Biosis Letterhead Template

16 December 2015 - Final

Sandy Baldwin ACT Head of Projects APP Corporation Pty Limited Unit 8, 32 Lonsdale Street Braddon ACT 2612

Ecological Values and Constraints Assessment – Bangladesh Embassy Site, ACT Project no. 20955 and 21411

Dear Ms Baldwin,

This letter presents an ecological values and constraints assessment (EVCA)for the site of the proposed Bangladesh Embassy, Block 18 Section 86, Yarralumla (refer Figure 1. Location of the study area, and Figure 2. Study area boundary). It has been updated to include the methodology and results of a survey for the Golden Sun Moth (Synemon plana), for which potential habitat was detected during the initial site visit for the EVCA.

This EVCA is required to provide information to the National Capital Authority (NCA) regarding the significant ecological values of the 4965m² site, to obtain works approval for the project. It includes a description of the vegetation and ecological values of the study area as recorded through a field survey, and the likely potential impact of a development within the study area upon ecological values, specifically upon species and ecological communities listed pursuant to the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Ecological values listed solely under the ACT Nature Conservation Act 2014 (NC Act) have also been considered, although it is understood that these values are not prohibitive for works on NCA land.

This letter is based upon the following.

 A desktop review of the study area, including a search of the Commonwealth EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool, and examination of ecological values on ACTmapi.

 A total of 2.5 hours on site on 27 October 2015 to assess and map the vegetation within and identify the presence of, or habitat for, terrestrial flora and fauna species and ecological communities listed as threatened pursuant to the EPBC Act (i.e. Matters of National Environmental Significance) and the NC Act. During the field survey, the ecologist also examined the adjacent vacant land to the east and the road reserve, which are likely to be impacted by any development within the study area.

 A follow up Golden Sun Moth survey totalling approximately 2 hours on site, to confirm the presence of the species on the site (EPBC Act listed critically endangered and NC Act listed endangered).

 The experience of the author with regards to the ecology and distribution of local ecological values, particularly species and communities of conservation significance.

Biosis Pty Ltd Canberra Resource Group

Unit 3, 38 Essington Street Phone: 02 6102 1200 ACN 006 175 097 MITHCELL ACT 2911 Fax: 03 9646 9499 ABN 65 006 175 097 Email: [email protected] biosis.com.au Description of the study area

Vegetation and Land Management The following was determined regarding the land use history and current condition of the study area.

 Much of the study area has been historically cleared of overstorey and midstorey vegetation in the past.

 Disturbance of the study area (i.e. through clearing, slashing etc.) has led to much of the ground cover within both the study area and the adjacent block (part Block 20 Section 86) being dominated by exotic species, including significant weed species such as Chilean Needle Grass (Nassella neesiana) which is present across much of the study area, the road reserve and the adjacent land.

 One large (15-25 m) planted Blue Gum (probably Eucalyptus globulus), a non-local native species, is present within the study area. Several Blue Gum saplings are regenerating near this tree.

 One mature Yellow Box (Eucalyptis melliodora) and Several Blakely's Red Gum (Eucalyptus blakelyi) are present and are likely to be remnant trees. Two Blakely's Red Gum stags (dead trees) are also present. Some Black Wattle (Acacia decurrens), a local native species, are also present as both trees and shrubby regrowth. Regeneration of overstorey local native species is occurring.

 No weed control has been undertaken within the study area. As well as significant groundstorey weed infestation, many exotic woody weeds are present, many of which are likely to have originated or dispersed from gardens and plantings in adjacent blocks.

 The road verge and parts of the study area appear likely to be regularly mown to keep biomass down. Further away from the road, biomass control has not been undertaken in a long time. Grazing by native vertebrates is unlikely to be occurring with any regularity due to the location of the study area.

As a consequence of the above land management history, the site now consists of disturbed groundcover dominated by exotic pasture grasses and containing dense patches of herbaceous weeds. Dominant exotic pasture grasses include Chilean Needle Grass (Nassella neesiana) Cocksfoot (Dactylus glomerata) and Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Some small patches of native grasses remain, including Corkscrew (Austrostipa scabra), Tall Speagrass (Austrostipa bugeniculata), and Redleg Grass (Bothriochloa macra). Some native forbs are present including Bulbine Lily (Bulbine bulbosa), Yellow Buttons (Chrysocephalum apiculatum), and Scrambled Eggs (Goodenia pinnatifida). Although the study area supports a low diversity of native species, a large population of Bulbine Lily was recorded within the study area.

The full list of species recorded within the study area is presented as Appendix A and photographs taken within the study area are presented as Appendix B.

The presence of remnant Yellow Box and Blakely's Red Gum trees, both within the study area and in the adjacent property, indicates that the study area and locality would have supported the ecological community 'Yellow Box – Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland' (known as Box-Gum Woodland). This is supported by the ACT government mapping of Box-Gum Woodland for the area (ACT Government 2004).

© Biosis 2015 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 2 Weed Occurrence Several significant weeds are present within the study area. Those listed as Weeds of National Significance and/or listed on the Pest Plants and Animals (Pest Plants) Declaration 2015 under the ACT Pest Plants and Animals Act 2005 are detailed in Table 1.

Numerous weeds of lower significance were also recorded within the study area, likely having colonised and proliferated as a result of past disturbance, or spreading from nearby gardens.

Table 1. Weed occurrence within the study area

Species WoNS?* ACT weed Location and severity of infestation category**

African Lovegrass No 3  Scattered African Lovegrass occurs within the study area Eragrostis curvula and adjacent land.

 Control is required for this species.

Chilean Needle Grass Yes 3  Occurs in high density within the study area. Dominant Nassella neesiana species in the road reserve and present in high density in the adjacent vacant land.

Cootamundra Wattle No 4  Large shrubs present within the study area Acacia baileyana

Cotoneaster species No 4  Shrubs present within the study area (possibly C. glaucophyllus)

Japanese Honeysuckle No 4  Large infestation present along the southern edge of the Lonicera japonica study area.

Narrow-leaf privet No 4  Privet shrubs likely present within the study area. Ligustrum sinense

Rowan No 4  Several large 10-15 m, plus young regrowth. Sorbus aucuparia

Scotch Thistle No 3  Several recorded near road reserve. Onopordum acanthium

St John's Wort No 3  Low density within the study area. Hypericum perforatum

*Weed of National Significance ** listed as 'must be contained' (Category 3) or 'prohibited' (Category 4) on the Pest Plants and Animals (Pest Plants) Declaration 2015 under the ACT Pest Plants and Animals Act 2005.

Habitat Values The study area is highly modified, yet still provides habitat for native fauna. Habitat features which are likely to be of the value to native fauna within the study area include the native and exotic groundcover grasses and herbs, the mature eucalypts (nectar, nesting habitat etc.), and the shrubs and woody weeds (nesting and foraging habitat for small common birds). No nests or hollows were recorded during the field survey.

Potential for Impacts on Significant Ecological Values

Threatened Ecological Communities The following two threatened ecological communities (TECs), listed under both the EPBC Act and the NC Act, occur in the locality.

Natural Temperate Grassland  EPBC Act – listed as 'Natural Temperate Grassland of the Southern Tablelands of NSW and the Australian Capital Territory' and classified as endangered

 NC Act – listed as 'Natural Temperate Grassland' and classified as endangered

EPBC Act Description – The Natural Temperate Grassland TEC is characterised by grassy vegetation dominated by moderately tall (25–50cm) to tall (50–100cm), dense to open tussock grasses in the genera Austrodanthonia, Austrostipa, Bothriochloa, Poa and Themeda. Up to 70% of all plant species may be forbs. The community may be treeless or contain up to 10% cover of trees, shrubs or sedges. Natural Temperate Grassland occurs within the geographical region of the Southern Tablelands of NSW and the ACT at altitudes between 560m in central and northern parts of its distribution and 1200m in the south, in valleys influenced by cold air drainage and in broad plains.

Potential for occurrence in the study area – None –Given the location of the site in the landscape and the presence of characteristic Box-Gum Woodland species, it is likely that, prior to disturbance, the site would have supported lowland woodland (likely Box-Gum Woodland).

Yellow Box – Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland ('Box-Gum Woodland')  EPBC Act – listed as 'White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland' and classified as critically endangered

 NC Act – listed as 'Yellow Box – Red Gum Grassy Woodland' and classified as endangered

EPBC Act Description – The TEC is characterised by a species-rich understorey of native tussock grasses, herbs and scattered shrubs (where shrub cover comprises less than 30% cover), and a dominance or prior dominance of White Box and/or Yellow Box and/or Blakely’s Red Gum trees. This TEC occurs along the western slopes and tablelands of the Great Dividing Range from southern Queensland through New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory to Victoria.

Potential for occurrence in the study area – Low – although mature Yellow Box and Blakely's Red Gum trees remain within the study area, these trees are codominant with non-local native and exotic trees and shrubs. The study area is highly disturbed and weedy and the ground story is predominantly exotic. One step-point transect (approx. 85 m long) was completed through the middle of the study area. The results of this transect is shown in Table 2. The small patches of native vegetation present are of low diversity. Only six non grass native understorey species were recorded during the field survey (refer Appendix A).

Groundcover Number within transect

Cryptograms 0

Bare Earth 0

Rocks 0

Litter/Dead Vegetation 11

Annual Exotic Grass 17

Perennial Exotic Grass 36

Exotic Broadleaf 5

Perennial Native Grass 14

Other Native 2

Total 85

% Native (of perennial and broadleaf species only) 28

% Native (of all grasses) 22

Native Vegetation (NC Act) Under the NC Act, native vegetation is defined as present if:

 trees or shrubs indigenous to the area have a canopy cover of 10% or greater in any stratum; or

 native plants indigenous to the area comprise 50% or more of the cover of the groundstorey (grasses, small shrubs, forbs, sedges etc).

Although some small patches of native groundcover were observed during the time of survey, these patches were too small to be accurately mapped and native species comprised less than 50% of the groundstorey of the whole study area.

Local native trees may form 10% or more of the canopy, therefore some native vegetation may be present according to this definition.

Potential for impacts upon significant flora and Fauna No threatened flora or fauna species were recorded within the study area during the initial field survey, completed on 27 October 2015. Only common native birds including Yellow-rumped Thornbills (Acanthiza chrysorrhoa) and Eastern Rosellas (Platycercus eximius) were recorded.

Based upon the availability, quality and type of habitat within the study area, as well as an EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool database search, a likelihood of occurrence and habitat assessment was undertaken. The full likelihood of occurrence and habitat assessment is provided as Appendix C and includes descriptions and assessment for all species considered as part of this EVCA, including those determined to have a negligible likelihood of occurrence. This includes any species listed solely under the NC Act and which are known to occur in the locality.

 The study area is unlikely to support any listed threatened flora species.

 There is some likelihood that EPBC Act and/or NC Act listed threatened bird species may intermittently visit the site, potentially to forage or during movements between patches of habitat in the broader locality. Notwithstanding this, the site does not provide significant foraging or other habitat resources with the potential to be of high value to any listed threatened bird species. Likewise, the Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) may visit the study area to forage on occasion, however the study area is highly unlikely to contain any habitat of significance to this species. Development of the study area is unlikely to impact upon these species.

 Due to its disturbed character, the study area is unlikely to provide any habitat of importance for migratory species listed under the EPBC Act.

 Only one threatened fauna species was considered during the initial survey and habitat assessment to have the potential to be impacted by development of the study area: the Golden Sun Moth (Synemon plana). Chilean Needle Grass, a highly invasive exotic species which occurs densely within the study area, is potential habitat for the species as it is a known feed species of Golden Sun Moth caterpillars. The species is also known to occur nearby to the study area in Yarralumla and Barton. Targeted survey was recommended to provide evidence for the presence/absence of this species. This survey was undertaken and the methodology, results and an preliminary impact assessment for the species are presented in the following sections.

Golden Sun Moth survey and impact assessment

Methodology Targeted surveys for the Golden Sun Moth were undertaken in accordance with the survey guidelines provided in the Background Paper to EPBC Act Policy Statement 3.12 - Significant Impact Guidelines for the Critically Endangered Golden Sun Moth (Synemon plana) (DEWHA 2009).

As detailed in DEWHA (2009), surveys for S. plana should involve fixed point counts or transects, as most suitable to the size and topography of the potential habitat. A combination of methods should be used if considered likely to increase the chances of detecting the species. Transects were selected as the primary survey method for the study area. For each survey, one experienced ecologist walked transects (5 - 15 m apart) across all of the potential habitat within the study area, as well as within the adjacent Block (part Block 20 Section 86) and the road reserve.

As per the guidelines, surveys were undertaken during the hottest period of the day, on days when moths were known to be flying at other locations in the ACT. This was determined through survey of a nearby reference site and through communication with other ecologists surveying for the species in the ACT region.

A GPS waypoint was taken for each S. plana flight observed along the transect. The ecologist attempted to avoid counting moths more than once although some double-counting is usually unavoidable. Whilst observing and recording flying males was the primary focus of the survey, the ecologist also surveyed the ground for females and pupal cases.

The guidelines state that survey for GSM requires at least four different surveys of a site during the flying season, preferably separated by at least one week, however if moths are recorded, fewer than four surveys may be sufficient. As high numbers were recorded, only two surveys were required.

© Biosis 2015 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 6 Dates and details of the surveys completed are provided under 'results'. The locations of the survey transects walked during each survey are shown on Figure 3.

Results The results of the surveys are detailed below and in Table 1.

 A total of 27 Golden Sun Moth flights were recorded across the two surveys. The locations of the Golden Sun Moth flights are shown on Figure 3.

 No female moths or pupal cases were recorded. The study area was mown prior to the first survey, and the grass thatch was left on site. The subsequent lack of inter-tussock space is likely to have made the females more difficult to locate.

 Windy conditions during the survey season made selection of survey days difficult, and the days selected were less than one week apart, however moths were actively flying (i.e. not just being flushed by the ecologist) on the selected survey days, and the data is considered sufficient to provide evidence of a substantial population of the species at the study area.

 The population occurs within the Chilean Needle Grass-dominated road reserve and into both the study area and the adjacent Block. It also incorporates the Chilean Needle Grass-dominated vacant reserve land on the other side of Turrana Street (Block 2 Section 85). Although our transect surveys did not incorporate this area, moths were observed flying in the open centre of this triangle of land.

 It is possible that the Golden Sun Moth does not utilise the southern portion of the study area due to shading by vegetation and/or inadequate density of feed species. Whilst a survey cannot conclusively determine the absence of the species, given the numbers of moths recorded in the north of the site, it is unlikely that the southern portion represents habitat of any significance to the species. The mapped confirmed habitat is shown as Figure 4. We mapped 3760 m2 of habitat in total, with 1633 m2 of this occurring within the study area. Habitat mapping was based both upon the distribution of recorded moths, as well as the observed occurrence of feed species within and adjacent to the study area.

Table 3. Golden Sun Moth survey conditions and results (temperature and cloud cover recorded on site, wind speed data obtained from Bureau of Meteorology website, Canberra Airport).

Survey 1 Survey 2

Date 30/11/2015 04/12/2015

Time 12:45 13:30

No. Flights 16 11

Temperature 26 27

Cloud cover Clear – hot and sunny Clear – hot and sunny

Wind Speed Light: 9-24km/h Light: 6-13 km/h (9 am – 3 pm)

Ground conditions Dry Dry

Notes Flying in good numbers, including in the Good numbers at the start of the survey. vacant land on the other side of the road. Fewer flights by the end.

© Biosis 2015 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 7 Preliminary Impact Assessment Any loss, disturbance or fragmentation of a small or fragmented habitat area (<10 ha) is considered to be a significant impact upon the Golden Sun Moth according to the Australian Government guidelines (DEWHA 2009). The patch of predominantly Chilean Needle Grass-dominated habitat at the study area, even when including the unmapped habitat on the other side of Turrana Street, is considerably less than 10 ha, and is divided from other patches of habitat in the locality by roads, landscaping and other areas of unsuitable vegetation. The patch of confirmed habitat at the study area is therefore considered to be small and fragmented, and referral to Australian Government Minister for the Environment is recommended for any proposed impacts. Potential impacts to the Golden Sun Moth from development include both direct impacts (clearing of habitat for construction, landscaping etc.) as well as indirect impacts (shading from buildings etc.).

Should development of the embassy at the study area remain the preferred option, potential avoidance, minimisation and mitigation measures should first be examined. Development of the southern end of the block may be able to be undertaken with minimal impact upon the Golden Sun Moth as the area not mapped as 'confirmed habitat' is considered unlikely to support the species. If impacts cannot be avoided or substantially minimised/mitigated and the Commonwealth determines through the referral process that there will be a residual significant impact, offsetting may be required in accordance with the EPBC Act environmental offsets policy (DSEWPaC 2012).

Given the small and isolated nature of the habitat at the study area, it is unlikely that the population present is of great significance for the conservation of the species in the ACT. Should the habitat within the study area be lost, the reduced population may persist in the Chilean Needle Grass-dominated road reserves, the adjacent property (part Block 20 Section 86) and the habitat within the reserve on the opposite side of Turrana Street (Block 2 Section 85).

Conclusions and recommendations As informed by our completed desktop assessment, field survey and targeted survey, the study area does not support any listed TECs, however it does support habitat for a threatened species: the Golden Sun Moth. Referral is recommended to the Australian Government Minister for the Environment for consideration under the provisions of the EPBC Act for impacts upon ecological matters.

I trust that this assessment and advice is of assistance, however should you wish to discuss any of the matters addressed herein, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Samantha Vertucci

Consultant Ecologist

Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) (2009). Significant Impact Guidelines for the Critically Endangered Golden Sun Moth (Synemon plana) (and Background Paper). Commonwealth Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPaC) (2012) EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy

ACT Government (2004). ‘Woodlands for Wildlife: ACT Lowland Woodland Conservation Strategy’. Action Plan 27. Environment ACT, Canberra.

Attachments

Figure 1: Location of the study area

Figure 2: Study area boundary

Figure 3: Golden Sun Moth survey effort and results

Figure 4: Golden Sun Moth habitat mapping

Appendix A. Flora species list

Appendix B. Photographs of the study area

Appendix C. Likelihood of occurrence and habitat assessment

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Figure 2: Study area boundary

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Figure 4: Golden Sun Moth habitat mapping

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Appendix A. Flora species list

Scientific name Common name Form

Native

*Acacia bailyana Cootamundra Wattle shrub/tree

Acacia decurrens Black Wattle shrub/tree

Acaena ovina Sheep's Burr herb

Austrostipa bigeniculata Tall Speargrass grass

Austrostipa scabra Corkscrew grass

Bulbine bulbosa Bulbine Lily herb

Chrysocephalum apiculatum Yellow Buttons herb

Convulvulus erubescens Blushing Bindweed herb

Eucalyptus blakelyi Blakely's Red Gum tree

Eucalyptus globulus Blue Gum tree

Eucalyptus melliodora Yellow Box tree

Goodenia pinnatifida Scrambled Eggs herb

*Grevillea rosmarinifolia Rosemary Grevillea shrub

Oxalis perennans herb

Panicum effusum Hairy Panic grass

Wahlenbergia sp. Blue Bells herb

Exotic

Aira asp. Airgrass grass

Arctotheca calendula Capeweed herb

Avena barbata Wild Oats grass

Briza maxima Quaking Grass grass

Briza minor Shivery Grass grass

Bromus driandrus Great Brome grass

Bromus hordeaceus Soft Brome/Silky Brome grass

Cotoneaster glaucophyllus Cotoneaster shrub/tree

Dactylus glomerata Cocksfoot grass

Eragrostis curvula African Lovegrass grass

Festuca elatior Tall Fescue grass

Galium aparine Cleavers herb/creeper

Hirschfielda incana Hoary Mustard herb

Hypericum perforatum St John's Wort herb

Hypochaeris radicata Cat's Ear herb

Ligustrum sinense Narrow-leaf Privet shrub/tree

Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle vine

Modiola caroliniana Red-flowered Mallow herb

Nassella neesiana Chilean Needle Grass grass

Onopordum acanthium Scotch Thistle herb

Petrohagia nanteuilii Proliferous Pink herb

Plantago Lanceolata Ribwort Plantain herb

Rumex crispus Curled Dock herb

Salvia verbenaca Wild Sage herb

Sanguisorba minor Sheep's Burnet herb

Sonchus sp. Sow Thistle herb

Sorbus aucuparia Rowan tree

Tolpis barbata Yellow Hawkweed herb

Tragopogon dubius Goat's Beard herb

Trifolium sp. Clover herb

Vulpia myuros Rat's Tail Fescue grass *Non-local/weedy native species

Appendix B. Photographs of the study area

View of the study area from the north showing maintained predominantly exotic pasture in the foreground, and mature trees and weedy regeneration in the background.

Bulbine Lily growing between exotic grasses within the study area

African Lovegrass plant within the study area

Rowan growing next to stag (dead tree)

Photograph of the south-western corner of the study area: Blakely's Red Gum over exotic pasture with woody weeds behind and non local eucalypt regeneration in the foreground.

Patch of native grass within the study area - looking north.

The majority of the study area was mown prior to the Golden Sun Moth Survey

Appendix C. Likelihood of occurrence and habitat assessment

Likelihood of Potential criteria occurrence

High  Species recorded in study area during current or previous assessment/s.  Aquatic species recorded from connected waterbodies in close proximity to the study area during current or previous assessment/s.  Sufficient good quality habitat is present in study area.  Study area is within species natural distributional range (if known).  Species has been recorded within ten kilometres or from the relevant catchment/basin.

Medium  Records of terrestrial species within ten kilometres of the study area.  Habitat limited in its capacity to support the species due to extent, quality, or isolation.

Low  No records within ten kilometres of the study area or for aquatic species, the relevant basin/neighbouring basin.  Marginal habitat present (low quality & extent).  Substantial loss of habitat since any previous record(s).

Negligible  Habitat not present in study area  Habitat for aquatic species not present in connected waterbodies in close proximity to the study area.  Habitat present but sufficient targeted survey has been conducted at an optimal time of year and species wasn’t recorded.

Species name EPBC Act NC Act Description Likelihood of Habitat value status status occurrence (fauna only)

FLORA

Lepidium E - This species is known from a few populations in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania. The Negligible - hyssopifolium Basalt Pepper-cress is known to establish on open, bare ground with limited The species is not Basalt competition from other plants. It was previously recorded from Eucalypt known from the ACT

Species name EPBC Act NC Act Description Likelihood of Habitat value status status occurrence (fauna only)

Peppercress woodland with a grassy ground cover, low open Casuarina woodland with a and the study area is grassy ground cover and tussock grassland, however recently recorded localities too highly disturbed to have predominantly been in weed-infested areas of heavy modification, high constitute potential degradation and high soil disturbance such as road and rail verges, on the fringes habitat. of developed agricultural land or within small reserves in agricultural land. Many populations are now generally found amongst exotic pasture grasses and beneath exotic trees.

Leucochrysum E - The Hoary Sunray occurs from Queensland to Victoria and in Tasmania. In the Low - albicans var. ACT the species can be seen in spring in abundance on the roadside along Although the study area tricolor Fairbairn Avenue and into Mt Ainslie Nature Reserve, on the western slopes of Mt contains potential Hoary Sunray Majura and adjacent to the Federal Highway road easement. In NSW it is habitat, this species distributed on the inland slopes and plains including grasslands and woodlands (which is readily on the Monaro. The species is usually found in ungrazed and lightly grazed areas, identifiable in along roadsides in particular. It appears to be very sensitive to grazing, but spring/summer) was responds to disturbance as a coloniser and appears to tolerate mowing. Flowers not recorded within the spring to summer. study area during the field survey.

Pelargonium sp. E - An undescribed species of Pelargonium, Omeo Stork’s Bill is a tufted perennial Negligible - Striatellum herb threatened by grazing, recreational activities, and exotic species. It is known There is no potential Omeo Stork's-bill to occur just above the high water level of ephemeral lakes in NSW and Victoria. habitat for this species in the study area.

Prasophyllum E E Known from Hall Cemetery in the ACT as well as four sites in New South Wales: Negligible - petilum (CE – P. sp Captains Flat Cemetery, Ilford Cemetery, Steves Travelling Stock Route (TSR) at Not known from the Tarengo Leek Wybong) Delegate and the Tarengo TSR near Boorowa. Occurs on relatively fertile soils in study area or locality. Orchid grassy woodland or natural grassland. Unlikely to persist in a (Also listed as heavily disturbed and Prasophyllum sp. weedy site such a the Wybong (C.Phelps study area.

Species name EPBC Act NC Act Description Likelihood of Habitat value status status occurrence (fauna only)

ORG 5269)

Rutidosis E E In the ACT and NSW, Button Wrinklewort occurs in box-gum woodland, Low - Leptorrhynchoides secondary grassland derived from box-gum woodland or in natural temperate The study area is too Button grassland. It prefers open spaces where it does not have to compete for light. It is disturbed and no plants Wrinklewort known from several sites in the ACT, NSW and Victoria, where it is threatened by were recorded during habitat loss, grazing and weed encroachment. the field survey.

Swainsona recta E E The Small Purple-pea occurs in the grassy understorey of woodlands and open- Low - Small Purple-pea forests dominated by Blakely’s Red Gum, Yellow Box, Candlebark and Bundy. The The study area is too species grows in association with understorey dominants that include Kangaroo weedy and no plants Grass, poa tussocks and spear-grasses. Plants die back in summer, surviving as were recorded during rootstocks until they shoot again in autumn. The species is intolerant of grazing the field survey. but generally tolerant of fire, which also enhances germination by breaking the seed coat and reducing competition from other species.

Thesium australe V - Found in very small to large populations scattered across eastern NSW, along the Low - Austral Toadflax coast, and from the Northern to Southern Tablelands. Austral Toadflax is a root The study area parasite that takes water and some nutrients from other plants, especially possessed poor quality Kangaroo Grass. It is often found in damp sites in association with Kangaroo potential habitat and is Grass but it is also found on other grass species at inland sites. Occurs on clay not dominated by soils in grassy woodlands or coastal headlands. Kangaroo Grass.

FAUNA

BIRDS

Anthochaera E E A semi-nomadic species occurring in temperate eucalypt woodlands and open Moderate Low phrygia forests. Most records are from box-ironbark eucalypt forest associations and wet May visit to feed on Low-quality foraging Regent lowland coastal forests. Key eucalypt species include Mugga Ironbark, Yellow flowering eucalypts. habitat only. The Honeyeater Box, Blakely's Red Gum, White Box and Swamp Mahogany. Also utilises a species rarely

Species name EPBC Act NC Act Description Likelihood of Habitat value status status occurrence (fauna only)

number of other eucalypt species. Nectar and fruit from the mistletoes Amyema breeds in the ACT miquelii, A. pendula, and A. cambagei are also eaten during the breeding season. region as in highly Regent Honeyeaters usually nest in horizontal branches or forks in tall mature unlikely to breed eucalypts and sheoaks as well as within mistletoe haustoria (section of the root within the study which connects with the host tree). An open cup-shaped nest is constructed by area. the female of bark, grass, twigs and wool.

Calyptorhynchus - V The Glossy Black-cockatoo has a patchy distribution, having once been Low Low lathami widespread across most of the south-east of Australia. The species is now No Drooping Sheoak Glossy Black- distributed throughout an area which extends from the coast near Eungella in present cockatoo eastern Queensland to Mallacoota in Victoria. Glossy black-cockatoos feed on casuarina seeds, however they occasionally consume seeds from eucalypts, angophoras, acacias and hakeas, as well as insect larvae. In the ACT region the species feeds almost exclusively on Drooping Sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillata). Pairs mate for life and nest in the hollows of large, old living or dead eucalypt trees. Breeding takes place between March and August.

Climacteris - V In the ACT region, Brown Treecreepers occur in dry woodlands and open forest Negligible - picumnus victoriae below 1,000 metres. The species is relatively common along the Clear Range and Insufficient habitat Brown along the Lower Naas River. Other populations occur at Mulligans Flat Reserve, within the study area. Treecreeper Campbell Park, Burbong and former quarries south of the airport in the northern Species unlikely to occur (eastern part of the ACT, and at Castle Hill, north of Tharwa. Brown Treecreepers also in urban areas. subspecies) frequent paddocks and grasslands where there are sufficient logs, stumps and dead trees nearby. The species prefers relatively undisturbed woodland and dry open forest where the native understorey, especially grasses, has been preserved. The species usually prefers predominantly rough-barked trees such as Stringybarks and rough barked Boxes.

Species name EPBC Act NC Act Description Likelihood of Habitat value status status occurrence (fauna only)

Daphoenositta - V In the ACT region, the Varied Sittella occurs in a wide variety of woodland and Negligible - chrysoptera forest habitats, particularly in lowland areas. The species prefers areas with a Limited suitable habitat Varied Sittella dominance of rough barked trees, notably Red Stringybark at relatively high within the study area. density. The species is rarely recorded in sparsely treed areas. Species unlikely to occur in urban areas.

Grantiella picta V V The Painted Honeyeater is found in Queensland and New South Wales west of Low Low Painted the Great Dividing Range, through to northern Victoria. The species displays This species is only an Honeyeater some migrational movement and is occasionally found in the Northern Territory occasional visitor to the and is a vagrant to South Australia and the ACT. The species frequents eucalypt ACT and based on the forests and woodlands, particularly those that are infested heavily with location of previous mistletoes. In the ACT, the species' primary habitat is River Oak (Casuarina recordings, is unlikely to cunninghamiana) along river systems, especially the Murrumbidgee River. visit, and highly unlikely to breed within the study area.

Hieraaetus - V The Little Eagle is distributed throughout the Australian mainland excepting the Low Low morphnoides most densely forested parts of the Dividing Range escarpment, and occupies Species unlikely to hunt Little Eagle habitats rich in prey within open eucalypt forest, woodland or open woodland. in urban areas. The species is sensitive to human disturbance.

Lathamus discolor E V The Swift Parrot occurs in woodlands and forests of NSW from May to August, Low Low Swift Parrot where it feeds on eucalypt nectar, pollen and associated insects. The Swift Parrot The species may move is dependent on flowering resources across a wide range of habitats in its through the study area wintering grounds in NSW. This species is migratory, breeding in Tasmania and during winter, feeding in also nomadic, moving about in response to changing food availability. eucalypts.

Polytelis swainsonii V V Found mainly in open, tall riparian River Red Gum forest or woodland. Often Low Low Superb Parrot found in farmland including grazing land with patches of remnant vegetation. The species may Breeds in hollow branches of tall Eucalypt trees within 9 km of feeding areas. periodically feed within

Species name EPBC Act NC Act Description Likelihood of Habitat value status status occurrence (fauna only)

the study area however is not known to breed within or frequent the vicinity of the study area.

Rostratula australis V - Usually found in shallow inland wetlands including farm dams, lakes, rice crops, Negligible - Australian swamps and waterlogged grassland. The species prefers freshwater wetlands, The study area does not Painted Snipe ephemeral or permanent, although it has been recorded in brackish waters. provide potential habitat for the species and the species is only rarely recorded at one location in the ACT region, Jerrabomberra Wetlands.

FISH & CRUSTACEA

Maccullochella V - The Murray Cod's natural distribution extends throughout the Murray-Darling Negligible - peelii basin ranging west of the divide from south east Queensland, through NSW into There is no potential Murray Cod Victoria and South Australia. The species is found in the waterways of the habitat for this species Murray–Darling Basin in a wide range of warm water habitats that range from within the study area. clear, rocky streams to slow flowing turbid rivers, billabongs and large deep holes. Murray Cod is entirely a freshwater species and will not tolerate high salinity levels.

Macquaria E E Macquarie Perch are found in the Murray-Darling Basin (particularly upstream Negligible - australasica reaches) of the Lachlan, Murrumbidgee and Murray rivers, and parts of south- There is no potential Macquarie Perch eastern coastal NSW, including the Hawkesbury and Shoalhaven catchments. habitat for this species Macquarie perch are found in both river and lake habitats, especially the upper within the study area. reaches of rivers and their substantial tributaries

Species name EPBC Act NC Act Description Likelihood of Habitat value status status occurrence (fauna only)

FROGS

Litoria castanea E - The Yellow-spotted Tree Frog previously had a disjunct distribution, being Negligible - Yellow-spotted recorded on the New England Tablelands and on the Southern Tablelands from There is no potential Tree Frog Lake George to Bombala. The species has only recently (2010) been rediscovered habitat for this species on the Southern Tablelands. Prior to this the species had not been recorded on within the study area. the Southern Tablelands since the 1970s. Found in large permanent ponds, lakes and dams with an abundance of bulrushes and other emergent vegetation, it shelters during autumn and winter under fallen timber, rocks, other debris or thick vegetation.

INSECTS

Perunga ochracea - V Records of the species are from Wagga Wagga, Boorowa, Galong, the ACT and Low Perunga adjacent areas of NSW. Key habitat for the Perunga Grasshopper appears to be The species is unlikely Grasshopper Natural Temperate Grassland or native pasture dominated by Wallaby Grasses, to occur due to the Kangaroo Grass and Speargrasses with forb food plants located in the inter- weedy and modified tussock spaces. The species has also been recorded in open woodland areas with nature of the study a grassy understorey, including Box-Gum Grassy Woodland, and rarely, in exotic area. pasture.

Synemon plana CE E The Golden Sun Moth's NSW populations are found in the area between Confirmed High Golden Sun Queanbeyan, Gunning, Young and Tumut. The species occurs in Natural Chilean Needle Grass (a Habitat is of good Moth Temperate Grasslands and Box-Gum Grassy Woodland in which the groundlayer known feed plant for quality (although is dominated by Wallaby Grasses (Rytidosperma spp.). It is believed that the Golden Sun Moth exotic) and appears females lay up to 200 eggs at the base of the Wallaby Grass tussocks. After larvae) is present in high to support a healthy hatching, the larvae tunnel underground where they remain feeding on the roots density within the study population despite of Wallaby Grass tussocks. The species is also known to feed on the introduced area. Golden Sun Moth the study area and species (and WONS), Chilean Needle Grass (Nassella neesiana). is known to occur broader habitat nearby to the study patch being quite area and can persist in small.

Species name EPBC Act NC Act Description Likelihood of Habitat value status status occurrence (fauna only)

small patches, even in mown. Habitat extends into the road reserve and adjacent vacant land to the east. Presence confirmed during targeted survey (November/December 2015)

MAMMALS

Dasyurus E V The Spot-tailed Quoll occurs along the east coast of Australia and the Great Negligible - maculatus Dividing Range. The species uses a range of habitats including sclerophyll forests Species highly unlikely maculatus and woodlands, coastal heathlands and rainforests. Occasional sightings have to occur in urban area, Spot-tailed Quoll been made in open country, grazing lands, rocky outcrops and other treeless especially in small patch (SE mainland areas. Habitat requirements include suitable den sites, including hollow logs, rock of disturbed vegetation. population) crevices and caves, an abundance of food and an area of intact vegetation in which to forage. Seventy per cent of the diet is medium-sized mammals, and also feeds on invertebrates, reptiles and birds. Individuals require large areas of relatively intact vegetation through which to forage. The home range of a female is between 180 and 1000 ha, while males have larger home ranges of between 2000 and 5000 ha. Breeding occurs from May to August.

Phascolarctos V - In NSW, the Koala mainly occurs on the central and north coasts with some Negligible - cinereus populations in the western region. Koalas feed almost exclusively on eucalypt The species is not Koala (combined foliage, and their preferences vary regionally. They are solitary with varying home known to occur in the populations of ranges. In high quality habitat home ranges may be 1-2 ha and overlap, while in lowland areas of the Qld, NSW and semi-arid country they are usually discrete and around 100 ha. ACT region and there is the ACT) insufficient potential habitat within the study

Species name EPBC Act NC Act Description Likelihood of Habitat value status status occurrence (fauna only)

area.

Pteropus V - Occurs in the coastal belt from Rockhampton in central Queensland to Moderate Low poliocephalus Melbourne in Victoria, although only a small proportion of this range is used at Species may visit the May provide low- Grey-headed any one time as the species selectively forages where food is available. A known study area to forage. value foraging Flying-fox maternity (breeding) camp occurs in Commonwealth Park. habitat only.

REPTILES

Aprasia V V The Pink-tailed Worm-lizard is a fossorial species which lives beneath surface Low - parapulchella rocks and occupies ant burrows. It feed on ants, particularly their eggs and There is no rock scatter Pink-tailed larvae. Thought to lay eggs within the ant nests under rocks that it uses as a within the study area Worm-lizard source of food and shelter and for thermoregulation. Key habitat features are a and the ground cover is cover of native grasses, particularly Kangaroo Grass, sparse or no tree cover, little predominantly exotic. or no leaf litter, and scattered small rock with shallow embedment in the soil surface.

Delma impar V V The Striped Legless Lizard is patchily distributed in grasslands of south-eastern Low - Striped Legless NSW, the ACT, north-eastern, central and south-western Victoria, and south- Given the small size, Lizard eastern South Australia. In the ACT, the species is known to occur at four regularly mown and separate locations - in grassland areas of Gungahlin, Majura and Jerrabomberra weedy nature of the Valleys, and Yarramundi. Most areas where the species persists are thought to study area, this species have had low to moderate levels of agricultural disturbance in the past and it has is unlikely to be present. been suggested that ploughing in particular may be incompatible with the survival of the species. Until recently, the species was thought to inhabit only native grasslands dominated by species such as Tall Speargrass and Kangaroo

Species name EPBC Act NC Act Description Likelihood of Habitat value status status occurrence (fauna only)

Grass. In recent years, surveys have revealed the Striped Legless Lizard in many sites dominated by exotic grasses such as Phalaris. They have also been found in several secondary grassland sites, generally within two kilometres of primary grassland.

Key:

1) Listed pursuant to the EPBC Act as Critically Endangered (CE), Endangered (E), or Vulnerable (V)

2) Listed pursuant to the NC Act as Endangered (E) or Vulnerable (V)

Note: The brief descriptions of species distribution and habitat are paraphrased from or based on information sourced from the threatened species profiles, recovery plans and listing determinations prepared for each species by the Commonwealth Government and ACT Government. These resources and their references can be found on the relevant government websites.