Woodie Woodie Level 1 2018 V1

Home , Lakeland Downs mouse, Little red kaluta, Northern burrowing frog, Southwest Australia, Vermicella

Woodie Woodie Mine:

Level 1 Vertebrate Fauna Survey 2018

Prepared for: Consolidated Minerals Limited

Prepared by: Western Wildlife 8 Ridgeway Pl Mahogany Creek WA 6072 Ph: 0427 510 934 January 2019 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Executive Summary

Introduction

Woodie Woodie Manganese Mine (Woodie Woodie) operates in the East Pilbara region of Western Australia. Consolidated Minerals Limited (CML) has recently recommenced operations and proposes to mine 18 manganese prospects over the next five years. Although several vertebrate fauna surveys were completed across the tenements between 2006 and 2013, they did not extend to all the prospective areas in the 5 year mine plan. Seven study areas were identified for a level 1 fauna survey in order to fill any gaps in coverage.

CML commissioned Western Wildlife to carry out a Level 1 vertebrate fauna survey of the seven study areas; Radio Hill, Chris D, Hunter, Access Road, Rhodes, Vespa and Fault North.

This report details the findings of the fauna survey conducted in June 2018.

Methods

The Level 1 fauna survey was undertaken in accordance with the Statement of environmental principles, factors and objectives (Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a), Environmental factor guideline – terrestrial fauna (EPA 2016b), Technical guidance – terrestrial fauna surveys (EPA 2016c) and the Technical Guide: terrestrial vertebrate fauna surveys for environmental impact assessment (EPA and DEC 2010). The Level 1 assessment involved a desktop assessment and field study to inventory the fauna habitats present in the seven study areas and make opportunistic observations of fauna. The field survey was carried out between the 5th and 14th June 2018. The field study included:

• Identification of fauna habitats. • Opportunistic records of fauna. • Targeted search for evidence of any conservation significant species.

Species of conservation significance were classified as: Conservation Significance 1 (CS1) if listed under The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) or The Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act); Conservation Significance 2 (CS2) if listed as a Priority species by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA); or Conservation Significance 3 (CS3) if a locally significant species.

Western Wildlife i Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Results and Discussion

Five fauna habitats were identified across the seven Level 1 survey areas: • Rocky outcrops and breakaways • Spinifex Stony Hills • Spinifex Flats • Major Creeklines • Minor Creeklines

Overall, the study areas have the potential to support up to seven frog, 77 reptile, 123 bird and 41 mammal (34 native mammals) species. A total of 24 fauna species of conservation significance have the potential to occur in the study areas, 12 of CS1, five of CS2 and seven of CS3.

The 12 species of CS1 that may occur are the: • Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis) - EPBC Act (Endangered), BC Act (Critically Endangered) • Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) - EPBC Act (Endangered), BC Act (Endangered) • Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceus barroni) – EPBC Act (Vulnerable), BC Act (Vulnerable) • Ghost Bat (Macroderma gigas) – EPBC Act (Vulnerable), BC Act (Vulnerable) • Bilby (Macrotis lagotis) – EPBC Act (Vulnerable), BC Act (Vulnerable) • Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat (Rhinonicteris aurantia) – EPBC Act (Vulnerable), BC Act (Vulnerable) • Oriental Plover (Charadrius veredus) – EPBC Act (Migratory), BC Act (Migratory) • Fork-tailed Swift (Apus pacificus) – EPBC Act (Migratory), BC Act (Migratory) • Common Sandpiper (Tringa hypoleucos) – EPBC Act (Migratory), BC Act (Migratory) • Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola) – EPBC Act (Migratory), BC Act (Migratory) • Grey Falcon (Falco hypoleucos) - BC Act (Vulnerable) • Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) – BC Act (other specially protected fauna)

Of these, the Northern Quoll, Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat, Common Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper and Peregrine Falcon have been recorded at Woodie Woodie on this or previous surveys, and the Pilbara Olive Python has been recorded nearby. These species are likely to occur where suitable habitat is present, though other than small creek pools, little wetland habitat is present for migratory shorebirds such as the Common Sandpiper and Wood Sandpiper. The Ghost Bat is likely to occur, as this species is known from rocky habitats in the Pilbara, but the study areas lack large cave systems that are potential breeding sites for this species or the Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat. The Night Parrot was not recorded on a targeted survey for this species at Woodie Woodie, though potential habitat is present. The Bilby is known from the sandy deserts to the east, but is unlikely to occur in the study areas.

Western Wildlife ii Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

The five species of CS2 that may occur are the: • Dampierland Slider (Lerista separanda) – Priority 2 • Long-tailed Dunnart (Sminthopsis longicaudata) – Priority 4 • Spectacled Hare-wallaby (Lagorchestes conspicillatus leichardti) – Priority 3 • Lakeland Downs Mouse (Leggadina lakedownensis) – Priority 4 • Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) – Priority 4

Of these, only the Western Pebble-mound Mouse has previously been recorded at Woodie Woodie, and long-inactive mounds were found in five of the seven survey areas. As this species has previously been recorded from Woodie Woodie, it potentially occurs in the study areas. The Lakeland Downs Mouse has been recorded nearby and may occur in the Spinifex Flats. Though not recorded nearby, the Long-tailed Dunnart can be difficult to trap and suitable rocky habitats are present. The Dampierland Slider and Spectacled Hare-Wallaby are generally found closer to the coast, and are unlikely to occur.

The seven species of conservation significance 3 that may be present are all reptiles that are endemic to the Pilbara region. All have been recorded at Woodie Woodie on previous fauna surveys.

Western Wildlife iii Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Table of Contents

Executive Summary ...... i 1. Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Regional Location ...... 1 1.2 Study Areas ...... 1 1.3 Climate and Weather ...... 4 2. Methods ...... 5 2.1 Guidance Documents and Licencing ...... 5 2.2 Personnel ...... 5 2.3 Taxonomy and Nomenclature ...... 5 2.4 Level 1 Vertebrate Fauna Survey Methods ...... 6 2.4.1 Literature Review ...... 6 2.4.2 Field Studies ...... 7 2.4.3 Habitat Mapping ...... 9 2.7 Assessment of Conservation Significance ...... 9 2.7.1 Conservation Significance 1 ...... 9 2.7.2 Conservation Significance 2 ...... 10 2.7.3 Conservation Significance 3 ...... 11 3. Survey Limitations ...... 12 4. Fauna Survey Results ...... 13 4.1 Fauna Habitats ...... 13 4.1.1 Rocky Outcrops and Breakaways ...... 14 4.1.2 Spinifex Stony Hills ...... 15 4.1.3 Spinifex Flats ...... 15 4.1.4 Minor creeklines ...... 16 4.1.5 Major creeklines ...... 16 4.2 Faunal Assemblage ...... 23 4.2.1 Amphibians ...... 27 4.2.2 Amphibians of Conservation Significance ...... 27 4.2.3 Reptiles ...... 27 4.2.4 Reptiles of Conservation Significance ...... 27 4.2.5 Birds ...... 28 4.2.6 Birds of Conservation Significance ...... 29 4.2.7 Mammals ...... 32 4.2.8 Mammals of Conservation Significance ...... 32 4.2.9 Freshwater Fish ...... 36 4.2.10 Freshwater Fish of Conservation Significance ...... 36 5. Conclusions ...... 36 6. References ...... 42 Appendices ...... 45 Appendix 1. Amphibians potentially occurring at Woodie Woodie...... 45 Appendix 2. Reptiles potentially occurring at Woodie Woodie...... 46 Appendix 3. Birds potentially occurring at Woodie Woodie...... 49 Appendix 4. Mammals potentially occurring at Woodie Woodie...... 54 Appendix 5. Freshwater Fish potentially occurring at Woodie Woodie...... 56 Appendix 6. EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool results...... 57

Western Wildlife iv Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Tables, Figures and Plates

Table 1. Weather for Telfer Aero, 1 – 14 June 2018...... 4 Table 2. Personnel involved with the fauna survey...... 5 Table 3. Databases used in the preparation of Appendices 1 - 4...... 6 Table 4. Fauna survey limitations...... 12 Table 5. Fauna habitat in each study area...... 13 Table 6. Summary of vertebrate fauna potentially occurring in the study area...... 23 Table 7. Fauna Observed in the Level 1 fauna survey...... 24 Table 8. Summary of conservation significant (CS) fauna in the study areas...... 37

Figure 1. Woodie Woodie Mine - regional location...... 2 Figure 2. Woodie Woodie Mine - study areas...... 3 Figure 3. Climate statistics for Telfer Aero (data from Bureau of Meteorology 2018)...... 4 Figure 4. Woodie Woodie Mine - transects walked in each Level 1 fauna survey area...... 8 Figure 5. Woodie Woodie Mine - fauna habitats at Radio Hill and Chris D...... 18 Figure 6. Woodie Woodie Mine - fauna habitats on the Access Road...... 19 Figure 7. Woodie Woodie Mine - fauna habitats at Hunter...... 20 Figure 8. Woodie Woodie Mine - fauna habitats at Rhodes and Vespa...... 21 Figure 9. Woodie Woodie Mine - fauna habitats at Fault North...... 22 Figure 10. Woodie Woodie Mine - DBCA threatened and Priority Fauna Database records...... 26

Plate 1. Rocky outcrops and breakaways at Radio Hill (left) and Rhodes (right)...... 14 Plate 2. Rocky outcrops and breakaways at Hunter (left) and Vespa (right)...... 14 Plate 3. Spinifex stony hills at Radio Hill (left) and Chris D (right)...... 15 Plate 4. Spinifex stony hills at Fault North (left) and Vespa (right)...... 15 Plate 5. Spinifex flats at Hunter (left) and Rhodes (right)...... 16 Plate 6. Minor creekline at Rhodes (left) and Vespa (right)...... 16 Plate 7. Major creekline at Rhodes...... 17 Plate 8. Inactive Western Pebble-mound Mouse mound at Rhodes...... 35

Western Wildlife v Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

1. Introduction

The objectives of the Level 1 fauna survey were to: • Identify the fauna habitats present in each study area. • List the vertebrate fauna that were recorded in the study areas and/or have the potential to occur in the study areas. • Identify species of conservation significance, or habitats of particular importance for fauna, that may occur in each study area.

This report details the findings of the fauna survey conducted in June 2018.

1.1 Regional Location

The Woodie Woodie Manganese Mine is about 400 km southeast of Port Hedland, 170 km southeast of Marble Bar and 100 km east of Nullagine in the Eastern Pilbara region of Western Australia (Figure 1).

The Woodie Woodie Mine is within the Chichester subregion of the Pilbara Bioregion (DEWHA 2004), which is comprised of undulating plains of Achaean granite and basalt, with basalt ranges (Kendrick and McKenzie 2001). The climate is semi-desert tropical, receiving about 300mm of rain per year (Kendrick and McKenzie 2001). The dominant land-uses are grazing on native pastures, Aboriginal lands and reserves, Unallocated Crown Land and Crown Reserves, Conservation and Mining (Kendrick and McKenzie 2001).

A significant feature in the area surrounding the mine is the Oakover River and its various tributaries. The Oakover River contains permanent water at Running Waters, Yilgalong Pool and Carawine Pool (among others), and is thus important fauna habitat for wetland species. About 15km to the east of the study area is the Little Sandy Desert, which supports a different faunal assemblage. Species that favour rocky habitats are likely to be close to the eastern edge of their range in the region.

1.2 Study Areas

Seven areas were identified for a Level 1 fauna survey; Radio Hill (318ha), Chris D (313ha), Hunter (250ha), Access Road (161ha), Rhodes (446ha), Vespa (123ha) and Fault North (59ha) (Figure 2).

Western Wildlife 1 280000 300000 320000

0 5 km

Scale 1:400,000 MGA94 (Zone 51) 7640000 7640000 7620000 7620000 7600000 7600000 7580000 7580000

Locality

Port Hedland !(

WESTERN 7560000 7560000 AUSTRALIA

!( Kalgoorlie Perth !(

Figure 1. Woodie Woodie Mine - regional location of survey areas 280000 300000 320000 Drawn: CAD Resources 9246 ~ Tel 3242 ~ URL www.cadresources.com.au ~ January 2019A4 ~ ~ Rev:A ~ CAD Ref: a1415_WWF_f006_01 310000 315000 320000

Legend 7615000 Level 1 Survey Area 7615000 Access Road Chris D 0 1 km Fault North Scale 1:75,000 Hunter MGA94 (Zone 51) Radio Hill Rhodes Vespa 7610000 7610000 7605000 7605000 7600000 7600000

Figure 2. Woodie Woodie Mine - survey areas 310000 315000 320000 Drawn: CAD Resources 9246 ~ Tel 3242 ~ URL www.cadresources.com.au ~ January 2019A4 ~ ~ Rev:A ~ CAD Ref: a1415_WWF_f006_02 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

1.3 Climate and Weather

The nearest weather station is Telfer Aero (Bureau of Meteorology Site 013030). The climate is characterised by hot wet summers and cool dry winters (Figure 3). The mean annual rainfall is 371.2mm. The monthly rainfall was well above average in January 2018, but very dry immediately prior to the field survey, with no rainfall recorded in April or May 2018. The weather during the survey period was typically warm and dry, with only one day of rain (Table 1).

Figure 3. Climate statistics for Telfer Aero (data from Bureau of Meteorology 2018).

Table 1. Weather for Telfer Aero, 1 – 14 June 2018.

Temperature (°C) Rainfall Day Survey Period Maximum Minimum (mm) 1 15.8 30 0 2 15 29.5 0 3 13.9 28.5 0 4 8.5 28.2 0 5 13 29.3 0 + 6 16.1 24.5 0 + 7 15.8 27.5 1.6 + 8 18.6 26.7 0 + 9 18.6 28.8 0 + 10 18.4 31.3 0 + 11 17.7 27.3 0 + 12 13.3 25.9 0 + 13 10.9 22.4 0 + 14 8.3 23.2 0 +

Western Wildlife 4 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

2. Methods

2.1 Guidance Documents and Licencing

The fauna surveys were conducted in accordance with: • Statement of environmental principles, factors and objectives (Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 2016a) • Environmental factor guideline – terrestrial fauna (EPA 2016b) • Technical guidance – terrestrial fauna surveys (EPA 2016c) • Technical Guide: terrestrial vertebrate fauna surveys for environmental impact assessment (EPA and DEC 2010)

All fauna works were carried out under a Regulation 17 Licence issued by DBCA.

2.2 Personnel

The personnel involved in the fauna survey are listed in Table 2.

Table 2. Personnel involved with the fauna survey.

Person Qualification Role Experience

Jenny Wilcox BSc. Hons. Lead Zoologist 18 years • Plan, supervise and conduct fauna survey • Collate data • Prepare report Mike Brown BSc. Hons. Senior Zoologist 12 years • Undertake fieldwork (4 – 11 June) Julia White BSc. Hons. Assisting Zoologist 5 years • Undertake fieldwork (11 – 15 June)

2.3 Taxonomy and Nomenclature

Taxonomy and nomenclature for fauna species used in this report follow the Western Australian Museum checklists. These were last updated in September 2018. In the text, common names are used where appropriate, and all scientific names are given in species lists. Where a species lacks a common name, they are referred to by their scientific name.

Western Wildlife 5 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

2.4 Level 1 Vertebrate Fauna Survey Methods

The Level 1 fauna survey was undertaken across seven survey areas (Figure 2). The Level 1 fauna survey included a search of available literature and databases (a ‘desktop’ study), and a brief field survey of each study area. The field survey served to put the desktop study into context, as well as allowing for the identification of fauna habitats and likely fauna assemblages of the study area. It was considered that a Level 1 fauna survey was sufficient to characterise the fauna habitats, vertebrate faunal assemblage and the likely conservation significant fauna using the study area, as several Level 1 and Level 2 fauna surveys have been undertaken across Woodie Woodie between 2006 and 2013.

2.4.1 Literature Review

Lists of fauna expected to occur in the study area were produced using information from a number of sources. These included publications that provide information on general patterns of distribution of frogs (Tyler et al. 2000), reptiles (Wilson and Swan 2010, Storr et al. 1983, 1990, 1999 and 2002), birds (Barrett et al. 2003; Johnstone and Storr 1998 and 2004) and mammals (Churchill 1998, Menkhorst and Knight 2011; Van Dyck and Strahan 2008). The databases listed in 3 were searched for fauna records in and around the study area. In all cases the extent of the database search was larger than the extent of the study area, in order to pick up records of species in the wider area that may also occur in the study area. Some species may occur on database results that are not likely to be present in the study area, usually due to a lack of suitable habitat or the study area being outside the known range of the species as presented in the literature. These species are generally not included in lists of expected fauna unless some discussion is thought to be necessary.

Table 3. Databases used in the preparation of Appendices 1 - 4.

Database Type of records held on database Area searched

WA Museum Specimen Records of specimens held in the Western Databases for reptiles (includes 30km radius around 21º Australian Museum. Includes historical frogs, birds and mammals 39’ 58”S, 121º 14’ 09”E records. (DBCA 2007-)

Records collected from fauna surveys carried Fauna Survey Returns Database 30km radius around 21º out in Western Australia. Includes (DBCA 2007-) 39’ 58”S, 121º 14’ 09”E observational and trapping data.

DBCA’s Threatened and Priority Information and records on Threatened and 50km radius around 21º Fauna Database Priority species in Western Australia. 39’ 58”S, 121º 14’ 09”E

Birds Australia Atlas Database Records of bird observations in Australia, 1998- 30km radius around 21º (DBCA 2007-) 2009. 39’ 58”S, 121º 14’ 09”E

Records of bird observations in Australia, 2010- 30km radius around 21º Birdata (DBCA 2007-) 2018. 39’ 58”S, 121º 14’ 09”E

Records on matters protected under the EPBC EPBC Act Protected Matters Act, including threatened species and 10km radius around 21º Search Tool ecological communities, migratory species and 39’ 58”S, 121º 14’ 09”E marine species.

Western Wildlife 6 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Several fauna surveys were carried out across the Woodie Woodie Mine between 2006 and 2018:

• A Level 1 fauna survey of the Woodie Woodie project area in April 2006, targeting the following prospect areas: Camp East, Chutney West, Eat, Gulch, Kia, Mac Hill, Paystar, Sat/Nat, Vespa and Scalliwag (Western Wildlife 2006). • A baseline level 2 fauna survey of the Woodie Woodie project area in October 2006 and April 2007. Included twelve trapping grids in a variety of habitats and use of bat detectors, bird surveys, spot-lighting and hand-searching (Western Wildlife 2007). • A Level 1 fauna survey of the Woodie Woodie project area in March 2008, targeting the following areas: Whiddup, Fault North, Harris, Whodowe, Hunter, Dartmoor, Camp East, Sat/Nat, Chris D, Rhodes, Big Mack (Western Wildlife 2008). • A Level 2 fauna survey of the Woodie Woodie project area in October 2008 and April 2009. Included ten trapping grids in a variety of habitats and use of bat detectors, bird surveys, spot-lighting and hand-searching (Western Wildlife 2009). • A Level 1 survey of the Woodie Woodie project area in April 2006, targeting the following prospect areas: Homestead, Parrot, Lucy Mack North, Canyon and Sardine (Western Wildlife 2010). • A level 2 fauna survey of the South Woodie and Max prospects in April and September 2013. Eight trapping grids in a variety of habitats, camera traps, bat detectors, transects for conservation significant fauna. (Western Wildlife 2014). • A targeted survey for Night Parrot using passive acoustic detectors across 16 sites on the Woodie Woodie tenements in June 2018 (Western Wildlife 2019a). • A targeted survey for Northern Quoll using camera traps across 10 sites on the Woodie Woodie tenements in June 2018 (Western Wildlife 2019b).

These sources of information were used to create lists of species that potentially occur in the study area. As far as possible, expected species are those that are likely to utilise the study area. The lists exclude species that have been recorded in the general region as vagrants, or for which suitable habitat is absent within the study area.

2.4.2 Field Studies

The field study was completed between 4th - 15th June 2018. The field study component of a Level 1 fauna survey is primarily to identify the fauna habitats present in the study area. In addition, all fauna encountered during the field survey are recorded. The fauna species recorded are usually conspicuous species such as birds, large mammals and large reptiles. The presence of other species may be inferred from evidence such as tracks, burrows, scats or evidence of foraging. Particular attention was paid to searching for evidence of conservation significant species, or habitats likely to support conservation significant species. The transects walked in each survey area are shown in Figure 4.

Western Wildlife 7 310000 315000 320000

Legend

7615000 Level 1 Survey Area 7615000 Transect walked

0 1 km

Scale 1:75,000 MGA94 (Zone 51) Imagery: ESRI, DigitalGlobe (Jan 2015) 7610000 7610000 7605000 7605000 7600000 7600000

Figure 4. Woodie Woodie Mine - transects walked for level 1 survey 310000 315000 320000 Drawn: CAD Resources 9246 ~ Tel 3242 ~ URL www.cadresources.com.au ~ January 2019A4 ~ ~ Rev:A ~ CAD Ref: a1415_WWF_f006_04 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

2.4.3 Habitat Mapping

Habitat mapping was undertaken using vegetation mapping provided by Mattiske Consulting and MBS Environmental, observations made by fauna personnel in the field and interpretation of aerial photography. CAD Resources produced the maps from information provided by Western Wildlife.

2.7 Assessment of Conservation Significance

Three levels of conservation significance are used within this report to indicate the level of significance of fauna species. These are described in the following sub-sections.

2.7.1 Conservation Significance 1

Conservation Significance 1 (CS1) is the highest level of conservation significance, describing species that are protected under State or Commonwealth legislation. These species are considered to be of state and/or national conservation significance, and some species (e.g. some migratory species) may be considered of international significance.

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the Commonwealth Government’s primary piece of environmental legislation. Listed under Part 3 of the EPBC Act are ‘Matters of National Environmental Significance’ (MNES); these include threatened species, threatened ecological communities and migratory species. Fauna species are assessed against categories based on International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria, of which Matters of National Environmental Significance include the following categories:

The migratory species listed under the EPBC Act are those recognised under international agreements. These agreements are the China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA), the Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA), the Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (ROKAMBA), or species listed under the Bonn Convention for which Australia is a range state.

Western Wildlife 9 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Reports on the conservation status of most vertebrate fauna species have been produced by the Department of Environment and Energy (DEE) in the form of Action Plans. An Action Plan is a review of the conservation status of a taxonomic group against IUCN categories. Action Plans have been prepared for amphibians (Tyler 1998), reptiles (Cogger et al. 1993), birds (Garnett et al. 2011) and mammals (Woinarski et al. 2012). These publications also use categories similar to those used by the EPBC Act. The information presented in some of the earlier Action Plans may be out of date due to changes since publication.

The Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act) is State legislation that aims to conserve and protect biodiversity and biodiversity components in Western Australia, including threatened fauna. It is administered by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). In addition to threatened fauna, the BC Act has scope to protect threatened ecological communities and important habitats.

Fauna species are listed under the BC Act as threatened species using IUCN categories, or as specially protected species, as described below.

Threatened Species:

• Extinct in the wild (EW): Taxa known to survive only in captivity. • Critically Endangered (CR): Taxa facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future. • Endangered (EN): Taxa facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. • Vulnerable (VU): Taxa facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium- term future. Specially Protected Species: • Migratory (MI): A subset of the migratory fauna that are known to visit Western Australia that are protected under the international agreements or treaties, excluding species that are listed as Threatened species. • Conservation dependent fauna (CD): Fauna of special conservation need being species dependent on ongoing conservation intervention to prevent it becoming eligible for listing as threatened • Other specially protected species (OS): fauna in need of special protection to ensure their conservation.

The BC Act supercedes the Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act).

2.7.2 Conservation Significance 2

Species of Conservation Significance 2 (CS2) are not listed under State or Commonwealth Acts, but are listed as Priority species by DBCA. These species may be considered to be regionally significant. In Western Australia, DBCA maintains a list of Priority Fauna made up of species possibly Threatened but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements or are otherwise data deficient. There are four levels of Priority as defined by DBCA, as listed below.

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• Priority 1: Poorly known species (on threatened lands) • Priority 2: Poorly known species in few locations (some on conservation lands) • Priority 3: Poorly known species in several locations (some on conservation lands) • Priority 4: Rare, near threatened and other species in need of monitoring

2.7.3 Conservation Significance 3

Conservation Significance 3 (CS3) species are not listed under State or Commonwealth Acts or in publications on threatened fauna or as Priority species by DBCA, but are considered by the author to potentially be of local significance because they are at the limit of their distribution in the area, they have a very restricted range or they occur in breeding colonies (e.g. some waterbirds). This level of significance has no legislative recognition and is based on interpretation of information on the species patterns of distribution. For example, the Government of Western Australia (2000) used this sort of interpretation to identify significant bird species in the Perth metropolitan area as part of Bush Forever. Recognition of such species is consistent with the aim of preserving regional biodiversity.

Western Wildlife 11 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

3. Survey Limitations

Various factors can limit the effectiveness of a fauna survey. Pursuant to EPA Technical Guidance (EPA 2016c), these factors have been identified and their potential to impact on the effectiveness of the surveys has been assessed in Table 6 below. All fauna surveys have limitations, and not all fauna species present on the site are likely to be sampled during a survey. Fauna may not be recorded because they are rare, they are difficult to trap or observe, or because they are only present on the site for part of the year.

Table 4. Fauna survey limitations.

Potential Limitation Extent of limitation for the fauna survey

Competency /experience of Not Supervising zoologist has 18 years’ experience with fauna the team carrying out the limiting surveys in Western Australia, including surveys in the Pilbara survey Bioregion and at Woodie Woodie in particular. Assisting zoologists have 12 – 5 years’ experience.

Proportion of fauna Not Although only a small proportion of the fauna were recorded on identified, recorded and/or limiting this survey, the purpose of a level 1 survey is not to inventory all collected. vertebrate fauna, rather to place the results of the literature review in context.

Sources of information e.g. Not The Pilbara Biological Survey (2002 – 2013) undertaken by DBCA previously available limiting provides context for surveys in this Bioregion. Several fauna information (whether historic surveys have been undertaken at Woodie Woodie, providing or recent) as distinct from relevant background information. new data

Timing/weather/season/cycle Not Level 1 surveys and targeted surveys for habitat and secondary limiting signs may be undertaken at any time of the year.

Disturbances (e.g. fire, flood, Not No disturbances during the field survey. Part of the Study Area accidental human limiting was recently burnt, but this was unlikely to impact the outcome intervention etc.), which of a Level 1 survey. affected results of survey

Intensity (in retrospect, was Not Sufficient time was allowed to survey all habitats within the the intensity adequate) limiting Study Areas.

Completeness (e.g. was Not Good coverage over Level 1 survey areas with every habitat relevant area fully surveyed) limiting surveyed.

Resources (e.g. degree of Not No taxonomic issues were encountered. expertise available in animal limiting identification to taxon level)

Remoteness and/or access Not Entire Level 1 Study Area accessible on foot. problems limiting

Availability of contextual (e.g. Not The Pilbara Biological Survey (2002 – 2013) undertaken by DBCA biogeographic) information limiting provides context for surveys in this Bioregion. on the region

Western Wildlife 12 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

4. Fauna Survey Results

Note that although much of the discussion that follows is applicable to the entire Woodie Woodie Project, this section applies only to the seven Level 1 survey areas as shown in Figure 2.

4.1 Fauna Habitats

Five broad fauna habitats were identified across the seven level 1 survey areas (Table 5, Figures 5 - 9). There is some disturbance to all study areas, from drilling access tracks, roads and/or other mine infrastructure such as waste rock dumps and open pits. All the habitats present in the study areas are widely represented in the region. Other habitats in the region, such as Spinifex sandplains, claypans or salt lakes, are absent from the study areas, though some of these occur nearby.

Table 5. Fauna habitat in each study area.

Area (ha) in each Study Area

Habitat

Access Track Chris D Fault North Hunter Radio Hill Rhodes Vespa

Rocky outcrops and breakaways - 1.78 4.70 4.43 19.88 0.87 -

Spinifex stony hills 44.09 101.38 46.59 73.21 166.84 122.79 4.69

Spinifex flats 79.63 122.94 - 78.60 15.36 220.84 97.97

Major creeklines 3.34 8.87 - - 1.10 13.67 3.40

Minor creeklines 8.89 2.43 5.77 26.82 6.37 29.92 4.28

Cleared land 24.97 75.31 2.13 86.61 108.07 59.84 13.11

Total: 160.92 313.96 59.19 269.66 318.85 447.93 123.45

Cleared areas such as roads are unlikely to support fauna, though some will forage or disperse through them. Some fauna will also occur where there is regrowth vegetation, (e.g. on waste rock dumps), though these will only comprise a few, generalist species. The majority of fauna that occur will be reliant on the habitats present to fulfil their needs for shelter, foraging and/or breeding sites.

Western Wildlife 13 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

4.1.1 Rocky Outcrops and Breakaways

Rocky outcrops and breakaways are associated with steep-sided drainages and the sides of hills (Plates 1 and 2). These rocky habitats contain crevices, overhangs and possibly small caves, providing habitat for a range of species. Reptiles such as the Pilbara Rock Monitor (Varanus pilbarensis) and Pilbara Cave Gecko (Heteronotia spelea) occur almost entirely in rocky habitats, sheltering in crevices. Caves and large crevices provide roosting habitat for bats, as well as shelter for terrestrial mammals such as Woolley’s Pseudatenchinus (Pseudantechinus woolleyae). Tall cliffs and overhangs may provide nesting habitat for birds of prey and the Fairy Martin (Petrochelidon aerial).

Where present, the CS1 Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) is likely to use this habitat for shelter and foraging. CS1 bats, the Ghost Bat (Macroderma gigas) and Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat (Rhinonicterus aurantia) may roost in the rocky habitats, but the geology of the Study Areas does not appear to support the formation of the large caves that would provide habitat for maternity roosts. The CS2 Long-tailed Dunnart (Sminthopsis longicaudata) potentially occurs in rocky habitats, though this species has not been recorded at Woodie Woodie.

Plate 1. Rocky outcrops and breakaways at Radio Hill (left) and Rhodes (right).

Plate 2. Rocky outcrops and breakaways at Hunter (left) and Vespa (right).

Western Wildlife 14 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

4.1.2 Spinifex Stony Hills

Low stony hills supporting Spinifex grassland are a common habitat in the Study Areas (Plates 3 and 4). These areas are likely to support a suite of reptiles that favour stony surfaces. The CS2 Western Pebble-mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) is likely to occur where there are suitably-sized pebbles on gentle slopes. The CS1 Grey Falcon (Falco hypoleucos) and Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) may forage over the low hills, but breed elsewhere.

Plate 3. Spinifex stony hills at Radio Hill (left) and Chris D (right).

Plate 4. Spinifex stony hills at Fault North (left) and Vespa (right).

4.1.3 Spinifex Flats

In the lower-lying parts of the landscape, sandy or clay-loam flats support Spinifex grassland (Plate 5). This habitat is likely to support a suite of reptiles that favour clayey or sandy soils, sheltering under Spinifex and/or in burrows. If present, the CS2 Spectacled Hare-Wallaby (Lagorchestes hirsutus) may occur in this habitat. Where the Spinifex forms very large clumps it may provide roosting or breeding habitat for the CS1 Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis), though this species has not been recorded at Woodie Woodie.

Western Wildlife 15 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Plate 5. Spinifex flats at Hunter (left) and Rhodes (right).

4.1.4 Minor creeklines

Minor creeklines are dry for most of the year, but may hold water in small temporary pools after significant rainfall (Plate 6). The minor creeklines are lined with a shrubland of Petalostylis labicheoides, Grevillea wickhamii, Acacia ancistrocarpa, with occasional Pilbara Bloodwood (Corymbia hamersleyana). Areas that retain water after rains may be used by breeding frogs. The dense shrubland is likely to provide breeding habitat for birds, with the Grevillea wickhamii providing foraging habitat for honeyeaters.

Plate 6. Minor creekline at Rhodes (left) and Vespa (right).

4.1.5 Major creeklines

Major creeklines only occur in the Rhodes study area, though they also occur in other parts of the Woodie Woodie Mine area (Plate 7). They are lined with River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and/or Little Ghost Gum (Eucalyptus vitrix) over an open shrubland of Acacia tracycarpa and Atalaya hemiglauca, usually over a grassland of introduced Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris). Cattle are attracted to the water, shade and forage available in this habitat, so some disturbance is present.

Western Wildlife 16 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Major creeklines may hold water in pools after significant rainfall, and these may support breeding frogs. The eucalypts in this habitat are the largest in the local area, containing hollows, cracks and crevices that provide roosting or nesting habitat for birds, arboreal reptiles and tree-roosting bats. When present, the CS1 Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat (Rhinonicteris aurantia) may forage along major creeklines and the CS1 Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) may also forage or disperse along creeklines, with tree hollows potentially providing shelter. The Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceous barroni) may also occur along major creeklines, particularly where they are near rocky habitats and contain permanent pools.

Plate 7. Major creekline at Rhodes.

Western Wildlife 17 316000 318000

0 400 m

Scale 1:25,000 MGA94 (Zone 50) Imagery: ESRI, DigitalGlobe (2015) 7614000 7614000

") ") 7612000 7612000

") ") ") ")

") 7610000 7610000

Legend Radio Hill & Chris D Survey Areas ") Inactive Pebble-mound Mouse mound Habitat Cleared Major Creeklines Minor Creeklines Rocky Outcrops and Breakaways Spinifex Flats Spinifex Stony Hills Figure 5. Woodie Woodie Mine - fauna habitats at Radio Hill and Chris D 316000 318000 Drawn: CAD Resources 9246 ~ Tel 3242 ~ URL www.cadresources.com.au ~ January 2019A4 ~ ~ Rev:A ~ CAD Ref: a1415_WWF_f006_05 ") 312000 314000 316000

0 400 m

Scale 1:25,000 MGA94 (Zone 50) Imagery: ESRI, Digital Globe (2015)Digital ESRI, Globe Imagery: 7610000 7610000 7608000 7608000

Legend Access Road Survey Area Habitat Cleared Major Creeklines Minor Creeklines Spinifex Flats Spinifex Stony Hills WoodieAccess onthe WoodieRoad 6. habitats faunaFigureMine – 312000 314000 316000 Drawn: CAD Resources ~ Tel 9246 3242 ~ URL www.cadresources.com.au ~ January 2019 ~ A4 ~ Rev: A ~ CAD Ref: a1415_WWF_f006_06 ~ A Rev: A4 ~ ~ January 2019 ~ www.cadresources.com.au URL 3242 ~ 9246 Tel ~ CAD Resources Drawn: 314000 7612000 7612000

0 200 m

Scale 1:12,500 MGA94 (Zone 50) Imagery: ESRI, DigitalGlobe (2015) 7610000 7610000

Legend Hunter Survey Area Habitat Cleared Minor Creeklines Rocky Outcrops and Breakaways Spinifex Flats Spinifex Stony Hills HunterWoodie at Woodie 7. habitats faunaFigureMine – 314000 Drawn: CAD Resources 9246 ~ Tel 3242 ~ URL www.cadresources.com.au ~ January 2019A4 ~ ~ Rev:A ~ CAD Ref: a1415_WWF_f006_07 316000 318000 320000

0 400 m

Scale 1:25,000 MGA94 (Zone 50) Imagery: ESRI, DigitalGlobe (2015)

") 7608000 7608000 7606000 7606000

Legend Rhodes & Vespa Survey Area

7604000 ") Inactive Pebble-mound Mouse mound 7604000 Habitat Cleared Major Creeklines Minor Creeklines Rocky Outcrops and Breakaways Spinifex Flats Spinifex Stony Hills Figure 8. Woodie Woodie Mine - fauna habitats at Rhodes and Vespa 316000 318000 320000 Drawn: CAD Resources 9246 ~ Tel 3242 ~ URL www.cadresources.com.au ~ January 2019A4 ~ ~ Rev:A ~ CAD Ref: a1415_WWF_f006_08 316000 317000

0 150 m

Scale 1:10,000 MGA94 (Zone 50) Imagery: ESRI, DigitalGlobe (2015) 7597000 7597000

") 7596000 7596000

Legend Fault North Survey Area ") Inactive Pebble-mound Mouse mound Habitat Cleared Minor Creeklines Rocky Outcrops and Breakaways Spinifex Stony Hills Figure 9. Woodie Woodie Mine - fauna habitats at Fault North 316000 317000 Drawn: CAD Resources 9246 ~ Tel 3242 ~ URL www.cadresources.com.au ~ January 2019A4 ~ ~ Rev:A ~ CAD Ref: a1415_WWF_f006_09 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

4.2 Faunal Assemblage

The results of the literature review and field survey were combined to create a list of all the vertebrate fauna potentially occurring at Woodie Woodie (Appendices 1 - 4). Indicated in the fauna lists are all the species observed during the site visit, those recorded previously at Woodie Woodie and those recorded in the region as part of the Desktop Study (see Table 3 for search areas). Note that as each study area is relatively small and does not necessarily contain the full suite of habitats, not all the listed species are likely to be present in each study area. However, as all the species occur in the local area, it is difficult to state with certainty which will occur.

The potentially occurring faunal assemblage is summarised in Table 6. Of these, the species in Table 7 were recorded in each survey area during the site visit. The overall vertebrate faunal assemblage is likely to be largely intact, with the exception of species that are extinct or greatly reduced in their distribution in the Bioregion. The faunal assemblage and conservation significant species likely to occur are further discussed in the sections below. The conservation significant fauna recorded within 50km of the Study Area on DBCA’s Threatened and Priority Fauna Database are indicated in Figure 10. The significant fauna potentially occurring in the Study Area are summarised in Table 8 and are discussed in the following sections. The results of the EPBC Act Protected Matters search are given in Appendix 5.

Table 6. Summary of vertebrate fauna potentially occurring in the study area.

Conservation significant species Introduced Taxon Total species species CS1 CS2 CS3

Amphibians 7 0 - - - Reptiles 77 0 - - 7 Birds 123 0 7 - - Mammals 41 7 4 4 - Freshwater Fish 8 0 - - - Totals: 256 8 11 4 7

Western Wildlife 23 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Table 7. Fauna Observed in the Level 1 fauna survey.

Survey Area Status

Species Common name

Conservation Access Track Chris Fault North Hunter Radio Hill Rhodes Vespa

REPTILES Ctenophorus caudicinctus Ring-tailed Dragon + Ctenophorus isolepis Military Dragon + Gowidon longirostris Long-nosed Dragon + Varanus giganteus Perentie + BIRDS Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater + + + + Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk + + + Anas gracilis Grey Teal + Anas superciliosus Pacific Black Duck + Anthus australis Australian Pipit + + Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle + + Ardea pacifica White-necked Heron + Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard + + + Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow + + + + + Artamus minor Little Woodswallow + Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella + + + + + Cacomantis pallidus Pallid Cuckoo + Cheramoeca leucosterna White-backed Swallow Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier + + + + + Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush + Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike + + + + + + Corvus orru Torresian Crow + + + + + + Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird + + + Dacelo leachii Blue-winged Kookaburra + Elanus caeruleus Black-shouldered Kite + Emblema pictum Painted Finch + + + + + + Epthianura tricolor Crimson Chat + + + + Eremiornis carteri Spinifexbird + + + + + + + Falco berigora Brown Falcon + + + + + Falco cenchroides Australian Kestrel + + + + Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon S7 + Gavicallis virescens Singing Honeyeater + + + + + Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove + + + + + + Geophaps plumifera Spinifex Pigeon + + + + + + + Gerygone fusca Western Gerygone + + Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark + + + + +

Western Wildlife 24 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Table 7. (cont.)

Survey Area

Species Common name Vespa Hunter Chris D Rhodes Radio Hill Fault North Conservation Status Access Track

Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite + + + + Lalage tricolor White-winged Triller + + + Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater + + + Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren + + + + Malurus leucopterus White-winged Fairy-wren + Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner + + Megalurus mathewsi Rufous Songlark + + Melanodryas cucullata Hooded Robin + Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar + + Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater + + + + Miafra javanica Horsefield’s Bushlark + Milvus migrans Black Kite + + Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon + + + Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler + + + + + Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote + + Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing + Platycercus zonarius Australian Ringneck + + Ptilorhynchus maculatus Western Bowerbird + Ptilotula keartlandi Grey-headed Honeyeater + + + + + Ptilotula penicillata White-plumed Honeyeater + + Rhiphidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail + + + + + + + Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill + Sugomel nigrum Black Honeyeater + + + + + Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch + + + + + Todiramphus pyrrhopygius Red-backed Kingfisher + + + Turnix velox Little Button-quail + + + MAMMALS Bos taurus Cow Int. T,S T,S T,S T,S T,S T,S Canis familiaris Dog Int. T T T T T Felis catus Cat Int. T Osphranter robustus Euro S S S S S Pseudomys chapmani Western Pebble-mound Mouse P4 M M M M M Tachglossus aculeatus Echidna + Total # reptiles: 1 - - 1 - 1 - Total # birds: 21 29 16 27 34 33 18 Total # mammals: 3 4 3 2 5 4 2 + = observation, T = tracks, S = scats, M= inactive pebble mound, P4 = Priority 4, S7 = Schedule 7.

Western Wildlife 25 290000 340000

Legend Search Area DBCA Fauna Record !( Calidris canutus rogersi 0 8km !( Dasycercus blythi Scale 1:600,000 !( Dasyurus hallucatus MGA94 (Zone 51) !( Leggadina lakedownensis ") Liasis olivaceus barroni ") Macrotis lagotis ") Nososticta pilbara ") Notoryctes caurinus #* Plegadis falcinellus #* Pseudomys chapmani #* Rhinonicteris aurantia (Pilbara) #* Tringa glareola 7650000 7650000

#* #*

!(#*

#* #*#* #* #*#*!( !( #* ")")!( #* #* ")") #* ") !(") ") !( #* 7600000 7600000 #*

#*#* #*#* #*#*#*#*#*#* #* #*#* ")

#* 7550000 7550000

Figure 10. Woodie Woodie Mine - DBCA threatened and priority fauna database records 290000 340000 Drawn: CAD Resources 9246 ~ Tel 3242 ~ URL www.cadresources.com.au ~ January 2019A4 ~ ~ Rev:A ~ CAD Ref: a1415_WWF_f006_10 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

4.2.1 Amphibians

There are seven species of frog that have the potential to occur in the study areas, of which five species were recorded at Woodie Woodie on previous fauna surveys (Appendix 1). No frogs were recorded during the 2018 survey. The frog species that potentially occur in the study areas are common and widely distributed in the semi-arid zone.

The Desert Tree Frog (Litoria rubella) is likely to be common in the study area, occurring in rocky areas near drainage lines as well as around waterholes (e.g. at Radio Hill). Burrowing species aestivate underground when conditions are dry, so are difficult to sample except immediately after wet conditions. These species breed opportunistically after rainfall and are likely to occur along creeklines, though they can also forage in terrestrial habitats when conditions are suitable. Frogs are likely to occur throughout the study area, potentially breeding anywhere that holds relatively fresh water after rainfall, including man-made depressions. Many species develop from tadpoles into frogs very quickly, and can make use of ephemeral pools in minor creeks.

4.2.2 Amphibians of Conservation Significance

No frogs of conservation significance are likely to be present in the study areas.

4.2.3 Reptiles

There are 77 species of reptile that have the potential to occur in the study areas, of which 62 were recorded at Woodie Woodie on previous fauna surveys (Appendix 2). The species recorded are all common in the region. Four reptiles were recorded opportunistically during the June 2018 survey (Table 7).

The reptile assemblage of the Pilbara Bioregion is very diverse, including a suite of endemic species associated with rocky surfaces (Doughty et al. 2011). As the reptile assemblage is generally informed by the ground surface (e.g. rocky, sandy, clay) the study area is likely to support an assemblage dominated by species that occur on stony hills, rocky habitats, clays and loams. Deep sands and sand dune habitats are absent, though they occur to the east. Species that favour sandy soil may occur in association with creeklines.

4.2.4 Reptiles of Conservation Significance

There are nine reptiles of conservation significance that may occur in vicinity of the study areas, as listed and discussed below.

Conservation Significance 1

Pilbara Olive Python Liasis olivaceus barroni This species is listed as Vulnerable under the BC Act and as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act.

Western Wildlife 27 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

The Pilbara Olive Python is restricted to ranges in the Pilbara and islands in the Dampier Archipelago and is known from relatively few localities. This very large python inhabits rock outcrops, usually close to waterholes, which it uses to hunt. The Pilbara Olive Python was recorded adjacent to the Woodie Woodie Project Area in 2007, road-killed on the Nifty road to the east of the study areas (Western Wildlife 2009). This record is also on DBCA’s Threatened and Priority Fauna Database (Figure 10). Though it was not recorded during the fauna survey, the Pilbara Olive Python may be present in study areas where there are major creeklines and rocky areas. Radio Hill is the most likely study area to support this species.

Conservation Significance 2

Dampierland Slider Lerista separanda This species is listed as Priority 2 by DBCA.

The Dampierland Slider is a small fossorial skink that inhabits sandy country, and is generally restricted to the near-coastal Pilbara and Kimberley. This species occurs on Warrawagine Station, though these records are about 70km north of the study areas and located on the plains rather than in the rocky hills. It appears unlikely that the Dampierland Slider occurs in the study areas, unless it also utilises the lighter soils along creeklines.

Conservation Significance 3

gecko Lucasium wombeyi skink Ctenotus rubicundus Pilbara Rock Monitor Varanus pilbarensis Pilbara Blind Snake Anilios pilbarensis Pilbara Death Adder Acanthophis wellsi Rufous Whipsnake Demansia rufescens Pilbara Bandy-bandy Vermicella snelli

There are eight locally significant species that potentially occur, all of which have previously been recorded at Woodie Woodie (Appendix 4). These species are restricted to rocky habitats in the Pilbara region, but are likely to be locally common where their habitats are present.

4.2.5 Birds

There are 123 species of bird that have the potential to occur in the study areas, of which 88 species were recorded at Woodie Woodie on previous fauna surveys (Appendix 3). A total of 57 species were recorded across the seven study areas in the June 2018 survey (Table 7). This included two species, the Hooded Robin (Melanodryas cucullata) and Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), that had not previously been recorded on surveys at Woodie Woodie.

Western Wildlife 28 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

The terrestrial bird fauna of the Pilbara region is thought to be generally uniform, with a higher species richness where there is riparian vegetation such as tall Eucalyptus or Melaleuca trees (Burbidge et al. 2010). The bird assemblage at Woodie Woodie is likely to include a suite of resident species, while others migrate into the area on a seasonal or nomadic basis.

Tree hollows in Eucalyptus and Corymbia are likely to be used for nesting by a range of species, including the Australian Owlet-Nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus) and Southern Boobook (Ninox boobook). Honeyeaters and small insectivores are likely to favour the dense vegetation along drainage lines for nesting. When in flower, Eucalyptus sp., Corymbia sp. and Grevillea wickhamii are likely to attract foraging honeyeaters. The honeyeater assemblage varies between seasons and year to year, depending on flowering and climatic conditions. Caves and rock overhangs provide nesting and roosting habitat for some species, including the Barn Owl (Tyto alba), Australian Kestrel (Falco cenchroides) and Fairy Martin (Petrochelidon aerial).

Wetland dependent bird species occur in the surrounding area (e.g. along the permanent pools of the Oakover and Davis Rivers), and may occur as occasional visitors in small numbers. However, as the Woodie Woodie Project Area lacks significant wetland habitats, the only wetland birds listed in Appendix 3 are those that have been recorded in the Project Area during fauna surveys. Small waterholes, one of which may be permanent, are present on the creekline at Radio Hill. Waterholes may be locally important for birds that need to drink every day.

4.2.6 Birds of Conservation Significance

There are seven birds of conservation significance that potentially occur in the study areas. Each species is listed in the boxes below, and discussed. Several migratory birds are listed on EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool for the region (Appendix 6), but have been excluded from the discussion below as the study area lacks suitable habitats to support them. The Red Knot (Calidris canutus) was recorded at Woodie Woodie on DBCA’S Threatened and Priority Fauna Database, but has been excluded from this discussion as it is usually exclusively coastal.

Western Wildlife 29 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Conservation Significance 1

Oriental Plover Charadrius veredus This species is listed as Migratory under the EPBC Act and the BC Act.

Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos This species is listed as Migratory under the EPBC Act and the BC Act.

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola This species is listed as Migratory under the EPBC Act and the BC Act.

Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus This species is listed as Migratory under the EPBC Act and the BC Act.

Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos This species is listed as Vulnerable under the BC Act.

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus This falcon is listed as other specially protected fauna under the BC Act.

Night Parrot Pezoporus occidentalis This species is listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act and Critically Endangered under the BC Act.

The Oriental Plover inhabits sparsely vegetated plains, as well as beaches and tidal flats (Johnstone and Storr 1998). This migratory species breeds in Mongolia and northern China, and is present in northern Australia from late August to early April. Although not recorded during the fauna survey, this species is likely to be a regular visitor to the region, and may occur in sparse vegetation on plains, though it is not likely to occur in the stony hills. A site may be deemed important for this species if it supports more than 1% of the flyway population for the species, or 700 birds (Bamford et al. 2008). It appears unlikely that such large numbers of birds would visit the study area.

The Common Sandpiper may be present all year, but is most common in the summer months (Johnstone and Storr 1998). It occurs in a range of salt and freshwater habitats, including coasts, river pools, drying swamps and floodwaters (Johnstone and Storr 1998), though it is most common on the coast in Mangrove inlets (Geering et al. 2007). A site may be deemed important for this species if it supports more than 1% of the flyway population for the species, or 250 birds (Bamford et al. 2008). Although this species may occasionally visit creek pools study areas, only one or two individuals are likely to occur at any one time.

The Wood Sandpiper usually favours shallow, well-vegetated freshwater wetlands (Geering et al. 2007). There is a record of this species within 50km on DBCA’s Threatened and Priority Fauna Database (Figure 10) and a single bird has been recorded at Woodie Woodie during a previous survey (Western Wildlife 2009). A site may be deemed important for this species if it supports more than 1% of the flyway population for the species, or 1,000 birds (Bamford et al. 2008). Although this species may occasionally visit creek pools in the study areas, only one or two individuals are likely to occur.

Western Wildlife 30 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

The Fork-tailed Swift is a non-breeding visitor to Australia between September and April (Boehm 1962). While it can be scarce in southwest Australia this species is generally more common in the north (Johnstone and Storr 1998). The bird is primarily observed foraging for insects in proximity to cyclonic weather (Boehm 1962). Although a migratory species, the Fork-tailed Swift has a large range and a large population that appears to be stable (BirdLife International 2018). The Fork-tailed Swift is largely an aerial species and is unlikely to be affected by changes to the study areas.

The Grey Falcon forages over timbered plains, including Acacia shrublands, with its distribution centred on inland drainages. The Grey Falcon nests in tall trees on watercourses (Garnett et al. 2011) and occasionally on man-made structures such as transmission line towers (pers. obs.). The study area lacks suitable breeding habitat for this species. This species was not recorded in the area during the fauna survey, but may forage over the study area, and the tree-lined major creeklines may potentially be breeding habitat.

The Peregrine Falcon is a widespread bird of prey that globally has a very large range and a very large population that appears to be secure (BirdLife International 2018). In Western Australia the population is secure, though this species may experience reductions at a local level due to human disturbance at nesting sites (Debus 1998). The Peregrine Falcon nests mainly on ledges on cliffs or rocky outcrops, and it may also use tall trees (Johnstone and Storr 1998). This species often takes advantage of man-made structures such as abandoned open pits or quarries. The Peregrine Falcon was recorded in the Radio Hill study area (Table 7). Potential breeding habitat is present in the numerous open pits at Woodie Woodie, as well as on rocky hills within and adjacent to the study areas.

Historically, the Night Parrot was recorded across a large part of the arid and semi-arid interior of Australia (Garnett et al. 2011). In recent times however, there are very few verified records of the species. In Western Australia, Night Parrots were sighted near the Fortescue Marsh in 2005 (Davis and Metcalf 2008), and the first confirmed record was in 2017, from near a saltlake near Wiluna in the Murchison region. There have also been confirmed records from Lake Gregory in the Great Sandy Desert (NPRT 2018). Although the records are widespread, the total number of records are very few and the Night Parrot remains generally elusive. There are no records listed on DBCA’s Threatened and Priority Fauna Database within 50km of the survey area (Figure 10). This species was surveyed with acoustic detectors at 16 sites across the Woodie Woodie area in 2018, with no Night Parrots detected (Western Wildlife 2019a). Although the Night Parrot remains unrecorded at Woodie Woodie, the Spinifex flats may provide roosting and/or breeding habitat. As so little data are available for this species, it is not possible to state with certainty the likelihood of the species being present.

Western Wildlife 31 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

4.2.7 Mammals

There are 41 species of mammal that potentially occur in the study areas, of which 34 are native and seven introduced (Appendix 4). Six species of mammal were recorded opportunistically during the site visit (Table 7), and a further four species were recorded on camera traps as part of the targeted Northern Quoll survey (Western Wildlife 2019b). Most of the mammals listed in Appendix 4 have wide distributions in the semi-arid region, occurring in a variety of habitats. A few species, such as the Wongai Ningaui (Ningaui ridei), Hairy-footed Dunnart (Sminthopsis hirtipes) and Spinifex Hopping Mouse (Notomys alexis) favour sandplains, and may be absent from the study area, though they are likely to occur nearby.

Several species of dunnart and other dasyurid marsupials may occur. Dunnarts are nocturnal foragers, and by day they shelter in a nest constructed under fallen timber or in a hollow log (Van Dyck and Strahan 2008). Almost a third of the mammals listed in Appendix 4 are insectivorous bats. These species are likely to forage over the study areas at night. Some species, such as Hill’s Sheathtail Bat (Taphozous hilli), roost in caves or mine shafts, while others, such as the White-striped Freetail Bat (Ozimops australis), roost in tree hollows (Churchill 1998). There are no caves in the study area, but some cave-roosting species may roost in crevices in the rocky outcrops and breakaways.

4.2.8 Mammals of Conservation Significance

There are eight mammals of conservation significance that potentially occur in the study areas. Each species is listed and discussed below. One species, the Northern Marsupial Mole (Notoryctes caurinus) occurs only in sand dune habitats and was recorded at Nifty Mine on DBCA’s Threatened and Priority Fauna Database (Figure 10). It is omitted from Appendix 4 and the discussion below due to the lack of suitable habitat at Woodie Woodie.

Conservation Significance 1

Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus This species is listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act and the BC Act.

Greater Bilby Macrotis lagotis This species is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act and the BC Act.

Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat Rhinonicteris aurantia This bat is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act and the BC Act.

Ghost Bat Macroderma gigas This bat is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act and the BC Act.

Western Wildlife 32 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

The Northern Quoll occurs in a variety of habitats across its range, but in the Pilbara favours dissected rocky escarpments (Hill and Ward 2010, Van Dyck and Strahan 2008). Where shelter habitat occurs within the Northern Quolls predicted range, it is considered ‘habitat critical to the survival of the species’ (Commonwealth of Australia 2016). In the Pilbara, shelter and denning habitat consists of rocky habitats such as ranges, escarpments, mesas, gorges, breakaways, boulder fields and major drainage lines (Commonwealth of Australia 2016). Little is known about Northern Quoll foraging and dispersal habitats, However, the referral guidelines recognise that all native vegetation within 1km of shelter habitat or Northern Quoll records may be considered foraging and dispersal habitat (Commonwealth of Australia 2016). The Northern Quoll was recorded on rocky outcrops and breakaways near the Radio Hill study area as well as elsewhere around Woodie Woodie (Western Wildlife 2019b). It potentially occurs in rocky outcrops and breakaways where present, and may forage in surrounding habitats.

The Bilby occurs patchily across the Pilbara and inland northern Australia with the total population estimated at less than 10,000 individuals and in decline (Woinarski et al. 2014). It inhabits spinifex on plains and alluvial areas, mulga on ridges and rises and tussock grasslands on uplands and hills (Pavey 2006). As the Bilby can move its home range in response to the changing availability of food (Van Dyck and Strahan 2008), they may not always be present despite suitable habitat being available. There are records of the Bilby within 50 km of the study areas on DBCA’s Threatened and Priority Fauna Database, at Nifty Mine (Figure 10). Although the Bilby is unlikely to occur in the study areas, as it occurs nearby and is highly mobile, it may move along major creeklines in the Woodie Woodie area. However, the core range of the species is in the sandier deserts to the east.

The Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat requires warm, humid daytime roost sites and forages in gorges, along watercourses and over low Spinifex-covered hills (TSSC 2016c). This species has been recorded on previous fauna surveys at Woodie Woodie and these records are also on DBCA’s Threatened and Priority Fauna Database (Figure 10, Appendix 4). The Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat is likely to forage throughout the study areas, particularly along major creeklines. When foraging it typically flies very low to the ground, so it is vulnerable to road mortalities (Van Dyck and Strahan 2008). Shallow caves and simple vertical shafts are unlikely roost sites, as they are restricted to sites that maintain warm, humid conditions all year, usually deep within a mine or cave structure, and often over pools of water (Armstrong 2001). Known roost sites are rare, though sites from around Marble Bar include Bamboo Creek Mine and Klondyke Queen Mine (TSSC 2016c). No roost caves are known from the study areas, though roosting cave entrances may be cryptic.

Western Wildlife 33 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

The Ghost Bat is a large carnivorous bat that occurs across northern Australia. The Pilbara population has been estimated at little over 1000 individuals (Armstrong and Anstee 2000), though this species also occurs across north and north-east Australia with the total population estimated at about 10,000 individuals (Woinarski et al. 2014, TSSC 2016a). Ghost Bats roost in both natural structures (such as caves), and old mine shafts. Intermittent roosts used by a few individuals, and may be relatively shallow caves, rock crevices or smaller mines (Armstrong and Anstee 2000, Woinarski et al. 2014). Maternity roosts are situated in caves with a high relative humidity, often with a small entrance opening into a larger chamber. Deep mines are also known to be maternity roosts, including those at Bamboo Creek Mine in the Marble Bar shire (Armstrong and Anstee 2000). Ghost Bats are threatened by loss of roosting habitat (mostly in the Pilbara), disturbance at roost sites, degradation of foraging habitat, mortality on barbed wire fences near roost sites and poisoning by Cane Toads (Woinarski et al. 2014, TSSC 2016a). The Ghost Bat may utilise the study areas for foraging, but it appears unlikely that any maternity sites occur within the area given the lack of suitable deep caves or old mine shafts. Smaller caves in rocky outcrops may provide intermittent roosts for foraging individuals and small groups, though this species has yet to be recorded at Woodie Woodie and has not been recorded within 50km on DBCA’s Threatened and Priority Fauna Database (Figure 10).

Conservation Significance 2

Long-tailed Dunnart Sminthopsis longicaudata This species is listed as Priority 4 by DBCA.

Spectacled Hare-Wallaby (mainland form) Lagorchestes conspicillatus leichardti This species is listed as Priority 3 by DBCA.

Lakeland Downs Mouse Leggadina lakedownensis This mouse is listed as Priority 4 by DBCA.

Western Pebble-mound Mouse Pseudomys chapmani This mouse is listed as Priority 4 by DBCA.

The Long-tailed Dunnart is associated with breakaways and scree slopes, but also occurs on gravel or stony plains (Van Dyck and Strahan 2008). There are no records of this species within 50km on DBCA’s Threatened and Priority Fauna Database (Figure 10) and it has not previously been recorded at Woodie Woodie. However, this species is rarely trapped and potentially occurs on rocky outcrops and breakaways, ranging onto Spinifex stony hills in the study areas.

The mainland form of the Spectacled Hare Wallaby occurs across northern Australia, with an isolated population in the Pilbara (Van Dyck and Strahan 2008). The Pilbara population has declined significantly, possibly due to frequent fires preventing large Spinifex clumps from forming, as well as predation by foxes (Van Dyck and Strahan 2008). The mainland form of the Spectacled Hare-Wallaby is listed as ‘Near Threatened’ in the Action Plan for Australian Mammals 2012 (Woinarski et al. 2014). There are no DBCA Threatened and Priority Fauna Database records of this species within 50km of the study areas (Figure 10), and it appears unlikely to occur. If present, it is only likely to occur on the Spinifex Flats, but much of the study area and surrounds are burnt regularly.

Western Wildlife 34 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

The Lakeland Downs Mouse favours cracking and gilgaied clays (Gibson and McKenzie 2009), but it also occurs in a range of other habitats, including Spinifex grasslands and stony ranges (Van Dyck and Strahan 2008). The Lakeland Downs Mouse has not previously been recorded at Woodie Woodie, though there is a record within 50km on DBCA’s Threatened and Priority Fauna Database (Figure 10). However, populations of this species can fluctuate dramatically (Van Dyck and Strahan 2008), so it may be common in one year and virtually absent in another. The Lakeland Downs Mouse may occur in the study areas, favouring the Spinifex flats but potentially occurring in stony hills and creeklines.

The Western Pebble-Mound Mouse occurs in the ranges of the central and southern Pilbara, and the smaller ranges of the Little Sandy Desert. It inhabits gentle stony slopes where it constructs its pebble mounds, often situating them near Acacia-lined minor drainages (Van Dyck and Strahan 2008). This species has disappeared from parts of its range along the Pilbara coast, Murchison and Gascoyne, possibly due to the fox and introduced herbivores (Van Dyck and Strahan 2008). Only long-inactive mounds of this species were found on Spinifex stony hills in five of the study areas (Figures 5 - 9, Plate 8). The Western Pebble-mound Mouse potentially occurs throughout the Spinifex stony hills of the study areas. Although no active mounds were recorded, active mounds have been recorded elsewhere at Woodie Woodie (Western Wildlife 2013), so this species may potentially occur.

Plate 8. Inactive Western Pebble-mound Mouse mound at Rhodes.

Western Wildlife 35 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

4.2.9 Freshwater Fish

The freshwater fish fauna of the interior Pilbara region is not diverse. Only eight species are expected to occur in the vicinity of the study areas (Appendix 7), though most of these are likely to be restricted to the larger rivers (i.e. the Oakover River) and any permanent river pools. All species listed in Appendix 5 have been recorded in the De Grey River, of which the Oakover is a tributary, by Morgan and Gill (2004).

Spangled Perch (Leiopotherapon unicolor) were recorded in pools in the Radio Hill study area. The isolated nature of the pools along creeklines is not conducive to supporting diverse fish populations, and fish are generally likely to be present during times they can invade from permanent pools elsewhere in the river system.

4.2.10 Freshwater Fish of Conservation Significance

No freshwater fish of conservation significance are likely to occur in the study area.

5. Conclusions

Five fauna habitats were identified across the seven Level 1 survey areas: • Rocky outcrops and breakaways • Spinifex Stony Hills • Spinifex Flats • Major Creeklines • Minor Creeklines

These habitats are common at Woodie Wodie and in the surrounding area. Overall, the study areas have the potential to support up to seven frog, 77 reptile, 123 bird and 41 mammal (34 native mammals) species. A total of 24 species conservation significant fauna potentially occur in the vicinity of the study areas; 12 of CS1, five of CS2 and seven of CS3, as summarised in Table 8.

Western Wildlife 36 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Table 8. Summary of conservation significant (CS) fauna in the study areas.

Key to Status: Cr = Critically Endangered, En = Endangered, Vu = Vulnerable, Mi = Migratory, Cd = Conservation Dependent, Os = Other Specially Protected Fauna, P1 – P4 = Priority 1-4.

Potential habitat use in Status Likelihood of occurrence the study areas

Species Records Explanation for likelihood of occurrence

C Act EPBC Act B DBCA Priority Access Road Chris D Fault North Hunter Radio Hill Rhodes Vespa Rocky Outcrops Spinifex Stony Hills lats Spinifex F Major Creeklines Minor Creeklines

CS1

The paucity of data on this species makes it difficult to Pezoporus ascertain its likelihood of occurrence. There is occidentalis En Cr - None known within 50 km L(?) L(?) L(?) L(?) L(?) L(?) L(?) potentially suitable habitat present (though mostly + Night Parrot recently burnt) but this species is very rarely recorded in WA. Dasyurus This species was recorded and potentially suitable Recorded at Woodie hallucatus En En - L M H M H M M habitat is present. Likely to occur where there are rocky + + Woodie (this survey) Northern Quoll hills/outcrops and forage in surrounding habitats. Macrotis lagotis Recorded from Nifty Mine Though this species is highly mobile and is known from Vu Vu - L L L L L L L + Bilby (approx. 32km east) nearby, the study areas lack its preferred habitats. Rhinonicteris This species was recorded in previous surveys and is aurantia Recorded at Woodie likely to forage over all habitats, particularly major Vu Vu - H H H H H H H + + Pilbara Leaf-nosed Woodie (previous surveys) creeklines. Temporary day roosts may be present in Bat rocky areas. Macroderma gigas Though not recorded nearby, this species is known to Vu Vu - None known within 50 km M M M M M M M + Ghost Bat occur in rocky hills in the Pilbara.

Western Wildlife 37 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Table 8. (cont.)

Potential habitat use in Status Likelihood of occurrence the study areas

Species Records Explanation for likelihood of occurrence

ex Stony Hills C Act EPBC Act B DBCA Priority Access Road Chris D Fault North Hunter Radio Hill Rhodes Vespa Rocky Outcrops Spinif lats Spinifex F Major Creeklines Minor Creeklines

Liasis olivaceous barroni Recorded on Nifty Road This species was recorded nearby and suitable habitat Vu Vu - L L M L H M L + + Pilbara Olive (approx. 1 km east) is present. Python Charadrius veredus Though not recorded nearby, this species is known to Mi Mi - None known within 50 km L L L L L L L + + Oriental Plover occur inland. Tringa hypoleucos Though known to occur on inland waters, there is little Recorded at Woodie Common Mi Mi - L L L L M M L wetland habitat present for this species. May occur on + Woodie (previous survey) Sandpiper creek pools. Though known to occur on inland waters, there is little Tinga glareola Recorded at Woodie Mi Mi - L L L L M M L wetland habitat present for this species. May occur on + Wood Sandpiper Woodie (previous survey) creek pools. Apus pacificus This species is largely aerial in Australia and may overfly Mi Mi - None known within 50 km L L L L L L L + + + + + Fork-tailed Swift any of the study areas. Though there are no nearby records of this species, the Falco hypoleucos - Vu - None known within 50 km M M M M M M M Grey Falcon is known to occur in the region and + Grey Falcon potentially suitable habitat is present. Falco peregrinus Recorded at Woodie This species was recorded at Radio Hill (this survey) and - Os - M M M M H M M + Peregrine Falcon Woodie (this survey) suitable nesting and foraging habitat is present.

Western Wildlife 38 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Table 8. (cont.)

Potential habitat use in Status Likelihood of occurrence the study areas

Species Records Explanation for likelihood of occurrence

klines

C Act EPBC Act B DBCA Priority Access Road Chris D Fault North Hunter Radio Hill Rhodes Vespa Rocky Outcrops Spinifex Stony Hills lats Spinifex F Major Cree Minor Creeklines

CS2

Lerista separanda This species is not recorded nearby or in previous Dampierland - - P2 None known within 50 km L L L L L L L surveys at Woodie Woodie. It is usually coastal in its + Slider distribution, favouring plains. Sminthopsis This species is not recorded nearby or in previous longicaudata surveys at Woodie Woodie. However, this species is - - P4 None known within 50 km L M M M M M L + + Long-tailed often difficult to trap, and potentially suitable habitat is Dunnart present. Lagorchestes This species is not recorded nearby or in previous conspicillatus surveys at Woodie Woodie. The centre of distribution leichardti - - P4 None known within 50 km L L L L L L L is generally further north and west of Woodie Woodie, + Spectacled Hare- and much of the Spinifex plains habitat is too recently Wallaby burnt. (mainland) Leggadina Although not recorded previously at Woodie Woodie, lakedownensis Recorded at Carawine Pool - - P4 M M L M M M M this species is known to occur nearby and suitable + Lakeland Downs (approx. 20 km north-west) habitats are present. Mouse

Western Wildlife 39 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Table 8. (cont.)

Potential habitat use in Status Likelihood of occurrence the study areas

Species Records Explanation for likelihood of occurrence

C Act EPBC Act B DBCA Priority Access Road Chris D Fault North Hunter Radio Hill Rhodes Vespa Rocky Outcrops Spinifex Stony Hills lats Spinifex F Major Creeklines Minor Creeklines

Pseudomys Inactive mounds recorded Inactive mounds were recorded and active mounds chapmani (this survey), active mounds - - P4 H H H H H H H occur nearby, so this species potentially occurs where + Western Pebble- recorded at Woodie South there are low stony hills. mound Mouse (previous survey)

CS3

Lucasium wombeyi Recorded at Woodie Known to occur at Woodie Woodie and suitable habitat - - - H H H H H H H + gecko Woodie (previous survey) is present. Ctenotus Recorded at Woodie Known to occur at Woodie Woodie and suitable habitat rubicundus - - - M H H H H H H + Woodie (previous survey) is present. skink Varanus pilbarensis Recorded at Woodie Known to occur at Woodie Woodie and suitable habitat - - - M H H H H H H + + Pilbara Rock Woodie (previous survey) is present. Monitor Anilios pilbarensis Recorded at Woodie Known to occur at Woodie Woodie and suitable habitat Pilbara Blind - - - M M M M M M M + + + + Woodie (previous survey) is present. Snake

Western Wildlife 40 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Table 8. (cont.)

Potential habitat use in Status Likelihood of occurrence the study areas

Species Records Explanation for likelihood of occurrence

reeklines

C Act EPBC Act B DBCA Priority Access Road Chris D Fault North Hunter Radio Hill Rhodes Vespa Rocky Outcrops Spinifex Stony Hills lats Spinifex F Major Creeklines Minor C

Acanthophis wellsi Recorded at Woodie Known to occur at Woodie Woodie and suitable habitat Pilbara Death - - - M M M M M M M + + Woodie (previous survey) is present. Adder Demansia rufescens Recorded at Woodie Known to occur at Woodie Woodie and suitable habitat - - - M M M M M M M + + Rufous Whipsnake Woodie (previous survey) is present.

Vermicella snelli Recorded at Woodie Although infrequently recorded, this species is known Pilbara Bandy- - - - M M M M M M M + + + + Woodie (previous survey) to occur at Woodie Woodie. bandy

Western Wildlife 41 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

6. References

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Armstrong, K.N. (2001). The roost habitat and distribution of the orange leaf-nosed bat, Rhinonicteris aurantius, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Wildlife Research. 28: 95-104.

Armstrong K.N. and Anstee S.D., (2000). The ghost bat in the Pilbara: 100 years on. Australian Mammalogy 22: 93- 101.

Baines, A. and McDowell, M.C. (2010). The original mammal fauna of the Pilbara Biogeographic regeon of northwestern Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum, Supplement 78: 285-298.

Bamford, M., Watkins, D., Bancroft, W., Tischler, G. and Wahl, J. (2008). Migratory Shorebirds of the East Asian – Australian Flyway: Population Estimates and Internationally Important Sites. Wetlands International – Oceania, Canberra, Australia.

Barrett, G., Silcocks, A., Barry, S., Cunningham, R. and Poulter, R. (2003). The New Atlas of Australian Birds. Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union, Victoria.

BirdLife International (2018) IUCN Red List for birds. URL: http://www.birdlife.org

Boehm, E.F. (1962). Some habits of the Fork-tailed Swift. Emu 61(4) 281-282.

Burbidge, A.H., Johnstone, R.E. and Pearson, D.J. (2010). Birds in a vast arid upland: avian biogeographical patterns in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum, Supplement 78: 247-270.

Churchill, S. (1998). Australian Bats. Reed New Holland, Sydney.

Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E.E., Sadlier, R.A. and Eggler, P. (1993). The Action Plan for Australian Reptiles. Endangered Species Programme Project Number 124, Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra.

Commonwealth of Australia (2016). EPBC Act referral guideline for the endangered northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus)

Davis, R.A. and Metcalf, B.M. (2008). The Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis) in northern Western Australia: a recent sighting from the Pilbara region. Emu 108(3) 233-236.

Debus, S. (1998). The Birds of Prey of Australia: A Field Guide. Oxford University Press, Australia.

Doughty, P., Rolfe, J.K., Burbidge, A.H., Pearson, D.J. and Kendrick, P.G. (2011). Herpetological assemblages of the Pilbara Biogeographic region, Western Australia: ecological associations, Biogeographic patterns and conservation. Records of the Western Australian Museum, Supplement 78: 315-341.

DBCA (2007-). Naturemap: Mapping Western Australia’s Biodiversity. Department of Environment and Conservation. URL: http://naturemap.dec.wa.gov.au/ DPAW (2017). Interim guideline for preliminary surveys of night parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis) in Western Australia.

DEWHA (Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts) (2004). Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA), Version 6.1.

Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) (2016a). Statement of Environmental Principles, Factors and Objectives. EPA, Western Australia.

EPA (2016b). Environmental Factor Guideline – Terrestrial Fauna. EPA, Western Australia.

EPA (2016c). Technical Guidance – Terrestrial Fauna Surveys. EPA, Western Australia.

EPA and DEC (Department of Environment and Conservation) (2010). Technical Guide – Terrestrial Vertebrate

Western Wildlife 42 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment. Eds B.M. Hyder, J. Dell and M.A. Cowan. Perth, Western Australia.

Garnett, S.T. Szabo, J.K. and Dutson, G. (2011). The Action Plan For Australian Birds 2010. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Victoria.

Geering, A., Agnew, L. and Harding, S. (2007). Shorebirds of Australia. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Victoria.

Government of Western Australia (2000). Bush Forever Volume 2. Department of Environmental Protection, Perth.

Hill B.M. and Ward S.J. (2010). National Recovery Plan for the Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus. Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport, Darwin.

Johnstone, R.E. & Storr, G.M. (1998). Handbook of Western Australian Birds. Volume 1: Nonpasserines (Emu to Dollarbird). Western Australian Museum, Perth.

Johnstone, R.E. & Storr, G.M. (2004). Handbook of Western Australian Birds. Volume 2: Passerines (Blue-winged Pitta to Goldfinch). Western Australian Museum, Perth.

Kendrick, P. and McKenzie, N.L. (2001). Pilbara 1 (PIL 1 – Chichester Subregion). In ‘A Biodiversity Audit of Western Australia’s 53 Biogeographical Subregions in 2002). Ed by J.E. May and N.L. McKenzie. Department of Conservation and land Management, Western Australia.

Menkhorst, P. and Knight, F. (2011). A field guide to the mammals of Australia. 3rd Edition. Oxford University Press, South Melbourne.

Morgan, D.L. and Gill, H.S. (2004). Fish fauna in inland waters of the Pilbara (Indian Ocean) drainage division of Western Australia – evidence for three subprovinces. Zootaxa 636: 1-43.

NPRT (Night Parrot Recovery Team (2018). Nigh Prrot Recovery Team Website URL: https://nightparrot.com.au

Pavey, C. (2006). National Recovery Plan for the Greater Bilby Macrotis lagotis. Northern Territory Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts.

Storr, G.M., Smith, L.A. and Johnstone, R.E. (1983). Lizards of Western Australia. II. Dragons and Monitors. W.A. Museum, Perth.

Storr, G.M., Smith, L.A. and Johnstone, R.E. (2002). Snakes of Western Australia. W.A. Museum, Perth.

Storr, G.M., Smith, L.A. and Johnstone, R.E. (1990). Lizards of Western Australia. III. Geckoes and Pygopods. W.A. Museum, Perth.

Storr, G.M., Smith, L.A. and Johnstone, R.E. (1999). Lizards of Western Australia. I. Skinks. 2nd edition. W.A. Museum, Perth.

TSSC (Threatened Species Scientific Committee) (2016a). Conservation Advice Macroderma gigas ghost bat. Canberra: Department of the Environment. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/174-conservation-advice- 05052016.pdf. In effect under the EPBC Act from 05-May-2016.

TSSC (Threatened Species Scientific Committee) (2016b). Conservation Advice Pezoporus occidentalis night parrot. Canberra: Department of the Environment. URL: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/59350-conservation-advice- 15072016.pdf. In effect under the EPBC Act from 15-Jul-2016.

TSSC (Threatened Species Scientific Committee) (2016c). Conservation Advice Rhinonicteris aurantia (Pilbara form) (Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat). Canberra: Department of the Environment. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/82790-conservation-advice- 10032016.pdf. In effect under the EPBC Act from 10-Mar-2016.

Tyler, M.J. (1998). The Action Plan for Australian Frogs. Environment Australia, Canberra.

Tyler, M.J., Smith, L.A. and Johnstone, R.E. (2000). Frogs of Western Australia. W.A. Museum, Perth.

Western Wildlife 43 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Van Dyck and Strahan, R. (Ed.) (2008). The Mammals of Australia. 3rd Edition. Australian Museum/Reed Books, Sydney.

Western Wildlife (2007). Woodie Woodie Project Area: Baseline Fauna Survey 2006/2007. Unpublished Report to MBS Environmental.

Western Wildlife (2009). Ten Prospect Areas in the Woodie Woodie Project Area, Fauna Survey October 2008 and April 2009. Unpublished Report to MBS Environmental.

Western Wildlife (2010). Woodie Woodie Prospect Areas Homestead, Parrot, Lucy Mack North, Canyon & Sardine. Level 1 fauna survey May 2010. Unpublished report to MBS Environmental.

Western Wildife (2019a). Woodie Woodie Mine: Targeted Night Parrot Survey 2018. Unpublished report to Consolidated Minerals Ltd.

Western Wildife (2019b). Woodie Woodie Mine: Targeted Northern Quoll Survey 2018. Unpublished report to Consolidated Minerals Ltd.

Wilson, S. and Swan, G. (2010). A complete guide to the reptiles of Australia. 3rd Edition. New Holland Publishers (Australia).

Woinarski, J.C.Z., Burbidge, A.A. and Harrison, P.L. (2014). The Action Plan for Australian Mammals 2012. CSIRO Publishing.

Western Wildlife 44 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Appendices

Appendix 1. Amphibians potentially occurring at Woodie Woodie.

2018 = species recorded in this survey. WS = species recorded at Woodie South and Max in 2013 (Western Wildlife 2014). WW = species recorded on the Woodie Woodie Project Area (Western Wildlife 2010). WAM = species recorded in the area on the Western Australian Museum Specimen Database (see Table 3). FSDB = species recorded in the area on the Fauna Survey Returns Database (see Table 3). TF = species recorded in the area on DBCA’s Threatened and Priority Fauna Database (see Table 3). EPBC = species or species habitat in the area on the EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool (see Table 3).

Records

Species

Status TF WS WW 2018 EPBC FSDB WAM Conservation

Pelodraydidae (tree frogs and water-holding frogs) Main’s Frog Cyclorana maini x Western Water-holding Frog Cyclorana occidentalis Desert Tree Frog Litoria rubella x x x x Limnodynastidae (burrowing frogs) Centralian Burrowing Frog Platyplectrum spenceri x Northern Burrowing Frog Neobatrachus aquilonius x Desert Spadefoot Notaden nichollsi x x Myobatrachidae (ground frogs) Pilbara Toadlet Uperoleia saxatilis x x x # frog species expected (recorded in 2018): 7 (0)

Western Wildlife 45 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Appendix 2. Reptiles potentially occurring at Woodie Woodie.

Records

Species

Status TF WS WW Conservation 2018 EPBC FSDB WAM

Cheloniidae Flat-shelled Turtle Chelodina steindachneri x Carphodactylidae (knob-tailed geckoes) Smooth Knob-tailed Gecko Nephrurus levis x Banded Knob-tailed Gecko Nephrurus wheeleri Diplodactylidae (ground geckoes) Clawless Gecko Crenadactylus pilbarensis x Fat-tailed Gecko Diplodactylus conspicillatus x x x Southern Pilbara Beak-faced Gecko Diplodactylus savagei x x x Lucasium stenodactylum x x x x Lucasium wombeyi CS3 x x x x Western Marbled Velvet Gecko Oedura fimbria x x x Beaked Gecko Rhynchoedura ornata x x x x Jewelled Gecko Strophurus elderi x x Strophurus jeanae Gekkonidae (geckoes) Spotted Dtella Gehyra punctata x x x x Variegated Dtella Gehyra variegata x x x x Bynoe’s Gecko Heteronotia binoei x x x Pilbara Cave Gecko Heteronotia spelea x x x Pygopodidae (legless lizards) Delma desmosa Delma elegans x Delma nasuta x x x x Delma pax x x x Delma tincta x Burton’s Legless Lizard Lialis burtonis x Hooded Scaly-foot Pygopus nigriceps x x x Agamidae (dragon lizards) Western Ring-tailed Dragon Ctenophorus caudicinctus x x x x x Military Dragon Ctenophorus isolepis x x x Central Netted Dragon Ctenophorus nuchalis x x Long-nosed Dragon Gowidon longirostris x x x x x Bearded Dragon Pogona minor x x Pebble Dragon Tympanocryptis cephalus

Western Wildlife 46 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Appendix 2. (cont.)

Records

Species

Status TF WS WW 2018 EPBC FSDB Conservation WAM

Scincidae (skink lizards) Carlia munda x x x Cryptoblepharus buchananii Cryptoblepharus ustulatus Ctenotus duricola x x x x Ctenotus grandis x x x x Ctenotus helenae x x x Ctenotus pantherinus x x x Ctenotus rubicundus CS3 x x x x Rock Ctenotus Ctenotus saxatilis x x x x Slender Blue-tongue Cyclodomorphus melanops x x x x Eastern Pilbara Spiny-tailed Skink Egernia epsisolus x Western Narrow-banded Skink Eremiascincus pallidus Broad-banded Sand Swimmer Eremiascincus richardsonii x Lerista bipes x x Lerista jacksoni x x x x Dampierland Slider Lerista separanda CS2 Dwarf Skink Menetia greyii x x x Menetia surda x x Morethia ruficauda x x Notoscincus ornatus x Proablepharus reginae x Central Blue-tongue Tiliqua multifasciata x x x x Varanidae (goanna or monitor lizards) Spiny-tailed Goanna Varanus acanthurus x x x x Short-tailed Pygmy Goanna Varanus brevicauda x x x Pygmy Desert Goanna Varanus eremius x x Perentie Varanus giganteus x x x x x Sand Goanna Varanus gouldii x Varanus panoptes x Northern Pilbara Rock Monitor Varanus pilbarensis CS3 x x x x Black-tailed Monitor Varanus tristis x Typhlopidae (blind snakes) Anilios ammodytes x x Beaked Blind Snake Anilios grypus x x Pilbara Blind Snake Anilios pilbarensis CS3 x x

Western Wildlife 47 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Appendix 2. (cont.)

Records

Species

Status TF WS WW 2018 EPBC FSDB Conservation WAM

Boidae (pythons) Pygmy Python Antaresia perthensis x x x Stimson’s Python Antaresia stimsoni x x x Black-headed Python Aspidites melanocephalus Pilbara Olive Python Liasis olivaceus barroni CS1 x x x Elapidae (front-fanged snakes) Pilbara Death Adder Acanthophis wellsi CS3 x x x x Northwestern Shovel-nosed Snake Brachyurophis approximans x x x x Yellow-faced Whipsnake Demansia psammophis x x x Rufous Whipsnake Demansia rufescens CS3 x x x Moon Snake Furina ornata x x x x Mulga Snake Pseudechis australis x x x Ringed Brown Snake Pseudonaja modesta x x Gwardar Pseudonaja mengdeni x x x Rosen’s Snake Suta fasciata x x x Spotted Snake Suta punctata x Pilbara Bandy-bandy Vermicella snelli CS3 x

Number of species expected (recorded in 2018): 77 (5)

Western Wildlife 48 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Appendix 3. Birds potentially occurring at Woodie Woodie.

2018 = species recorded in this survey. WS = species recorded at Woodie South and Max in 2013 (Western Wildlife 2014). WW = species recorded on the Woodie Woodie Project Area 2006 - 2010 (Western Wildlife 2010). Birdata = species recorded in the area by Birds Australia 2010 – 2018 (see Table 1). Atlas = species recorded in the area on Birds Australia’s Atlas Database 1998 – 2009 (see Table 3). WAM = species recorded in the area on the Western Australian Museum Specimen Database (see Table 3). FSDB = species recorded in the area on the Fauna Survey Returns Database (see Table 3). TF = species recorded in the area on DBCA’s Threatened and Priority Fauna Database (see Table 3). EPBC = species or species habitat in the area on the EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool (see Table 3).

Records

Species

TF WS WW 2018 Atlas EPBC FSDB WAM Birdata Conservation Status

Anatidae (ducks & swans) Grey Teal Anas gracilis x x x Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosus x x x x x x Hardhead Aythya australis x x x x

Phasianidae (quails) Stubble Quail Coturnix pectoralis Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora x x Podicipedidae (grebes) Australasian Grebe Tachybabtus navaehollandiae x x x x Ardeidae (herons, egrets, bitterns & night-herons) Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta x x x White-faced Heron Ardea novaehollandiae x x White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica x x x

Rufous Night-heron Nycticorax caledonicus x x

Phalacrocoracidae (cormorants) Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris x x x x Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos x x Anhingidae (darter) Australasian Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae x x x Accipitridae (osprey, hawks, eagles & harriers) Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus x x x x x Square-tailed Kite Hamirostra isura Black-breasted Buzzard Hamirostra melanosternon Black Kite Milvus migrans x x x x Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus x x x x Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus x x x x x Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrocephalus x Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides x x x Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax x x x x x Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis x x x x x Otididae (bustard) Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis x x x x

Western Wildlife 49 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Appendix 3. (cont.)

Records

Species

Status TF WS WW 2018 Atlas EPBC FSDB Conservation WAM Birdata

Rallidae (crakes, rails and gallinules) Eurasian Coot Fulica atra x x x x Purple Swamp Hen Porphyrio porphyrio x x Spotless Crake Porzana tabuensis x Turnicidae (button-quails) Little Button-Quail Turnix velox x x x x x Burhinidae (stone-curlews) Bush Stone-Curlew Burhinus grallarius x x x Charadriidae (plovers, dotterels & lapwings) Black-fronted Dotterel Elseyornis melanops x x x Oriental Plover Charadrius veredus CS1 x Scolopacidae (sandpipers, stinits, tatltlers, godwits & allies) Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos CS1 x x x Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola CS1 x Columbidae (pigeons and doves) Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera x x x x x Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes x x x x x Spinifex Pigeon Geophaps plumifera x x x x x Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata x x x x x Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata x x x x Cuculidae (cuckoos) Pheasant-Coucal Centropus phasianinus x x x Pallid Cuckoo Cacomantis pallidus x x x x Black-eared Cuckoo Chrysococcyx osculans x x x Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis x x x Tytonidae (barn owls) Barn Owl Tyto alba x x Strigidae (hawk owls) Barking Owl Ninox connivens x x x x Southern Boobook Ninox boobook x x x Podargidae (frogmouths) Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides x x Caprimulgidae (nightjars) Spotted Nightjar Eurostopodus argus x x x x Aegothelidae (owlet-nightjars) Australian Owlet-Nightjar Aegotheles cristatus x x x x x Apodidae (swifts) Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus CS1 x

Western Wildlife 50 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Appendix 3. (cont.)

Records

Species

Status TF WS WW 2018 Atlas EPBC FSDB Conservation WAM Birdata

Alcedinidae (kingfishers) Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii x x x x x x Red-backed Kingfisher Todiramphus pyrrhopygius x x x x x Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus x x Meropidae (bee-eaters) Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus x x x x x x Falconidae (falcons) Brown Falcon Falco berigora x x x x x Australian Kestrel Falco cenchroides x x x x x x Australian Hobby Falco longipennis x x Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos CS1 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus CS1 x Black Falcon Falco subniger Cacatuidae (cockatoos) Galah Cacatua roseicapilla x x x x x x Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea x x x x x x x Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus x x x x Psittacidae (parrots, lorikeets and rosellas) Australian Ringneck Platycercus zonarius x x x x x Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus x x x x x x Night Parrot Pezoporus occidentalis CS1 x Ptilonorhynchidae (bowerbirds) Western Bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus maculatus guttatus x x x x x x Climacteridae (treecreepers) Black-tailed Treecreeper Climacteris melanurus Maluridae (fairy-wrens, grasswrens and emu-wrens) Striated Grasswren Amytornis striatus x x x Variegated Fairy-wren Malurus lamberti x x x x x White-winged Fairy-wren Malurus leucopterus x x x x x Rufous-crowned Emu-wren Stipiturus ruficeps Meliphagidae (honeyeaters and chats) Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta x x x x x x Black Honeyeater Sugomel niger x x Pied Honeyeater Certhionyx variegatus x Singing Honeyeater Gavicalis virescens x x x x Grey-headed Honeyeater Ptilotula keartlandi x x x x x White-plumed Honeyeater Ptilotula penicillata x x x Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis x x White-fronted Honeyeater Purnella albifrons x x x Yellow-throated Miner Manorina flavigula x x x x x x Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Acanthagenys rufogularis x x x x x Crimson Chat Epthianura tricolor x x x

Western Wildlife 51 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Appendix 3. (cont.)

Records

Species

Status TF WS WW 2018 Atlas EPBC FSDB Conservation WAM Birdata

Pardalotidae (pardalotes) Red-browed Pardalote Pardalotus rubricatus x x x x Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus x x x x x x Acanthizidae (thornbills, gerygones & allies) Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris x x x x x x Western Gerygone Gerygone fusca x x x Inland Thornbill Acanthiza apicalis x x x Pomatostomidae (babblers) Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis x x Artamidae (woodswallows) White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus x x Masked Woodswallow Artamus personatus x x x White-browed Woodswallow Artamus superciliosus x Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus x x x x x x Little Woodswallow Artamus minor x x x x x x Cracticidae (butcherbirds & magpie) Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus x Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis x x x x x x Australian Magpie Cracticus tibicen x x x Campephagidae (cuckoo-shrikes and trillers) Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike Coracina novaehollandiae x x x x x x x White-winged Triller Lalage tricolor x x x x Oreoicidae (bellbirds) Crested Bellbird Oreoica gutturalis Pachycephalidae (shrike-tits, whistlers and allies) Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris x x x x x x Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica x x x x x x Rhipiduridae (fantails) Grey Fantail Rhipidura albiscapa x Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys x x x x x x Monarchidae (flycatchers, monarchs and magpie-lark) Magpie-Lark Grallina cyanoleuca x x x x x x Corvidae (ravens and crows) Torresian Crow Corvus orru x x x x x x Little Crow Corvus bennetti x x x x Petroicidae (robins) Red-capped Robin Petroica goodenovii x Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata x Alaudidae (larks) Horsfield’s Bushlark Mirafra javanica x x x

Western Wildlife 52 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Appendix 3. (cont.)

Records

Species

Status TF WS WW 2018 Atlas EPBC FSDB Conservation WAM Birdata

Hirundinidae (swallows and martins) White-backed Swallow Cheramoeca leucosterna x x Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena x x Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans x x x Fairy Martin Petrochelidon ariel x x x x Acrocephalidae (reed warblers) Australian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus australis x x x x Locustellidae (warblers, songlarks and grassbirds) Little Grassbird Megalurus gramineus x x x Spinifexbird Eremiornis carteri x x x x x Rufous Songlark Cincloramphus mathewsi x x x Brown Songlark Cincloramphus cruralis x Dicaeidae (flowerpeckers) Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum x x x x Estrildidae (grassfinches, sparrows and allies) Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata x x x x x x Star Finch Neochmia ruficauda x x Painted Finch Emblema pictum x x x x x x Motacillidae (pipits and wagtails) Australian Pipit Anthus australis x x x x

Number of species expected (recorded in 2018): 123 (58)

Western Wildlife 53 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Appendix 4. Mammals potentially occurring at Woodie Woodie.

2018 = species recorded in this survey. WS = species recorded at Woodie South and Max in 2013 (Western Wildlife 2014). WW = species recorded in the Woodie Woodie Project Area 2006 - 2010 (Western Wildlife 2010). WAM = species recorded in the area on the Western Australian Museum Specimen Database (see Table 3). FSDB = species recorded in the area on the Fauna Survey Returns Database (see Table 3). TF = species recorded in the area on DBCA’s Threatened and Priority Fauna Database (see Table 3). EPBC = species or species habitat in the area on the EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool (see Table 3).

Records

Species

Status TF WS WW 2018 EBPC FSDB WAM Conservation

Tachyglossidae (echidnas) Echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus x x x Dasyuridae (dasyurid marsupials) Little Red Kaluta Dasykaluta rosamondae x x Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus CS1 x x x Woolley’s Pseudantechinus Pseudantechinus woolleyae x x Pilbara Ninguai Ningaui timealeyi x x x Pilbara Planigale Planigale sp 1 x x Long-tailed Dunnart Sminthopsis longicaudata CS2 Striped-faced Dunnart Sminthopsis macroura x x Lesser Hairy-footed Dunnart Sminthopsis youngsoni x Thylacomidae (bilbies) Bilby Macrotis lagotis CS1 x Macropodidae (kangaroos and wallabies) Spectacled Hare-Wallaby Lagorchestes conspicillatus CS2 Euro Osphranter robustus x x x Red Kangaroo Osphranter rufus x Rothschild’s Rock-Wallaby Petrogale rothschildi Muridae (rats and mice) Lakeland Downs Mouse Leggadina lakedownensis CS2 House Mouse Mus musculus Int. x x Spinifex Hopping Mouse Notomys alexis Western Pebble-mound Mouse Pseudomys chapmani CS2 x x x x Desert Mouse Pseudomys desertor x x x Sandy Inland Mouse Pseudomys hermannsburgensis x x Common Rock-Rat Zyzomys argurus x x Rhinonicteridae (leaf-nosed bats) Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat Rhinonicteris aurantia CS1 x x x Megadermatidae (ghost bat) Ghost Bat Macroderma gigas CS1 x Emballonuridae (sheathtail bats) Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat Saccolaimus flaviventris x Common Sheathtail Bat Taphozous georgianus x x x Hill’s Sheathtail bat Taphozous hilli

Western Wildlife 54 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Appendix 4. (cont.)

Records

Species

Status TF WS WW 2018 EBPC FSDB WAM Conservation

Molossidae (freetail bats) Greater Northern Freetail Bat Chaerephon jobensis x Northern Freetail Bat Ozimops lumsdenae x White-striped Freetail Bat Austronomus australis Vespertilionidae (ordinary bats) Gould’s Wattled Bat Chalinolobus gouldii x x North-western Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus daedelus Lesser Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus geoffroyi x Inland Broad-nosed Bat Scotorepens balstoni Little Broad-nosed Bat Scotorepens greyii x x Finlayson’s Cave Bat Vespadelus finlaysoni x x Canidae (dogs and foxes) Dog / Dingo Canis familiaris Int. x x x x Fox Vulpes vulpes Int. x Felidae (cats) Feral / House Cat Felis catus Int. x x x Equidae (horses) Donkey Equus asinus Int. x x Camelidae (camels) Camel Camelus dromedarius Int. x x x x Bovidae (horned ruminants) Cow Bos taurus Int. x x x

Number of species expected (recorded in 2018): 41 (10)

Western Wildlife 55 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Appendix 5. Freshwater Fish potentially occurring at Woodie Woodie.

2018 = species recorded in this survey. WS = species recorded at Woodie South and Max in 2013 (Western Wildlife 2014). WW = species recorded on the Woodie Woodie Project Area (Western Wildlife 2010). WAM = species recorded in the area on the Western Australian Museum Specimen Database (see Table 1). FSDB = species recorded in the area on the Fauna Survey Returns Database (see Table 1). TF = species recorded in the area on DBCA’s Threatened and Priority Fauna Database (see Table 1). EPBC = species or species habitat in the area on the EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool (see Table 1).

Records

Species

Status TF WS WW 2018 EPBC FSDB WAM Conservation

Anguillidae (eels) Indian Short-finned Eel Anguilla bicolor Clupidae (herrings) Bony Bream Nematalosa erebi Ariidae (fork-tailed catfishes) Lesser Salmon Catfish Arius graeffei Plotosidae (eel-tailed catfishes) Hyrtl’s Tandan Neosilurus hyrtlii Melanotaeniidae (Rainbowfishes) Western Rainbowfish Melanotaenia australis x x Atherinidae (hardyheads) Murchison River Hardyhead Craterocephalus cuneiceps Terapontidae (grunters) Spangled Perch Leiopotherapon unicolor x x x Eleotridae (gudgeons) Empire Gudgeon Hypseleotris compressus

# fish species expected (recorded in 2018): 8 (1)

Western Wildlife 56 Woodie Woodie Mine: Level 1 Fauna Survey, 2018

Appendix 6. EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool results.

Species listed for the area 40km in radius from 21º 39’ 58”S, 121º 14’ 09”E on the EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool.

Species Status Author’s Comment

Curlew Sandpiper Critically Endangered & Unlikely to occur (little wetland habitat present). Calidris ferruginea Migratory

Night Parrot Endangered May occur at Woodie Woodie. Pezoporus occidentalis

Princess Parrot Unlikely to occur (lack of sutiable habitat, generally Vulnerable Polytelis alexandrae occurs further east in the deserts).

Australian Painted Snipe Endangered Unlikely to occur (little wetland habitat present). Rostratula australis

Northern Quoll Endangered Known to occur at Woodie Woodie. Dasyurus hallucatus

Ghost Bat Vulnerable May occur at Woodie Woodie. Macroderma gigas

Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat Vulnerable Known to occur at Woodie Woodie. Rhinonicteris aurantia

Bilby Vulnerable Unlikely to occur (occurs in sandy deserts to the east). Macrotis lagotis

Pilbara Olive Python Vulnerable May occur at Woodie Woodie. Liasis olivaceous barroni

Fork-tailed Swift Migratory May occur at Woodie Woodie. Apus pacificus (marine)

Barn Swallow Migratory (terrestrial) Unlikely to occur (vagrant to the area). Hirundo rustica

Grey Wagtail Migratory (terrestrial) Unlikely to occur (vagrant to the area). Motacilla cinerea

Yellow Wagtail Migratory (terrestrial) Unlikely to occur (vagrant to the area). Motacilla flava

Common Sandpiper Migratory (wetland) Known to occur at Woodie Woodie on occasion. Tringa hypoleucos

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Migratory (wetland) Unlikely to occur (little wetland habitat present). Calidris acuminata

Pectoral Sandiper Migratory (wetland) Unlikely to occur (little wetland habitat present). Calidris melanotos

Oriental Plover Migratory (wetland) May occur at Woodie Woodie. Charadrius veredus

Osprey Unlikely to occur (little wetland habitat present and Migratory (wetland) Pandion haliaetus the Osprey is generally a coastal species).

Western Wildlife 57