportunistic Scarlet Robin √ √ Hooded Robin √ √ Grey-crowned Babbler √ √ Diamond Firetail √ √ Varied Sittella √ √ Dusky Woodswallow √ √

2.6 Threatened Mammals

Twelve threatened mammal species have been recorded in the Mt Owen Complex since initial surveys undertaken in 1993. This includes 4 non-flying (Squirrel Glider, Spotted-tail Quoll, Brush-tailed Phascogale and New Holland Mouse) and 8 bat species. Monitoring is undertaken by trapping surveys, spotlight searches and opportunistic observations. For threatened mega- and microchiropteran bats, surveys are conducted which include trapping, echolocation call recordings, spotlight searches and roost box inspections. A summary of monitoring techniques to detect their presence (and abundance) is presented below in Table 7.

Table 7. Survey Methodologies for Threatened Mammals recorded at Mt Owen Complex 1995 - 2016.

Terrestrial Spotlight Harp Anabat Roost Remote Threatened Mammals Trapping Searches Trapping Detection Boxes Camera Squirrel Glider √ √ Spotted-tail Quoll √ √ √ Brush-tailed Phascogale √ √ √ √ New Holland Mouse √ Grey-headed Flying-fox √ Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat √ √ √ East-coast Freetail Bat √ √ √ Eastern Bentwing-bat √ √ Little Bentwing-bat √ √ Large-footed Myotis √ √ ? Greater Broad-nosed Bat √ √ √ Large-eared Pied Bat √ √

2.7 Threatened Frogs

Only one threatened frog species, the Green and Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea has been recorded in the Mt Owen Complex since surveys commenced in 1993.

2.7.1 Introduction

The FFMP (Xstrata Coal & Thiess, 2006) for the Mt Owen Complex, as well as other consent and compliance documents, require monitoring of the effects of mining on Green and Golden Bell Frogs and the amelioration of impacts through establishment of rehabilitated habitat for the Bell Frog. The latter action includes captive breeding of Bell Frogs to supply animals for experimental release at rehabilitation sites, should source animals become available. The most recent records for Bell Frogs within the Mt Owen Complex were a confirmed record in 1999, and an unconfirmed record in 2005.

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2.7.2 Monitoring of Bell Frog Habitat

Surveys specifically for Bell Frogs were undertaken at the Frog Conservation Zones in April and October 2016, and opportunistic observations / data collection for bell frogs and other frog species were made around the broader Mt Owen Complex during surveys primarily targeting other taxa. The number of targeted surveys was lower during the 2016 year (n = 2), due to absence of suitable rain in the latter part of 2016. Many water bodies suited to the Green & Golden Bell Frog were dry in late 2016, and surveys were delayed until suitable rain events eventuated. By December 2016, no significant rainfall events (i.e. > 50-100 mm rain in one event) were recorded.

2.7.3 Captive Breeding

No captive breeding has been undertaken due to the lack of availability of Bell Frogs at the Mt Owen Complex and locally in the Upper Hunter. This program is suspended until Bell Frogs become available from other Upper Hunter populations to recommence captive breeding.

2.8 Research Licensing

The survey and research of fauna during the 2016 monitoring period was undertaken under the following licences and approvals in accordance with the Animal Research Act (1991).

Michael Murray Office of Environment and Heritage Scientific Licence SL100096 Department of Primary Industries Animal Research Authority 01/1108 Department of Primary Industries Director-General’s Animal Care and Ethics Committee DG ACEC 01/1108

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3.0 RESULTS

3.1 Birds

A cumulative total of 107 bird species was recorded during 2016, of which 54 bird species were recorded during diurnal census surveys. The remaining 53 bird species were observed opportunistically whilst undertaking other duties. In 2016, no new bird species were recorded within the Mt Owen Complex. However, two bird species that have been regularly recorded within the Mt Owen Complex, the Dusky Woodswallow and White-bellied Sea Eagle, were added to Schedule 2 [Vulnerable] of the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. The cumulative total of bird species recorded for the Mt Owen Complex since inception of the fauna monitoring is 168 species, and is illustrated below in Figure 4.

Figure 4. Bird Species Cumulative Total, Mt Owen Complex 1994 – 2016.

3.1.1 Opportunistic Bird Sightings

Opportunistic sightings resulted in the recording of many bird species in addition to those recorded by diurnal or nocturnal census. Those opportunistic sighting include several threatened woodland birds such as Speckled Warbler, Grey-crowned Babbler, Little Lorikeet, Dusky Woodswallow and Brown Treecreeper. These observations were recorded outside the bird census monitoring area whilst undertaking other duties. Many additional water birds were also recorded by opportunistic sightings, such as the newly listed White-bellied Sea Eagle. No bird census sites correspond with aquatic habitat.

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3.1.2 Diurnal Bird Census

Results of diurnal bird census data was compared between fauna monitoring sites to provide a surrogate measure of habitat quality for birds. Bird diversity index for each fauna monitoring site in 2016 is illustrated against the mean value for the period 2002 – 2015 in Figure 5 below.

Figure 5. 2016 Bird Species Diversity Index, Mt Owen Complex.

Note: Monitoring Site Reh3 was installed in 2015.

In 2015, a new fauna monitoring site was established at Reh3. The high standard error value for site Reh3 in 2016 reflects the limited data collated from this site compared to other monitoring sites. However, the data reveals site Reh3 recorded the third highest Species Diversity Index score. Reh3 is only a number of years old but has very high structural composition in the canopy, understory and ground layer vegetation, providing high quality habitat for many bird species. Similarly, Reh1 also has high structural vegetation diversity, providing high quality habitat.

Bird species diversity for each site was variable in 2016, with 5 of the 10 sites having higher diversity index scores to the mean value from the years 2002 – 2015. Sites Reh1 recorded the highest value overall in 2016, whilst For2 was significantly lower in 2016, with average results for Site For3. The regeneration sites were variable, with Reg1 recording a low score in 2016 despite having a higher average score than the other 3 regeneration sites. Site Reg4 will be removed from the monitoring schedule now that approval for the Mt Owen Complex expansion is approved.

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3.2 Mammals

A total of 9 native and 7 introduced terrestrial mammals, 3 arboreal / scansorial and 11 bat species were recorded during the 2016 fauna monitoring period. Mammal species that were not recorded in 2016, but have been recorded in previous years, include the following:

• Narrow-nosed Planigale Planigale tenuirostris, • Northern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon macrourus, • Common Wombat Vombatus ursinus, • Eastern Horseshoe-bat Rhinolophus megaphyllus, • Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat Saccolaimus flaviventris, • Gould’s Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus gouldii, • Greater Broad-nosed Bat Scoteanax rueppellii • Large Forest Bat Vespadelus darlingtoni, • Swamp Rat Rattus lutreolus.

The full list of mammal species recorded at the Mt Owen Complex during 2016 monitoring period, and previous years is presented in Appendix 1 .

3.2.1 Small Terrestrial Mammals

Trapping surveys for small terrestrial mammals recorded 3 native and 2 introduced mammal species. The list and number of small mammal species captured is presented in Table 8.

Table 8. Small Mammals recorded during 2016 fauna monitoring period, Mt Owen Complex.

Forest Regeneration Rehabilitation Common Name For1 For2 For3 Reg1 Reg2 Reg3 Reg4 Reh1 Reh2 Reh3 TOTAL Yellow-footed Antechinus 4 3 1 8 Common Dunnart 9 5 2 4 2 4 10 1 37 House Mouse** 2 1 1 3 2 9 Black Rat ** 1 1 2 TOTAL 13 9 4 4 4 4 11 2 3 2 56 * - numbers in Table 7 indicate number of individuals of each species captured. ** indicates introduced species

3.2.1.1 Trapping with Elliott Aluminium Traps

Four species of small terrestrial mammals were recorded with Elliott A traps at fauna monitoring sites in 2016 [refer to Table 9 below]. Two native species, the Yellow-footed Antechinus Antechinus flavipes and Common Dunnart Sminthopsis murina, and the introduced House Mouse Mus musculus and Black Rat Rattus rattus were captured. The Yellow-footed Antechinus and Common Dunnart recorded higher capture rates in 2016 to the previous 2 years (2013, 2014), with the rehabilitation and regeneration sites not supporting populations of the Yellow-footed Antechinus. In comparison, the native Common Dunnart was widespread across all habitat types. No evidence of the native Swamp Rat was detected by Elliott trap ping in 2016.

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Table 9. Fauna captured by Elliott A trapping, 2016 fauna monitoring period, Mt Owen Complex.

Common Name Forest Regeneration Rehabilitation Total For1 For2 For3 Reg1 Reg2 Reg3 Reg4 Reh1 Reh2 Reh3 Yellow-footed Antechinus 4 3 1 8 Common Dunnart 3 1 1 3 5 13 *Black Rat 1 1 2 *House Mouse 2 10 11 23 Southern Rainbow Skink 1 1 Total Captures 7 4 3 3 3 5 10 12 47

Comparison of capture rates of the Yellow-footed Antechinus and Common Dunnart between years is presented below in Figure 6 . Whilst capture rates for the Yellow-footed Antechinus have increased over the previous 2 monitoring periods (2013, 2014), rates are still lower than several years in which captures rates were significantly higher (>1.0 captures per 100 trap nights).

Figure 6. Comparison of Capture Rates, native small mammals by Elliott A traps, Mt Owen Complex.

3.2.1.1 Trapping with Pitfall Traps

Pitfall trapping at each of the monitoring sites recorded 2 native mammals, the threatened New Holland Mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae, and also the Common Dunnart [refer to Table 10 below]. The New Holland Mouse is the first capture of the species at the Mt Owen Complex since 2006. The species was captured at Site For1 (remnant forest), which compares to all previous captures being recorded at Site Reh1 (rehabilitation). The Common Dunnart is widespread across each broad habitat type, although limited numbers were captured in Rehabilitation in 2016. A small number of the introduced House Mouse were captured in regeneration and rehabilitation sites, whilst a small ground skink was also captured by pitfall traps.

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Table 10. Fauna captured by pitfall trapping, 2016 fauna monitoring period, Mt Owen Complex.

Forest Regeneration Rehabilitation Common Name For1 For2 For3 Reg1 Reg2 Reg3 Reg4 Reh1 Reh2 Reh3 Total New Holland Mouse 1 1 Common Dunnart 6 5 1 4 1 1 5 1 24 *House Mouse 1 1 3 2 7 Robust Ctenotus (skink) 1 1 Total Captures 7 5 1 4 1 1 6 2 4 2 33

3.2.1.2 Opportunistic Sightings

The Common Dunnart was observed sheltering under several habitat structures established as reptile habitat. Previously, the Yellow-footed Antechinus was found sheltering in several roost boxes for microbats, but none were recorded present in 2016.

3.2.2 Larger Mammals

Surveys for larger mammals include remote infra-red cameras, spotlight searches and opportunistic observations.

3.2.2.1 Mammals recorded by Opportunistic Sampling and Remote Cameras

Several larger mammal species were observed opportunistically whilst conducting other activities such as reptile searches and nest box / tree hollow inspections. The list of species recorded opportunistically is listed below in Table 11.

Table 11. Mammal records, Mt Owen Complex 2016

Location Method Number Common Name Scientific Name For1 Camera photograph 1 Brush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa For1 Camera photograph 4 * Black Rat * Rattus rattus Logpile Camera photograph 1 Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula For1, Logpile Camera photograph 2 Dingo Canis lupus dingo For1, Logpile Camera photograph 2 Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus For1, Logpile Camera photograph 5 Fallow Deer Dama dama Logpile Camera photograph 1 Fox Vulpes vulpes For1, Logpile Camera photograph 10 Red-necked Wallaby Macropus rufogriseus For1, Logpile Camera photograph 3 Swamp Wallaby Wallabia bicolor Reg2 Reptile search 1 Common Dunnart Sminthopsis murina Reg1 Opportunistic sighting 1 Echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus Reh1 Spotlight search 1 Echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus Widespread Spotlight search 500+ Little Red Flying-fox Pteropus scapulatus Widespread Spotlight search 200+ Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus For1, 2, 3, Reg4 Spotlight search 141 Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula

The Brush-tailed Phascogale was detected by remote camera near For1 in May 2016. Evidence of the species was also observed in nest boxes, but no individuals were present at the time of inspection. This species was previously observed in the Mt Owen Complex in 2011. Large numbers of both Grey-headed and Little Red Flying-fox were observed during spotlight searches in May 2016. At the time of the spotlight searches, extensive numbers of Spotted Gum Corymbia maculata trees

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were in heavy flower, attracting large number of both species to the Mt Owen Complex area. Previously, the Grey-headed Flying-fox was recorded in 2010, whilst the Little Red Flying-fox was present in 2005. No evidence of the Spotted-tail Quoll was recorded within the Mt Owen Complex in 2016.

3.2.3 Arboreal Mammals

One arboreal mammal species was recorded in the 2016 fauna monitoring period. The Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula was detected at a number of fauna monitoring sites, and is easily detected by both spotlight searches and remote camera monitoring. No direct observations of the threatened Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolcensis was recorded by spotlight searches in 2016, however, a number of nest boxes had active leaf nests indicating ongoing use by the species . The Brush- tailed Phascogale was detected by remote camera monitoring, and 2 nest boxes exhibited characteristic nest structures of the species.

3.2.4 Bats

Eleven bat species were recorded at the Mt Owen Complex during 2016 by harp trapping, echolocation call recordings, spotlight searches and roost box inspections. The complete list of bat species recorded in the Mt Owen Complex and the survey technique in which they were recorded is summarised below in Table 12.

Table 12. Bat Species recorded at Mt Owen Complex, 1996 - 2016.

Record Recorded by Survey Technique in 2016 Common Name Scientific Name in 2016 Harp Trap Anabat Spotlight Roost Box PTEROPIDAE Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus Yes 500+ Little Reddish Flying-fox Pteropus scaplatus Yes 500+ RHINOLOPHIDAE Eastern Horseshoe-bat Rhinolophus megaphyllus No EMBALLONEURIDAE Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat Saccolaimus flaviventris No MOLOSSIDAE Eastern Freetail-bat Micronomus norfolkensis Yes 1 80 calls 68 bats Southern Freetail Bat Mormopterus sp.4 No White-striped Freetail Bat Nyctinomus australis Yes 4 calls VESPERTILIONIDAE Large-eared Pied Bat Chalinolobus dwyeri No Gould’s Wattled Bat Chalinolobus gouldii Yes 29 calls 4 bats Chocolate Wattled Bat Chalinolobus morio Yes 6 calls Miniopterus schreibersii Eastern Bentwing-bat oceanensis Yes 5 calls Little Bentwing-bat Miniopterus australis No Large-footed Myotis Myotis macropus No Lesser Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus geoffroyi Yes 2 Gould’s Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus gouldii No Greater Broad-nosed Bat Scoteanax rueppellii No Inland Broad-nosed Bat Scotorepens balstoni Yes 1 Large Forest Bat Vespadelus darlingtoni No

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Record Recorded by Survey Technique in 2016 Common Name Scientific Name in 2016 Harp Trap Anabat Spotlight Roost Box Eastern Forest Bat Vespadelus pumilus Yes 1 1 call Southern Forest Bat Vespadelus regulus No Little Forest Bat Vespadelus vulturnus Yes 14 113 calls TOTAL 11 species 19 captures 238 calls 2 species 72 bats Note: Species listed in Bold Text indicate Threatened status on EPBC Act 1999 and or TSC Act 1995 . Species denoted with “**” indicate identification by analysis of echolocation call cannot differentiate to species level.

3.2.4.1 Captures

Microchiropteran bat species were captured by standard 4.2 2m double bank harp traps set at designated sites (refer to Figure 2 above) for 2 consecutive nights. Sampling was conducted in March 2016. A total of 19 captures belonging to 5 microbat species were recorded for a total survey effort of 18 harp trap nights. The number of captures of bats per monitoring site is presented below in Table 13.

Table 13 Total Bat Captures at Mt Owen Complex, 2016.

Forest Regeneration Bat Species For1 For2 For3 For4 Reg1 Reg2 Reg3 Reg4 Reh1 Reh2 Reh3 Total Eastern Freetail-bat 1 1 Lesser Long-eared Bat 2 2 Inland Broad-nosed Bat 1 1 Eastern Forest Bat 1 1 Little Forest Bat 1 7 6 14 TOTAL CAPTURES 0 1 0 9 7 2 0 0 0 0 0 19

Comparison of capture rates between years is presented below in Figure 7. This graph illustrates the capture rates of bats per annum based on the number of individual captures divided by the number of harp trap nights.

Figure 7. Bat Capture Rates between years, Mt Owen Complex.

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Capture rates for 2016 decreased from the previous period 2012 - 2015. The basis for the decline in captures since 2013 is unknown, but may be influenced by seasonal climatic variations between years, variations in survey timing and vegetation condition. Capture rates across broad habitat types reveal the comparable rates between forest and regeneration sites in 2016, with no captures in rehabilitation monitoring sites. The rehabilitation sites have experienced a substantial die-back of understorey Acacia species over the period 2013 - 2016, with minimal regrowth of understorey, but dense growth of emergent eucalypt trees. This compares to the forested sites with tall canopy, open understorey vegetation but scattered vegetated fly-ways along vehicle tracks, resulting in bias in sampling. Comparison of capture rates between sites and years is presented below in Figure 8.

Figure 8. Comparison of Species Capture Rates at each site between years, Mt Owen Complex.

The 4 forest sites exhibit significant differences in capture rates in 2016 to the mean capture rate from 2008 – 2015. All sites recorded a significant decline in 2016, with For4 recording the highest capture rates. For3 recorded no captures, but in previous years record a high number of captures. Site Reg1 also recorded a high capture rate in 2016 to other sites. Despite the presence of suitable flyways at Site Reh3, due to dense growth of emergent eucalypts, no individuals were captured by harp trapping in 2016. This site has a number of suitable flyways to enable good captures of microbats, yet in 2016 none were captured.

3.2.4.2 Echolocation Calls

A total of 7 microchiropteran bat species were confirmed from analysis of 238 echolocation calls recorded in 2016. The results of echolocation call analysis for each microchiropteran bat species is summarised below in Table 14. Two sites, For3 and Reh3, recorded no microbats by captures, yet recorded high bat activity based on echolocation call recordings. For several sites, there was no recordings of microbat activity, which is unusual for the Mt Owen Complex. Previously, bat activity is typically recorded at all sites, albeit some at lower activity levels than other sites. The absence of calls at 5 sites in unusual, and cannot be attributed to equipment malfunction.

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Blakely et. al, ( 2016) recorded low microbat activity at sites with high regrowth stems / ha, compared to reference sites with low density ste ms and large areas of open space. The dense regrowth of plantings within the rehabilitation and regeneration sites may be negatively influencing the foraging activity of microbats. To date, highest bat activity, as determined by harp trap sampling and anabat detector recordings, indicate the remnant forest sites provide higher quality habitat for microbats.

A comparison of the number of bat calls recorded in 2016 to the 2008-2016 average is presented below in Figure 9. For all sites, there is a significant reduction in calls in 2015 to the mean value calculated over the period 208-2014. As indicated by the large standard errors for each site, there is significant fluctuation in the number of calls recorded per annum. The remnant forest sites still record the highest number of calls compared to the regeneration and rehabilitation sites, although all forest sites recorded significant reduction in calls in 2015. The absence of calls from the rehabilitation site Reh1 is likely a result of faulty equipment during the survey, rather than an absence of bat activity at this site.

Figure 9. Comparison of Number of Echolocation Calls per Site between years, Mt Owen Complex.

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Table 14. Bat Species and number of echolocation calls, Mt Owen Complex, 2016.

FAMILY / Forest Regeneration Rehabilitation TOTAL Common Name Scientific Name For1 For2 For3 For4 Reg1 Reg2 Reg3 Reg4 Reh1 Reh2 Reh3 CALLS MOLOSSIDAE Eastern Freetail-bat Micronomus norfolkensis 2 66 2 9 1 80 White-striped Freetail-bat Austronomus australis 1 1 2 4 VESPERTILIONIDAE Eastern Bentwing-bat Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis 3 2 5 Gould's Wattled Bat Chalinolobus gouldii 5 12 5 7 29 Chocolate Wattled Bat Chalinolobus morio 1 5 6 Eastern Forest Bat Vespadelus pumilus 1 1 Little Forest Bat Vespadelus vulturnus 6 46 61 113 TOTAL CALLS 14 0 66 62 0 0 17 0 0 0 79 238 Note: species in bold text indicate threatened status on either EPBC Act 1999 or NSW TSC Act 1995

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3.2.4.3 Spotlight Searches

Spotlight searches in 2016 recorded the presence of both the Grey-headed Flying-fox and Little Red Flying-fox. Both species were present in extremely high abundance in May 2016, with an estimate of several thousand individuals present at the Mt Owen Complex. Several tree species at the Mt Owen Complex were heavy in flower in May 2016, particularly Spotted Gum and Forest Red Gum. Both flying-fox species have been infrequently recorded at the Mt Owen Complex, which is associated with the timing of surveys to periods when flowering of eucalypt tree species occur. A large population of both species were present in Burdekin Park in Singleton in May 2016, with in excess of 20,000 Little Red Flying-foxes present. This species was last detected at Mt Owen Complex in 2006, and having now dispersed from the Hunter Valley region, may not return for an extended period of time.

The Grey-headed Flying-fox was last recorded at Mt Owen Complex in 2010, but a small number of individuals were observed foraging in flowering trees at nearby Ravensworth Operations in 2015, and may have frequented the Complex in that year. However, in 2015, flowering of eucalypt trees did not appear as extensive and profuse as that which occurred in 2016.

Figure 10. Little Red Flying-fox, May 2016.

Note: The Little Red Flying-fox is characterised by roosting in large aggregations which cling off each other, in comparison to the Grey-headed Flying-fox which tends to roost solitarily, albeit in large numbers. No roost sites were noted within the Mt Owen Complex, but large numbers of individuals were observed arriving at the Mt Owen Complex shortly after dusk each evening.

3.2.4.4 Roost Box Inspections

Bat roost boxes were installed over the period 1996 to 2007 using a number of different styles to offset the loss of natural roosts in tree hollows due to forest clearing. Several additional boxes were installed in 2008 following an audit of nest boxes installed at the Mt Owen Complex. Eight nest boxes were installed in the Rehabilitation Site Reh2 in 2012. For several of these boxes, they required maintenance due to falling off trees, or missing lids. Periodically, additional bat

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roost boxes have been found within the Complex long after their installation date, due to no coordinates being recorded. For instance, box NR078 was located in late 2015, having previously not been located during the period 1996 - 2014. The number of bat roost boxes installed in each management zone at the Mt Owen Complex is summarised below in Table 15.

Table 15 Bat Roost Boxes located in Management Zones, Mt Owen Complex, 2016.

Mt Owen Management Zone Number of Bat Roost Boxes Identification Code Northern Forest (NF) 50 (+ 2 destroyed beyond repair) NF001 – NF052 Northern Regeneration (NR) 68 (+ 10 damaged beyond repair) NR001 – NR078 Eastern Regeneration (ER) 49 ER001 – ER048 Southern Forest (SF) 18 (+ 4 damaged beyond repair) SF001 – SF022 Rehabilitation (RH) 8 No codes TOTAL 193 (+ 16 lost due to damage)

Roost boxes were inspected for usage by bats during September and October 2016. Bats located in boxes were removed, identified to species and specific measurements taken before being returned to the roost box. A total of 72 individuals belonging to 2 bat species were recorded utilising bat roost boxes in 2016. Two additional fauna species were recorded in bat roost boxes in 2016, the Lace Monitor and Robust Velvet Gecko. Previously monitoring years have also recorded the Striated Pardalote and Yellow-footed Antechinus. A summary of bat roost box usage is presented below in Table 16.

Table 16 Bat Species and Other Fauna utilising Bat Roost Boxes, Mt Owen Complex, 2016.

Common Name Scientific Name NR NF ER SF Reh Total Eastern Freetail-bat Micronomus norfolkensis 34 23 11 68 Gould’s Wattled Bat Chalinolobus gouldi 4 4 Total Bats Recorded in Roost Box 38 23 0 11 0 72 Lace Monitor Varanus varius 1 1 Robust Velvet Gecko Oedura robusta 2 2 Total Other Fauna in Bat Roost Boxes 1 0 0 2 0 3

The dominant bat species utilising the bat roost boxes since installation in 1995 is the Eastern Freetail-bat, although there was a reduced number of individuals recorded in 2016 to the previous year . The Gould’s Wattled Bat was recorded in low numbers in 2016 compared to previous years. No evidence of 2 additional species, the Chocolate Wattled Bat and Inland Broad-nosed Bat, were not recorded in 2016.

Within the Mt Owen Complex, 14 of the 20 microbat species recorded utilise tree hollows for roosting and breeding. To date, only 6 species have utilised the bat roost boxes as compensatory / alternative roost sites. Of the six species, only three species, the Gould’s Wattled Bat, Chocolate Wattled Bat and East-coast Freetail Bat utilise the boxes in significant numbers. No species of the Vespadelus genus have been recorded utilising bat roost boxes at Mt Owen Complex, despite being the most abundant microchiropteran bat species detected by captures and echolocation call recordings.

3.3 Reptiles

Twelve reptile species were recorded during the 2016 fauna monitoring period (refer to Table 17). Reptile species were recorded both opportunistically and during census searches. Despite drier weather conditions during the census surveys, the number of individual species, plus overall species diversity, was significantly higher than previous years. Since 2015,

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the emphasis on more intensive searches for reptiles has resulted in higher detection of species, and also the number of individuals. Previously, greater survey effort was placed on smaller terrestrial mammals, which has resulted in less time allocated for reptile searches. The modification to the survey effort for reptiles was due to consistent low species diversity and abundance scores for this fauna group. Several species, such as the Southern Rainbow Skink and Red-naped Snake, had not been detected at Mt Owen Complex for a number of years. However, the return to more intensive searches for reptiles has resulted in their detection in both 2015 and 2016.

Three larger elapid snake species (the Eastern Brown Snake, Red-naped Snake and Yellow-faced Whipsnake) were recorded in 2016. No new reptile species were recorded. Five species of small litter skinks, one larger dragon, Lace Monitor and one Gecko species were detected in 2016. Searches of log and rock piles deposited on the rehabilitation sites (Reh2, Reh3) recorded five reptile species, the Eastern Brown Snake, Southern Rainbow Skink, Striped Skink, Tree- crevice Skink and Copper-tailed Skink . The full list of reptile species recorded for all monitoring periods is presented in Appendix One . The cumulative total of reptile species recorded during the period 1996 to 2016 remains at 22 species.

Table 17 Reptile Species recorded in the Mt Owen Complex, 2016

Forest Regeneration Rehabilitation Common Name Scientific Name Sites Sites Sites Eastern Long-necked Turtle Chelodina longicollis 1 dead shell Robust Velvet Gecko Oedura robusta 4 in bat box Bearded Dragon Pogona barbata Observed observed Lace Monitor Varanus varius Nest box Robust Ctenotus Ctenotus robustus census Pitfall trap Tree-crevice Skink Egernia striolata census Southern Rainbow-skink Carlia tetradactyla Elliott A trap Cream-striped Shinning-skink Cryptoblepharus virgatus census Copper-tailed Skink Ctenotus taeniolatus Pitfall trap Yellow-faced Whip Snake Demansia psammophis census Red-naped Snake Furina diadema census Eastern Brown Snake Pseudonaja textilis opportunistic opportunistic

Reptile searches were conducted by recording individuals sheltering beneath sheets of corrugated iron or compressed fibre placed in 10 x 25 metre quadrants at the following survey sites, For1, For2, For3, Reg1, Reg2, Reg4 and Reh1. These sheets were installed in late 1997. These sheets have previously been successful in recording the presence of several cryptic small reptiles, such as Leaden Delma and Red-naped Snake, which are seldom recorded by systematic habitat searches and pitfall trapping. Terrestrial microhabitat created in the rehabilitation sites (rock and timber log piles) resulted in high diversity and abundance of smaller skinks.

3.3.1 Reptile Captures

Three reptile species were captured in either Elliott A or pitfall traps in 2016, the Robust Ctenotus, Southern Rainbow Skink and Copper-tailed Skink.

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3.4 Frogs

3.4.1 Monitoring of Frog Populations and Diversity

Surveys for frogs were conducted in March and April following good rainfall events during early January 2016, and October 2016. A summary of rainfall figures at the Mt Owen Complex is summarised below in Figure 11.

3.4.1.1 Rainfall Trend

Total recorded rainfall for 2016 was 676.1 mm, slightly above the average 2002-2016 value of 638.7 mm. Rainfall was concentrated in the months of January, June and August, with above average rainfall recorded. The remaining months either recorded average or lower rainfall values (refer to Figure 11).

Figure 11 Monthly Rainfall Comparison 2002 – 2016

(data courtesy Muswellbrook Weather Station, Bureau of Meteorology).

Most water bodies (including small and larger dams) were filled by significant rainfall in January 2016, with rapid decline in water levels over the period February to May. By May 2016 many water bodies were dry or significantly reduced in volume. June 2016 recorded another high rainfall event, which recharged many water bodies. The remaining months July to December recorded above average rainfall, although this was characterised by a small number of high rainfall events, which did not contribute significantly to water levels. However, the period September to December 2016 recorded very high average daily temperatures, resulting in many water bodies drying rapidly over this period, despite above average rainfall in most months. By December 2016, there was significant dieback of vegetation and most smaller water bodies were dry.

By March 2016, most ponds supported emergent aquatic vegetation and areas of open water. However, by April, and also October through to December 2016 most ponds had dried and aquatic vegetation had died back due to retreat of the water levels. The ponds in the rehabilitation hill (Sites Reh2 - Reh8) were almost dry in April 2016, apart from Reh1,

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which was about 50% full in April, and 30% full in October 2016. Very limited frog activity was noted around the dried, or almost dry water bodies.

3.4.1.2 Frog species recorded during the 2016 fauna monitoring period

Nine species (of 15 recorded in Mt Owen Complex) were located during surveys in 2016 (see Table 18). These were common around the ponds such as farm dams and newly created ponds. Frog surveys during 2016 were focussed in the autumn periods, a factor also affecting the species observed and the numbers encountered.

Table 18 Frog species recorded at Mt Owen Complex, 2016.

Family Relative Abundance Common Name Scientific Name Mar2016 Apr2016 Oct2016 1996-2016* Common Eastern Froglet Crinia signifera 1+ 1+ 1+ Common, widespread Smooth Toadlet Uperoleia laevigata 1+ 1+ - Common, widespread Rugose Toadlet Uperoleia rugosa - - - Uncommon Striped Marsh Frog Limnodynastes peronii 1+ - - Uncommon Spotted Grass Frog Limnodynastes tasmaniensis 1+ 1+ 1+ Common, widespread Banjo Frog (Pobblebonk) Limnodynastes dumerilii dumerilii - - - uncommon Ornate Burrowing Frog Platyplectrum ornatum - - - Uncommon Green and Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea - - - Rare Green Tree Frog Litoria caerulea - - - Uncommon Bleating Tree Frog Litoria dentata - - - Uncommon Dwarf Green Tree Frog Litoria fallax 1+ 2+ 1+ Common, widespread Broad-palmed Frog Litoria latopalmata 1+ 3+ 2+ Common, widespread Stony Creek Frog Litoria wilcoxi (formerly leseueri) 0 3+ - Uncommon, restricted Emerald Spotted Tree Frog Litoria peronii 0 1+ 1+ Common, widespread Whistling Tree Frog Litoria verreauxii 1+ 2+ - Common, widespread

* relative abundance over 20 years sampling

** scoring of relative abundance based on estimate of number of individuals observed or heard calling. Scores range from

1+ - less than 10 individuals; 2+ - 10 – 20 individuals 3+ - > 30 individuals

In May 2016, a large breeding aggregation of the Stony Creek Frog Litoria wilcoxi was observed in a small water pond in Ravensworth State Forest. The pond comprised a small drying water body approximately 2m x 2m and is located along an ephemeral drainage line within the forest. This pond was drying out from earlier rainfall events, and a large congregation of Stony Creek Frog were observed basking around the perimeter. This species has been infrequently recorded at the Mt Owen Complex. For the remainder of the frog species, most were restricted to the drying water bodies, and in fact, the dry conditions resulted in congregations of individuals along the water body edges. The most abundant frog species is the Broad-palmed Frog, being easily detected in each monitoring survey. Numbers of the Dwarf Green Tree Frog were also observed basking or calling on emergent reeds around the perimeter of water bodies. The Whistling Tree Frog was not that commonly detected during the autumn and spring surveys, but was commonly heard calling around water bodies during the May spotlight searches. This species appears to call over the cooler months of the year, in contrast to the other frog species, which typically call during the warmer months, or after significant rainfall events.

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3.4.1.3 Frog Conservation Zones and GGBF Habitat Ponds (Mt Owen Mine Offset Areas)

The Frog Conservation Zones were established in 2006 (see Methodology; Clulow & Mahony, 2006) to provide replacement habitat for historical GGBF ponds removed by the expansion of the C-Pit. The water bodies in the Frog Conservation Zones were surveyed during autumn and spring 2016 (refer to survey dates in Table 5 above). Habitat condition remained good for the duration of the monitoring period in 2016, with all water bodies retaining areas of open water and emergent aquatic vegetation. Although there was retreat of water levels due to the extended drier conditions, water levels did not fall below 50% volume, in contrast to other monitoring sites where dams dried out completely.

The number of ponds with infestations of the introduced fish Gambusia holbrooki in the Frog Conservation Zones declined to 1 (S2) at the end of 2007, due to mortality associated with pond drying. In 2016, only one pond (S1) still retained populations of Gambusia by October 2016, but this dam had dried significantly from the April 2016 survey (reduced to approximately 30-40% volume). Gambusia is recognised as a Key Threatening Process with a potential impact on the Bell Frog (Clulow et al, unpublished data). Ongoing monitoring is required to determine what impact the very hot dry conditions experienced over the entire summer. Under DA 14-1-2004 and the Mt Owen Flora and Fauna Management Plan (Xstrata Coal & Thiess, 2006), it is a requirement to remove Gambusia from Bell Frog habitat ponds in the Frog Conservation Zones.

3.4.1.4 Frogs and Frog Habitat on the Rehabilitated Landscape 2016

The post-mining Rehabilitation Area of the Mt Owen Complex was surveyed comprehensively during the 2011 or 2012 years. This area was surveyed in Autumn 2013 after the heavy rainfall during Jan/Feb 2013. Most of the previously surveyed ponds held water, and 3 species of frogs were observed. The ponds continue to function as high quality frog habitat, a number of which also rank highly in bell frog pond habitat. In 2016, the majority of the ponds were dry, or held very low water volumes. As a consequence, there was significant die-back of emergent aquatic vegetation, with no fringing plants occurring at the waters’ edge. Only dam Reh9 retained water by December 2016, with the remaining ponds dry. Frog activity was limited, with only 2 species detected in March 2016, the Spotted Grass Frog and Common Eastern Froglet.

Table 19 Frog Ponds – Rehabilitation Summary Data, 2016.

% water volume Dam ID Description March 2016 April 2016 October 2016 Reh1 shallow ephemeral dam, emergent plants 0% 0% 0% Reh2 shallow ephemeral dam, emergent plants 0% 0% 0% Reh3 shallow ephemeral dam, emergent plants 10% 5% 0% Reh4 shallow ephemeral dam, emergent plants 10% 5% 0% Reh5 shallow ephemeral dam, emergent plants 0% 0% 0% Reh6 shallow ephemeral dam, emergent plants 50% 20% 0% Reh7 shallow ephemeral dam, emergent plants 0% 0% 0% Reh8 shallow ephemeral dam, emergent plants 50% 20% 0% Reh9 Large dam, deep water, emergent plant 70% 50% 30%

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3.5 Threatened Species

In 2016, two new threatened species were listed on Schedule 2 (Vulnerable) of the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, the Dusky Woodswallow and White-bellied Sea Eagle. The Dusky Woodswallow is regularly recorded at the Mt Owen Complex since the commencement of monitoring in 1995. The reason for its listing on Schedule 2 of the TSC Act 1995 is despite being widespread in eastern, southern and southwestern Australia, it is sparsely scattered in, or largely absent from, much of the upper western region (dot point 2). The species appears to have undergone a moderate reduction in population size based on state-wide reporting rates, decline in abundance at specific sites and reductions in habitat quality (dot point 11). The species prefer larger remnants over small one, past land clearing and competitive exclusion by the Noisy Miner is a significant threat to the species (dot point 14)(NSW Scientific Committee Final Determination, August 2016).

The final determination for the White-bellied Sea Eagle lists a number of factors responsible for its listing as vulnerable. The NSW population is estimated to be moderately low, approximately 800 breeding pairs (dot point 8). Declines in abundance have occurred around industrial or population centres, particularly along coastal growth areas. The species is facing multiple threats including increased mortality, decreased nesting success and reduced foraging resources (dot point 10) (NSW Scientific Committee Final Determination, December 2016).

Since commencement of monitoring in 1995, a total of 26 threatened fauna have been recorded at Mt Owen Complex. An additional 4 species have been tentatively identified, based on presence of possible scat (Koala), and echolocation calls resembling 3 microbat species (Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat, Large-eared Pied Bat, Little Bentwing-bat). Those threatened species listed on either the schedules of the national Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) or NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 are presented below in Table 20. During the 2016 monitoring period, 11 threatened species were recorded within the Mt Owen Complex in 2016, including 6 birds, 2 non- flying mammals, 1 megachiropteran and 2 microchiropteran bats. The status of each species under the respective legislation and the year each species has been recorded (or tentatively recorded) is also summarised.

An annual summary of threatened species recorded at Mt Owen since inception of the fauna monitoring is presented below in Table 20.

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Table 20. Threatened Fauna Species recorded in Mt Owen Mine Complex 1994 to 2016.

Common Name EPBC TSC 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Swift Parrot E E √ √ √ Green & Golden Bell Frog E CE √ √ √ ? Little Eagle V √ √ √ √ White-bellied Sea Eagle V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Little Lorikeet V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Powerful Owl V √ √ √ √ Masked Owl V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Brown Treecreeper V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Speckled Warbler V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Black-chinned Honeyeater V √ √ √ √ Scarlet Robin V √ √ Flame Robin V √ √ Hooded Robin V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Grey-crowned Babbler V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Varied Sittella V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Dusky Woodswallow V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Diamond Firetail V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Spotted-tail Quoll V V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Brush-tailed Phascogale V √ √ Koala ? V poss Squirrel Glider V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ New Holland Mouse V √ √ √ √ √ √ Grey-headed Flying-fox V V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat V poss poss poss poss poss Eastern Freetail-bat V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Large-eared Pied Bat V V poss poss poss poss poss poss Eastern Bentwing-bat V √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Little Bentwing-bat V poss poss √ Large-footed Myotis V √ √ √ √ ? ? √ Greater Broad-nosed Bat V √ √ √ √ ? ? √ √ √

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3.5.1 Threatened Birds

In 2015, 6 threatened bird species were recorded from a total of 16 species that have been recorded at the Mt Owen Complex over the period 1996 to 2016. The location of threatened bird species recorded at the Mt Owen Complex is presented below in Figure 12. Following is a summary discussion of each threatened bird species recorded at the Mt Owen Complex.

3.5.1.1 White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster

The White-bellied Sea Eagle has been regularly recorded at the Mt Owen Complex since nesting first occurred in 1999. Since that initial breeding event, the species has been recorded annually at the Mt Owen Complex. The pair constructed a large stick nest on a dead tree in the centre of a dam for nesting. A number of breeding events has occurred since 1999. In 2016, no evidence of breeding was observed during fieldwork observations, but the pair of birds were regularly observed flying to and from the large dam.

3.5.1.2 Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla

The Little Lorikeet was recorded in small flocks feeding on flowering eucalypts and lerps in March and May 2016. Previous records of the species at Mt Owen coincide with the presence of flowering eucalypt trees or mistletoe. The Little Lorikeet has been regularly recorded at the Mt Owen Complex, being recorded in 17 of the 21 monitoring years since 1996.

3.5.1.3 Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus

The Brown Treecreeper was recorded at 2 forest sites (For1, For4) in March 2016. Nest boxes for the species were installed in rehabilitation site Reh1 in 2015. Inspection of the boxes in 2016 did not reveal any occupation or use of the boxes by the species. The species is recorded annually in each monitoring year period since commencement in 1996. The species has also utilised Squirrel Glider and bat roost boxes as alternative nesting sites to natural tree hollows at Mt Owen Complex.

3.5.1.4 Speckled Warbler Chthonicola sagittata

The Speckled Warbler was recorded at 2 forest sites and all 3 rehabilitation monitoring sites during the 2016 monitoring period. The rehabilitation sites Reh1, Reh2 and Reh3 all provide high quality habitat for the species, with dense ground cover dominated by grasses, and open understorey and canopy cover. The species is widespread across the Mt Owen Complex, having been recorded in remnant forest, regeneration / replanted areas and rehabilitation sites. The Speckled Warbler inhabits woodlands with a grassy understorey, often on ridges or gullies. The species is sedentary, living in pairs or trios and nests on the ground in grass tussocks, dense litter and fallen branches. They forage on the ground and in the understorey for arthropods and seeds. The preferred foraging habitat of Speckled Warbler is areas with a combination of open grassy patches, leaf litter and shrub cover.

3.5.1.5 Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis

The Grey-crowned Babbler is the most widespread and abundant threatened woodland bird within the Mt Owen Complex. Nest sites of the species are located in both remnant forest and revegetation / regeneration forest. Breeding records exist for most of the fauna habitats, including each of the monitoring sites except Reh2 and Reh3. The species is considered a usual breeding resident in the Hunter Valley (HBOC, 2013).

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Figure 12. Location of Threatened Bird Species, Mt Owen Complex 2016.

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3.5.1.6 Dusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterus

A small flock of Dusky Woodswallow were observed foraging in the aerial space, and roosting on low shrubs at rehabilitation site Reh1 in September 2016. The species is quite widespread within the Mt Owen Complex, having been recorded in remnant forest, regeneration and rehabilitation habitats. The species has been regularly recorded at the Mt Owen Complex, being detected in all monitoring years since commencement in 1995.

Threatened bird species not recorded at Mt Owen Complex in 2016 include the Swift Parrot, Little Eagle, Powerful Owl, Masked Owl, Black-chinned Honeyeater, Hooded Robin, Scarlet Robin, Flame Robin, Varied Sittella and Diamond Firetail.

3.5.2 Threatened Mammals

Threatened mammals recorded in 2016 at Mt Owen Complex include the Brush-tailed Phascogale and 2 microchiropteran bat species. The location of threatened mammal species recorded at the Mt Owen Complex is presented below in Figure 13. Following is a summary discussion of each threatened mammal species recorded at the Mt Owen Complex since monitoring commenced in 1996.

3.5.2.1 Brush-tailed Phascogale

Nest Box Inspections Nest boxes have been installed in Ravensworth State Forest and adjoining revegetation / rehabilitation areas since 1996, which are suitable design for use and occupation by the Brush-tailed Phascogale. Monitoring of nest boxes has been undertaken since August 1996. The species was detected for the first time in nest boxes installed in the northern offsets in 2011. Two nest boxes in the northern biodiversity offset contain material consistent with the species. In 2016, the same two nest boxes contained material consistent with use by the species, although no individuals were observed in the boxes.

In 2016, evidence of the species was recorded by camera monitoring at Site For1 in May.

3.5.2.2 Eastern Freetail-bat Micronomus norfolkensis

The East-coast Freetail Bat was captured in harp traps in 2016 (n = 1) and 68 individuals were recorded in bat roost boxes. The species was also detected at several monitoring sites by echolocation call recordings. This species was the most abundant of the microchiropteran bat species to utilise bat roost boxes in 2016.

3.5.2.3 Eastern Bentwing-bat Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis

The Eastern Bent-wing Bat has previously been recorded at the Mt Owen Complex by echolocation call recordings, and in 2014, 3 individuals were captured in harp traps. In 2016, the species was detected by 5 echolocation call recordings. The species is rarely captured at Mt Owen Complex, being caught in only 2 of the 21 monitoring years since 1995. The Eastern Bent-wing Bat roosts in caves or similar structures, which are not present in the Mt Owen Complex area. Accordingly, the species forages in the aerial space of Mt Owen Complex and returns to nearby roost locations, which can be up to 20km from foraging areas. Previously, the species was known to roost in Ravensworth Underground (formerly Cumnock underground coal mine), to the south-west of the Mt Owen Complex.

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Figure 13. Location of Threatened Mammals, Mt Owen Complex 2016

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3.5.2.4 Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus

The Grey-headed Flying-fox was observed in large numbers foraging in the Mt Owen Complex in March and May 2016. This species has been infrequently recorded at the Mt Owen Complex, being present only when flowering of eucalypt tree species occurred. Significant flowering of eucalypt tree species was observed during the fauna monitoring surveys in 2016.

3.5.3 Threatened Frogs

3.5.3.1 Green & Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea

No evidence of the endangered Green & Golden Bell Frog was recorded in 2016. The last reliable sighting of the species was in the year 1999, although an unconfirmed record of the species was recorded in a dam located along the route of the Betty’s Creek to Main Creek diversion work in 2005. Whilst good rainfall was received in early 2016, making several of the dams suitable for the species, many of these water bodies, particularly in the eastern and southern offsets, dried substantially in the latter part of 2016, providing limited habitat for the species.

3.6 Performance Targets – Fauna

For the Mt Owen Complex fauna monitoring programme, the Simpson’s Diversity Index was adopted at the inception to provide a combined measure of species richness and the abundance of individual species and fauna groups. However, this index is sensitive to fluctuations in abundance of particular species and can be inflated by the presence of large numbers of one species, for example, captures of House Mouse. This can occur, for example, when large numbers of frogs are present after rain, or seasonal species such as birds utilise habitats within the Complex area.

However, this apparent distortion in measure can be overcome by measuring the mean of index values over several monitoring periods such that the effect of short term fluctuations can be reduced. Therefore, diversity indices were adopted in some instances as a performance target (or measure) to assess changes on faunal diversity for the various groups.

For some species such as the microbats, the more common small mammals and frogs, capture or activity rates can be used to provide a basis for comparing future and present rates with those prior to or during the early stages of mining. For example, small mammals were identified as a fauna group to assess revegetation / rehabilitation works. The performance measure assesses the capture rates per 100 trap nights rather than SDI values. The justification of capture rates vs SDI values is due to selection of only 2 “indicator” species, Yellow-footed Antechinus and Common Dunnart, rather than total small mammals. SDI values become more sensitive with small species diversity (i.e. 2 species rather than 6, regardless of abundance).

The benchmark performance value for small terrestrial mammals is derived from analysis of captures in highest quality habitat (Forest) averaged over the initial monitoring years 1996 – 1998, or pre-impact. Post impact sites (rehabilitation) and habitat enhancement areas (re-afforestation and revegetation) typically support lower capture rates of these 2 species and captures rates expressed as a performance indicator set a benchmark for these areas.

For larger mammals such as Spotted-tail Quoll, it is recorded in such low abundance that only capture/ observation / evidence per annum would qualify as a measure. While the diversity indices provide a means of assessing overall diversity, they do not assess the status of individual species. Theoretically, species diversity can increase despite the extinction of individual species. ______30 May 2017 Forest Fauna Surveys Pty Ltd 00354.0 Page 36 Mt. Owen Complex Fauna Monitoring 2016

The following Table 21 indicates nominated performance target values for the various fauna groups. These targets are applicable to Remnant Forest (Ravensworth State Forest), Regeneration (New Forest Area) and Rehabilitation (mine overburden) associated with Biodiversity Offset Areas.

Table 21. Benchmark Performance Targets for Fauna Groups, Mt Owen Complex, 2016.

Performance Benchmark / 2016 Performance Values Methodology Used Benchmark Target Forest Regeneration Rehabilitation

Birds – Diurnal Census ≥ 7.98 SDI 9.40 6.19 11.03 Native Small Mammals – ≥ 1.60 captures / 100 Elliott Trapping trap nights 2.72 1.53 0.00 Native Small Mammals - ≥ 1.86 captures / 100 Pitfall Trapping trap nights 7.22 2.50 0.6 Arboreal Mammals – Spotlight Detection per hr ≥ 4.19 3.71 4.00 0.00 Microchiropteran Bats – Captures ≥ 0.2 SDI 0.46 0.00 0.0 Reptiles Captures + Searches ≥ 1.21 SDI 1.11 1.67 1.67 Amphibians ≥ 1.91 captures / 100 Captures (Pitfall Traps) trap nights 0.0 0.0 0.0 Amphibians Nocturnal Searches ≥ 3.50 SDI Feral Animals – (Capture / Sighting) ≤ 1.0 1.00 1.00 1.00

Woodland Birds ≥ 0.82 SDI 1.25 1.00 1.0 Spotted-tail Quoll – captures / observations p.a. ≥ 1.0 0.00 0.00 0.00 Squirrel Glider Spotlight Detection ≥ 1.45 0.00 0.00 0.00 Presence in Nest Boxes ≥ 1.0 0.00 0.00 0.00 Brush-tailed Phascogale Spotlight / Camera Detection ≥ 1.0 1.00 0.00 0.00 Presence in Nest Boxes ≥ 1.0 0.00 0.00 0.00 Eastern Bentwing-bat - passes per night ≥ 5 passes per night 0.00 1.50 1.00 East-coast Freetail Bat – passes per night ≥ 5 passes per night 35.0 4.50 0.50

Green & Golden Bell Frog > 0 individuals 0.00 0.00 0.00

NOTE : Boxes coloured grey in Table 21 represent broad faunal groups and threatened species that reached the performance target value in 2016.

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Evaluation of the performance target values for birds in each broad habitat type per annum is presented below in Figure 14. In 2016, the forest and Rehabilitation habitats exceeded the performance target, with the Regeneration sites recording below the target value.

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Figure 14 Review of Bird Species Performance Indicators, 2006 – 2016

Native small mammals captured by Elliott trapping were concentrated in the Forest habitat, exceeding the capture rate in 2016. However, whilst small native mammals were also caught in regeneration habitat, the number of captures did not meet the performance criteria. No small native mammals were captured at the rehabilitation sites. Captures of small native mammals by pitfall traps exceeded the benchmark criteria in both Forest and Regeneration habitat, only a small number of Common Dunnart were captured in rehabilitation.

The shift to greater survey effort for reptiles in 2016 resulted in the regeneration and rehabilitation sites achieving above the performance benchmark value. This is attributed to the habitat enhancement measures implemented at these sites. These measures include rock and timber piles scattered throughout this habitat. In addition, other factors which may have contributed to increase reptile counts is the open canopy present in 2016, which provide abundant basking sites for smaller reptiles such as skinks.

No amphibians were captured in pitfall traps in 2016, possibly attributed to the lack of rainfall. Nocturnal observations recorded a number of species present, but numbers and calling activity were low in 2016.

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3.6.1 Threatened Species

Threatened woodland birds reached performance target values for all three broad habitats in 2016. The Forest sites recorded a decline in woodland birds in 2015, but exceeded the performance indicator in 2016 (see Figure 15 below). The Grey-crowned Babbler is widespread across the Mt Owen Complex, being recorded in all broad habitat types, although the most abundant records occur in regeneration habitat. The Rehabilitation habitat recorded 3 threatened woodland bird species in 2016, the Grey-crowned Babbler, Speckled Warbler and Dusky Woodswallow.

Figure 15 Threatened Bird Species Performance Indicators, 2006 – 2016.

The performance targets for the two threatened microchiropteran bat species (Eastern Bentwing-bat and Eastern Freetail Bat) are based on the recording of >5 passes of each species per night. The Eastern Bentwing-bat was recorded in low abundance in 2016, with calls recorded in both regeneration and rehabilitation sites. No evidence of the species was recorded in Forest habitats in 2016.

The Eastern Freetail-bat was recorded in highest abundance in Forest habitats, but did not exceed the criteria for regeneration and rehabilitation. The Eastern Freetail-bat was the most common microbat utilising bat roost boxes in 2016 (n = 68), and also recorded a high number of echolocation calls (n = 80).

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Figure 16 Threatened Eastern Bent-wing Bat Performance Indicator, 2006 – 2016

Figure 17 Threatened Eastern Freetail-bat Performance Indicator, 2006 – 2016.

3.7 Habitat Clearing

No clearing was conducted in 2016.

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4.0 DISCUSSION

4.1 General Monitoring

The monitoring of fauna in 2016 did not record the presence of any new fauna species, but resulted in the detection of a number of threatened species that had not been recorded for a number of years. Those species include the Brush-tailed Phascogale, New Holland Mouse and Grey-headed Flying-fox. Several bird species that were recorded in earlier monitoring years, were not detected in 2016, such as the Powerful Owl and Masked Owl. For a number of additional species, their presence is highly irregular due to climatic or foraging resource variability, influenced by drought or above average rainfall. Very large groups of the highly nomadic Little Red Flying-fox were observed at the Mt Owen Complex in their thousands during 2016, yet were previously detected in 2005.

Analysis of the bird species diversity indices at each fauna monitoring site recorded significant variations. The site with the highest bird species diversity was rehabilitation site Reh1, with the other two rehabilitation sites recording high bird species diversity compared to remnant forest and regeneration habitats.

Trapping for small terrestrial mammals by Elliott and pitfall traps was conducted in 2016, resulting in the detection of those target species the Yellow-footed Antechinus and Common Dunnart. Pitfall trapping also resulted in the capture of a New Holland Mouse in For1, which has not been captured at the Mt Owen Complex since 2007. The use of remote infra-red cameras has significantly increased the detection of several mammal species, particularly the Echidna, Swamp Wallaby, Dingo / wild dog, Red Fox and Fallow Deer, which are rarely detected by other survey methods such as spotlight searches. The Brush-tailed Phascogale was detected by camera in 2016, not having been recorded since 2011, and only the 2 year of detection since monitoring commenced in 1996.

No evidence of the Spotted-tail Quoll was detected in 2016 by use of remote cameras, or was captured by cage trapping surveys. Spotlight searches did not result in detection of the Squirrel Glider in 2016, but evidence of their presence was confirmed in nest boxes installed within the Complex. To date, there has been no evidence of the Common Brushtail Possum within the rehabilitation sites, due to absence of large trees with hollows. However, 10 nest boxes installed in 2015 are likely to result in resident possums becoming established in the rehabilitation areas. Over time, the number of additional boxes installed will increase, particularly as trees reach sufficient age to support the boxes.

Eleven bat species were recorded in 2016, which is comparable to previous monitoring years. The number of captures were significantly reduced in 2016, with no captures in two forest, 2 regeneration and all 3 rehabilitation sites. Spotlight searches resulted in the detection of two species of the larger megachiropteran bats (flying-foxes), the threatened Grey- headed Flying-fox and Little Red Flying-fox. The mid to upper Hunter recorded a number of significant flowering events in 2016, with large numbers of both flying fox species observed in the Mt Owen Complex. Nine of the 19 micro-bats were recorded in 2016, but captures and echolocation calls were significantly reduced. Factors responsible for the low detection rates is unknown, but cooler weather conditions were experienced during the surveys, which may have influenced flying insect abundance, and hence, microbat activity.

The Forest monitoring sites continue to record the majority of captures of microbats. In contrast, the regeneration and rehabilitation sites still support young regrowth or newly established forest. Research by Blakey et. al. 2016 found that microbat activity and abundance is lowest in young regrowth forest, possibly due to the dense canopy and limited flyways for microbats to forage in.

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Seventy-two individuals of 2 species were recorded utilising bat roost boxes in 2016, with the Eastern Freetail-bat being the most abundant species ( n = 68 individuals). A total of 238 bat calls suitable for accurate identification were recorded in 2016. The most abundant calls were recorded in the remnant forest sites, however, the new rehabilitation monitoring site Reh3 recorded a significant number of bat calls compared to other sites.

The increased survey effort for reptile species in 2016 recorded 12 species, compared to only 7 in 2014. Reptiles were detected by direct searches, opportunistic observations and pitfall trapping. Notable was the detection of 3 species which have been uncommonly recorded in recent years, the Red-naped Snake, Yellow-faced Whipsnake and Southern Rainbow Skink. The Southern Rainbow Skink was recorded by trapping in the newly established rehabilitation site Reh3. Previously, this skink was the most common species recorded in pitfall traps, but no individuals had been captured since 2006.

Monitoring of frogs by direct searches was conducted in 2016, although a number of species were captured in pitfall traps at several monitoring sites.

A total of 26 threatened species have been detected at the Mt Owen Complex since the commencement of fauna monitoring. In 2016, 11 threatened species were detected, being 6 bird species and 5 mammal species. For several threatened species, their occurrence at the Mt Owen Complex is irregular, being present during favourable environmental conditions and absent outside of those periods. For example, the nationally endangered Swift Parrot has been infrequently recorded at Mt Owen, being present in 2005, 2007 and 2014.

Two new threatened species listings were determined under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 in 2016, the Dusky Woodswallow (August 2016) and White-bellied Sea Eagle (December 2016). Both species have been regularly recorded within the Complex since 1996. A pair of the White-bellied Sea Eagle constructed a large stick nest one a dead tree in one of the dams at Mt Owen, and have raised a number of young since the year 1999.

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5.0 REFERENCES

Blakely, R.V., Law, B.S., Kingsford, R.T., Stoklosa, J. Tap, P. and Williamson, K. (2016). Bat communities respond positively to large-scale thinning of forest regrowth. Journal of Applied Ecology. 53, 1964-1703. Burns, E.L., Eldridge, M.D.B. & Houlden, B.A. (2004) Microsatellite variation and population structure in a declining Australian Hylid Litoria aurea. Molecular Ecology 13, 1745–1757. Churchill, S. (2008). Australian Bats (2 nd Edition). Jacana Books, Allen &Unwin, Crows Nest. Clulow, J & Mahony, M.J. (2006). Selection and Enhancement of Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea) Habitat Ponds – Mt Owen Mine . Report prepared for Mt Owen Mine, May 2006. Clulow, J & Mahony, M.J. (2007). Mt Owen Mine: Green and Golden Bell Frog Monitoring and Management Programme . Report prepared for Mt Owen Mine, March 2007. Clulow, J & Mahony, M.J. (2009). Frogs return to Mt Owen: re-occurrence of frogs on the rehabilitated Mt Owen mining site. Report to Thiess, Mt Owen Complex. Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW) (2007) Management Plan for the Green and Golden Bell Frog Key Population in the Upper Hunter. Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW), Sydney. Fly by Night Bat Surveys and TUNRA, (1996). Mount Owen Coal Mine Wildlife Management Pilot Study. August 1995 - May 1996 . Report to Mt Owen Coal Mine and HLA Envirosciences Pty Ltd. October 1996. Forest Fauna Surveys & Newcastle Innovation (2012). Mt Owen Complex, Annual Fauna Monitoring Report 2011. Forest Fauna Surveys & Newcastle Innovation (2013). Mt Owen Complex, Annual Fauna Monitoring Report 2012. Forest Fauna Surveys & Newcastle Innovation (2014). Mt Owen Complex, Annual Fauna Monitoring Report 2013. Forest Fauna Surveys & Newcastle Innovation (2015). Mt Owen Complex, Annual Fauna Monitoring Report 2014. HBOC (2015). Hunter Region of New South Wales Annual Bird Report. Number 21. Published by Hunter Bird Observers Club Inc. Ingwersen, D., Roderick, M. and Wilson, C. (2016). Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater Update from May 2016 surveys . Birdlife Australia. Mount Owen Advisory Group (1995). Plan of Management, Revegetation and Wildlife Management in relation to the Mount Owen Mine . Prepared for Mount Owen Open Cut Coal Mine. Mt Owen (2014). Mt Owen Complex Biodiversity Management Plan incorporating the Flora and Fauna Management Plan and Offset Management Plan . December 2014. Stockwell, M. P., Clulow, S., Clulow, J. & Mahony, M. (2008) The impact of the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis on a green and golden bell frog Litoria aurea reintroduction program at the Hunter Wetlands Centre Australia in the Hunter Region of NSW. Australian Zoologist, 34 , 379-386. Stockwell, M.P., Clulow, J. and Mahony, M.J. (2010) Host species determines whether infection load increases beyond disease-causing thresholds following exposure to the amphibian chytrid fungus. Animal Conservation 13 : 62-71. Stockwell MP, Clulow J & Mahony MJ (2015). Evidence of a salt refuge: chytrid infection loads are suppressed in hosts exposed to salt. Oecologia 177: 901-910. Xstrata Coal Mt Owen Complex & Thiess (2006). Mt Owen Complex Flora & Fauna Management Plan . February 2006. Xstrata Coal Cumnock Management & Umwelt Consultants (2011) Offset and Green and Golden Bell Frog Management Plans for Ravensworth Mine Complex EPBC No. 2010/5389.

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APPENDIX ONE – FAUNA LIST, 2016

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

• EPBC Act - Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, or • TSC Act - NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 .

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

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

The column headings for the period 1994 to 2016 refer to fauna records recorded within the Mt Owen Complex in each monitoring year.

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FAMILY Scientific Name Common Name EPBCAct TSCAct 1994 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 PHASIANIDAE Coturnix pectoralis Stubble Quail + + Coturnix ypsilophora Brown Quail + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ANATIDAE Cygnus atratus Black Swan + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Anas rhynchotis Australasian Shoveller + + + + + + + + + + + Anas gracilis Grey Teal + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Anas castanea Chestnut Teal + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Malacorhychus membranaceus Pink -eared Duck + Aythya australis Hardhead + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + PODICIPEDIDAE Podiceps cristatus Great Crested Grebe + Poliocephalus poliocephalus Hoary-headed Grebe + + + Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Australian Grebe + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ANHINGIDAE Anhinga melanogaster Australian Darter + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + PHALACROCORACIDAE Microcarbo melanoleucos Little Pied Cormorant + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Little Black Cormorant + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Phalacrocorax carbo Great Cormorant + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + PELECANIDAE Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian Pelican + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ARDEIDAE Egretta novaehollandiae White -faced Heron + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Ardea pacifica White-necked Heron + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Ardea alba Great Egret + + + + + + Nycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night Heron + + PLATALEIDAE Threskiornis spinicollis Straw -necked Ibis + + Platalea flavipes Yellow -billed Spoonbill + + + + + + + + + + +

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FAMILY Scientific Name Common Name EPBCAct TSCAct 1994 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 ACCIPITRIDAE Aviceda subcristata Pacific Baza + + + + + + + + Elanus axillaris Black-shouldered Kite + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Haliaeetus leucogaster White -bellied Sea -eagle V + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Accipiter cirrhocephalus Collared Sparrowhawk + + Aquila audax Wedge -tailed Eagle + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle V + + + + FALCONIDAE Falco berigora Brown Falcon + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Falco longipennis Australian Hobby + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + RALLIDAE Gallirallus philippensis Buff -banded Rail + Gallinula tenebrosa Dusky Moorhen + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Fulica atra Eurasian Coot + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + TURNICIDAE Turnix varius Painted Button Quail + + + + + + + + SCOLOPACIDAE Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe + + + + + + + + + + + RECURVIROSTRIDAE Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt + + + + + + + + + CHARADRIIDAE Elseyornis melanops Black -fronted Dotterel + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Vanellus miles Masked Lapwing + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + COLUMBIDAE * Columba livia * Rock Dove + * Streptopelia chinensis * Spotted Turtle-dove + + Macropygia amboinenses Brown Cuckoo -dove + + + + + Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

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FAMILY Scientific Name Common Name EPBCAct TSCAct 1994 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Geopelia striata Peaceful Dove + Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove + + + + + Geopelia humeralis Bar -shouldered Dove + + + + + + + + + Lopholaimus antarcticus Topknot Pigeon + + + + + CACATUIDAE Calyptorhynchus funereus Yellow -tailed Black Cockatoo + + + Eolophus roseicapillus Galah + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella + + + + Cacatua galerita Sulphur -crested Cockatoo + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + PSITTACIDAE Alisterus scapularis Australian King Parrot + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Platycercus elegans Crimson Rosella + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Platycercus eximius Eastern Rosella + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Psephotus haematonotus Red-rumped Parrot + + + + + + + Trichoglossus haematodus Rainbow Lorikeet + Glossopsitta concinna Musk Lorikeet + + + + + + + + + + + + Glossopsitta pusilla Little Lorikeet V + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot E E + + + CUCULIDAE Cacomantis pallidus Pallid Cuckoo + + + + Cacomantis variolosus Brush Cuckoo + + Cacomantis flabelliformis Fan -tailed Cuckoo + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Chalcites basalis Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo + + + Chalcites lucidus Shining Bronze -Cuckoo + + + + + + Eudynamys orientalis Eastern Koel + + + Scythrops novaehollandiae Channel-billed Cuckoo + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + CENTROPODIDAE Centropus phasianinus Pheasant Coucal + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + STRIGIDAE Ninox novaeseelandiae Southern Boobook + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Ninox strenua Powerful Owl V + + + +

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FAMILY Scientific Name Common Name EPBCAct TSCAct 1994 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 TYTONIDAE Tyto novaehollandiae Masked Owl V + + + + + + + + + Tyto javanica Barn Owl + + + + + + + PODARGIDAE Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + CAPRIMULGIDAE Eurostopodus mystacalis White -throated Nightjar + + + + + + + + + + + + AEGOTHELIDAE Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-Nightjar + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + APODIDAE Hirundapus caudacutus White -throated Needletail + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ALCEDINIDAE Ceyx azureus Azure Kingfisher + HALCYONIDAE Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + MEROPIDAE Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + CORACIIDAE Eurystomus orientalis Dollarbird + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + CLIMACTERIDAE Cormobates leucophaea White -throated Treecreeper + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Climacteris picumnus Brown Treecreeper V + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + MALURIDAE Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy -wren + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy -wren + + + + + + PARDALOTIDAE Pardalotus punctatus Spotted Pardalote + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Sericornis citreogularis Yellow-throated Scrubwren + Sericornis frontalis White -browed Scrubwren + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Chthonicola sagittata Speckled Warbler V + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

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FAMILY Scientific Name Common Name EPBCAct TSCAct 1994 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill + + + + + + + + + + + + Gerygone mouki Brown Gerygone + + Gerygone fusca Western Gerygone + + + Gerygone olivacea White -throated Gerygone + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Acanthiza pusilla Brown Thornbill + + + + + + + Acanthiza reguloides Buff-rumped Thornbill + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Yellow -rumped Thornbill + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Acanthiza nana Yellow Thornbill + + + + + + + + + + Acanthiza lineate Striated Thornbill + + + + + + + + + + + + MELIPHAGIDAE Anthochaera carunculata Red Wattlebird + + + + + + + Plectorhyncha lanceolata Striped Honeyeater + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Philemon corniculatus Noisy Friarbird + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Philemon citreogularis Little Friarbird + + Manorina melanophrys Bell Miner + Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Meliphaga lewinii Lewin's Honeyeater + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Lichenostomus chrysops Yellow-faced Honeyeater + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Lichenostomus leucotis White -eared Honeyeater + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Lichenostomus fuscus Fuscous Honeyeater + + + + + + + + + Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Melithreptus gularis Black -chinned Honeyeater V + + + + Melithreptus brevirostris Brown -headed Honeyeater + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Melithreptus lunatus White-naped Honeyeater + + + + + Phylidonyris nigra White -cheeked Honeyeater + Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Eastern Spinebill + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Myzomela sanguinolenta Scarlet Honeyeater + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + PETROICIDAE Microeca fascinans Jacky Winter + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Petroica boodang Scarlet Robin V + + + Petroica goodenovii Red -capped Robin + + + + Petroica phoenicea Flame Robin V + + +

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FAMILY Scientific Name Common Name EPBCAct TSCAct 1994 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Petroica rosea Rose Robin + + + + + + + + + + + Melanodryas cucullata Hooded Robin V + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Eopsaltria australis Eastern Yellow Robin + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + POMATOSTOMIDAE Pomatostomus temporalis Grey -crowned Babbler V + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + CINCLOSOMATIDAE Psophodes olivaceus Eastern Whipbird + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Cinclosoma punctatum Spotted Quail Thrush + NEOSITTIDAE Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sittella V + + + + + + + + + + + + + PACHYCEPHALIDAE Falcunculus frontatus Eastern Shrike-tit + + + + + Pachycephala pectoralis Golden Whistler + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + DICRURIDAE Myiagra rubecula Leaden Flycatcher + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Myiagra inquieta Restless Flycatcher + + + + Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie -Lark + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail + + Rhipidura fuliginosa Grey Fantail + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + CAMPEPHAGIDAE Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Coracina papuensis White -bellied Cuckoo -shrike + Coracina tenuirostris Cicadabird + + + Lalage sueurii White-winged Triller + + + + + + + + ORIOLIDAE Oriolus sagittatus Olive -backed Oriole + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ARTAMIDAE Artamus cyanopterus Dusky Woodswallow V + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

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FAMILY Scientific Name Common Name EPBCAct TSCAct 1994 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Strepera graculina Pied Currawong + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + CORVIDAE Corvus coronoides Australian Raven + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Corvus orru Torresian Crow + CORCORACIDAE Corcorax melanorhamphos White -winged Chough + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + PTILONORHYNCHIDAE Ptilinorhynchus violaceus Satin Bowerbird + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + MOTACILLIDAE Anthus novaeseelandiae Australian Pipit + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + PASSERIDAE * Passer domesticus * House Sparrow + + Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch + + + Taeniopygia bichenovii Double -barred Finch + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Neochmia temporalis Red -browed Finch + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Stagonopleurata guttata Diamond Firetail V + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + DICAEIDAE Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + HIRUNDINIDAE Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Petrochelidon nigricans Tree Martin + + Petrochelidon ariel Fairy Martin + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + SYLVIIDAE Acrocephalus stentoreus Australian Reed -warbler + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Cisticola exilis Golden-headed Cisticola + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Cinclorhamphus mathewsi Rufous Songlark + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ZOSTEROPIDAE Zosterops lateralis Silvereye + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + STURNIDAE * Sturnus tristis * Common Myna + + + + + + + +

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FAMILY Scientific Name Common Name EPBCAct TSCAct 1994 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 * Sturnus vulgaris * Common Starling + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

FAMILY Scientific Name Common Name EPBCAct TSCAct 1994 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 MAMMALS TACHYGLOSSIDAE Tachyglossus aculeatus Short -beaked Echidna + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + DASYURIDAE Antechinus flavipes Yellow -footed Antechinus + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Antechinus stuartii Brown Antechinus ? Dasyurus maculatus Spotted-tail Quoll V V + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Phascogale tapoatafa Brush -tailed Phascogale V + + Planigale tenuirostris Narrow -nosed Planigale + + + + + Smithopsis murina Common Dunnart + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + PERAMELIDAE Isoodon macrourus Northern Brown Bandicoot + + + PHASCOLARCTIDAE Phascolarctos cinereus Koala V ? VOMBATIDAE Vombatus ursinus Common Wombat + + + + + PETAURIDAE Petaurus breviceps Sugar Glider ? Petaurus norfolcensis Squirrel Glider V + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + PSEUDOCHEIRIDAE Pseudocheirus peregrinus Common Ringtail Possum + + PHALANGERIDAE Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail Possum + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + MACROPODIDAE Macropus giganteus Eastern Grey Kangaroo + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Macropus robustus Common Wallaroo + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

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FAMILY Scientific Name Common Name EPBCAct TSCAct 1994 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Macropus rufogriseus Red -necked Wallaby + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Wallabia bicolor Swamp Wallaby + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + PTEROPODIDAE Pteropus poliocephalus Grey -headed Flying -fox V V + + + + + + + + + Pteropus scapulatus Little Red Flying -fox + + + + + RHINOLOPHIDAE Rhinolophus megaphyllus Eastern Horseshoe -bat + + + + + + + + + + + + EMBALLONEURIDAE Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat V + + + + + + MOLOSSIDAE Micronomus norfolkensis East -coast Freetail Bat V + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Mormopterus planiceps Southern Freetail Bat + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Nyctinomus australis White -striped Mastiff Bat + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + VESPERTILIONIDAE Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared Pied Bat V V ? + + Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis Eastern Bentwing-bat V + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Miniopterus australis Little Bentwing -bat V Pr Myotis macropus Large -footed Myotis V + + + + Po + + Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Nyctophilus gouldi Gould's Long -eared Bat + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Scoteanax rueppellii Greater Broad -nosed Bat V + + + + pr Pr + + + Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Vespadelus darlingtoni Large Forest Bat + + Vespadelus pumilus Eastern Forest Bat + + + + + + + Vespadelus regulus Southern Forest Bat + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + MURIDAE Pseudomys novaehollandiae New Holland Mouse V + + + + + + * Mus musculus * House Mouse + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + * Rattus rattus * Black Rat + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ______30 May 2017 Forest Fauna Surveys Pty Ltd 00354.0 Page 54 Mt. Owen Complex Fauna Monitoring 2016

FAMILY Scientific Name Common Name EPBCAct TSCAct 1994 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Rattus lutreolus Swamp Rat + + + + + + + CANIDAE * Canis familiaris * Dog + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Canis lupus dingo Dingo + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + * Vulpes vulpes * Fox + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + FELIDAE * Felis catus * Cat (feral) + + + + + + LEPORIDAE * Lepus capensis * Brown Hare + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + * Oryctolagus cuniculus * Rabbit + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + EQUIDAE * Equus caballus * Horse + + BOVIDAE * Bos taurus * Cattle + + + + + + + + + + + + CERVIDAE Dama dama * Fallow Deer + + + + + + + + + REPTILES CHELIDAE Chelodina longicollis Eastern Snake -necked Turtle + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + GEKKONIDAE Diplodactylus vittatus Eastern Stone Gecko + + + + + + + + + + + Oedura robusta Robust Velvet Gecko + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Underwoodisaurus milii Thick -tailed Gecko + PYGOPODIDAE Delma plebeian Leaden Delma + + + + AGAMIDAE Amphibolurus muricatus Jacky Lizard + + + Physignathus lesueurii Eastern Water Dragon + Pogona barbata Bearded Dragon + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + VARANIDAE Varanus varius Lace Monitor + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + SCINCIDAE

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FAMILY Scientific Name Common Name EPBCAct TSCAct 1994 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Carlia tetradactyla Southern Rainbow -skink + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Cryptoblepharus virgatus Cream -sided Shinning -skink + + + + + + + Ctenotus robustus Robust Ctenotus + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Ctenotus taeniolatus Copper -tailed Skink + Egernia modesta Eastern Ranges Rock -skink + Egernia striolata Tree-crevice Skink + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Eulamprus tenuis Bar -sided Forest Skink + + Lampropholis delicate Dark -flecked Garden Sunskink + Lampropholis guichenoti Pale-flecked Garden Sunskink + Lygisaurus foliorum Tree -base Litter -skink + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Morethia boulengeri South -eastern Morethia Skink + + + + + + + + + Tiliqua scincoides Eastern Bluetongue + + + + + + + TYPHLOPIDAE Ramphotyphlops proximus Proximus Blind Snake + ELAPIDAE Demansia psammophis Yellow -faced Whipsnake + + + + + + + + + + Furina diadema Red -naped Snake + + + + + + + + Pseudechis porphyriacus Red-bellied Black Snake + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Blue-bellied (or Spotted) Black Pseudechis guttata Snake + Pseudonaja textilis Eastern Brown Snake + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Vermicella annulata Bandy Bandy + AMPHIBIANS MYOBATRACHIDAE Crinia signifera Common Eastern Froglet + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Limnodynastes dumerilii Eastern Banjo Frog + + + + + + + + + Platyplectrum ornatum Ornate Burrowing Frog + + + + + Limnodynastes peronii Striped Marsh Frog + + + + + + Limnodynastes tasmaniensis Spotted Grass Frog + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Uperoleia fusca Dusky Toadlet + + Uperoleia laevigata Smooth Toadlet + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Uperoleia rugosa Rugose Toadlet + + + + + + HYLIDAE ______30 May 2017 Forest Fauna Surveys Pty Ltd 00354.0 Page 56 Mt. Owen Complex Fauna Monitoring 2016

FAMILY Scientific Name Common Name EPBCAct TSCAct 1994 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Litoria aurea Green & Golden Bell Frog E E + + + + ? Litoria caerulea Green Tree Frog + + + + + + + + + + Litoria dentate Bleating Tree Frog + + + + + + + + + + + Litoria fallax Dwarf Green Tree Frog + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Litoria latopalmata Broad Palmed Frog + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Litoria wilcoxi Stony Creek Frog + + + Litoria peronii Emerald Spotted Tree Frog + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Litoria verreauxii Whistling Tree Frog + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

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