E R N V M E O N G T E O H F T W A E I S L T A E R R N A U S T Fauna monitoring in the karri forests of Western Australia Fauna monitoring training manual - July 2018 Prepared for the Forest Products Commission Karlene Bain, Python Ecological Services Cover image provided by Karlene Bain. Citation: Bain, K. (2018). Training Manual: Fauna Monitoring in the Karri Forests of Western Australia. Forest Products Commission, Western Australia. Perth Karlene Bain BSc MSc PhD Director Python Ecological Services PO Box 168 Walpole 6398 Email: draconis.wn.com.au Copyright © 2018, Forest Products Commission. All rights reserved. All materials; including internet pages, documents and on-line graphics, audio and video are protected by copyright law. Copyright of these materials resides with the State of Western Australia. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under provisions of the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced or re-used for any purposes whatsoever without prior written permission of the General Manager, Forest Products Commission. Permission to use these materials can be obtained by contacting: Copyright Officer Forest Products Commission Locked Bag 888 PERTH BUSINESS CENTRE WA 6849 AUSTRALIA Telephone: +61 8 9363 4600 Internet: www.fpc.wa.gov.au Email: [email protected] Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this report reflect those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Forest Products Commission. The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing. The material presented is based on sources that are believed to be reliable. Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of this publication, the author gives no warranty that the said sources are correct and accepts no responsibility for any resultant errors contained herein, any damages or loss whatsoever caused or suffered by any individual or corporation. Table of Contents 1. Background ..................................................................................................................................... 3 2. Aim of this Plan ............................................................................................................................... 3 3. Fauna Monitoring Objectives .......................................................................................................... 3 4. Targets and Performance Measures ............................................................................................... 3 5. Fauna Monitoring Protocols ......................................................................................................... 13 5.1 Camera trapping ................................................................................................................... 13 5.1.1 Rationale ....................................................................................................................... 13 5.1.2 Camera Types ................................................................................................................ 13 5.1.3 Equipment: .................................................................................................................... 14 5.1.4 Protocols ....................................................................................................................... 15 5.2 Indirect Monitoring Techniques ........................................................................................... 20 5.2.1 Rationale ....................................................................................................................... 20 5.2.2 Equipment ..................................................................................................................... 20 5.2.3 Protocols ....................................................................................................................... 20 5.2.4 Identification of species from faecal pellets ................................................................. 22 5.2.5 Identification of species from runnels .......................................................................... 24 5.2.6 Identification of species from skeletal remains ............................................................ 25 5.2.7 Identification of species from diggings ......................................................................... 25 5.2.8 Identification of species from tree scratches ................................................................ 27 5.2.9 Identification of species from feeding signs ................................................................. 28 5.2.10 Identification of important hollows .............................................................................. 29 5.3 Call Surveys ........................................................................................................................... 32 5.3.1 Rationale ....................................................................................................................... 32 5.3.2 Equipment ..................................................................................................................... 32 5.3.3 Protocols ....................................................................................................................... 34 5.3.4 Cockatoo Identification ................................................................................................. 37 5.4 Data Management and Processing ....................................................................................... 38 5.4.1 Data Types ..................................................................................................................... 38 5.4.2 Data Collection .............................................................................................................. 38 Fauna monitoring training manual Page 1 of 65 Version control: V03/June2018 Authority: Director Operations Responsible Officer: Manager Forest Management Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed 6. Training Modules .......................................................................................................................... 41 6.1 Module 1: Effective camera trapping in the field ................................................................ 41 Description .................................................................................................................................... 41 Elements and Performance Criteria .............................................................................................. 41 Required Skills and Knowledge ..................................................................................................... 42 6.2 Module 2: Indirect monitoring techniques .......................................................................... 43 Description .................................................................................................................................... 43 Elements and Performance Criteria .............................................................................................. 43 2.1 Record and save a track on your GPS. .................................................................................... 43 Required Skills and Knowledge ..................................................................................................... 43 6.3 Module 3: Call identification and positioning ...................................................................... 44 Description .................................................................................................................................... 44 Elements and Performance Criteria .............................................................................................. 44 Required Skills and Knowledge ..................................................................................................... 44 6.4 Module 4: Data Management .............................................................................................. 45 Description .................................................................................................................................... 45 Elements and Performance Criteria .............................................................................................. 45 Required Skills and Knowledge ..................................................................................................... 45 7. Assessing Competency .................................................................................................................. 46 8. Planned Evaluation and Review .................................................................................................... 46 9. References .................................................................................................................................... 47 10. APPENDICES .............................................................................................................................. 52 Appendix A: Definitions of conservation codes ............................................................................. 52 Appendix B: Camera Deployment and Capture Record Form (For entry into Excel) .................... 54 Appendix C: Indirect Evidence of Threatened Species – Record Sheet (For entry into Excel) ...... 56 Appendix D: Call survey of Threatened Bird Species – Record Sheet (For entry into Excel) ......... 58 Appendix E: Assessing Competency – Assessment