flora, vegetation and fauna assessment ......j114490-001 final.docx flora, vegetation and fauna...

BOWMAN & ASSOCIATES –Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment, Allawuna Roadside

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J114490-001 Final.docx

FLORA, VEGETATION AND FAUNA ASSESSMENT, ALLAWUNA ROADSIDE


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FLORA, VEGETATION AND FAUNA ASSESSMENT, ALLAWUNA ROADSIDE

Prepared for

BOWMAN & ASSOCIATES

Prepared by

ENV Australia Pty Ltd Level 1, 503 Murray Street PERTH WA 6000 Phone: (08) 9214 6100 Fax: (08) 9226 4109 Email: [email protected]

Job Number: J113163

Report Number: 12/088

Document Version Author/s and Editor/s Reviewer/s Endorsed for

Release by: Date

Draft Narelle Whittington, Damian Buller and Chris Knuckey

Kellie McMaster, Bridget Watkins, Karen Godridge

Kellie McMaster 25 February

2013

Final Narelle Whittington Kellie McMaster Narelle Whittington 20 March 2013


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................... III

1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 1

1.1 THE PROJECT ............................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1.1 Objectives ................................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1.2 Location ....................................................................................................................................................... 2

1.2 BACKGROUND TO THE PROTECTION OF FLORA, VEGETATION AND FAUNA ......................................... 4

2 BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................. 8

2.1 CLIMATE ...................................................................................................................................................... 8

2.2 GEOLOGY AND SOILS .................................................................................................................................. 9

2.3 BIOGEOGRAPHIC REGIONALISATION FOR AUSTRALIA .......................................................................... 10

2.4 CONSERVATION ESTATE ........................................................................................................................... 13

2.4.1 National Parks, Nature Reserves and other Protected Areas.............................................................. 13

2.4.2 Environmentally Sensitive Areas ............................................................................................................ 13

2.5 PREVIOUS BIOLOGICAL SURVEYS ............................................................................................................ 13

3 METHODS ........................................................................................................... 14

3.1.1 Database Review ...................................................................................................................................... 14

3.1.2 Field Survey .............................................................................................................................................. 14

3.1.3 Taxonomy and Nomenclature ................................................................................................................. 16

3.2 VEGETATION MAPPING ............................................................................................................................ 16

3.3 FAUNA ASSESSMENT ................................................................................................................................ 16

3.3.1 Database Review ...................................................................................................................................... 17

3.3.2 Field Survey .............................................................................................................................................. 17

3.3.3 Black Cockatoo Habitat Assessment ...................................................................................................... 18


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3.3.4 Graceful Sun-moth Habitat Assessment ................................................................................................ 20

4 RESULTS .............................................................................................................. 21

4.1 SURVEY LIMITATIONS AND CONSTRAINTS ............................................................................................. 21

4.2 FLORA ........................................................................................................................................................ 22

4.2.1 Overview of Flora ..................................................................................................................................... 22

4.2.2 Flora of Conservation Significance ......................................................................................................... 22

4.2.3 Introduced Flora ....................................................................................................................................... 23

4.3 VEGETATION ............................................................................................................................................. 28

4.3.1 Vegetation Associations .......................................................................................................................... 28

4.3.2 Vegetation Condition ............................................................................................................................... 28

4.3.3 Regional Representation ......................................................................................................................... 29

4.3.4 Vegetation of Conservation Significance ............................................................................................... 30

4.4 FAUNA ....................................................................................................................................................... 30

4.4.1 Habitat Assessment ................................................................................................................................. 30

4.4.2 Fauna Assemblage .................................................................................................................................... 30

4.4.3 Fauna of Conservation Significance ....................................................................................................... 31



5 DISCUSSION........................................................................................................ 34

5.1 FLORA ........................................................................................................................................................ 34

5.2 FLORA OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE.............................................................................................. 34

5.3 VEGETATION CONDITION AND INTRODUCED FLORA ............................................................................ 34

5.4 REGIONAL REPRESENTATION................................................................................................................... 35

5.5 FAUNA HABITAT TYPES ............................................................................................................................ 36


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5.6 FAUNAL ASSEMBLAGE .............................................................................................................................. 36

5.7 CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT FAUNA..................................................................................................... 36



6 RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................ 40

6.1 FLORA ........................................................................................................................................................ 40

6.2 FAUNA ....................................................................................................................................................... 40

7 REFERENCES ....................................................................................................... 41

TABLES

TABLE 1 DSEWPAC BLACK COCKATOO REFERRAL GUIDELINES (DSEWPAC 2011)

TABLE 2 GEOLOGICAL FORMATION COMPRISING THE STUDY AREA.

TABLE 3 SOIL LANDSCAPES COMPRISING THE STUDY AREA

TABLE 4 BROAD VEGETATION TYPES WITHIN THE SURVEY AREA AND THEIR REGIONAL

REPRESENTATION

TABLE 5 LIMITATIONS AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE STUDY AREA FLORA AND

VEGETATION SURVEY

TABLE 6 ASSESSMENT OF THE LIKELY OCCURRENCE OF DRF AND PRIORITY FLORA (AS PER DEC

DATABASE SEARCHES) IN THE STUDY AREA

TABLE 7 INTRODUCED FLORA RECORDED IN THE STUDY AREA, INCLUDING THEIR RATING BY

THE ENVIRONMENTAL WEED STRATEGY (CALM 1999) AND THE DEC INVASIVE PLANT

PRIORITIZATION PROCESS

TABLE 8 REPRESENTATION OF BROAD VEGETATION TYPES AND CORRESPONDING VEGETATION

ASSOCIATIONS

TABLE 9 REPRESENTATION OF RFA COMPLEXES AND CORRESPONDING VEGETATION

ASSOCIATIONS

TABLE 10 BLACK COCKATOO FORAGING RESOURCES FOUND WITHIN THE STUDY AREA

TABLE 11 SUMMARY OF RELEVANT FLORISTIC GROUPS AT THE 600 GROUP LEVEL


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PLATES

PLATE 1 *LYSIMACHIA ARVENSIS (PIMPERNEL)

PLATE 2 *ARCTOTHECA CALENDULA (CAPE WEED)

PLATE 3 *AVENA BARBATA (BEARDED OAT)

PLATE 4 *BRIZA MAXIMA (BLOWFLY GRASS)

PLATE 5 *EHRHARTA CALYCINA (PERENNIAL VELDT GRASS)

PLATE 6 *ERAGROSTIS CURVULA (AFRICAN LOVE GRASS)

PLATE 7 *ERODIUM BOTRYS (LONG STORKSBILL)

PLATE 8 *HYPOCHAERIS GLABRA (SMOOTH CATSEAR)

PLATE 9 *MONOCULUS MONSTROSUS (STINKING ROGER)

PLATE 10 *MORAEA FLACCIDA (ONE-LEAF CAPE TULIP)

PLATE 11 *PENTAMERIS AIROIDES (FALSE HAIRGRASS)

PLATE 12 *ROMULEA ROSEA (GUILDFORD GRASS)

PLATE 13 *URSINIA ANTHEMOIDES (URSINIA)

PLATE 14 *VULPIA MYUROS FORMA MEGALURA (RAT-TAILED FESCUE)

FIGURES

FIGURE 1 SITE LOCATION

FIGURE 2 AVERAGE (1877-2012) AND 2012 MONTHLY RAINFALL AND AVERAGE MAXIMUM AND

MINIMUM TEMPERATURES (1902-2012) FOR NORTHAM (BOM, 2012)

FIGURE 3 VEGETATION ASSOCIATIONS AND QUADRAT LOCATIONS

FIGURE 4 LOCATIONS OF INTRODUCED FLORA

FIGURE 5 VEGETATION CONDITION

FIGURE 6 FAUNA HABITAT

FIGURE 7 BLACK COCKATOO HABITAT

FIGURE 8 BLACK COCKATOO HABITAT TREES

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A DEFINITION OF DECLARED RARE / PRIORITY / THREATENED FLORA SPECIES AND

SIGNIFICANT FLORA SPECIES POTENTIALLY OCCURRING IN THE STUDY AREA

APPENDIX B DEFINITIONS OF CONSERVATION CODES FOR FAUNA OF CONSERVATION

SIGNIFICANCE

APPENDIX C DEFINITION OF THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES


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APPENDIX D ENVIRONMENTAL WEEDS AND DECLARED PLANT CATEGORIES AND INTRODUCED

FLORA SPECIES POTENTIALLY OCCURRING IN THE STUDY AREA

APPENDIX E VEGETATION CONDITION SCALE

APPENDIX F FLORA QUADRAT DATA

APPENDIX G MATRIX OF FLORA FOUND WITHIN EACH SITE

APPENDIX H FLORA TAXA INVENTORY

APPENDIX I LOCATIONS OF INTRODUCED FLORA

APPENDIX J FAUNA HABITAT ASSESSMENT SHEETS

APPENDIX K FAUNA RECORDED IN THE REGION

APPENDIX L CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT FAUNA POTENTIALLY OCCURRING IN THE STUDY AREA

APPENDIX M POTENTIAL BLACK COCKATOO BREEDING TREES

PERMITS

This flora survey was conducted under the following licences issued by the Department of Environment and Conservation; Licence to take flora for scientific or other prescribed purposes: SL010155 issued to Narelle Whittington and SL009905 issued to Damian Buller.


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STATEMENT OF LIMITATIONS

Scope of Services

This environmental site assessment report (‘the report’) has been prepared in accordance with the scope of services set out in the contract, or as otherwise agreed, between the Client and ENV.Australia Pty Ltd (ENV) (‘scope of services’). In some circumstances the scope of services may have been limited by factors such as time, budget, access and/or site disturbance constraints.

Reliance on Data

In preparing the report, ENV has relied on data, surveys, analyses, designs, plans and other information provided by the Client and other individuals and organisations, most of which are referred to in the report (‘the data’). Except as otherwise stated in the report, ENV has not verified the accuracy or completeness of the data. To the extent that the statements, opinions, facts, information, conclusions and/or recommendations in the report (“conclusions”) are based in whole or in part on the data, those conclusions are contingent upon the accuracy and completeness of the data. ENV will not be liable in relation to incorrect conclusions should any data, information or condition be incorrect or have been concealed, withheld, unavailable, misrepresented or otherwise not fully disclosed to ENV.

Environmental Conclusions

In accordance with the scope of services, ENV has relied on the data and has conducted environmental field monitoring and/or testing in the preparation of the report. The nature and extent of monitoring and/or testing conducted is described in the report.

Within the limitations imposed by the scope of services, the monitoring, testing, sampling and preparation of this report have been undertaken and performed in a professional manner, in accordance with generally accepted practices and using a degree of skill and care ordinarily exercised by reputable environmental consultants under similar circumstances. No other warranty, express or implied, is made.

Report for Benefit of Client

The report has been prepared for the benefit of the Client and for no other party. ENV assumes no responsibility and will not be liable to any other person or organisation for or in relation to any matter dealt with or conclusions expressed in the report, or for any loss or damage suffered by any other person or organisation arising from matters dealt with or conclusions expressed in the report (including, without limitation, matters arising from any negligent act or omission of ENV or for any loss or damage suffered by any other party relying on the matters dealt with or conclusions expressed in the report). Other parties should not rely upon the report or the accuracy or completeness of any conclusions, and should make their own enquiries and obtain independent advice in relation to such matters.


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Other Limitations

ENV will not be liable to update or revise the report to take into account any events or circumstances occurring or facts becoming apparent after the date of the report.

The scope of services did not include any assessment of the title to or ownership of the properties, buildings and structures referred to in the report, nor the application or interpretation of laws in the jurisdiction in which those properties, buildings and structures are located.


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

ENV.Australia Pty Ltd was commissioned by Bowman & Associates in June 2012, to undertake a Level 1 flora and vegetation assessment and a Level 1 fauna assessment for vegetated land on road reserves at the entrance of Lots 9926, 26934, 4869 and 5931 of the Great Southern Highway (the study area). The study area is located at Allawuna, in the Shire of York, approximately 70 km east of Perth, Western Australia. The study area is approximately 0.46 ha in size and is situated on a road reserve running parallel to the Great Southern Highway.

The flora and vegetation field survey was conducted on 10th October 2012. The flora survey recorded 46 taxa from 42 genera and 20 families. No Threatened or Priority flora, as listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 or by the Department of Environment and Conservation, were recorded during the survey.

Fourteen introduced species were identified; one being listed as a Declared Plant under the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act 1976 (WA).

Two vegetation associations were identified in the study area. No Threatened Ecological Communities or Priority Ecological Communities occur within the study area.

Vegetation ranged from Completely Degraded to Very Good, with the majority of the study area being Completely Degraded. The majority of the vegetated areas were in Good condition. The area has been subject to land clearing for farmland and roadside verge which has left thin strips of vegetation that are frequently invaded by exotic species.

The fauna survey was conducted on the 2nd August 2012 and comprised of two fauna habitat assessments a Black Cockatoo habitat assessment and a Graceful Sun-moth habitat assessment. One fauna habitat type occurs across the study area: ‘Eucalypt Woodland’ which is dominated by Corymbia calophylla and Eucalyptus wandoo over Allocasuarina huegeliana, Allocasuarina humilis and Kunzea glabrescens. A total of 277 species (26 of conservation significance) have previously been recorded in the vicinity of the study area.

The study area contains six plant species that are known foraging resources for Black Cockatoos. The whole study area has thus been mapped as potential foraging habitat for this species, equating to approximately 0.46 ha. Clearing of more than one hectare of quality foraging habitat is considered a ‘high risk of significant impacts’ as outlined by Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (2011). Tall trees with a closed canopy that could potentially provide roosting habitat were recorded within the study area. However, no evidence or signs of roosting was recorded. The study area contains a total of 14 trees that are of suitable dimensions to be classified as potential breeding habitat for black cockatoos (Diameter at Breast Height 500 mm or greater). The clearing of any tree with a DBH of 500 mm or greater is


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considered a ‘high risk of significant impact’ according to Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (2011).

Based on this information, the proposed development is considered likely to have minimal impact on the flora and fauna of the survey area and its surrounds, due to the limited habitat the site provides.


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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 THE PROJECT

ENV.Australia Pty Ltd (ENV) was commissioned by Bowman & Associates in June 2012, to undertake a Level 1 flora and vegetation assessment and a Level 1 fauna assessment for vegetated land on road reserves at the entrance of Lots 9926, 26934, 4869 and 5931 of the Great Southern Highway (the study area), at Allawuna, in the Shire of York. ENV understands that the likely impact of clearing for the road reserve and intersection is approximately 400m in length and approximately 0.46 ha.

The purpose of this study is to provide information on the significance of the flora, vegetation and fauna within the survey area as part of supporting documentation for environmental approvals to upgrade the highway turnoff for the proposed Allawuna landfill. This study will provide supporting documentation for an application for a Native Vegetation Clearing Permit (NVCP) under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act).

1.1.1 Objectives

The objectives of the flora, vegetation and fauna assessment were to:

conduct a comprehensive flora, vegetation and fauna desktop survey;

compile an inventory of vascular plant species;

conduct targeted searches and flag the presence of field-identifiable plant species of conservation significance;

record the occurrence of introduced plant species;

assess and map vegetation condition;

document, describe and map the vegetation associations present;

identify and map locations of any Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) and Priority Ecological Communities (PECs) if present;

assess the proposed development against the ten native Vegetation Clearing Principles as detailed in Schedule 5.0 of the EP Act.

document, describe and map the vertebrate fauna and fauna habitats present;

identify fauna of conservation significance that may potentially occur in the study area;

assess and record significant Black Cockatoo foraging sources;

assess and record potential Black Cockatoo roosting sites;

assess and record potential Black Cockatoo breeding trees; and



assess and record the distribution of Lomandra spp., which provide suitable habitat for the Graceful Sun-moth (Synemon gratiosa; GSM).

1.1.2 Location

The study area is located approximately 70 km east of Perth in the locality of St Ronans in the Shire of York. The study area is approximately 0.46 ha in size (Figure 1). The study area is situated on a road reserve running parallel to Great Southern Highway. The surrounding area consists of remnant vegetation and farmland.

Site LocationAUTHORN Whittington Allawuna Roadside

Flora and Fauna Assessment@ A41:30,000

Bowman & AssociatesJOB NO.CLIENT

SCALE PROJECTIONT Ellis 28-11-12DRAWN DATE

GDA94 MGA50

J114490

1FIGURE

Rockingham

±0 250 500 750

Metres

Perth

Fremantle

Byford

I n d i a nO c e a n

Survey Area

1:1,000,000Scale:

Mundaring

to YorkAllawuna Roadside Survey Area


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1.2 BACKGROUND TO THE PROTECTION OF FLORA, VEGETATION AND FAUNA

Flora and fauna is protected formally and informally by various legislative and non-legislative measures, which are as follows:

Legislative Protection

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act);

Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act);

Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act); and

Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act 1976 (ARRP Act).

Non-Legislative Protection

Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) Priority lists for flora and vegetation; and

Recognition of locally significant populations by the DEC.

A short description of each is given below. Other definitions, including species conservation categories, are provided in Appendix A for flora and Appendix B for fauna. Conservation categories for ecological communities are provided in Appendix C.

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The EPBC Act aims to protect matters of national environmental significance. Under the EPBC Act, the Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Populations and Communities (DSEWPAC) lists threatened species and communities in categories determined by criteria set out in the Act (www.environment.gov.au/epbc/index.html) (Appendix A2 and Appendix B2 and Appendix C2).

Projects likely to impact on matters of national environmental significance should be referred to DSEWPAC for assessment under the EPBC Act.

Wildlife Conservation Act 1950

The Western Australian DEC lists flora and fauna under the provisions of the WC Act as protected according to their need for protection (Appendix A for flora and Appendix B for fauna).

Flora is given Declared Rare status when populations are geographically restricted or are threatened by local processes. In addition, under the WC Act, by Notice in the Western Australian Government Gazette of 9 October 1987, all native flora (spermatophytes, pteridophytes, bryophytes and thallophytes) is protected throughout the State.



Fauna are classified as Schedule 1 to Schedule 4 according to their need for protection (Appendix B).

Environmental Protection Act 1986

Declared Rare Flora (DRF) and TECs are given special consideration in environmental impact assessments, and have special status as Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) under the EP Act and the Environmental Protection (Clearing of Native Vegetation) Regulations 2004.

Exemptions for a clearing permit do not apply in an ESA. In addition, habitat necessary for the maintenance of indigenous fauna is a clearing principle and assessed during consideration of applications for a NVCP.

Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act 1976

Plants may be ‘Declared’ by the Agriculture Protection Board (APB) under the ARRP Act 1976 (WA). Declared Plants are gazetted under five categories (P1-P5), which define the action required. Details of the definitions of these categories are provided in Appendix D. A declaration may apply to the whole State, to districts, individual properties or even to single paddocks. If a plant is ‘Declared’, landholders are obliged to control that plant on their properties (Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia [DAFWA] 2012).

The Environmental Weed Strategy for Western Australia (EWSWA) (Department of Conservation and Land Management [CALM] 1999) contains criteria for the assessment and ranking of weeds in terms of their environmental impacts, invasiveness and distribution (Appendix D). The Strategy defines environmental weeds as ‘plants that establish themselves in natural ecosystems and proceed to modify natural processes, usually adversely, resulting in the decline of the communities they invade.’

The DEC Invasive Plant Prioritization (IPP) Process (DEC 2012) was developed to progress the EWSWA (CALM 1999). The prioritisation process focuses on a “species-led” and “site-led” approach to set priorities for weed management on DEC managed lands for each DEC region of WA. The IPP process is also developed to assist other landholders in their management of weeds.

The Australian Government along with the State and Territory governments has endorsed 20 species as Weeds of National Significance (WONS). Four major criteria were used in determining WONS:

The invasiveness of a weed species;

A weed's impacts;

The potential for spread of a weed; and

Socio-economic and environmental values.



Each WONS has a national strategy and a national coordinator, responsible for implementing the strategy. WONS are regarded as the worst weeds in Australia because of their invasiveness, potential for spread, and economic and environmental impacts (Commonwealth of Australia 2012).

Department of Environment and Conservation Priority Lists

The DEC lists ‘Priority’ flora and fauna that have not been assigned statutory protection under the WC Act, but which are under consideration for declaration as DRF or Scheduled fauna. Flora and fauna assessed as Priority 1-3 are considered to be in urgent need of further survey. Priority 4 taxa require monitoring every 5-10 years and Priority 5 taxa are subject to a specific conservation program (Appendix A).

The DEC maintains a list of PECs which identifies ecologically valuable communities that need further investigation before possible nomination for TEC status.

Once listed, a community is a PEC, and when endorsed by the Western Australian Minister of Environment becomes a TEC, and protected as an ESA under Environmental Protection (Clearing of Native Vegetation) Regulations 2004 (Appendix C).

Informal Recognition of Flora

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) publishes an international listing of species of conservation importance, known as the IUCN Red List (IUCN 2012). This list identifies those species most in need of conservation attention. The IUCN Red List is used for conservation planning, decision making and monitoring by government agencies, wildlife departments, conservation-related non-governmental organizations (NGOs), natural resource planners, educational organisations, and many others interested in preserving biodiversity.

Certain populations or communities of flora and fauna may be of local significance or interest because of their patterns of distribution and abundance. For example, a species may be locally significant because they are range extensions to the previously known distribution, or are newly discovered taxa (and have the potential to be of more than local significance). In addition, many species are in decline as a result of threatening processes (land clearing, grazing, changed fire regimes), and relict populations of such species assume local importance for the DEC. It is not uncommon for the DEC to make comment on these species of interest.

Black Cockatoo Draft Referral Guidelines

There is an increasing focus from the regulatory authorities on proposals that have the potential to impact on Black Cockatoo habitat. Draft referral guidelines for protected Black Cockatoos have been released by the DSEWPAC (2011) and are designed to determine likely impacts of clearing on black cockatoos and whether a referral is required (Table 1).



Table 1: DSEWPAC Black Cockatoo Referral Guidelines (DSEWPAC 2011).

High risk of significant impacts: referral recommended

Clearing of any known nesting tree.

Clearing of any part or degradation of breeding habitat.

Clearing of more than 1 ha of quality foraging habitat.

Creating a gap of greater than 4 km between patches of Black Cockatoo habitat (breeding, foraging or roosting).

Clearing or degradation (including pruning the top canopy) of a known roosting site.

Uncertainty: referral recommended or contact the Department

Degradation (such as through altered hydrology or fire regimes) of more than 1 ha of foraging habitat. Significance will depend on the level and extent of degradation and the quality of the habitat.

Clearing or disturbance in areas surrounding Black Cockatoo habitat that has the potential to degrade habitat through introduction of invasive species, edge effects, hydrological changes, increased human visitation or fire.

Actions that do not directly affect the listed species but that have the potential for indirect impacts such as increasing competitors for nest hollows.

Actions with the potential to introduce known plant diseases such as Phytophthora spp.

Low risk of significant impacts: referral may not be required but you may refer for legal certainty

Actions that do not affect Black Cockatoo habitat or individuals.

Actions whose impacts occur outside the modeled distribution of the three Black Cockatoos.

Three species of threatened Black Cockatoos that occur in the State’s south-west are protected under the EPBC Act 1999 and the WC Act 1950 (Table 1):

Carnaby’s Cockatoo, (Calyptorhynchus latirostris);

Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo (FRBC) (Calyptorhynchus banksii naso); and

Baudin’s Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus baudinii).



2 BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

2.1 CLIMATE

The study area is located on the Darling Range, characterised by Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters, with an average maximum summer temperature of 35.6°C and an average minimum winter temperature of 1.5°C (Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) 2012).

The average annual rainfall recorded at Northam, 27 km north of the study area, is 427.1 mm, with the majority of precipitation occurring in winter (BoM 2012) (Figure 2). Northam recorded 348.9 mm of rain in the 12 months prior to survey (October 2011 – September 2012), 18.3% below the long term average rainfall for the same period (BoM 2012). The three months prior to survey (July-September, 2012), Northam recorded 111.3 mm of rainfall, 38% below the 180.2 mm average rainfall for the same period (BoM 2012).

Figure 2: Average (1877-2012) and 2012 Monthly Rainfall and Average Maximum and Minimum Temperatures (1902-2012) for Northam (BoM 2012). Arrow indicates survey time.

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2.2 GEOLOGY AND SOILS

The study area occurs across one broad geological unit, captured at a scale of 1:250,000 (Table 2) (Geological Survey of Western Australia 2000).

Table 2: Geological formation comprising the study area.

Geological Unit Description Total of Study Area (ha)

CzI Laterite-chiefly massive, but include overlying pisolithic gravel and laterized sand

0.46

Soil-landscape mapping of south Western Australia has been captured at a scales ranging from 1:20 000 to 1:250 000 (Schoknecht et al. 2004). Soil-landscape mapping describes broad soil and landscape characteristics from regional to local scales. The study area lies within the Eastern Darling Range Zone of the Avon Province. The Eastern Darling Range Zone is characterised by moderately to strongly dissected lateritic plateau on granite with eastward-flowing streams in broad shallow valleys, some surficial Eocene sediments. Soils are formed in laterite colluvium or granite weathered in-situ. (Schoknecht et al. 2004). The area is further broken into the Dale (253Da) and Boyagin (253By) subsystems mapped at a scale form 1:100,000 to 1:150,000 (Schoknecht et al. 2004).

Table 3: Soil Landscapes comprising the study area

Soil Landscape Unit Description Total of Study Area (ha)

Dale (253Da) Paleochannel sandplain and deep sandy duplex soils, occurs on gently undulating sandy and swampy terrain, with pale deep sand, grey deep sandy duplex and non-saline wet soils. Partially lateritised alluvium and colluvium over old sediments associated with major drainage courses

0.43

Boyagin (253By) Dissected lateritic plateau with large ironstone remnants surrounded by stripped terrain of granitic rock outcrops and fresh soils. Mainly sandy and loamy gravel soils

0.03



2.3 BIOGEOGRAPHIC REGIONALISATION FOR AUSTRALIA

The Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia (IBRA) divided Australia into 85 bioregions based on major biological and geographical/geological attributes (Thackway & Cresswell 1995). These bioregions were further subdivided into 403 subregions, as part of a refinement of the IBRA framework.

The study area is located in the Jarrah Forest bioregion within the Northern Jarrah Forest subregion (2,255,904 ha) which is characterised by Jarrah-Marri forest on laterite gravels and woodlands of Wandoo-Marri on clayey soils in eastern parts (Thackway & Cresswell 1995; Williams & Mitchell 2001). The Northern Jarrah Forest incorporates the area east of the Darling Scarp, overlying Archaean granite and metamorphic rocks (Williams & Mitchell 2001). Dominant land users include forestry, conservation and grazing (Williams & Mitchell 2001).

2.3.1 Beard Vegetation Mapping

The study area is situated in the Darling Botanical District, which forms part of the South West Botanical Province. The Darling Botanical District has been divided into four subregions or botanical subdistricts (Beard 1990). The study area is situated on the Dale Botanical Subdistrict which consists of Jarrah forest of ironstone gravels, Marri-Wandoo woodlands on loamy soils, with sclerophyll understoreys (Beard 1990).

Vegetation types of the region were initially mapped by Beard (1979) and were re-assessed by Shepherd et al. (2001) to account for clearing in the intensive land use zone, dividing some larger vegetation units into smaller units. There is one Shepherd et al. (2001) vegetation type (corresponding Beard [1979] type in brackets) described below, and its representation within the study area, subregion and region is shown in Table 4.

4 (e3,5Mi) Medium woodland; Marri & Wandoo

Table 4: Broad Vegetation Types within the Survey Area and their Regional Representation

Pre-

European area (ha)

Current extent (ha)

1 Remaining

(%)1

Pre-European % in IUCN Class I-IV Reserves1

Clearing threshold level3

IBRA Bioregion Jarrah Forest 4, 506, 657 2, 473, 560 54.89 14.06 N/A

Vegetation Types (Beard 1979/ Shepherd et al. 2001) in the Jarrah Forest Bioregion

4 1, 022, 713 293, 208 28.67 4.47 Below threshold

Vegetation Types (Beard 1979/ Shepherd et al. 2001) in the Northern Jarrah Forrest Subregion

4 614, 201 201, 343.97 32.78 6.60 Above threshold 1Shepherd et al. (2001) 2Government of Western Australia (2011) 3EPA (2000) Position Statement No. 2



2.3.2 Regional Forest Agreement Mapping

Pre-European vegetation complex mapping was conducted by Mattiske & Havel (1998) across southwest WA as part of the Regional Forest Agreement (RFA). Two vegetation complexes, as described by Mattiske & Havel (1998) occur in the study area:

Coolakin (Ck) Woodland of Eucalyptus patens, Eucalyptus marginata subsp. thalassica and Corymbia calophylla on the valley slopes in arid and perarid zones. This vegetation complex occupies 263.9sqm (5.75%) of the study area; and

Michibin (Mi) Open woodland of Eucalyptus wandoo over Acacia acuminata with some Eucalyptus loxophleba on valley slopes, with low woodland of Allocasuarina huegeliana on or near shallow granite outcrops in arid and perarid zones. This vegetation complex occupies 4332.1 sqm (94.26%) of the study area.

Havel (2002) provided a summary on poorly represented vegetation complexes within the RFA mapping boundary. The Michibin (Mi) complex is recognised as being a poorly represented vegetation complex based on the following criteria:

location (geographic context in relation to the RFA area);

geographic context in relation to geomorphology;

dominant land tenure and land use activities in the respective areas;

degree of vegetation disturbance and clearing;

the range of threatening processes;

adequacy of reservation, as measured in this instance by the degree of representation in the conservation reserve estate (recognising that other measures can be undertaken to achieve the same level of protection of values); and

feasibility of improving the protection of conservation values through the reservation process or different management mechanisms.

The Michibin vegetation complex is located in the north eastern portion of the RFA area (Mattiske & Havel 1998). Much of the complex was alienated in early settlement prior to dedication of forests, thus a large proportion remains cleared (Havel 2002). A large proportion remains in state forest available for timber harvesting and under a state agreement Act for bauxite mining (Havel 2002). Twenty per cent of the Michibin complex remains, compared to its pre-clearing extent, while 7.2% remains in reservation (Havel 2002). The National Objectives and Targets for Biodiversity Conservation (Commonwealth of Australia 2001) recognise that 30% or more of the pre-European extent of each ecological community needs to be retained to protect Australia’s biological diversity. This 30% level of retention is also adopted by the EPA, which regards 30% of the pre-clearing extent of a vegetation type as the “threshold level”,



below which species loss appears to accelerate exponentially at the ecosystem level (EPA 2000). The Michibin complex falls below this threshold level.



2.4 CONSERVATION ESTATE

2.4.1 National Parks, Nature Reserves and other Protected Areas

The study area is located in close vicinity to three nature reserves occur (less than 4 km): Wambyn Nature Reserve (215.2 ha), St Ronans Nature Reserve (118.2 ha) and Wandoo Conservation Reserve (46,338 ha) (Moore et al. 1987).

2.4.2 Environmentally Sensitive Areas

Section 51B of the EP Act allows the Minister to declare an Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA). Once declared, the exemptions to clear native vegetation under the regulations do not apply in these areas. TECs and areas within 50 m of any DRF constitute ESA’s. However, a number of other areas of environmental significance are also listed. Current declared ESAs are listed in the Environmental Protection (Environmentally Sensitive Areas) Notice 2005.

There are no known ESAs within the survey site, the nearest one being 1.6 km from the site, which is a Threatened species. General buffer distances for Threatened species are 100 m. Therefore, the site does not encroach into the buffer of the ESAs.

2.5 PREVIOUS BIOLOGICAL SURVEYS

Previous biological surveys most relevant to the current survey include: Nature Reserves of the Shires of York and Northam Management Plan, Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) Management Plan No. 4 (Moore et al. 1987).



3 METHODS

3.1 FLORA ASSESSMENT

The survey was consistent with a single season Level 2 survey as per the EPA requirements for environmental surveying and reporting for flora and vegetation in Western Australia, as set out in the following documents:

Environmental Protection of Native Vegetation in Western Australia: Clearing of Native Vegetation with Particular Reference to Agricultural Areas. Position Statement No.2 (EPA 2000);

Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity Protection. Position Statement No. 3 (EPA 2002); and

EPA Guidance for the Assessment of Environmental Factors: Terrestrial Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia No. 51 (EPA 2004b).

3.1.1 Database Review

The desktop study provided background information on the flora and vegetation of the project area. This involved a search of the following sources:

DEC combined biological database NatureMap (DEC 2012a);

DEC Threatened and Priority Flora database (DEC 2012b);

IUCN Red List (IUCN 2011);

DEC Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities database (DEC 2012e);

DSEWPAC Protected Matters Search Tool (DSEWPAC 2012); and

previous flora surveys (refer to Section 2.5).

A request for a database search was submitted to the DEC on date [WGS 84 Zone 50K 460130 mE, 6471400, 5 km radial search] to obtain a list of DRF/T or Priority flora, and TECs and PECs near the project area. These sources were used to compile a list of expected DRF or Priority species and TECs and PECs that may occur on the landforms in the project area.

3.1.2 Field Survey

The field survey was conducted on the 10th October 2012, with approximately 1.5 person-days invested in the field survey.



Flora and Vegetation Assessment

The survey included the assessment of one site, consisting of 2 quadrats (Figure 3). Due to the size and shape of the survey site, the quadrats were reconfigured to 5 x 20 m (an area equivalent to 100 m2) and were marked at one corner using a handheld Garmin GPS unit.

The information recorded at each quadrat included landscape features, surface soil, colour and texture, bare ground, litter cover, disturbance, fire age, aspect and vegetation condition (Government of Western Australia 2000b). Each species of plant at each quadrat was recorded, including information on height and percentage cover.

Targeted or Systematic Searches

Due to its small size, the entire study area was systemically searched for habitats and locations likely to support conservation significant flora. Further opportunistic collections focused on the location of taxa not recorded in the quadrats and on locations of introduced species. For each population of significant flora identified the following was recorded:

Co-ordinate locations (using handheld GPS units);

Description of vegetation association present;

Estimation of population size; and

Photograph of plant in situ, where possible.

A representative of each species of interest or conservation significance will be lodged at the Western Australian Herbarium.

Systematic Searches for Introduced Species

A targeted survey of the study area was undertaken, focussing on:

Declared plants listed under the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act 1976; and

Other environmental weed species as listed by DEC on FloraBase (2012).

During the search the following were recorded:

Hand-held GPS locations of introduced flora; and

Photographs of each introduced species.

The study area was traversed on foot and whenever weeds were observed, the location was recorded on a hand-held GPS, and details such as name of species, estimate of percentage foliar cover, and approximate extent of population were recorded.



3.1.3 Taxonomy and Nomenclature

Where field identification of plant taxa was not possible, specimens were collected systematically for later identification by taxonomists utilising identification keys including Flora of Central Australia (Jessop 1981), Flora of Australia (1981-2011), AusGrass (Sharp & Simon 2002), EUCLID (EUCLID 2006), WATTLE (Maslin 2001), relevant taxonomic papers published in journals including Australian Systematic Botany (1988-2011) and Nuytsia (1975-2011). If required, resources of the Western Australian Herbarium (WAH) were also utilised.

The species list was checked against FloraBase (WAH 2012) to determine the species’ conservation status. Threatened and Priority Flora were verified against the EPBC Act listing of threatened species to determine federal listing (DSEWPAC 2012).

Introduced species were checked against the Environmental Weed Strategy for Western Australia (CALM 1999) and the DEC Invasive Plant Prioritisation Process – Swan Weed Assessment List (DEC 2012e), to determine their ranking in terms of environmental impact, and the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act 1976 (ARRP Act) was consulted to determine if any are Declared Plants.

3.2 VEGETATION MAPPING

The vegetation associations were described based on their structure and species composition, as defined by quadrat data and field observations. Vegetation was mapped in the field using handheld GPS (Garmin) units and high-resolution aerial photographs (1:10,000 scale), which in the office were digitised using GIS software (OziExplorer and ArcGIS 9.3.1).

Vegetation condition was mapped in the field using handheld GPS (Garmin) units and high-resolution aerial photographs (1:10,000 scale), which in the office were digitised using GIS software (OziExplorer and ArcGIS 9.3.1). Vegetation condition was assessed based on Bush Forever (Government of Western Australia 2000b) /Trudgen (1991) (Appendix E).

3.3 FAUNA ASSESSMENT

The survey was consistent with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) requirements for the environmental surveying and reporting of fauna surveys in Western Australia, as set out in the following documents:

Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity Protection. Position Statement No. 3 (EPA 2002);

Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia. Guidance Statement No. 56 (EPA 2004a); and



Technical Guide - Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EPA-DEC 2010).

EPBC Act Draft referral guidelines for three threatened black cockatoo species (DSEWPAC 2011)

3.3.1 Database Review

The purpose of the desktop review was to gather background information on the study area and the vegetation and vertebrate fauna that it may support. This involved a search of the following sources using a 10 km buffer of the location: 31°53' 32'' S, 116°34' 42'' E.

Western Australian Museum (WAM) and DEC combined biological database NatureMap (DEC 2012a);

DEC Threatened and Priority Fauna database (DEC 2012c);

Birds Australia’s Birdata database(Birdata 2012a);

DSEWPAC Protected Matters Search Tool (also known as an EPBC search) (DSEWPAC 2012); and

Previous fauna surveys/reports i.e. Moore et al. (1987).

Collectively, these sources were used to compile a list of species that have been recorded or that may potentially occur in the region. This list will invariably include some species that do not occur in the study area, as some fauna have a limited or patchy distribution, exhibit a high level of habitat specificity, are locally extirpated or were erroneously identified in previous surveys. Extinct species, clearly erroneous records and species with a high level of habitat specificity for habitats not present in the study area were excluded from this list i.e. Terns, Gulls, Albatross, Sandpipers etc. and species which are predominantly marine in nature and do not occupy terrestrial habitats represented in the study area.

3.3.2 Field Survey

The purpose of the field survey was to verify the accuracy of the review and to further delineate and characterise the habitat and faunal assemblages in the study area. The fauna field survey, which was undertaken on the 2nd August 2012, consisted of a site reconnaissance, fauna habitat assessment/mapping and a Black Cockatoo habitat assessment. Opportunistic observations were not recorded as this was a reconnaissance only. The species assemblage is likely to be similar to that recorded by ENV (2012).



Habitat Assessment

Two habitat assessments were completed during the field survey. Each habitat was scored numerically on the basis of the presence and complexity of fauna microhabitats including vegetation cover, presence of water, tree hollows, loose bark, leaf litter etc. In addition, the habitat assessment included the identification of landscape features such as soil type, rock type, vegetation type and disturbance levels. The numerical scoring system individually ranked 24 microhabitat variables as a value between 0-3 based on whether it was common (3), moderately common (2), rare (1) or not present (0). The composition and presence of ground and vegetation cover was also assessed and scores were given based on their percentage cover of the 100 x 100 m quadrat. Three was the highest possible score for each feature and corresponded to a high habitat value, while zero was the lowest value reflecting a feature that was absent and/or provided little to no fauna habitat value. For each assessment the scores were tallied to give a total numerical value out of a possible 70.

Taxonomic Identification

The taxonomy and naming of wildlife species is dynamic because of the ongoing description of new species, and increased understanding of the relationships of taxa through genetic, morphological and vocal studies. The taxonomy and nomenclature (common and scientific names) in this report follows authorities supplemented by the latest scientific articles which update the established names for frogs (Tyler & Doughty 2009); reptiles (Wilson & Swan 2010); mammals (van Dyck & Strahan 2008), and birds (Gill & Donsker 2012). This latter authority has replaced the taxonomic treatment of Christidis and Boles (2008) for birds.

3.3.3 Black Cockatoo Habitat Assessment

Black Cockatoo habitat assessments were conducted and sites were rated on the level of foraging, roosting and breeding (DSEWPAC 2011).

Foraging Assessment

During the field survey the distribution of foraging resources was recorded throughout the project area, particularly of species that are dominant on the site. To determine if Black Cockatoos forage on the site, potential foraging plants were identified, and the ground under these plants was searched for any evidence of Black Cockatoo foraging.

In areas where Black Cockatoos have been feeding, the food remains (often chewed eucalypt nuts) can be attributed to one of the three Black Cockatoo species. For example, one of the most important indicators is the fruit of the Marri tree (Corymbia calophylla) (Fleming 2011). Marri fruit that has only minor damage to the outer lip of the fruit indicates Baudin’s Cockatoo foraging, as it uses its long bill to access the seeds inside (Fleming 2011). Where the fruit is damaged more extensively, especially on the main body of the fruit, it is likely that Carnaby’s Cockatoo or FRBC have been feeding



(Fleming 2011). Recent damage to bark and with the stripping of pine needles and cones is regarded as Black Cockatoo feeding activity (Cale 2003).

Roosting Assessment

All three black cockatoo species use communal roosting sites (DSEWPAC 2011). The DSEWPAC referral guidelines regard roosting habitat for Black Cockatoos as any tall tree, these are generally found in or near riparian environments or natural and artificial water sources for Baudin’s and Carnaby’s Cockatoos and tall Jarrah and Marri trees within or on the edge of forests for FRBC (DSEWPAC 2011). Any trees that match the definition for roosting habitat were examined for evidence of roosting activity (presence of feathers and droppings) and if found were recorded (GPS location, species and height). Birds Australia and DEC’s database (Burnham et al. 2010) was also checked to see whether any known roosting locations are found within the vicinity of the study area.

Breeding Assessment

Breeding habitat is a particularly important aspect for any assessment of impacts upon Black Cockatoos. To determine the breeding habitat classification of the site in accordance with DSEWPAC referral guidelines, a habitat assessment was undertaken.

Native trees of suitable species with a diameter at breast height (DBH) 500 mm or greater are classified as mature trees and have the potential for breeding hollows to develop (DSEWPAC 2011). The details of any trees that match this definition were noted, and their location (GPS coordinates), species, DBH, number of hollows and height (in metres) were recorded so that the breeding potential of the study area can be assessed.

To determine if mature trees in the project area have suitable breeding hollows, the following criteria were assessed for each tree (based on Gibbons & Lindenmayer 2002):

Minimum entrance width of a hollow;

Diameter of the branch on which the hollow occurred;

Whether the branch was living, part-dead or dead; and

Whether the tree has multiple hollows.

In the draft referral guidelines, any patch of woodland or forest that contains live or dead trees of the appropriate species with a DBH 500 mm or greater or with the presence of a suitable nest hollow is classified as breeding habitat (DSEWPAC 2011).



3.3.4 Graceful Sun-moth Habitat Assessment

The Graceful Sun-moth (GSM) (Synemon gratiosa) is active only from late February to early April with peak activity only in March (Bishop et al. 2010). The known habitat of the GSM is often within dense stands of two species of the common coastal and near-coastal herbs Lomandra maritima and Lomandra hermaphrodita (Bishop et al. 2010). Under current guidelines when these species are located at sites, further survey effort is required to locate the GSM (Bishop et al. 2010). Searches for Lomandra maritima and Lomandra hermaphrodita were undertaken and recorded with a GPS where applicable.



4 RESULTS

4.1 SURVEY LIMITATIONS AND CONSTRAINTS

It is important to note the specific constraints imposed on surveys. Constraints are often difficult to predict, as is the extent to which they influence survey effort. Survey constraints of the insert study area name flora and vegetation survey are detailed in Table 5.

Table 5: Limitations and Constraints Associated with the Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Survey

Variable Impact on Survey Outcomes

Access No access problems affected the outcome of the survey.

Experience The biologists that executed this survey are regarded as suitably qualified in their respective fields:

Flora Field Staff: Narelle Whittington (Principal Botanist) and Damian Buller (Environmental Biologist)

Flora Data Interpretation: Narelle Whittington and Damian Buller

Fauna Field Staff: John Trainer (Zoologist) and Chris Knuckey (Environmental Biologist)

Fauna Data Interpretation: Chris Knuckey

Timing, weather, season.

The flora survey was conducted during October and after three months of below average rainfall (refer to Section 2.1). Therefore, the seasonal conditions for the survey were not considered optimal.

Flora composition changes with time, particularly over the seasons and with seasonal conditions. A large proportion of flora is herbaceous annuals and ephemerals with specific growing periods and rainfall requirements. Fire history also affects the composition of flora. Therefore, botanical surveys completed at different times will have varying results.

The fauna survey was undertaken on the 2nd August 2012. The area had received 140.6 mm of rain in the three months prior to the survey (May – July 2012) which is slightly below the average 171.16 mm for the same period (1996 – 2012) (BoM 2012). The weather conditions during the survey did not limit the survey outcomes and would not have impacted the occurrence of conservation significant fauna.



Variable Impact on Survey Outcomes

Scope: Life

Forms sampled

The scope of this project included the sampling of flora and the description of vegetation associations and floristic community types. This survey scope also included searching and sampling for significant flora and describing vegetation condition.

A Level 1 fauna survey was carried out and as such, many species that occur at the site would not have been observed during the survey, particularly small ground-dwelling fauna that are normally found by trapping.

Sources of information

At the bioregion level, the Northern Jarrah Forests of Western Australia has been the subject of many targeted biological surveys. Site-specific data is restricted, but this is not considered a limiting factor for this survey.

Completeness The study area was accessible, the survey season was not considered to be optimal due to reduced rainfall preceding the survey. The time spent conducting the survey was considered to be adequate. It was considered that all vegetation types within the study area were adequately surveyed; with quadrats, relevés and vegetation mapping notes recorded for all vegetation types.

4.2 FLORA

4.2.1 Overview of Flora

A total of 46 taxa (including species, subspecies, varieties and forms) from 42 genera and 20 families were recorded in the survey area. The commonly occurring families were; Asteraceae (8 taxa), Poaceae (6 taxa) and Fabaceae (6 taxa). The most frequently recorded genera were; Acacia (3 taxa), Allocasuarina (2 taxa) and Hibbertia (2 taxa). An average 9.5 (±2.5 SE) species were recorded in each quadrat.

Quadrat data, including photographs, is presented in Appendix F, a matrix showing species by site in Appendix G and the flora inventory in Appendix H.

4.2.2 Flora of Conservation Significance

No Threatened species pursuant to the EPBC Act and/or gazetted as Declared Rare Flora (Threatened) pursuant to the WC Act were recorded during the survey.

No Priority flora, as recognised by the DEC, were recorded during the survey.

The review of previous surveys and DEC database searches identified 26 DRF/T and Priority flora previously recorded within the vicinity of the study area; three DRF /T taxa, one P1 taxa, three P2 taxa, eleven P3 taxa and eight P4 taxa.



The likelihood of these 26 conservation significant taxa occurring in the study area is shown in Table 6. None of these taxa were recorded during the current survey. Four taxa are considered ‘Likely’ to occur within the study area, six taxa are considered ‘Possible’ to occur and 15 taxa are ‘Unlikely’ to occur.

4.2.3 Introduced Flora

Fourteen introduced species were recorded: *Lysimachia arvensis (Pimpernel, Plate 1), *Arctotheca calendula (Cape Weed, Plate 2), *Avena barbata (Bearded Oat, Plate 3), *Briza maxima (Blowfly Grass, Plate 4), *Ehrharta calycina (Perennial Veldt Grass, Plate 5), *Eragrostis curvula (African Love Grass, Plate 6), *Erodium botrys (Long Storksbill, Plate 7), *Hypochaeris glabra (Smooth Catsear, Plate 8), *Monoculus monstrosus (Stinking Roger, Plate 9), *Moraea flaccida (One-leaf Cape Tulip, Plate 10), *Pentameris airoides (False Hairgrass, Plate 11), *Romulea rosea (Guildford Grass, Plate 12), *Ursinia anthemoides (Ursinia, Plate 13) and *Vulpia myuros forma megalura (Rat-tailed Fescue, Plate 14). Their locations are presented in Figure 4 and detailed in Appendix I.

None of these species are registered as WONS. One of these species (*Moraea flaccida) is listed as a Declared Plant under the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act 1976 (WA). Many of these taxa are also listed as an environmental weeds, as defined by the Environmental Weed Strategy for Western Australia (CALM 1999). The rating and criteria for their inclusion under this strategy, as well as their rating against the invasiveness criteria of the DEC Invasive Plant Prioritization Process (DEC 2011e), is presented in Table 7.

Three of the 14 introduced species (*Ehrharta calycina, *Eragrostis curvula and *Romulea rosea, Plate 5, 6 and 12, respectively) have a High rating (CALM 1999).

The most dominant and commonly recorded introduced taxon within the survey area was; *Ehrharta calycina, Plate 5. This was recorded in both quadrats with covers ranging from 3-40%.



Table 6: Assessment of the likely occurrence of DRF and Priority Flora (as per DEC Database Searches) in the Study Area

Priority taxa Conservation Status

Habitat Preference (WAH 2012) Suitable Habitat Present

Number of

Records

Closest Record

Likelihood in the study area

Acacia alata var. platyptera P4 Clay, gravelly sandy clay. Lateritic ridges, clay flats Yes 29 35 km Possible Acacia cuneifolia P4 Sand, clay or loam over granite. Granite outcrops & hills, rocky watercourses No 41 <10 km Unlikely Baeckea sp. Youndegin Hill P1 Yellow sand, red sandy clay, laterite. Along road verges Yes 9 20 km Possible Banksia aurantia T White/grey sand. Seasonally waterlogged plains Yes 17 12 km Unlikely Beaufortia eriocephala P3 Lateritic sandy soils. Slopes No 14 >50 km Unlikely Caladenia integra P4 Clayey loam. Granite outcrops, rocky slopes No 42 <10 km Unlikely Calothamnus rupestris P4 Gravelly skeletal soils. Granite outcrops and hillsides; creeks, gullies and plains Yes 64 <5 km Unlikely Conospermum scaposum P3 White-grey sand, sandy clay. Low swampy areas, road verges Yes 39 20 km Unlikely Cyanicula ixioides subsp. ixioides P4 Laterite, gravel Yes 26 <5 km Likely Darwinia thymoides sp. St Ronans P4 Dry loam, clay, sand. Hill slopes, granite outcrops No 19 <5 km Unlikely Dicrastylis reticulata P3 Sandy soils, often over granite. Amongst granite rock, hills, flats No 21 20 km Unlikely Hibbertia glomerata subsp. wandoo P3 Lateritic soils Yes 16 25 km Possible Hibbertia montana P4 Loam over granite, lateritic soils, gravel. Granite rocks, lateritic ridges & boulders, hills Yes 79 <5 km Unlikely Lechenaultia laricina T Sand, gravelly loam Yes 20 <5 km Likely Leucopogon sp. Flynn P2 Dry white-grey-brown sand. Sandplains, gentle slopes Yes - - Unlikely Phyllangium palustre P2 Winter-wet claypans, low-lying seasonal wetlands No 7 15 km Unlikely Stylidium asteroideum P3 Brown loam; granite outcrops, winter wet flats No 16 <5 km Unlikely Stylidium asymmetricum P2 Clay; winter-wet flats, swamps No 13 10 km Unlikely Stylidium leptocalyx P4 Laterite soils. Upland, breakaways No 12 20 km Unlikely Synaphea diabolica P3 Dry, yellow-brown laterite soil with laterite gravel. Undulating areas Yes 7 <5 km Likely Synaphea sp. Darkin P3 White or grey sand. Flats, gentle slopes Yes 18 10 km Unlikely Tetraria australiensis T Sandy plains Yes 22 <10 km Possible Tetratheca similis P3 Sandy clay with lateritic boulders Yes 17 15 km Possible Thelymitra yorkensis P3 Sandy loams, brown-grey loam, gravel, clay, laterite, granite. Mid-slopes or hilltops No 21 <10 km Possible Verticordia serrata var. linearis P3 White sand, gravel. Open woodland Yes 21 <5 km Likely

1 Number of DEC records from database search area (DEC2012b) 2 Closest DEC record to study area (DEC2012b)

^ No point data provided by DEC (2012b), number of records and distance determined from Florabase (WAH 2012)

‘Likely’ = suitable habitat present and records less than 10 km from the study area

‘Possible’ = suitable habitat present, but records within 10 to 50 km from the study area

‘Unlikely’ = a lack of suitable habitat, and/or there are no records closer than 50 km from the study area



Table 7: Introduced Flora Recorded in the Study Area, Including Their Rating by the Environmental Weed Strategy (CALM 1999) and the DEC Invasive Plant Prioritization Process (DEC 2012e)

Taxon (Common Name) Rating (CALM 1999)

Criteria (DEC 2011)

Ecological Impact

Invasiveness Feasibility of Control

*Lysimachia arvensis (Pimpernel) - Unknown Rapid Low

*Arctotheca calendula (Cape Weed) Moderate Moderate Moderate Low

*Avena barbata (Bearded Oat) Moderate High Rapid Low

*Briza maxima (Blowfly Grass) Moderate Unknown Rapid Low

*Ehrharta calycina (Perennial Veldt Grass) High Unknown Moderate Moderate

*Eragrostis curvula (African Love Grass) High Unknown Rapid Low

*Erodium botrys (Long Storksbill) Low Unknown Moderate Unknown

*Hypochaeris glabra (Smooth Catsear) Moderate Moderate Rapid Low

*Monoculus monstrosus (Stinking Roger) - - - -

*Moraea flaccida (One-leaf Cape Tulip) - High Moderate Moderate

*Pentameris airoides (False Hairgrass) Moderate Unknown Unknown Unknown

*Romulea rosea (Guildford Grass) High High Unknown Low

*Ursinia anthemoides (Ursinia) Moderate Unknown Rapid Unknown

*Vulpia myuros forma megalura (Rat-tailed Fescue) - Unknown Rapid Unknown



Plate 1: *Lysimachia arvensis (Pimpernel)

Source: ENV (2012)

Plate 2: *Arctotheca calendula (Cape Weed)

Source: WAH (2012)

Plate 3: *Avena barbata (Bearded Oat)

Source: WAH (2012)

Plate 4: *Briza maxima (Blowfly Grass)

Source: WAH (2012)

Plate 5: *Ehrharta calycina (Perennial Veldt

Grass) Source: WAH (2012) Plate 6: *Eragrostis curvula (African Love

Grass) Source: WAH (2012)



Plate 7: *Erodium botrys (Long Storksbill)

Source: WAH (2012)

Plate 8: *Hypochaeris glabra (Smooth Catsear)

Source: WAH (2012)

Plate 9: *Monoculus monstrosus (Stinking Roger) Source: WAH (2012)

Plate 10: *Moraea flaccida (One-leaf Cape Tulip) Source: ENV (2012)

Plate 11: *Pentameris airoides (False Hairgrass) Source: WAH (2012)

Plate 12: *Romulea rosea (Guildford Grass)

Source: WAH (2012)



Plate 13: *Ursinia anthemoides (Ursinia)

Source: ENV (2012) Plate 14: *Vulpia myuros forma megalura (Rat-

tailed Fescue) Source: WAH (2012)

4.3 VEGETATION

4.3.1 Vegetation Associations

Two vegetation associations were identified in the study area (Figure 3). The vegetation was separated into two associations based on the dominant species present. However, it is important to note that if the vegetation was in excellent condition it is more likely that the vegetation would be considered to be of one association (See Section 4.3.2 and 5.3 for more detail).

AhKg: Low Woodland of Allocasuarina huegeliana over Kunzea glabrescens, Adenanthos cygnorum, Caustis dioica, Podolepis canescens and Gompholobium tomentosum with scattered Eucalyptus wandoo.

KgAc: Tall open Scrub of Kunzea glabrescens with Allocasuarina humilis, Adenanthos cygnorum and Xanthorrhoea preissii with scattered Corymbia calophylla and Eucalyptus wandoo.

4.3.2 Vegetation Condition

Vegetation condition ranged from Completely Degraded to Very Good (Figure 5). The variance in condition can be attributed to the site being road side vegetation that has been segregated by cleared shoulders, driveways and fences and firebreaks. The presence of rabbits has also contributed to vegetation disturbance.

A large portion of the study area was observed to be affected by anthropogenic disturbance and has caused major weed infestation in some areas. Areas described as Completely Degraded (inclusive of cleared areas) covered 40% of the study. The various forms of disturbance has resulted in a reduction of vegetation structure and facilitated weed invasion. These areas are mapped as Degraded (10% of the study area), and Good



(33% of the study area) with separation between these categories based on recorded weed densities.

Areas mapped as Very Good show relatively low levels of disturbance with low densities of aggressive weeds (17% of the study area).

Fire age was uniform across the site and was deemed Old (8 - 12 years since the last fire).

4.3.3 Regional Representation

Vegetation associations described in the study area were correlated with the Beard (1975)/ Shepherd et al. (2001) broad vegetation types as much as possible by examining similarities in vegetation descriptions (Table 8 and 9). Differences exist with the terminology used in the descriptions as they are based on different methods of categorising and characterising vegetation types, and the different spatial scale of the analysis (i.e. region vs. local scale).

Table 8: Representation of Broad Vegetation Types and Corresponding Vegetation Associations

Vegetation Association

Extent in Study Area (ha)

Vegetation Type and Description (Beard 1975/Shepherd et al. 2001)

Corresponding Vegetation Association

(Current Survey)

Medium woodland; marri & wandoo (4 e3,5Mi) KgAc

AhKg

0.459

Table 9: Representation of RFA Complexes and Corresponding Vegetation Associations

Vegetation

Association Extent in Study Area

(ha)

Vegetation Complex Mattiske & Havel (1998)

Corresponding Vegetation Association

(Current Survey)

Michibin (Mi) KgAc

AhKg

0.459

Coolakin (Ck) None N/A



4.3.4 Vegetation of Conservation Significance

None of the 45 vegetation associations described for the project area were analogous to any known TECs or ESAs.

The vegetation type mapped by Beard (1979) and re-assessed by Shepherd et al. (2001), 4 (e3,5Mi) Medium woodland; Marri and Wandoo, is considered below the clearing threshold within the Jarrah Forest Bioregion. However, it is above the clearing threshold within the Northern Jarrah Forrest Subregion.

Twenty per cent of the Michibin complex remains compared to its pre-clearing extent, while 7.2% remains in reservation (Havel 2002). The Michibin complex falls below this threshold level.

4.4 FAUNA

4.4.1 Habitat Assessment

Two habitat assessments were undertaken during the field survey. The location and results of these assessments are detailed in Appendix J. The study area contains one fauna habitat type, Eucalypt Woodland (Figure 6).

Eucalypt Woodland

The Eucalypt Woodland covers the entire study area, approximately 0.46 ha. The woodland is dominated by Corymbia calophylla and Eucalyptus wandoo over Allocasuarina huegeliana, Allocasuarina humilis and Kunzea glabrescens. High habitat values are driven by the dense layer of leaf l itter which provides shelter for small ground-dwelling amphibians, reptiles and mammals. The Banksia Woodland also has a relatively high cover for all three vegetation layers (overstorey, midstorey and understorey) which provide habitat for a range of different avifauna species. The area also contains a high amount of leaf litter which provides habitat for small lizards and insects which are preyed upon by small reptiles and avifauna species.

4.4.2 Fauna Assemblage

All fauna previously recorded in the vicinity of the site are listed in Appendix K. As this was a reconnaissance survey only, opportunistic observations were not recorded. A total of 227 species have been previously recorded within the vicinity of the study area.

Amphibians

A total of seven species of amphibians have been previously recorded in vicinity of the study area (Appendix K). The amphibians most likely to occur are the Western Banjo Frog (Limnodynastes dorsalis) and the Crawling Toadlet (Pseudophryne guentheri).



Reptiles

Twenty-seven species of reptile have been previously recorded in the vicinity of the study area (Appendix K). Reptiles likely to occur at the site include the Variegated tree Dtella (Gehyra variegata), the Bobtail (Tiliqua rugosa rugosa) and the Western Bearded Dragon (Pogona minor minor).

Avifauna

One hundred and eighty-three species of birds have been previously recorded in the vicinity of the study area (Appendix K). Many of these are unlikely to occur at the site, since these records are from a larger area encompassing a wide range of habitats and include rare birds that only occur on a transitory basis. Avifauna species likely to occur at the site include the Australian Ringneck, Pallid Cuckoo (Cacomantis pallidus) and Red-capped Robin (Petroica goodenovii).

Mammals

Ten species of mammal have previously been recorded in the vicinity of the study area (Appendix K). Many of these are unlikely to occur at the site, since these records are from larger areas encompassing a wide range of habitats, and small mammals tend to be habitat-specific. Mammals most likely to occur within the site include the Western Grey kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus) and the Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), which is a introduced species.

4.4.3 Fauna of Conservation Significance

Results from database searches indicate that 26 conservation significant fauna species are known to potentially occur in the area (Appendix L). Some of these are unlikely to occur on the site as they have a limited or patchy distribution, high level of habitat specificity, are locally extinct or were erroneously recorded in previous surveys.

An assessment of all database search results and the habitats present at the site indicate that four species of conservation significance are ‘Likely’ to occur within the study area: Carnaby’s Cockatoo, Baudin’s Cockatoo, Forest Red-tailed Cockatoo and the Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus) (Appendix L). A further eight species are considered ‘possible’ to occur, eleven species are considered ‘unlikely’ to occur and three are classified as ‘highly unlikely’ to occur; based on their ecology, habitat present and fauna records (Appendix L).


Foraging Assessment

Vegetation of the study area features Marri, Wandoo, Jarrah, Banksia sessilis (Parrot Bush), Erodium botrys (Corkscrew Grass), Romulea rosea (Guilford Grass) and Xanthorrhoea preissii (Grass Tree) which are all known foraging resources for Black



Cockatoos. (Chapman 2007; DSEWPAC 2011; Groom 2011; Johnstone & Kirkby 2008; Johnstone 2010; Valentine & Stock 2008) were recorded (Table 10). Therefore, the entire study area is considered foraging habitat, approximately 0.46 ha (Figure 7).

Table 10: Black Cockatoo foraging resources found within the study area

Species Common Name Black Cockatoo Species

Corymbia calophylla Marri Carnaby’s Cockatoo Baudin’s Cockatoo

Eucalyptus wandoo Wandoo Carnaby’s Cockatoo Baudin’s Cockatoo

Eucalyptus marginata

Jarrah Carnaby’s Cockatoo Baudin’s Cockatoo

Banksia sessilis Parrot Bush Carnaby’s Cockatoo Baudin’s Cockatoo

Erodium botrys Corkscrew Grass Carnaby’s Cockatoo Baudin’s Cockatoo

Romulea rosea

Guilford Grass Carnaby’s Cockatoo

Xanthorrhoea preissii Grass Tree Carnaby’s Cockatoo Baudin’s Cockatoo

Roosting Assessment

Tall trees containing a dense canopy (dead stags are not classified as roost sites) of Black Cockatoo roosting tree species (Marri, Wandoo) were present within the study area and provide potential roosting habitat for Black Cockatoos. No roosting evidence (droppings or feathers) were recorded around the trees. The nearest known roost site for Carnaby’s Cockatoos is located approximately 16 km to the north-east of the study area (Burnham et al. 2010).

Breeding Assessment

Breeding habitat is a particularly important aspect for any assessment of the impacts on Black Cockatoos. Breeding habitat for Black Cockatoos is classified as any patch of woodland containing live or dead trees of specific species with a DBH 500 mm or greater (DSEWPAC 2011).

During the Black Cockatoo breeding habitat assessment, a total of 14 trees, of specific species and with a DBH of 500 mm or more, were recorded in the study area. This consists of nine Marri, two Wandoo, two Jarrah and one dead stag (Appendix M; Figure 8).

Regional Context

In a regional context the Eucalypt Woodland of the survey area is consistent with that found in the immediate surrounds, which is evident in Figure 1. Additionally there are three nature reserves in close proximity (less than 4 km) to the survey area, namely: Wambyn Nature Reserve (215.2 ha), St Ronans Nature Reserve (118.2 ha) and Wandoo



Conservation Reserve (46,338 ha) (Moore et al. 1987). Using the vegetation descriptions from Beard mapping (1979) these reserves are deemed as containing flora species that are known foraging and breeding resources for Black Cockatoos; Marri, Wandoo, Parrot Bush, Corkscrew Grass, Guilford Grass and Grass Tree.


The two near-coastal sedges, Lomandra maritima and Lomandra hermaphrodita, which the GSM is commonly found in, were not recorded in the study area. There are no records of the GSM from within in the vicinity of the study area and the nearest record is situated over 60 km to the west of the study area.



5 DISCUSSION

5.1 FLORA

A total of 46 taxa (including species, subspecies, varieties and forms) from 42 genera and 20 families were recorded in the survey area.

Environmental factors including the low rainfall experienced in the year prior to the survey being undertaken would have affected the species richness. However, it is not possible to quantify the extent that low rainfall would have impacted on the current species diversity within the study area.

5.2 FLORA OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE

No threatened species pursuant to the EPBC Act and no plant taxa gazetted as DRF/Threatened pursuant to the WC Act were recorded in the study area. This is despite three species listed as Threatened by the EPBC Act being identified as potentially occurring in the study area. These three species are all perennials and therefore, would have been found if they were present. ENV is confident that these species are not within the survey area.

No Priority flora, as recognised by the DEC, was recorded during the survey. All but six potential priority flora species identified by the database searches are perennial species. Therefore, these species would have been present and found during the survey if they had been there. ENV is confident that these species are not within the survey area.

The remaining potential priority species are either tuberous perennials (orchids) or annuals. Five of these species do not occur within the sites habitat type and thus do not have the potential to be present. The remaining species Cyanicula ixioides subsp. ixioides is known to occur within the vegetation type and soils present on site. There are records of the species within 5 km of the survey site. The survey was undertaken at the appropriate time of year (spring); however, the low winter rainfall in the region may have affected the emergence of some orchid and/or annual species within the survey area. The disturbance at the site may also inhibit the growth of many species.

5.3 VEGETATION CONDITION AND INTRODUCED FLORA

The condition of the vegetation varied between Very Good and Completely Degraded and was largely influenced by clearing for road shoulders, driveways fences and firebreaks. There are also areas that are dominated by weeds. These disturbances have changed the vegetation structure and as a result two vegetation associations were identified on site. If the vegetation on the northern side of the road was intact, then both sides would likely have been identified as the same association. As it is, this vegetation is infested with weeds and has a lower diversity then the southern side.



Fourteen introduced species were recorded within the study area. The majority of these are considered to be common agricultural and bushland weeds in the region (Hussey et al. 2007). None of these species are registered as WONS, however, ten species are listed as environmental weeds, as defined by the Environmental Weed Strategy for Western Australia (CALM 1999).

One of these species (*Moraea flaccida) is listed as a Declared Plant under the ARRP Act.

5.4 REGIONAL REPRESENTATION

Neither of vegetation associations described for the project area were analogous to any known TECs or ESAs.

The vegetation type mapped by Beard (1979) and re-assessed by Shepherd et al. (2001), 4 (e3,5Mi) Medium woodland; Marri & Wandoo, is considered below the clearing threshold within the Jarrah Forest Bioregion, however, is above the clearing threshold within the Northern Jarrah Forrest Subregion.

Twenty per cent of the Michibin complex remains compared to its pre-clearing extent, while 7.2% remains in reservation (Havel 2002). The Michibin complex falls below this threshold level.

The EPA’s policy on the protection of native vegetation in Western Australia, in the context of pre-European vegetation extent remaining, is based on the following criteria:

From purely a biodiversity perspective and taking no account of any other land degradation issues, there are several key criteria now being applied where clearing is still occurring (EPA 2000):

The threshold level below which species loss appears to accelerate exponentially at an ecosystem level is regarded as being at a level of 30% of the pre-clearing extent of the vegetation type; and

A level of 10% of the original extent is regarded as being a level representing “endangered”.

Given the site is below the 30% clearing threshold according to both mapping references, the EPA would expect alternative mechanisms to be put forward to address the protection of biodiversity (EPA 2000).



5.5 FAUNA HABITAT TYPES

The study area contains one fauna habitat type, Eucalypt Woodland (Figure 6). This habitat is well represented in the local vicinity. The study area is situated alongside the Great Southern Highway, this area is exposed to noise and on-going traffic it is highly unlikely that this area wold provide important habitat for conservation significant species.

5.6 FAUNAL ASSEMBLAGE

A total of 227 species have been previously recorded within the vicinity of the study area. As this was a Level 1 reconnaissance survey to assess fauna habitat types, species were not recorded. The expected fauna assemblage of the study area consists of species that are generally common and widespread throughout the region and are not dependent upon the habitats found within the study area.

5.7 CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT FAUNA

Four fauna species of conservation significance fauna are considered as ‘Likely’ to occur in the study area; Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, Baudin’s Cockatoo, Carnaby’s Cockatoo and the Rainbow Bee-eater.

Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii naso)

The Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo (FRBC) is distributed throughout the humid and subhumid southwest of Western Australia from Gingin through the Darling Ranges to the southwest, from approximately Bunbury to Albany (Johnstone & Storr 1998). The FRBC occurs in pairs or small flocks, or occasionally in large flocks of up to 200 birds (Johnstone & Storr 1998). The FRBC usually inhabits dense Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata), Karri (Eucalyptus diversicolor) and Marri forests that receive more than 600 mm average annual rainfall (Chapman 2007). This species breeds in the southwest between October and November.

The FRBC feeds primarily on Marri and Jarrah fruit (DSEWPAC 2011). The FRBC population is estimated at approximately 15,000 birds (Johnstone & Kirkby 1999). The primary threat to the FRBC is habitat loss due to clearing and forestry (Garnett et al. 2011). The study area occurs slightly east of the modelled distribution for the species (DSEWPAC 2011; Johnstone & Storr 1998). However, in recent years there has been expansion of foraging of the species east into the wheatbelt in search of food (Johnstone & Kirkby 2011). The FRBC has been recorded previously within the vicinity of the study area (DEC 2012b) and the study area provides suitable foraging, roosting and breeding habitat for the species.



Baudin’s Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus baudinii)

Baudin’s Cockatoo is distributed throughout the south western humid and sub humid zones, from the northern Darling Range and adjacent far east of the Swan Coastal Plain (south of the Swan River), south to Bunbury and across to Albany (Johnstone & Storr 1998). This species forages primarily in eucalypt forest, where it feeds on Marri seeds, flowers, nectar and buds (Johnstone & Kirkby 2008). They also feed on a wide range of seeds of Eucalyptus, Banksia, Hakea and exotic Pinus (Pine) species, as well as fruiting apples and pears and beetle larvae from under the bark of trees (Johnstone & Kirkby 2008; Johnstone & Storr 1998).

Baudin’s Cockatoo is mostly a postnuptial nomad, although some populations are resident (Johnstone & Kirkby 2008). Most Baudin’s Cockatoos breed in the deep south-west in spring-summer, from around October to March. Following which, breeding birds leave nesting areas and amalgamate to form large foraging flocks. These flocks generally migrate north to the main non-breeding wintering area in the northern Darling Range between Collie and Mundaring (Johnstone & Kirkby 2008). The total population of Baudin’s Cockatoo is estimated to be about 15 000 birds, and has declined greatly in the last 50 years primarily from habitat destruction (Johnstone & Kirkby 2008). Three records of the Baudin’s Cockatoo exist in the vicinity of the study area (DEC 2012b). The study area contains suitable foraging, roosting and breeding habitat for the Baudin’s Cockatoo

Carnaby’s Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris)

The Carnaby’s Cockatoo is listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act and Schedule 1 under the WC Act. Carnaby’s Cockatoo is endemic to southwest Western Australia, and is distributed from the Murchison River to Esperance and inland to Coorow, Kellerberrin and Lake Cronin (Cale 2003). The species was once common, but the population has declined significantly in the last half century, and is now locally extinct in some areas (Johnstone & Storr 1998; Shah 2006). In the last 45 years the species has suffered a 50% reduction in its abundance due to the extensive clearing of core breeding habitat in the wheatbelt, and the clearing of food resources upon the Swan Coastal Plain (Cale 2003). The total population of Carnaby’s Cockatoo is currently estimated at 40,000 (Garnett et al. 2011).Breeding usually occurs from early July to mid-December, in the semi-arid and subhumid interior of WA’s wheatbelt (Johnstone & Storr 1998). Two records exist in the vicinity of the study area for the Carnaby’s Cockatoo (DEC 2012b). The study area contains suitable foraging, roosting and breeding habitat for the Carnaby’s Cockatoo.

Rainbow Bee-eater

The Rainbow Bee-eater is listed as ‘Migratory’ under the EPBC Act. This species is one of the most common and widespread birds in Australia with a distribution that covers the majority of Australia (Barrett et al. 2003). In Western Australia this bird can occur as a ‘resident, breeding visitor, postnuptial nomad, passage migrant and winter visitor’



(Johnstone & Storr 1998). Although the species was not recorded during this survey it has been previously recorded in the vicinity of the study area (DEC 2012a). The study area provides suitable foraging habitat and suitable nest sites. The species is not however, dependent on the habitats represented in the study area, and the common and widespread distribution of this species ensures that the proposed development will not impact upon its conservation status.


The study area was assessed on three key factors that are provided by vegetation and considered important to Black Cockatoo ecology, namely, foraging, roosting and breeding. The draft referral guidelines state that “any area within the range of Black Cockatoos that contains known food or nesting plant species is considered to be habitat for this species” (DSWEPAC 2011).

The study area contains seven species that are known foraging resources for Black Cockatoos. As such, all of the vegetation of the study area (0.46ha, 100%) is classified as foraging habitat for Black Cockatoos. The referral guidelines state that if the proposed development requires the clearing of more than one hectare of foraging habitat, this would be classified as a ‘high risk of significant impact’ on a matter of national environmental significance (DSEWPAC 2011) (Table 1).

According to the DSEWPAC (2011) draft referral guidelines the clearing of a ‘known roosting site’ would be considered high risk of significant impact’. Tall trees with a closed canopy that could potentially provide roosting habitat were recorded within the study area. However, no evidence or signs of roosting was recorded. In addition, there are no known roosting locations within the study area, the closest known Carnaby’s Cockatoo roosting site is situated more than 16 km to the northwest (Burnham et al. 2010).

The study area contains a total of 14 trees (Marri, Wandoo, Jarrah and dead stags) that are suitable dimensions to be classified as potential breeding habitat. The clearing of any tree with a DBH of 500 mm or greater would be considered a ‘high risk of significant impact’ on a matter of national environmental significance based on the DSEWPAC (2011) draft referral guidelines.

The draft referral guidelines identify that creating a gap greater than 4 km between patches of Black Cockatoo habitat (foraging, roosting and breeding) will be classified as a ‘high risk of significant impacts’. There remain a number of large reserves and bush remnants located within 4 km of the study area, all of which provide suitable Black Cockatoo habitat; Wambyn Nature Reserve (215.2 ha), St Ronans Nature Reserve (118.2 ha) and Wandoo Conservation Reserve (46,338 ha) (Moore et al. 1987). These nature reserves provide a much higher level of Black Cockatoo foraging and breeding resources than the study area (Moore et al. 1987). As such the proposed development will not produce a gap of greater than 4 km between patches of Black Cockatoo habitat.




The two near-coastal sedges, Lomandra maritima and Lomandra hermaphrodita, which the GSM is commonly found in (Bishop et al. 2010), were not recorded in the study area. There are no records of the GSM from within in the vicinity of the study area and the nearest known record is situated over 60 km to the west (Burnham et al. 2010). As such it is highly unlikely that the GSM inhabits the study area.



6 RECOMMENDATIONS

ENV.Australia makes the following recommendations:

6.1 FLORA

As a matter of principle, any clearing of native vegetation should be kept to a minimum; and

Clearing methods should be adapted to prevent the spread of weeds.

6.2 FAUNA

Any conservation significant ground dwelling species found during the clearing process need to be trapped and translocated by appropriately trained zoologists;

Boundaries of areas to be disturbed should be clearly demarcated to prevent any erroneous damage to potential habitat; and

As the study area constitutes foraging habitat for Black Cockatoos, while the species are not known to breed or roost in the area, potential stress and disturbance to feeding birds during their breeding season should be avoided. Breeding for Baudin’s Cockatoo occurs October to March (Johnstone & Kirkby 2008) and July to October for Carnaby’s Cockatoo (Saunders 1979). Thus, it is recommended that clearing take place during the typical non-breeding season to avoid potential disturbance of feeding cockatoos during peak breeding season (July to March).



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Tyler, M. J., & Doughty, P. (2009). Field Guide to Frogs of Western Australia (4th Ed.). Perth: Western Australian Museum.

Valentine, L. E., & Stock, W. (2008). Food Resources of Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) in the Gnangara Sustainability Strategy Study Area. Western Australia: Edith Cowan University and Department of Environment and Conservation.

van Dyck, S., & Strahan, R. (2008). The Mammals of Australia (3rd Ed.). Sydney: New Holland Publishers.



Western Australian Herbarium [WAH]. (2012). Florabase - Information on the Western Australian Flora. Accessed from http://florabase.calm.wa.gov.au/

Williams, K., & Mitchell, D. (2001). Jarrah Forest 1 (JF1 – Northern Jarrah Forest subregion). In: A Biodiversity Audit of Western Australia’s 53 Biogeographical Subregions. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth.

Wilson, S., & Swan, G. (2010). A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia (3rd Ed.). Chatswood: New Holland Publishers.

Ziembicki, M. (2010). Australian Bustard. Collingwood: CSIRO Publishing.


J114490-001Final

FIGURES

ALL02

ALL01

460,000 460,200 460,4006,4

71,40

0

6,471

,400

6,471

,600

6,471

,600

Vegetation Associationsand Quadrat LocationsAUTHOR

N. Whittington Allawuna RoadsideFlora and Fauna Assessment@ A41:2,000


SCALE PROJECTIONM. Mikkonen 12-12-12DRAWN DATE

GDA94 MGA50

J114490

3FIGURE

±0 20 40 60

Metres

Great Southern Highway

LegendStudy Area

Vegetation Association

Cleared

AhKg - Low Woodland of Allocasuarina huegeliana over Kunzea glabrescens, Adenanthoscygnorum, Caustis dioica, Podolepis canescens and Gompholobium tomentosum withscattered Eucalyptus wandoo.KgAc - Tall open Scrub of Kunzea glabrescens with Allocasuarina humilis, Adenanthoscygnorum and Xanthorrhoea preissii with scattered Corymbia calophylla and Eucalyptuswandoo.

Quadrat Location

*Arctotheca calendula*Ehrharta calycina*Eragrostis curvula*Erodium botrys*Hypochaeris glabra*Monoculus monstrosus*Pentaschistis airoides*Vulpia myuros forma megalura

*Moraea flaccida

*Arctotheca calendula*Avena barbata*Briza maxima

*Ehrharta calycina*Hypochaeris glabra

*Lysimachia arvensis*Monoculus monstrosus

*Pentaschistis airoides*Romulea rosea

*Ursinia anthemoides*Vulpia myuros forma megalura

460,000 460,200 460,4006,4

71,40

0

6,471

,400

Locations of Introduced FloraAUTHORN. Whittington Allawuna Roadside




GDA94 MGA50

J114490

4FIGURE

±0 20 40 60

Metres


Vegetation ConditionAUTHORN. Whittington Allawuna Roadside



SCALE PROJECTIONT. Ellis 28-11-12DRAWN DATE

GDA94 MGA50

J114490

5FIGURE

±0 20 40 60

Metres

LegendStudy Area

Condition Type Very GoodGoodDegradedCompletely Degraded


!A

!AHA2

HA1

460,000 460,200 460,4006,4

71,40

0

6,471

,400

Fauna HabitatAUTHORC. Knuckey Allawuna Roadside




GDA94 MGA50

J114490

6FIGURE

±0 20 40 60

Metres

LegendStudy Area

!A Habitat Assessment LocationHabitat

Eucalypt Woodland


460,000 460,200 460,4006,4

71,40

0

6,471

,400

Black Cockatoo HabitatAUTHORC. Knuckey Allawuna Roadside




GDA94 MGA50

J114490

7FIGURE

±0 20 40 60

Metres

LegendStudy AreaForaging Area


460,000 460,200 460,4006,4

71,40

0

6,471

,400

Black Cockatoo Habitat TreesAUTHORC. Knuckey Allawuna Roadside




GDA94 MGA50

J114490

8FIGURE

±0 20 40 60

Metres

LegendStudy Area

SpeciesMarri (Corymbia calophylla)Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata)Wandoo (Eucalyptus wandoo)Dead Stag



J114490-001Final

APPENDIX A DEFINITION OF DECLARED RARE / PRIORITY / THREATENED FLORA

SPECIES AND SIGNIFICANT FLORA SPECIES POTENTIALLY OCCURRING IN

THE STUDY AREA

BOWMAN & ASSOCIATES – Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment, Allawuna Roadside

J114490 Appendix A

APPENDIX A

DEFINITIONS OF DECLARED RARE / PRIORITY / THREATENED FLORA

A1: Categories of Declared Rare and Priority Flora Conservation Code Category

X Presumed Extinct Flora (Declared Rare Flora – Extinct) “Taxa which have been adequately searched for and there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died, and have been gazetted as such (Schedule 2 under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950).”

T Threatened Flora (Declared Rare Flora – Extant) “Taxa which have been adequately searched for and are deemed to be in the wild either rare, in danger of extinction, or otherwise in need of special protection, and have been gazetted as such (Schedule 1 under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950).” “Threatened Flora (Schedule 1) are further ranked by the Department according to their level of threat using IUCN Red List criteria:

CR: Critically Endangered – considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild;

EN: Endangered – considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild; VU: Vulnerable – considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.”

P1 Priority One: Poorly-known taxa

“Taxa which are known from one or a few collections or sight records (generally less than five), all on lands not managed for conservation, e.g. agricultural or pastoral lands, urban areas, Shire, Westrail and Main Roads WA road, gravel and soil reserves, and active mineral leases and under threat of habitat destruction or degradation. Taxa may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes.”

P2 Priority Two: Poorly-known taxa “Taxa which are known from one or a few collections or sight records, some of which are on lands not under imminent threat of habitat destruction or degradation, e.g. national parks, conservation parks, nature reserves, State forest, vacant Crown Land, water reserves, etc. Taxa may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes.”

P3 Priority Three: Poorly-known taxa “Taxa which are known from collections or sight records from several localities not under

imminent threat, or few but widespread localities with either large population size or significant remaining areas of apparently suitable habitat, much of it not under imminent threat. Taxa may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and known threatening processes exist that could affect them.”


J114490 Appendix A

Conservation Code Category P4 Priority Four: Rare, Near Threatened and other taxa in need of monitoring

a. Rare. “Taxa which are considered to have been adequately surveyed, or for which sufficient knowledge is available, and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection, but could be if present circumstances change. These taxa are usually represented on conservation lands.” b. Near Threatened. “Taxa that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent, but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable.” c. “Taxa that have been removed from the list of threatened species during the past five years for reasons other than taxonomy.”

P5 Priority Five: Conservation Dependent taxa “Taxa that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program, the cessation of which would result in the taxon becoming threatened within five years.”

Source: Department of Environment and Conservation (2011). Western Australian Flora Conservation Codes. Department of

Environment and Conservation, Perth, Western Australia. Online: http://florabase.calm.wa.gov.au.

A2: Categories of Threatened Flora Species

Category Code Category

Ex

Extinct Taxa which at a particular time if, at the time, there is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died.

ExW Extinct in the Wild Taxa which is known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside its past range; or it has not been recorded in its known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate seasons, anywhere in its past range, despite exhaustive surveys over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form.

CE Critically Endangered Taxa which at a particular time, it is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria.

E Endangered Taxa which is not critically endangered and it is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria.

V Vulnerable Taxa which is not critically endangered or endangered and is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria.

CD Conservation Dependent Taxa which at a particular time if, at that time, the species is the focus of a specific conservation program, the cessation of which would result in the species becoming vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered within a period of 5 years.

Source: Envi ronment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999


J114490-001Final

APPENDIX B DEFINITIONS OF CONSERVATION

CODES FOR FAUNA OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE


J114490 Appendix B

APPENDIX B

DEFINITIONS OF CONSERVATION CODES FOR FAUNA OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE

B1: National Threatened Species Codes

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The EPBC Act prescribes seven matters of national environmental significance:-

World Heritage properties;

National Heritage places;

Wetlands of international importance;

Threatened species and ecological communities;

Migratory species;

Commonwealth marine areas; and

Nuclear actions (including uranium mining).

Species in the categories ExW, CE, E, V and M (see below) are protected as matters of national environmental significance under the EPBC Act.


Extinct Ex Taxa for which there is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died.

Extinct in the Wild ExW

Taxa known to survive only in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside its past range; or not recorded in its known and/or expected habitat at appropriate seasons anywhere in its past range despite exhaustive surveys over a timeframe appropriate to its life cycle and form.

Critically Endangered CE Taxa facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future,

as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria.

Endangered E Taxa not critically endangered and facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria.

Vulnerable V Taxa not critically endangered or endangered and facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria.

Conservation Dependent CD

Taxa which are the focus of a specific conservation program, the cessation of which would result in the species becoming vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered within five years.


J114490 Appendix B


Migratory Mi

Taxa that migrate to Australia and its external territories, or pass through or over Australian waters during their annual migrations, that are included in an international agreement approved by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts and that have been placed on the national List of Migratory Species under the provisions of the EPBC Act. At present there are four such agreements:

the Bonn Convention

the China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA)

the Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA)

the Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (ROKAMBA)

Marine Ma

Taxa protected in a Commonwealth Marine Protected Area by virtue of section 248 of the EPBC Act. These taxa include certain seals, crocodiles, turtles and birds, as well as various marine fish.

Commonwealth marine areas are matters of national environmental significance under the EPBC Act.

An action will require approval if the:

action is taken in a Commonwealth marine area and the action has, will have, or is likely to have a significant impact on the environment, or

action is taken outside a Commonwealth marine area and the action has, will have, or is likely to have a significant impact on the environment in a Commonwealth marine area1

The Commonwealth marine area is any part of the sea, including the waters, seabed, and airspace, within Australia's exclusive economic zone and/or over the continental shelf of Australia, that is not State or Northern Territory waters.

The Commonwealth marine area stretches from 3 to 200 nautical miles (approximately 5-370 km) from the coast. Marine protected areas are marine areas which are recognised to have high conservation value.

B2: Western Australian Threatened Fauna Categories

Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WA)

Category Code Description

Schedule 1 S1 Rare or likely to become extinct.

Schedule 2 S2 Presumed extinct.

Schedule 3 S3

Birds subject to an agreement between the governments of Australia and Japan, the People’s Republic of China & the Republic of Korea relating to the protection of migratory birds and birds in danger of extinction.

Schedule 4 S4 Other specially protected fauna.


J114490 Appendix B

B3: Department of Environment and Conservation Fauna Priority Codes

Category Code Description

Priority 1 P1 Taxa with few, poorly known populations on threatened lands.

Priority 2 P2 Taxa with few, poorly known populations on conservation lands.

Priority 3 P3 Taxa with several, poorly known populations, some on conservation lands.

Priority 4 P4 Taxa in need of monitoring: not currently threatened or in need of special protection, but could become so.

Usually represented on conservation lands.

Priority 5 P5 Taxa in need of monitoring: not considered threatened, but the subject of a specific conservation program, the cessation of which would result in the species becoming threatened within five years.


J114490-001Final

APPENDIX C DEFINITION OF THREATENED AND

PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES


J114490 Appendix C

APPENDIX C

DEFINITIONS OF THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES

C1: Definitions of Threatened Ecological Communities

Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD) An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the community being extant and either of the following applies (A or B); A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches or

known or likely habitats or B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed. Critically Endangered (CR) An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future. This will be determined on the basis of the best available information, by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A, B or C): A) The estimated geographic range, and/or total area occupied, and/or number of discrete

occurrences since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90% and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)

i) geographic range, and/or total area occupied and/or number of discrete occurrences

are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within approximately 5 years)

ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within approximately 5 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially rehabilitated.

B) Current distribution is limited, and one or more of the following apply (i, ii or iii):

i) geographic range and/or number of discrete occurrences, and/or area occupied is highly restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely to result in total destruction throughout its range in the immediate future (within approximately 5 years)

ii) there are very few occurrences, each of which is small and/or isolated and extremely vulnerable to known threatening processes

iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is very small and each occurrence is small and/or isolated and extremely vulnerable to known threatening processes


J114490 Appendix C

C) The ecological community exists only as highly modified occurrences which may be capable of being rehabilitated if such work begins in the immediate future (within approximately 5 years)

Endangered (EN) An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future. This will be determined on the basis of the best available information, by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A, B or C): A) The estimated geographic range, and/or total area occupied, and/or number of discrete

occurrences since European settlement have been reduced by at least 70% and either or both of the following apply (i or ii)

i) geographic range, and/or total area occupied and/or number of discrete occurrences are

continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the short term (within approximately 10 years)

ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within approximately 10 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated.

B) Current distribution is limited, and one or more of the following apply (i, ii or iii):

i) geographic range and/or number of discrete occurrences, and/or area occupied is highly restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 10 years)

ii) there are very few occurrences, each of which is small and/or isolated and extremely vulnerable to known threatening processes

iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is very small and each occurrence is small and/or isolated and extremely vulnerable to known threatening processes

C) The ecological community exists only as highly modified occurrences which may be capable of being rehabilitated if such work begins in the short term future (within approximately 10 years).

Vulnerable (VU) An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction in the medium to long term future. This will be determined on the basis of the best available information, by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A, B or C): A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences which are likely to be

capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated. B) The ecological community can be modified or destroyed and would be vulnerable to

threatening processes, is restricted in area and/or range and/or is only found at a few locations.


J114490 Appendix C

C) The ecological community may still be widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes.

Source: Department of Environment and Conservation (2010). Definitions, Categories and Criteria for Threatened and Priority Ecological

Communities. Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth, Western Australia. Online: www.naturebase.net/

C2: Definitions of Priority Ecological Communities

Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community Lists under Priorities 1, 2 and 3. These three categories are ranked in order of priority for survey and/or definition of the community, and evaluation of conservation status, so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological communities. Ecological Communities that are adequately known, and are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened, or that have been recently removed from the threatened list, are placed in Priority 4. These ecological communities require regular monitoring. Conservation Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5.

Priority One: Poorly known ecological communities Ecological communities with apparently few, small occurrences, all or most not actively managed for conservation (e.g. within agricultural or pastoral lands, urban areas, active mineral leases) and for which current threats exist. Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements, and/or are not well defined, and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range.

Priority Two: Poorly known ecological communities. Communities that are known from few small occurrences, all or most of which are actively managed for conservation (e.g. within national parks, conservation parks, nature reserves, State forest, unallocated Crown land, water reserves, etc.) and not under imminent threat of destruction or degradation.

Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements, and/or are not well defined, and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes.

Priority Three: Poorly known ecological communities

(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences, a significant number or area of which are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or:

(ii) Communities known from a few widespread occurrences, which are either large or within significant remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur, much of it not under imminent threat, or;

(iii) Communities made up of large, and/or widespread occurrences, that may or not be represented in the reserve system, but are under threat of modification across much of their range from processes such as grazing by domestic and/or feral stock, and inappropriate fire regimes.

Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and/or are not well defined, and known threatening processes exist that could affect them.


J114490 Appendix C

Priority Four: Ecological communities that are adequately known, rare but not threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened, or that have been recently removed from the threatened list. These communities require regular monitoring.

(a) Rare. Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been adequately surveyed, or for which sufficient knowledge is available, and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection, but could be if present circumstances change. These communities are usually represented on conservation lands.

(b) Near Threatened. Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent, but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable.

(c) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the past five years.

Priority Five: Conservation Dependent ecological communities. Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program, the cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years.

Source: Department of Environment and Conservation (2010). Definitions, Categories and Criteria for Threatened and Priority Ecological

Communities. Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth, Western Australia. Online: www.naturebase.net/


J114490-001Final

APPENDIX D ENVIRONMENTAL WEEDS AND

DECLARED PLANT CATEGORIES AND INTRODUCED FLORA SPECIES

POTENTIALLY OCCURING IN THE STUDY AREA


J114490 Appendix D

APPENDIX D

ENVIRONMENTAL WEEDS AND DECLARED PLANT CATEGORIES

D1: Criteria used for Ranking Environmental Weeds

The Environmental Weed Strategy for Western Australia (CALM 1999) contains criteria for the assessment and ranking of weeds in terms of their environmental impact on biodiversity. These criteria are as follows:

Invasiveness – ability to invade bushland in good to excellent condition or ability to invade waterways. (Score as yes or no).

Distribution – wide current or potential distribution including consideration of known history of wide spread distribution elsewhere in the world. (Score as yes or no).

Environmental Impacts – ability to change the structure, composition and function of ecosystems. In particular an ability to form a monoculture in a vegetation community. (Score as yes or no).

The rating of each weed is determined by the following scoring system:

High - a weed species would have to score yes for all three criteria. Rating a weed species as high would indicate prioritising this weed for control and/or research i.e. prioritising funding to it.

Moderate -a weed species would have to score yes for two of the above criteria. Rating a weed species as moderate would indicate that control or research effort should be directed to it if funds are available, however it should be monitored (possibly a reasonably high level of monitoring).

Mild – a weed species scoring one of the criteria. A mild rating would indicate monitoring of the weed and control where appropriate.

Low – a weed species would score none of the criteria. A low ranking would mean that this species would require a low level of monitoring.

Source: Department of Conservation and Land Management (1999). Environmental Weed Strategy for Western

Australia. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth, Western Australia.


J114490 Appendix D

D2: Standard Meanings of Declared Plant Categories

P1

Prohibits movement.

The movement of plants or their seeds is prohibited within the State.

This prohibits the movement of contaminated machinery and produce including livestock and fodder.

P2

Aim is to eradicate infestation.

Treat all plants to destroy and prevent propagation each year until no plants remain. The infested area must be managed in such a way that prevents the spread of seed or plant parts on or in livestock, fodder, grain, vehicles and/or machinery.

P3

Aims to control infestation by reducing area and/or density of infestation.

The infested area must be managed in such a way that prevents the spread of seed or plant parts within and from the property on or in livestock, fodder, grain, vehicles and/or machinery.

Treat to destroy and prevent seed set all plants:

* Within 50m inside of the boundaries of the infestation;

* within 50m of roads and high water mark on waterways;

* within 50m of sheds, stock yards and houses.

Treatment must be done prior to seed set each year.

Properties with less than 20ha of infestation must treat the entire infestation.

Additional areas may be ordered to be treated.


J114490 Appendix D

P4

Aims to prevent infestation spreading beyond existing boundaries of infestation

The infested area must be managed in such a way that prevents the spread of seed or plant parts within and from the property on or in livestock, fodder, grain, vehicles and/or machinery.

Treat to destroy and prevent seed set all plants:

* within 50m inside of the boundaries of the infested property for one-leaf and 20m for two-leaf;

* within 50m of roads and high water mark on waterways;

* within 50m of sheds, stock yards and houses.

Treatment must be done prior to seed set each year. Properties with less than 20ha of infestation must treat the entire infestation.

Additional areas may be ordered to be treated.

Special considerations.

In the case of P4 infestations where they continue across property boundaries there is no requirement to treat the relevant part of the property boundaries as long as the boundaries of the infestation as a whole are treated. There must be agreement between neighbours in relation to the treatment of these areas.

P5

Aims to control infestations on public lands.

Source: Department of Agriculture and Food (2008). List of Declared Plants. Department of Agriculture and

Food, Western Australia. Online: http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/.


J114490-001Final

APPENDIX E VEGETATION CONDITION SCALE


J114490 Appendix E

APPENDIX E

BUSH FOREVER VEGETATION CONDITION SCALE

Condition Scale Code

Condition Scale

P Pristine (1) Pristine or nearly so, no obvious signs of disturbance

E Excellent (2) Vegetation structure intact, disturbance affecting individual species and weeds are non-aggressive species.

VG Very Good (3) Vegetation structure altered, obvious signs of disturbance. For example, disturbance to vegetation structure caused by repeated fires, the presence of some more aggressive weeds, dieback, logging and grazing.

G Good (4) Vegetation structure significantly altered by very obvious signs of multiple disturbance. Retains basic vegetation structure or ability to regenerate it. For example, disturbance to vegetation structure caused by very frequent fires, the presence of some very aggressive weeds at high density, partial clearing, dieback and grazing.

D Degraded (5) Basic vegetation structure severely impacted by disturbance. Scope for regeneration but not to a state approaching good condition without intensive management. For example, disturbance to vegetation structure caused by very frequent fires, the presence of very aggressive weeds, partial clearing, dieback and grazing.

CD Completely Degraded (6) The structure of the vegetation is no longer intact and the area is completely or almost completely without native species. These areas are often described as ‘parkland cleared’ with the flora comprising weed or crop species with isolated native trees or shrubs.

Source: Bush Forever Vegetation Condition Scale as developed by Keighery (1994) and summarized in Bush Forever (Government of Western Australia (2000b)


J114490-001Final

APPENDIX F FLORA QUADRAT DATA


J114490 Appendix F

APPENDIX F

FLORA QUADRAT AND RELEVÉ DATA SHEETS

Allawuna Roadside Flora Survey Site ALL01 Described by N WHITTINGTON & D BULLER Date 10/10/2012 Type Quadrat 10 x 10 m Location Great Southern Highway - adjacent Allawuna MGA Zone 50 460192 mE 6471412 mN Habitat Mid-slope Soil Grey sand Rock Type Pea gravel Vegetation Open woodland of Casuarina obesa over

mixed shrubs Veg Condition Good Fire Age Old Notes Quadrat is dissected by fence line Bare ground: 30%

Litter cover: -% logs, 15% twigs, 4% leaves Disturbances: weeds, fence line, small track

SPECIES LIST: Name Cover Height Specimen Adenanthos cygnorum 40 1 m ALL01.03 Allocasuarina huegeliana 10 9 m ALL01.01 Anagallis arvensis + 0.10 m NC Anigozanthos humilis + 0.15 m NC Arctotheca calendula + 0.15 m NC Avena barbata 2 0.05 m NC Briza maxima 3 0.15 m NC Caladenia discoidea + 0.25 m ALL01.15 Caustis dioica 3 0.4 m ALL01.04 Crassula colorata var. acuminata 1 0.02 m ALL01.08 Ehrharta longiflora 3 1.1 m NC Gompholobium tomentosum + 0.3 m NC Hemiandra pungens + 0.1 m NC Hypochaeris glabra 4 0.01 m NC Kunzea glabrescens 15 2 m ALL01.02 Laxmannia ramosa subsp. ramosa + 0.05 m ALL01.13 Monoculus monstrosus + 0.2 m ALL01.14 Pentaschistis airoides 2 0.05 m ALL01.10 Podolepis canescens 5 0.1 m ALL01.05 Podotheca angustifolia + 0.03 m ALL01.07 Quinetia urvillei + 0.04 m ALL01.11 Romulea rosea 1 0.3 m NC Siloxerus multiflorus 1 0.01 m ALL01.09 Trachymene pilosa + 0.10 m NC Ursinia anthemoides 2 0.15 m NC Vulpia myuros forma megalura 1 0.45 m ALL01.06


J114490 Appendix F

Allawuna Roadside Flora Survey Site ALL02 Described by N WHITTINGTON & D BULLER Date 10/10/2012 Type Quadrat 5 x 20 m Location Great Southern Highway - adjacent Allawuna MGA Zone 50 460236 mE 6471433 mN Habitat Plain Soil Grey sand Rock Type Pea gravel Vegetation Tall shrubland of Kunzea glabrescens over

mixed shrubs and weeds Veg Condition Degraded Fire Age Old Notes Bare ground: 35%

Litter cover: -% logs, 10% twigs, 3% leaves Disturbances: weeds, road verge clearing

SPECIES LIST: Name Cover Height Specimen Acacia microbotrya var. microbotrya OUT ALLNW20.01 Adenanthos cygnorum 3 1 m ALL01.03 Allocasuarina humilis 5 1.4 m NC Arctotheca calendula 2 0.15 m NC Caustis dioica OUT ALL01.04 Corymbia calophylla OUT NC Crassula colorata var. acuminata 1 0.03 m ALL01.08 Ehrharta longiflora 40 1 m NC Eragrostis curvula 4 1.1 m NC Erodium botrys + 0.05 m ALL02.01 Eucalyptus wandoo OUT NC Hypochaeris glabra + 0.04 m ALL02.02 Kunzea glabrescens 50 3 m NC Monoculus monstrosus + 0.3 m ALL01.14 Pentaschistis airoides 3 0.05 m ALL01.10 Vulpia myuros forma megalura 2 0.45 m ALL01.06 Xanthorrhoea preissii 1.5 1.3 m NC


J114490 Appendix F

Allawuna Roadside Flora Survey Site ALLNW02 Described by N WHITTINGTON & D BULLER Date 10/10/2012 Type Opportunistic Collection Location Great Southern Highway - adjacent Allawuna MGA Zone 50 460133mE 6471408 mN SPECIES LIST: Name Cover Height Specimen Acacia huegelii 1 ind 0.5 m ALLNW01.01 Allawuna Roadside Flora Survey Site ALLNW03 Described by N WHITTINGTON & D BULLER Date 10/10/2012 Type Opportunistic Collection Location Great Southern Highway - adjacent Allawuna MGA Zone 50 460081 mE 6471414 mN SPECIES LIST: Name Cover Height Specimen Acacia huegelii 2 ind 0.5 m ALLNW01.01 Mesomelaena tetragona 1 ind 0.3 m NC Allawuna Roadside Flora Survey Site ALLNW04 Described by N WHITTINGTON & D BULLER Date 10/10/2012 Type Opportunistic Collection Location Great Southern Highway - adjacent Allawuna MGA Zone 50 460071 mE 6471413 mN SPECIES LIST: Name Cover Height Specimen Acacia huegelii 1 ind 0.4 m ALLNW01.01 Allawuna Roadside Flora Survey Site ALLNW05 Described by N WHITTINGTON & D BULLER Date 10/10/2012 Type Opportunistic Collection Location Great Southern Highway - adjacent Allawuna MGA Zone 50 460066 mE 6471411 mN SPECIES LIST: Name Cover Height Specimen Hibbertia hibbertioides var. hibbertioides 4 ind 0.4 m ALLNW05.01


J114490 Appendix F

Allawuna Roadside Flora Survey Site ALLNW06 Described by N WHITTINGTON & D BULLER Date 10/10/2012 Type Opportunistic Collection Location Great Southern Highway - adjacent Allawuna MGA Zone 50 460057 mE 6471414 mN SPECIES LIST: Name Cover Height Specimen Acacia huegelii 1 ind 0.3 m ALLNW01.01 Allawuna Roadside Flora Survey Site ALLNW07 Described by N WHITTINGTON & D BULLER Date 10/10/2012 Type Opportunistic Collection Location Great Southern Highway - adjacent Allawuna MGA Zone 50 460035 mE 6471412 mN SPECIES LIST: Name Cover Height Specimen Acacia huegelii 2 ind 0.4 m ALLNW01.01 Allawuna Roadside Flora Survey Site ALLNW08 Described by N WHITTINGTON & D BULLER Date 10/10/2012 Type Opportunistic Collection Location Great Southern Highway - adjacent Allawuna MGA Zone 50 460021 mE 6471413 mN SPECIES LIST: Name Cover Height Specimen Acacia huegelii 1 ind 0.5 m ALLNW01.01 Allawuna Roadside Flora Survey Site ALLNW09 Described by N WHITTINGTON & D BULLER Date 10/10/2012 Type Opportunistic Collection Location Great Southern Highway - adjacent Allawuna MGA Zone 50 460021 mE 6471413 mN SPECIES LIST: Name Cover Height Specimen Muehlenbeckia adpressa 1 ind 0.05 m ALLNW09.01


J114490 Appendix F

Allawuna Roadside Flora Survey Site ALLNW10 Described by N WHITTINGTON & D BULLER Date 10/10/2012 Type Opportunistic Collection Location Great Southern Highway - adjacent Allawuna MGA Zone 50 460002 mE 6471403 mN SPECIES LIST: Name Cover Height Specimen Eucalyptus wandoo 1 ind 25 m ALLNW10.01 Allawuna Roadside Flora Survey Site ALLNW11 Described by N WHITTINGTON & D BULLER Date 10/10/2012 Type Opportunistic Collection Location Great Southern Highway - adjacent Allawuna MGA Zone 50 459951 mE 6471411 mN SPECIES LIST: Name Cover Height Specimen Acacia applanata 3 ind 0.15 m ALLNW11.01 Allawuna Roadside Flora Survey Site ALLNW12 Described by N WHITTINGTON & D BULLER Date 10/10/2012 Type Opportunistic Collection Location Great Southern Highway - adjacent Allawuna MGA Zone 50 459935 mE 6471411 mN SPECIES LIST: Name Cover Height Specimen Hibbertia hibbertioides var. hibbertioides 1 ind 0.3 m ALLNW05.01 Allawuna Roadside Flora Survey Site ALLNW13 Described by N WHITTINGTON & D BULLER Date 10/10/2012 Type Opportunistic Collection Location Great Southern Highway - adjacent Allawuna MGA Zone 50 459915 mE 6471413 mN SPECIES LIST: Name Cover Height Specimen Acacia huegelii 1 ind 0.4 m ALLNW01.01 Banksia sessilis 3 ind 1.6 m NC Corymbia calophylla 1 ind 10 m NC


J114490 Appendix F

Allawuna Roadside Flora Survey Site ALLNW14 Described by N WHITTINGTON & D BULLER Date 10/10/2012 Type Opportunistic Collection Location Great Southern Highway - adjacent Allawuna MGA Zone 50 459899 mE 6471413 mN SPECIES LIST: Name Cover Height Specimen Acacia applanata 4 ind 0.1 m ALLNW11.01 Allawuna Roadside Flora Survey Site ALLNW15 Described by N WHITTINGTON & D BULLER Date 10/10/2012 Type Opportunistic Collection Location Great Southern Highway - adjacent Allawuna MGA Zone 50 459890 mE 6471413 mN SPECIES LIST: Name Cover Height Specimen Acacia applanata 6 ind 0.15 m ALLNW11.01 Bossiaea eriocarpa 2 ind 0.6 m NC Hakea amplexicaulis 1 ind 1.1 m NC Allawuna Roadside Flora Survey Site ALLNW16 Described by N WHITTINGTON & D BULLER Date 10/10/2012 Type Opportunistic Collection Location Great Southern Highway - adjacent Allawuna MGA Zone 50 460316 mE 6471430 mN SPECIES LIST: Name Cover Height Specimen Hibbertia hibbertioides var. hibbertioides 1 ind 0.4 m ALLNW05.01 Allawuna Roadside Flora Survey Site ALLNW17 Described by N WHITTINGTON & D BULLER Date 10/10/2012 Type Opportunistic Collection Location Great Southern Highway - adjacent Allawuna MGA Zone 50 460327 mE 6471429 mN SPECIES LIST: Name Cover Height Specimen Hibbertia hibbertioides var. hibbertioides 1 ind 0.5 m ALLNW05.01 Hibbertia hypericoides 2 ind 0.4 m NC Lechenaultia biloba 10 ind 0.4 m NC


J114490 Appendix F

Allawuna Roadside Flora Survey Site ALLNW18 Described by N WHITTINGTON & D BULLER Date 10/10/2012 Type Opportunistic Collection Location Great Southern Highway - adjacent Allawuna MGA Zone 50 459964 mE 6471410 mN SPECIES LIST: Name Cover Height Specimen Moraea flaccida 20 ind 0.3 m NC Allawuna Roadside Flora Survey Site ALLNW19 Described by N WHITTINGTON & D BULLER Date 10/10/2012 Type Opportunistic Collection Location Great Southern Highway - adjacent Allawuna MGA Zone 50 460356 mE 6471429 mN SPECIES LIST: Name Cover Height Specimen Acacia huegelii 3 ind 0.5 m ALLNW01.01 Kennedia prostrata 1 ind 0.03 m NC Leptospermum erubescens 1 ind 1.5 m NC


J114490-001Final

APPENDIX G MATRIX OF FLORA FOUND WITHIN

EACH SITE

BOWMAN ASSOCIATES – Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment, Allawuna RoadsideAppendix G FLORA BY SITE MATRIX

Species ALL01 ALL02 ALLNW02 ALLNW03 ALLNW04 ALLNW05 ALLNW06 ALLNW07 ALLNW08 ALLNW09 ALLNW10 ALLNW11 ALLNW12 ALLNW13 ALLNW14 ALLNW15 ALLNW16 ALLNW17 ALLNW18 ALLNW19Acacia applanata 3 ind 4 ind 6 indAcacia huegelii 1 ind 2 ind 1 ind 1 ind 2 ind 1 ind 1 ind 3 indAdenanthos cygnorum 40 3Allocasuarina huegeliana 10Allocasuarina humilis 5Anigozanthos humilis +Arctotheca calendula + 2Avena barbata 2Banksia sessilis 3 indBossiaea eriocarpa 2 indBriza maxima 3Caladenia discoidea +Caustis dioica 3Corymbia calophylla 1 indCrassula colorata var. acuminata 1 1Ehrharta calycina 3 40Eragrostis curvula 4Erodium botrys +Eucalyptus wandoo 1 indGompholobium tomentosum +Hakea amplexicaulis 1 indHemiandra pungens +Hibbertia hibbertioides var. hibbertioides 4 ind 1 ind 1 ind 1 indHibbertia hypericoides 2 indHypochaeris glabra 4 +Kennedia prostrata 1 indKunzea glabrescens 15 50Laxmannia ramosa subsp. ramosa +Lechenaultia biloba 10 indLeptospermum erubescens 1 indLysimachia arvensis +Mesomelaena tetragona 1 indMonoculus monstrosus + +Moraea flaccida 20 indMuehlenbeckia adpressa 1 indPentameris airoides 2 3Podolepis canescens 5Podotheca angustifolia +Quinetia urvillei +Romulea rosea 1Siloxerus multiflorus 1Trachymene pilosa +Ursinia anthemoides 2Vulpia myuros forma megalura 1 2Xanthorrhoea preissii 1.5

J114490 Appendix G


J114490-001Final

APPENDIX H FLORA TAXA INVENTORY


J114490 Appendix H

APPENDIX H

FLORA INVENTORY

Family Species Araliaceae Trachymene pilosa Asparagaceae Laxmannia ramosa subsp. ramosa Asteraceae Arctotheca calendula

Hypochaeris glabra Monoculus monstrosus Podolepis canescens Podotheca angustifolia Quinetia urvillei Siloxerus multiflorus Ursinia anthemoides

Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina huegeliana Allocasuarina humilis

Crassulaceae Crassula colorata var. acuminata Cyperaceae Caustis dioica

Mesomelaena tetragona Dilleniaceae Hibbertia hibbertioides var. hibbertioides

Hibbertia hypericoides Fabaceae Acacia applanata

Acacia huegelii Acacia microbotrya var. microbotrya Bossiaea eriocarpa Gompholobium tomentosum Kennedia prostrata

Geraniaceae Erodium botrys Goodeniaceae Lechenaultia biloba Haemodoraceae Anigozanthos humilis Iridaceae Moraea flaccida

Romulea rosea Lamiaceae Hemiandra pungens Myrtaceae Corymbia calophylla

Eucalyptus wandoo Kunzea glabrescens Leptospermum erubescens

Orchidaceae Caladenia discoidea Poaceae Avena barbata

Briza maxima Ehrharta longiflora


J114490 Appendix H

Family Species Eragrostis curvula Pentaschistis airoides Vulpia myuros forma megalura

Polygonaceae Muehlenbeckia adpressa Primulaceae Anagallis arvensis Proteaceae Adenanthos cygnorum

Banksia sessilis Hakea amplexicaulis

Xanthorrhoeaceae Xanthorrhoea preissii


J114490-001Final

APPENDIX I LOCATIONS OF INTRODUCED FLORA


J114490 Appendix I

APPENDIX I

LOCATIONS OF INTRODUCED FLORA

Name Cover/No. of individuals Easting Northing *Arctotheca calendula <1% 460192 6471412

2% 460236 6471433 *Avena barbata 2% 460192 6471412 *Briza maxima 3% 460192 6471412 *Ehrharta calycina 3% 460192 6471412

40% 460236 6471433 *Eragrostis curvula 4% 460236 6471433 *Erodium botrys <1% 460236 6471433 *Hypochaeris glabra 4% 460192 6471412

<1% 460236 6471433 *Lysimachia arvensis <1% 460192 6471412 *Monoculus monstrosus <1% 460192 6471412

<1% 460236 6471433 *Moraea flaccida 20 individuals 459964 6471410 *Pentaschistis airoides 2% 460192 6471412

3% 460236 6471433 *Romulea rosea 1% 460192 6471412 *Ursinia anthemoides 2% 460192 6471412 *Vulpia myuros forma megalura

1% 460192 6471412 2% 460236 6471433

# Australian Geocentric 1994 (GDA94), Zone 50J


J114490-001Final

APPENDIX J FAUNA HABITAT ASSESSMENT DATA

SHEETS


J114490 Appendix J

APPENDIX J

FAUNA HABITAT ASSESSMENT DATA SHEETS

Habitat Assessment – HA1

Fauna Habitat: Eucalypts Woodland Total Area of Habitat: 0.46 ha UTM Co-ordinates: 460181 E Proportion of Project Area: 100 %

6471407 N Soil Texture: Sandy Loam Zone: 50 Soil Colour: Red/Brown

Quadrat Size: 100 x 100 Rock Type: Laterite Aspect: N/A Landform: Plateau

Condition Scale: 2

(good)

Last Fire: 3

(long unburnt) Disturbance: 2

(mild)

Species Avg Height (m) Score

Overstorey: Eucalyptus wandoo, Allocasuarina huegeliana 12 1 (<20% cover)

Midstorey: Kunzea glabrescens, Adenanthos cygnorum 2 2 (20-60%)

Ground Cover: Caustis dioica, Podolepis canescens 0.5 1 (<20% cover)

Ground Cover Score Microhabitats Score Microhabitats Score

Bare ground 2 (<20% cover) Burrowing Suitability 1

(stony) Peeling Bark 1 (rare)

Rock 2 (20-60%)

Rocks/Stones (0-200 mm)

2 (30-70%)

Large Tree Hollows (>10cm diameter)

1 (rare)

Leaf Litter 2 (20-60%) Exfoliating Slabs 0

(none) Small Tree Hollows

(<10cm diameter) 1

(rare)

Logs 0 (<5% cover) Rock Crevices 0

(none) Water Presence 0 (none)

Grasses 3 (70-100%) No. of Caves 0 Distance to Water 0

(>5 km)

Woody debris 1 (rare) Suitability for Bats 0 Tree Connectivity 2

(closed)

Total = 29/70


J114490 Appendix J

Habitat Assessment – HA2

Fauna Habitat: Eucalypt Woodland Total Area of Habitat: 0.46 ha UTM Co-ordinates: 460257 E Proportion of Project Area: 100%

6471427 N Soil Texture: Sandy Loam Zone: 50 Soil Colour: Red/Brown

Quadrat Size: 100 x 100 Rock Type: Laterite Aspect: Landform: Plateau

Condition Scale: 1

(degraded) Last Fire: 3 (long unburnt) Disturbance: 0

(heavy) Species Avg Height (m) Score

Overstorey: Corymbia calophylla, Eucalyptus wandoo, Allocasuarina humilis 15 2 (20-60%)

Midstorey: Kunzea glabrescens, Xanthorrhoea preissii, Adenanthos cygnorum

2.5 2 (20-60%)

Ground Cover: Caustis dioica 0.4 2 (20-60%)

Ground Cover Score Microhabitats Score Microhabitats Score

Bare ground 2 (<20% cover)

Burrowing Suitability 0 (rock)

Peeling Bark 2 (moderate)

Rock 1 (<20% cover)

Rocks/Stones (0-200 mm)

3 (70-100%)

Large Tree Hollows (>10cm diameter)

1 (rare)

Leaf Litter 3 (60-100%) Exfoliating Slabs 0

(none) Small Tree Hollows

(<10cm diameter) 1

(rare)

Logs 1 (<20% cover) Rock Crevices 0

(none) Water Presence 0 (none)

Grasses 1

(0-30%)

No. of Caves 0 Distance to Water 0 (>5 km)

Woody debris 3 (common) Suitability for Bats 0 Tree Connectivity 1

(open)

Total = 29/70


J114490-001Final

APPENDIX K FAUNA PREVIOUSLY RECORDED IN THE

REGION

BOWMAN ASSOCIATES –Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment, Allawuna Roadside

AMPHIBIANSScientific Name Common Name EPBC WC DEC A B C D E FLIMNODYNASTIDAEHeleioporus albopunctatus Western Spotted Frog x xHeleioporus barycragus Hooting Frog xLimnodynastes dorsalis Western Banjo Frog x xNeobatrachus pelobatoides Humming Frog x xMYOBATRACHIDAECrinia pseudinsignifera Bleating Froglet xMyobatrachus gouldii Turtle Frog xPseudophryne guentheri Crawling Toadlet x x

[X] fauna species recorded. [*] denotes introduced species.

K1: AMPHIBIAN SPECIES RECORDED IN THE REGION

APPENDIX K

Key: EPBC = Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, WC = Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, DEC = Department of Conservation Priority Code, A = Listed in Naturemap (2012), B = Listed by Birds Australia (2012), C = Listed on the DEC Threatened and Priority Fauna Database, D = Listed by the DSEWPaC Protected Matters Search Tool, E = Nature Reserves of the Shires of York and Northam management Plan, F = Current survey

Note: For Definitions of Conservation Codes see Appendix B.

Conservation Codes

J114490 Appendix K

BOWMAN ASSOCIATES – Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment, Allawuna Roadside

REPTILESScientific Name Common Name EPBC WC DEC A B C D E FAGAMIDAECtenophorus ornatus Ornate Crevice Dragon x xPogona minor minor Bearded Dragon x xDIPLODACTYLIDAECrenadactylus ocellatus subsp. ocellatus Clawless Gecko x xDiplodactylus granariensis Western Stone Gecko xDiplodactylus pulcher x xOedura reticulata Reticulated Velvet Gecko x xUnderwoodisaurus milii Barking Gecko xGEKKONIDAEChristinus marmoratus Marbled Gecko x xGehyra variegata Variegated Tree Dtella x xPYGOPODIDAEDelma fraseri xLialis burtonis Burton's Legless Lizard xPygopus lepidopodus Common Scaly Foot x xSCINCIDAECryptoblepharus buchananii Buchanan's Snake-eyed Skink x xCryptoblepharus plagiocephalus x xCtenotus pantherinus Leopard Ctenotus xEgernia multiscutata Bull Skink xEgernia napoleonis xEremiascincus richardsonii Broad-banded Sand Swimmer xLerista distinguenda x xMenetia greyii Common Dwarf Skink x x xMorethia obscura x xTiliqua rugosa rugosa Bobtail xVARANIDAEVaranus gouldii Sand Monitor x xVaranus tristis Racehorse Monitor x xTYPHLOPIDAERamphotyphlops australis Southern Blind Snake x xBOIDAEMorelia spilota imbricata Southwest Carpet Python P4 x xELAPIDAEBrachyurophis semifasciata Southern Shovel-nosed Snake x


APPENDIX K

Conservation Codes



K2: REPTILIAN SPECIES RECORDED IN THE REGION

J114490 Appendix K


BIRDS Conservation CodesScientific Name Common Name EPBC WC DEC A B C D E FCASUARIIFORMESDromaiidae EmuDromaius novaehollandiae Emu x x x xGALLIFORMESMegapodiidae MegapodesLeipoa ocellata Malleefowl VU S1 xPhasianidae Pheasants, Fowl & AlliesCoturnix pectoralis Stubble Quail x xANSERIFORMESAnatidae Ducks, Geese & SwansCygnus atratus Black Swan x xTadorna tadornoides Australian Shelduck x xMalacorhynchus membranaceus Pink-eared Duck xChenonetta jubata Maned Duck x x xAnas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck x xAnas rhynchotis Australasian Shoveler xAnas gracilis Grey Teal x xAnas castanea Chestnut Teal xAythya australis Hardhead x xOxyura australis Blue-billed Duck xBiziura lobata Musk Duck xPODICIPEDIFORMESPodicipedidae GrebesTachybaptus novaehollandiae Australasian Grebe x xPoliocephalus poliocephalus Hoary-headed Grebe xPodiceps cristatus Great Crested Grebe xPELECANIFORMESThreskiornithidae Ibises, SpoonbillsThreskiornis moluccus Australian White Ibis x xThreskiornis spinicollis Straw-necked Ibis x xPlegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis Mi S3 xPlatalea flavipes Yellow-billed Spoonbill x xArdeidae Herons, BitternsNycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night Heron x xBubulcus coromandus Eastern Cattle Egret Mi S3 xArdea pacifica White-necked Heron x

APPENDIX K

K3: AVIAN SPECIES RECORDED IN THE REGION



J114490 Appendix K


BIRDS Conservation CodesScientific Name Common Name EPBC WC DEC A B C D E F


Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced Heron xArdea alba Great Egret Mi S3 x xPelecanidae PelicansPelecanus conspicillatus Australian Pelican xSULIFORMESPhalacrocoracidae Cormorants, shagsMicrocarbo melanoleucos Little Pied Cormorant xPhalacrocorax sulcirostris Little Black Cormorant x xPhalacrocorax varius Australian Pied Cormorant xPhalacrocorax carbo Great Cormorant xAnhingidae Anhingas, dartersAnhinga novaehollandiae Australasian Darter xACCIPITRIFORMESAccipitridae Kites, Hawks & EaglesElanoides axillaris Black-shouldered Kite xHaliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite x xHaliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea Eagle Mi S3 xHamirostra isura Square-tailed Kite x xCircus approximans Swamp Harrier xCircus assimilis Spotted Harrier xAccipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk x xAccipiter cirrocephalus Collared Sparrowhawk x x xAquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle x xHieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle x xFALCONIFORMESFalconidae Caracaras, FalconsFalco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel x xFalco longipennis Australian Hobby x x xFalco berigora Brown Falcon x x xFalco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon S4 x x xOTIDIFORMESOtididae BustardsArdeotis australis Australian Bustard P4 xGRUIFORMESRallidae Rails, Crakes & CootsGallirallus philippensis Buff-banded Rail xPorzana pusilla Baillon's Crake xPorzana tabuensis Spotless Crake xPorphyrio porphyrio Purple Swamphen xGallinula tenebrosa Dusky Moorhen xTribonyx ventralis Black-tailed Nativehen xFulica atra Eurasian Coot x xCHARADRIIFORMESTurnicidae ButtonquailTurnix varius Painted Buttonquail x xTurnix velox Little Buttonquail x

J114490 Appendix K




Burhinidae Stone-curlewsBurhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew P4 x x xRecurvirostridae Stilts, AvocetsHimantopus leucocephalus White-headed Stilt x xCladorhynchus leucocephalus Banded Stilt xRecurvirostra novaehollandiae Red-necked Avocet xCharadriidae PloversVanellus tricolor Banded Lapwing x xErythrogonys cinctus Red-kneed Dotterel xCharadrius ruficapillus Red-capped Plover xElseyornis melanops Black-fronted Dotterel xRostratulidae Painted SnipesRostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe VU S1 x xScolopacidae Sandpipers, SnipesActitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper Mi S3 xCalidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint xLaridae Gulls, Terns & SkimmersChroicocephalus novaehollandiae Silver Gull xCOLUMBIFORMESColumbidae Pigeons, DovesColumba livia Rock Dove xSpilopelia senegalensis Laughing Dove x xPhaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing x x x xPhaps elegans Brush Bronzewing x xOcyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon x xGeopelia cuneata Diamond Dove xPSITTACIFORMESCacatuidae CockatoosCalyptorhynchus banksii naso Red-tailed Black Cockatoo VU S1 x x xCalyptorhynchus baudinii Baudin's Black Cockatoo VU S1 x x x x x xCalyptorhynchus latirostris Carnaby's Black Cockatoo EN S1 x x x x xLophochroa leadbeateri Major Mitchell's Cockatoo S4 xEolophus roseicapilla Galah x xCacatua pastinator subsp. butleri Western Corella x xCacatua sanguinea Little Corella xNymphicus hollandicus Cockatiel xPsittacidae ParrotsGlossopsitta porphyrocephala Purple-crowned Lorikeet x x xPurpureicephalus spurius Red-capped Parrot x xBarnardius zonarius Australian Ringneck x x xPlatycercus icterotis xanthogenys Western Rosella S1 VU x x xPsephotus varius Mulga Parrot xNeophema elegans Elegant Parrot x x x xMelopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar xPolytelis anthopeplus Regent Parrot x xCUCULIFORMES

J114490 Appendix K




Cuculidae CuckoosChrysococcyx basalis Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo x x xChrysococcyx osculans Black-eared Cuckoo xChrysococcyx lucidus Shining Bronze Cuckoo x xCacomantis pallidus Pallid Cuckoo x x xCacomantis flabelliformis Fan-tailed Cuckoo x xSTRIGIFORMESTytonidae Barn OwlsTyto delicatula Eastern Barn Owl xStrigidae OwlsNinox connivens connivens Barking Owl P2 xNinox boobook Southern Boobook x x xCAPRIMULGIFORMESPodargidae FrogmouthsPodargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth x x xCaprimulgidae NightjarsEurostopodus argus Spotted Nightjar xAPODIFORMESAegothelidae Owlet-nightjarsAegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar x xApodidae SwiftsApus pacificus Pacific Swift Mi S3 x xCORACIIFORMESAlcedinidae KingfishersDacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra x x xTodiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher x xTodiramphus pyrrhopygius Red-backed Kingfisher xMeropidae Bee-eatersMerops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater Mi S3 x x xPASSERIFORMESClimacteridae Australasian TreecreepersClimacteris rufus Rufous Treecreeper x x xMaluridae Australasian WrensMalurus lamberti Variegated Fairywren xMalurus pulcherrimus Blue-breasted Fairywren xMalurus splendens Splendid Fairywren x xMalurus leucopterus White-winged Fairywren xStipiturus malachurus Southern Emu-wren xMeliphagidae HoneyeatersLichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater x x x xLichenostomus leucotis White-eared Honeyeater xLichenostomus ornatus Yellow-plumed Honeyeater x xPurnella albifrons White-fronted Honeyeater xManorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner x xMelithreptus brevirostris Brown-headed Honeyeater x x xMelithreptus lunatus White-naped Honeyeater x x x

J114490 Appendix K




Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater x xAnthochaera lunulata Western Wattlebird x x xAnthochaera carunculata Red Wattlebird x x x xLichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater x x x xPhylidonyris novaehollandiae New Holland Honeyeater x x x xPhylidonyris niger White-cheeked Honeyeater x xGliciphila melanops Tawny-crowned Honeyeater x xAcanthorhynchus superciliosus Western Spinebill x x xCerthionyx variegatus Pied Honeyeater xEpthianura tricolor Crimson Chat xEpthianura albifrons White-fronted Chat x xPardalotidae PardalotesPardalotus punctatus Spotted Pardalote x x xPardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote x x xAcanthizidae Australasian WarblersCalamanthus cautus Shy Heathwren P4 xPyrrholaemus brunneus Redthroat xSericornis frontalis White-browed Scrubwren x xSmicrornis brevirostris Weebill x x x xGerygone fusca Western Gerygone x x xAcanthiza apicalis Inland Thornbill x x xAcanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill xAcanthiza inornata Western Thornbill x x xAcanthiza chrysorrhoa Yellow-rumped Thornbill x x xPomatostomidae Australasian BabblersPomatostomus superciliosus ashbyi White-browed Babbler P4 x x x xCracticidae Butcherbirds and AlliesCracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird x xCracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird x xGymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie x x x xStrepera versicolor Grey Currawong x xArtamidae WoodswallowsArtamus personatus Masked Woodswallow xArtamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow x x xArtamus cyanopterus Dusky Woodswallow x xCampephagidae CuckooshrikesCoracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckooshrike x x x xLalage tricolor White-winged Triller x xNeosittidae SittellasDaphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sittella x x xPachycephalidae Whistlers and AlliesFalcunculus frontatus leucogaster Crested Shriketit P4 x x xPachycephala pectoralis Australian Golden Whistler x x xPachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler x x xColluricincla harmonica Grey Shrikethrush x x xOreoica gutturalis Crested Bellbird P4 x

J114490 Appendix K




Rhipiduridae FantailsRhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail x x x xRhipidura albiscapa Grey Fantail x x xMonarchidae MonarchsGrallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark x xMyiagra inquieta Restless Flycatcher x xCorvidae Crows, JaysCorvus bennetti Little Crow x xCorvus coronoides Australian Raven x x x xPetroicidae Australasian RobinsEopsaltria griseogularis Western Yellow Robin x x xEopsaltria georgiana White-breasted Robin xMelanodryas cucullata Hooded Robin xMicroeca fascinans Jacky Winter x xPetroica boodang Scarlet Robin x x xPetroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin x x x xHirundinidae Swallows, MartinsCheramoeca leucosterna White-backed Swallow xHirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow x xPetrochelidon ariel Fairy Martin xPetrochelidon nigricans Tree Martin x xAcrocephalidae Reed Warblers and AlliesAcrocephalus australis Australian Reed Warbler xLocustellidae Grassbirds and alliesMegalurus gramineus Little Grassbird xCincloramphus mathewsi Rufous Songlark x x xCincloramphus cruralis Brown Songlark xZosteropidae White-eyesZosterops lateralis Silvereye x x xDicaeidae FlowerpeckersDicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird x xEstrildidae Waxbills, Munias & AlliesStagonopleura oculata Red-eared Firetail xNeochmia temporalis Red-browed Finch xTaeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch xMotacillidae Wagtails, PipitsAnthus australis Australian Pipit x x


J114490 Appendix K


MAMMALSScientific Name Common Name EPBC WC DEC A B C D E FMONOTREMESTachyglossus aculeatus xDASYURIDAEDasyurus geoffroii Chuditch/Western Quoll VU S1 x x xPhascogale calura Red-tailed Phascolgale EN S1 xSminthopsis dolichura Little Long-tailed Dunnart xMYRMECOBIIDAEMyrmecobius fasciatus Numbat VU S1 x xMACROPODIDAEMacropus fuliginosus Western Grey Kangaroo x x xMacropus irma Western Brush Wallaby P4 x x xPHALANGERIDAETrichosurus vulpecula vulpecula Common Brush-tailed Possum xBURRAMYIDAECercartetus concinnus Western Pygmy-possum x xVESPERTILIONIDAENyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat xMOLOSSIDAETadarida australis White-striped Freetail-bat xMURIDAE*Mus musculus House Mouse x xLEPORIDAE*Oryctolagus cuniculus Rabbit x xFELIDAE*Felis catus Cat x


Conservation Codes


APPENDIX K

K4: MAMMALIAN SPECIES RECORDED IN THE REGION


J114490 Appendix K


J114490-001Final

APPENDIX L CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT FAUNA

POTENTIALLY OCCURRING IN THE STUDY AREA


Appendix L Potentially Conservation Significant Species Table L

APPENDIX L

CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT FAUNA POTENTIALLY OCCURRING IN THE STUDY AREA

Conservation Significant Species

Conservation Status Distribution and Ecology Habitat Relevance Likelihood

REPTILES

Southwest Carpet Python (Morelia spilota imbricata) P4

This species shelters in hollow trunks and limbs, disused burrows, caves, rock crevices and beneath boulders (Pearson 1993). This sub species is thought to be declining markedly as urban areas expand. It is still widespread on the south west mainland but seems most abundant on offshore islands (Wilson & Swan 2010).

The cleared cropland and minor creekline habitats of the study area lack understorey vegetation and microhabitat complexity that the carpet python requires. The carpet python has however, been recorded in St Ronan’s nature Reserve c. situated 2 km to the north of the study area (DEC 2012d).

Possible

BIRDS

Malleefowl

(Leipoa ocellata)

VU; S1

The Malleefowl occurs in scattered locations across much of southern Australia, in southwest WA the Malleefowl inhabits remnant vegetation of agricultural zones (Johnstone & Storr 1998). The Malleefowl requires sandy substrate and abundant leaf litter to create large mounds which are used for breeding (Johnstone & Storr 1998). Declines of the Mallefowl are strongly linked to alteration of habitat by clearing and fragmentation as well as the alterations of fire regimes. (Parsons et al. 2008) Since 1981 the species range has contracted by ~30% in WA (Garnett et al. 2011).

The Malleefowl prefers low woodland and shrublands of mallee that contain an abundant litter layer which provides essential material for the construction of its nest mounds. The cleared cropland and minor creekline habitats of the study area lack understorey vegetation and deemed unsuitable to support the Malleefowl. The nearest record of the Malleefowl is situated 20 km north of the study area near Clackline Nature Reserve (DEC 2012d).

Unlikely





International Migratory Species

(Glossy Ibis; Eastern Cattle

Egret; Great Egret; Common Sandpiper;

Mi; S3

These species occur throughout Western Australia, inhabiting shallow salt and fresh water bodies. All species with exception to the Great Egret, are non-breeding vagrant visitors to the state, inhabiting inland water bodies of Western Australia primarily September – March (Johnstone & Storr 1998). The Great Egret breeds colonially at wooded swamps and river pools, nesting in various riparian trees (Johnstone & Storr 1998).

There are three water bodies located within the study area in addition to the minor creekline habitat which runs along the southern margin of the study area. All waterbodies are artificial, highly degraded and are lacking fringing and aquatic vegetation. There are no known records of these species within close proximity to the study area (DEC 2012a; 2012d)

Unlikely

Australian Painted Snipe

(Rostratula australis)

The Australian Painted Snipe is a rare waterbird which is typically found in a wide range of shallow inland wetlands. It nests on the ground amongst tall reed-like vegetation near water and feeds on invertebrates, worms and seeds near the water’s edge (Garnett et al. 2011). The Australian Painted Snipe is extremely cryptic and is probably nomadic in most areas. Their distribution across Australia is extremely dispersed although slightly concentrated in the south-east of Australia (Geering et al. 2007; Barrett et al. 2003).

The Australian is an extremely cryptic species; as such it requires dense vegetation fringing wetlands. There is no fringing vegetation surrounding waterbodies within the study area. Furthermore the Australian Snipe inhabits shallow waterbodies, all waterbodies within the study area are deep and do not provide habitat for the Painted Snipe.

Highly Unlikely

White-bellied Sea Eagle

(Haliaeetus leucogaster)

Mi; S3

The White-bellied Sea Eagle is distributed along the coast, islands and estuaries of Western Australia (Johnstone & Storr 1998). They feed on fish, sea snakes and nesting seabirds. Nests are usually placed on high ground such as rock pinnacles, rigid shrubs or in tall trees (Johnstone & Storr 1998).

The White-bellied Sea-Eagle is predominantly marine in nature and the survey area lacks the preferred habitat of this species. The nearest known record (DEC 2012a) is situated more than 70 km to the west.

Unlikely

Peregrine Falcon

(Falco peregrinus) S4

The Peregrine Falcon is uncommon but wide-ranging across Australia. They mainly occur along coastal cliffs, rivers and ranges as well as wooded watercourses and lakes (Johnstone & Storr 1998). The Peregrine Falcon nests primarily on cliffs, granite outcrops, quarries and in the wheatbelt in old Raven and Whistling Kite nests (Johnstone & Storr 1998).

The Peregrine Falcon may utilise habitats of the study area for foraging as part of a wider home range. However the survey area lacks the cliffs and has limited trees suitable for nesting sites for this species, as such this species is unlikely to resident within the study area and may only utilise the area on a non-permanent basis. There are several records of the species from within the vicinity of the study area (DEC 2012d)

Possible





Australian Bustard

(Ardeotis australis) P4

The Australian Bustard is typically widespread and nomadic, but locally scarce. This species is distributed across most of Western Australia, although is most prevalent in grasslands, especially tussock grasses, arid scrub and dry open woodlands (Ziembicki 2010). The abundance of this species varies according to habitat and season, in particular with the abundance of grasshoppers (Ziembicki 2010). Declines in the Australian Bustard have been attributed to by the loss of habitat (Johnstone & Storr 1998).

The cropland and creekline habitats of the study area provides unsuitable habitat for this species. As such it is unlikely that the Australian Bustard will utilise the study area. There are no records of this species within vicinity of the study area.

Unlikely

Bush Stone-curlew

(Burhinus grallarius) P4

The Bush Stone-curlew inhabits dry open woodlands with a groundcover of small sparse shrubs and grass avoiding dense forest and closed-canopy habitats (Johnstone & Storr 1998). The species generally occurs near watercourses and swamps (Geering et al. 2007). Bush Stone-curlews are locally rare because of predation by foxes, which is the main concern for their regional decline (Johnstone & Storr 1998).

The cropland and creekline habitats of the study area provide unsuitable habitat for this species. As such it is unlikely that the Bush Stone-curlew will utilise the study area. There are however historical records (1977) of the species at the nearby Wambyn Nature Reserve (DEC 2012d) and other bushland remnants within the vicinity of the study area.

Possible

Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo

(Calyptorhynchus banksii

naso)

VU; S1

The Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo is endemic to the southwest of WA, distributed from Gingin through the Darling Ranges to Albany (Johnstone & Storr 1998). The species lives in forests of the southwest, feeding primarily on seeds of Marri nuts and nesting in large tree hollows, of Marri, Jarrah and Karri. Nest hollow shortage is considered the principal threat to the species with over 36% of the species former habitat cleared for agriculture (Garnett et al. 2011; Johnstone & Kirkby 1999). Expected population declines >30% have been postulated over the next three generations (Chapman 2007).

The study area occurs slightly east of the species known distribution however the species has previously been recorded from within the vicinity of the study area (DEC 2012d). In addition, the scattered Marri trees and Allocasuarina fraseriana of the cropland and minor creekline habitats provide the potential foraging, roosting and breeding habitat for the species (DSEWPAC 2011).

Likely





Baudin's Black Cockatoo

(Calyptorhynchus baudinii)

VU; S1

Baudin’s Cockatoo is distributed from the northern Darling Range, south to Bunbury and across to Albany (Johnstone & Storr 1998). This species forages primarily in Eucalypt forest, feeding on Marri nuts, flowers, nectar and buds as well as a wide range of seeds of Eucalyptus, Banksia and Hakea, (Johnstone & Kirkby 2008; Johnstone & Storr 1998). Baudin’s Cockatoo nests in tree hollows in the deep south-west of Western Australia. Primary nesting trees are Karri, Marri, and Wandoo (Johnstone & Kirkby 2008). Nest hollow shortage is considered the principal threat, as such the species no longer occupies over 25% of former habitat due to clearing (Chapman 2007)

The study area occurs slightly east of the species known distribution however the species has previously been recorded from within the vicinity of the study area and foraging evidence was recorded during the current survey (DEC 2012d). In addition, the scattered Marri and Wandoo trees of the cropland and minor creekline habitats provide the potential foraging, roosting and breeding habitat for the species (DEC 2012d).

Recorded (from

secondary evidence)

Carnaby's Black Cockatoo

(Calyptorhynchus latirostris)

VU; S1

Carnaby’s Cockatoo is endemic to south-west Western Australia, and is distributed from the Murchison River to Esperance (Cale 2003). Breeding has been recorded from early July to mid-December and usually occurs in the Wheatbelt (Johnstone & Storr 1998). Carnaby’s Cockatoos feed on seeds, nuts and flowers of a variety of native and exotic plants including Pinus spp., Marri, Jarrah, as well as Banksia and other Proteaceous species (Shah 2006). Trees used as nest sites by Carnaby’s Cockatoo are mature, hollow-bearing trees, usually with a crown containing dead limbs and a sparse canopy (Cale 2003; Johnstone & Storr 1998), especially Salmon Gum (Eucalyptus salmonophloia) and Wandoo (Eucalyptus wandoo). Primary threats are reductions of foraging and breeding habitat and populations are thought to be declining at a rate >50% in 3 generations (Garnett et al. 2011)

The wheatbelt contains important breeding areas for the Carnaby’s Cockatoo. The area sits well within the known distribution of the species and the species have been recorded within the study area previously. Foraging evidence that was also found during the current survey. Carnaby’s Cockatoo primarily nest in Wandoo (Saunders 1979) but will also nest in Marri, (DSEWPAC 2011; Groom 2011) both species with suitable nesting structure were scattered across the survey area.

Recorded (from

secondary evidence)





Major Mitchell's Cockatoo

(Lophochroa leadbeateri) S4

Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo has a widespread but disjunct distribution in arid and semi-arid zones of Western Australia (Johnstone & Storr 1998). They prefer open woodlands with access to water, and require Eucalypts with hollows for nesting, particularly River-gum and Salmon Gum. Major Mitchell feeds primarily on seed, fruit and flowers of a wide range of species including Grevillea spp. and Acacia spp. The primary threat to the species within wheatbelt populations is the clearing of breeding habitat.

The study area provides scattered hollow bearing trees although there are few foraging species of the Major Mitchell which occur within the study area. Furthermore the study area is situated on the outer margins of the species distribution and the species has not previously been recorded within the vicinity of the study area.

Unlikely

Western Rosella

(Platycercus icterotis xanthogenys)

S1; (DEC: VU)

This subspecies of the Western Rosella is found in eucalypt woodlands and scrubs, especially those containing wandoo, flooded gum, salmon gum and sheok (Mawson & Long 1994). Platycercus icterotis xanthogenys occurs in the Wheatbelt region from Toodyay south and east to Ravensthorpe (Johnstone & Storr 1998). The western Rosella feeds predominately on Eucalyptus and Allocasurina sp and is considered rare in cleared areas of the wheatbelt (Johnstone & Storr 1998).

The study area provides potential habitat for the species however the cleared openness of the study area is not favoured by this species. There are previous records of this species from within the vicinity of the study area (Wambyn Nature Reserve, 2002; DEC 2012d). The study however sits in the western margin of this threatened species distribution (Johnstone & Storr, 1998).

Possible

Barking Owl

(Ninox connivens connivens)

P2

This subspecies is distributed through southwest WA, north to Perth, east to Northam and south to Bremer bay (Johnstone & Storr 1998). This subspecies is disjunct from populations in the Pilbara and Kimberley. It inhabits dense vegetation particularly forests and thickets where it feeds on large insects and small mammals (Johnstone & Storr 1998). This species breeds in hollow tree trunks.

The study area is situated within the north-eastern distribution of the species. Although the study area contains hollows suitable for nesting of the species, the vast areas of openness are not ideal for the species. There are no records of the species within close proximity to the study area.

Unlikely

Pacific Swift

(Apus pacificus)

Mi; S3

The Fork-tailed Swift is a summer migrant (October-April) to Australia, that has not been recorded breeding in Australia (Barrett et al. 2003). The Fork-tailed Swift is an aerial species, which forages high above the tree canopy and rarely lower so is independent of terrestrial habitats in Australia

As this species forages high in the airspace it is independent of terrestrial habitats. This species may overfly the study area occasionally.

Possible





(Johnstone & Storr 1998). It usually occurs in flocks of up to 2000 and is often seen accompanying Tree Martins and Masked Woodswallows (Johnstone & Storr 1998).

Rainbow Bee-eater

(Merops ornatus)

Mi; S3

The Rainbow Bee-eater is a common breeding migrant that occurs in Western Australia in the Kimberley, and Pilbara through to the South-west (Johnstone & Storr 1998). It generally breeds in summer in the greater south-west and occurs as a passage migrant or visitor in the northern part of its range throughout the rest of the year (Johnstone & Storr 1998; Barrett et al. 2003). It occurs in lightly wooded, often sandy country, preferring areas near water. The Rainbow Bee-eater feeds on airborne insects, and nests in burrows excavated in sandy ground or banks (Johnstone & Storr 1998).

All the habitat types in the survey area provides habitat for the Rainbow Bee-eater. In particular the soft substrates found near dams, drainage lines and tracks provide nesting sites. There are numerous recent records of this species in the vicinity of the survey area (DEC 2012d). This species is not however dependent on the habitat found within the area.

Likely

Shy Heathwren

(Hylacola cauta whitlocki) P4

The Shy Heathwren inhabits shrublands including the understory of Mallee Woodlands and scrubs, post fire regeneration, uncleared road verges and remnants in farmlands (Garnett & Crowley 2000). This species feeds mainly on small insects foraging on the ground and occasionally in low branches and foliage (Johnstone & Storr 1998). The Shy Heathwren is documented as declining in the Wheatbelt (Garnett & Crowley 2000) with significant loss of habitat in the south-west Wheatbelt.

The distribution of this species incorporates a large proportion of the semiarid interior, north-east of Wubin, south to the Stirling ranges and east to Buraminya. The study area is therefore situated east of the known distribution.

Unlikely

White-browed Babbler

(Pomatostomus superciliosus ashbyi)

P4

The Western Wheatbelt White browed Babbler occurs in dense eucalypt forests, woodlands and scrub/thickets in south-west Western Australia. Clearance for agriculture has removed most of the White-browed Babbler’s habitat in the Wheatbelt of Western Australia (Saunders 1989).

The cleared cropland and minor creekline habitat are too open and do not provide suitable habitat for the species. The species has been recorded recently (2006) from within the vicinity of the study area from St Ronan’s reserve, ~2km N of the study area (DEC 2012d).

Possible





Crested Shriketit

(Falcunculus frontatus leucogaster)

P4

This species occurs from Moora to Esperance and is an uncommon inhabitant of semi-arid woodlands and open forests of Eucalyptus (Johnstone & Storr 2004). This subspecies is disjunct from the Kimberley. The Crested Shrike-tit feeds primarily on insects prised from under bark or crevices (Crowley & Garnett, 2000). The species is generally scarce and uncommon and locally extinct for most of the Swan Coastal Plain and much of the wheatbelt (Recher 2006).

Habitats of the study area provide potential habitat for habitat for this species. The area is already severely degraded and unexpected to inhabit the species. There is however a relatively recent record (2006), from Wambyn Nature Reserve which is situated ~3 km from the study area (DEC 2012d)

Possible

Crested Bellbird

(Oreoica gutturalis) P4

This subspecies of the Crested Bellbird lives in the shrub layer of eucalypt woodlands, mallee and Acacia shrublands. This species has declined due to land clearing, and is particularly susceptible to habitat fragmentation. It feeds mainly on insects as well as some grass seeds (Johnstone & Storr 2004).

The cleared cropland and minor creekline of the study area provide unsuitable habitat for this species. This species is particularly susceptible to clearing and therefore unlikely to inhabit the study area (Johnstone & Storr 2004). This species has not been previously recorded in the vicinity of the survey area.

Unlikely

MAMMALS

Chuditch/Western Quoll

(Dasyurus geoffroii)

VU; S1

The Chuditch (Western Quoll) previously occurred over 70% of Australia, but now only occurs in the south-west of Western Australia. Being a relatively large predator, it occurs at low densities. Adult females inhabit a core area of 55-200 hectares around their den, while the corresponding figure for males is 400 hectares or more (van Dyck & Strahan 2008). The Chuditch is now only found in sclerophyll forest, woodland and mallee shrubland (van Dyck & Strahan 2008). It is highly mobile, and appears able to utilise bush remnants and corridors.

The lack of suitable habitat suggests this species should not occur within the survey area. The Chuditch needs large logs as den sites which are not found in this area and is highly unlikely to occur in the survey area. There is a recent record from 2005 from Wambyn Rd, situated ~5km from the study area (DEC 2012d)

Possible





Red-tailed Phascogale

(Phascogale calura)

EN; S1

Prior to agricultural expansion in the 1800s, the Red-tailed Phascogale was widespread throughout WA extending eastward to the Murray Darling basin (van Dyck & Strahan 2008). The species is now restricted to remnant vegetation of the southern wheatbelt (Kitchener 1981). The Red-tailed Phascogale can persist in small bush remnants, as small as 67 ha (van Dyck & Strahan 2008). The red-tailed phascogale is arboreal preferring habitat of dense, tall climax vegetation communities of wandoo (Eucalyptus wandoo) and rock oak (Allocasuarina huegeliana) where it feeds on insects and spiders (van Dyck & Strahan 2008). The species primary threatening processes are clearing, fragmentation and introduced species.

Cropland and the minor drainage habitats of the study area provide unsuitable habitat for this species. This species in now confined to remnant vegetation in the southern wheatbelt and as such has not been recorded from within the vicinity of the study area.

Highly Unlikely

Numbat

(Myrmecobius fasciatus)

VU; S1

The Numbat is a small, diurnal marsupial, endemic to WA. This species once ranged widely but due to predation by foxes and cats, loss of habitat due to clearing for agriculture and changes in fire regimes has contracted substantially (van Dyck & Strahan 2008). Its current distribution is limited to east of Manjimup in upland Jarrah forests, open eucalypt woodlands, Banksia woodlands and tall closed shrublands, where it shelters in hollow logs and branches and feeds almost exclusively on termites (van Dyck & Strahan 2008).

The current distribution of this species is far outside of the survey area. There are two previous records for this species within the study area, ~ 3 km at Wambyn Nature Reserve. These are however old records (1979 and 1983) and no longer relevant.

Highly Unlikely

Western Brush Wallaby

(Macropus Irma) P4

The Western Brush Wallaby occurs in open forest or woodland, particularly where areas with grassy understorey and scrubby thickets are present (van Dyck & Strahan 2008). It is found only in south-western Western Australia, where it appears to be in decline, probably as a result of an increase in the numbers of foxes.

The degraded habitats of the study area are not suited for this species. Remnant vegetation in the surrounding areas does however provide habitat. There are eight records of the species from the study area, four at St Ronans Nature Reserve and four from Wambyn Nature Reserve, records range from 1970-1996 (DEC 2012d).

Possible



Key: En Listed as Endangered under the EBPC Act 1999. Vu Listed as Vulnerable under the EBPC Act 1999. Mi Listed as Migratory under the EBPC Act 1999. S Scheduled under the WC Act 1950. Schedule 1 and 2 fauna are also protected by the EBPC Act 1999. P Listed as Priority by the DEC. Recorded Recorded during the field survey or site reconnaissance. Likely Suitable habitat is present in the study area and the study area is in the species’ known distribution.

Possible Limited or no suitable habitat is present in study area but is nearby. The species has good dispersal abilities and is known from the general area.

Unlikely No suitable habitat is present in study area but is nearby, the species has poor dispersal abilities, but is known from the general area; or suitable habitat is present, however the study area is outside of the species’ known distribution.

Highly Unlikely The species has poor dispersal abilities, no suitable habitat is present, and the species is uncommon; or the species is thought to be locally extinct.


J114490-001Final

APPENDIX M POTENTIAL BLACK COCKATOO

BREEDING TREES


J114490 Appendix M

APPENDIX M

POTENTIAL BLACK COCKATOO BREEDING TREES

Tree No. Species Name Common Name #Easting #Northing DBH

(mm) Height

(m) Foraging Evidence

No. of Hollows Size of Hollows

1 Eucalyptus marginata Jarrah 460097 6471420 950 12 - - -

2 Eucalyptus marginata Jarrah 460097 6471420 1050 15 - - -

3 Corymbia calophylla Marri 459962 6471420 650 15 - - -

4 - Dead Stag 459893 6471419 720 15 - - -






10 Eucalyptus wandoo Wandoo 460077 6471427 620 16 - - -




14 Eucalyptus wandoo Wandoo 460319 6471427 700 18 - - - #Australian Geocentric 1994 (GDA94) Zone 50J

Definition of Hollow Size

Size Entrance Diameter Small Under 10 cm diameter

Medium 10-20 cm diameter Large 20 cm or more

flora, vegetation and fauna assessment ......j114490-001 final.docx flora, vegetation and fauna...

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