koodaideri terrestrial fauna survey v2 · cube:current:583 (koodaideri fauna...

Terrestrial Fauna of

Koodaideri Phase I

Prepared for Rio Tinto Iron Ore

March 2011

Terrestrial Fauna of Koodaideri

© Biota Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd 2011 ABN 49 092 687 119

Level 1, 228 Carr Place Leederville Western Australia 6007

Ph: (08) 9328 1900 Fax: (08) 9328 6138 Project No.: 583 Prepared by: P. Runham, E. Harris and M. Dziminski Checked by: G. Humphreys, F. Hedley Approved for Issue: G. Humphreys

This document has been prepared to the requirements of the client identified on the cover page and no representation is made to any third party. It may be cited for the purposes of scientific

research or other fair use, but it may not be reproduced or distributed to any third party by any physical or electronic means without the express permission of the client for whom it was prepared

or Biota Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd.

This report has been designed for double-sided printing. Hard copies supplied by Biota are printed on recycled paper.

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Contents

1.0 Introduction 7 1.1 Background 7 1.2 Study Area and Scope 7 1.3 Purpose of this Report 7

2.0 Methodology 9 2.1 Survey Timing and Weather 9 2.2 Survey Team 10 2.3 Fauna Sampling 11 2.4 Survey Limitations 15

3.0 Results 21 3.1 Fauna Habitats 21 3.2 Vertebrate Fauna Assemblage 21 3.3 Potential Short Range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna 28

4.0 Discussion 31 4.1 Fauna Habitat Conservation Value 31 4.2 Fauna Assemblage 31 4.3 Short-range Endemic Fauna 31 4.4 Fauna of Conservation Significance 32

5.0 References 35

Appendix 1 Regulation 17 “Licence to take fauna for scientific purposes”

SF007562

Appendix 2 Systematic Site Photographs

Appendix 3 Bat Call WA Report

Appendix 4 Threatened Fauna Statutory Framework

Tables

Table 2.1: Fauna survey field activities at Koodaideri. 9 Table 2.2: Daily weather observations for Newman during the Koodaideri

fauna survey 9 Table 2.3: Locations and trap effort of systematic sampling sites installed in

the Koodaideri study area 11 Table 2.4: Bat survey sites within the Koodaideri study area 13 Table 2.5: Targeted invertebrate search sites in, and adjacent to, the

Koodaideri study area 14 Table 2.6: Preliminary aquatic survey sites within the Koodaideri study area. 15



Table 2.7: Systematic avifauna censuses undertaken within the Koodaideri study area 17

Table 3.1: Fauna habitat types present within the Koodaideri study area. 21 Table 3.2: Overview of vertebrate fauna recorded within the Koodaideri

study area. 22 Table 3.3: Avifauna species recorded within the Koodaideri study area. 23 Table 3.4: Non-volant mammal species recorded within the Koodaideri

study area 25 Table 3.5: Bat species recorded during the Koodaideri fauna survey 25 Table 3.6: Herpetofauna species recorded during the Koodaideri fauna

survey 26 Table 3.7: Other aquatic invertebrates collected within the Koodaideri study

area. 28 Table 3.8: Spiders collected from within, and adjacent to, the Koodaideri

study area. 29 Table 3.9: Pseudoscorpions collected from within, and adjacent to, the

Koodaideri study area. 29 Table 4.1: Fauna species of conservation significance recorded or

potentially occurring within the Koodaideri study area 32

Figures

Figure 1.1: Location map for the Koodaideri study area. 8 Figure 2.1: Monthly temperature and rainfall averages for Newman 10 Figure 2.2: Layout of pit trapping transects used for the Koodaideri fauna

survey. 11 Figure 2.3: Systematic trapping sites used during the Koodaideri fauna

survey. 18 Figure 2.4: Potential SRE invertebrate search sites utilised for the Koodaideri

fauna survey. 19

Plates

Plate 2.1: Site KDDBAT01. 13 Plate 2.2: Site KDDBAT02. 13 Plate 2.3: Site KDDBAT03. 13 Plate 2.4: Site KDDBAT04. 13



1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background

Rio Tinto Iron Ore (RTIO) is currently investigating a number of potential iron ore projects in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. One of these projects is focussed on the Koodaideri deposit, located approximately 100 km northwest of Newman. As part of this investigation, a series of baseline (EPA 2002, 2004) flora and fauna surveys have been undertaken. Biota Environmental Sciences (Biota) was commissioned to undertake a Level 2 Flora and Fauna Survey at RTIO’s Koodaideri Lease Area in 2010. This survey will consist of two phases: a dry season survey completed in August 2010 (Phase I), and a wet season survey to be completed between January and May 2011 (Phase II). This report has been prepared to present the methods and results of the Phase I terrestrial fauna survey prior to the completion of Phase II.

The aim of this early stage work is to:

• provide fauna related baseline data of the Koodaideri deposit; and

• identify fauna habitats or species of particular conservation significance that may require specific management.

Where practicable, each survey was planned and undertaken in accordance with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Position Statement No. 3 “Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity Protection” (EPA 2002), Guidance Statement No. 56 “Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia” (EPA 2004), and Guidance Statement No. 20 “Sampling of Short Range Endemic Invertebrates Fauna for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia” (EPA 2009).

1.2 Study Area and Scope

RTIO commissioned Biota to undertake a Level 2 (EPA 2002, 2004) fauna survey in the Koodaideri study area (Figure 1.1), which covers an area of 11,991 ha. The scope of the survey was to:

1. document the fauna habitats present within the Koodaideri study area;

2. document the vertebrate fauna species inhabiting the Koodaideri study area;

3. record the potential Short-range Endemic (SRE) invertebrate fauna of the Koodaideri study area; and

4. identify, from the above, fauna habitats or species of elevated conservation significance.

1.3 Purpose of this Report

This report presents the methods, results and the key findings of Phase I of the terrestrial fauna survey of the Koodaideri study area. It provides an assessment of the fauna habitats, assemblages and species recorded. The primary purpose of this report is to highlight potential conservation issues. Once these have been identified, consideration can then be given to resolving or minimising issues in the prefeasibility and feasibility stages of the Koodaideri project. Its intended use is as a supporting document for the future environmental impact assessment of the Koodaideri project. Both the survey and report are subject to specific limitations that are discussed in detail in Section 2.4.



Figure 1.1: Location map for the Koodaideri study area.



2.0 Methodology

2.1 Survey Timing and Weather

The survey was conducted primarily in two stages over 22 days between 4th and 25th August 2010. However, this included refurbishment of 17 pre-existing trap sites installed in 2007, installation of 16 new trapping sites and the field surveys themselves. The details of the various activities are shown in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1: Fauna survey field activities at Koodaideri.

Scope of Activity Date

Site Installation 23/08/07 to 29/08/07

Refurbishment of existing sites, installation of additional sites, opening Stage 1 sites 04/08/10 to 08/08/10

Field Survey – Stage 1 08/08/10 to 15/08/10

Site Preparation (opening traps) – Stage 2 16/08/10 to 19/08/10

Field Survey – Stage 2 19/08/10 to 25/08/10

Field Survey – Targeted survey at KDDBAT01 02/12/10 to 04/12/10

Refurbishment and installation of trapping grids took place between the 4th and the 8th August. The Phase I survey at Koodaideri was split into multiple stages, due the size of the study area. The first sampling stage was completed between the 8th and 14th August, while the second was conducted from the 15th to the 25th August 2010. A third sampling effort targeting Pilbara Orange Leaf-nosed bats was conducted in December 2010 with the installation of an Anabat recorder at KDDBAT01. Observations at Newman airport (110 km SE) recorded an average minimum temperature of 7.7°C and an average maximum of 23.4°C (Table 2.2) during the two August survey stages. There were four rainfall events recorded during the August survey stages, yielding a total of 15.8 mm of rainfall (Table 2.2). Temperatures were high during the December targeted sampling exercise, with a maximum average of 38.0°C over the three days (Table 2.2).

Table 2.2: Daily weather observations for Newman during the Koodaideri fauna survey (data provided by the Bureau of Meteorology).

Date Minimum Temperature (°C) Maximum Temperature (°C) Rainfall (mm)

4/8/10 7.1 26 0

5/8/10 4.4 25.6 0

6/8/10 4.2 25.8 0

7/8/10 4 27.6 0

8/8/10 5.7 26.8 0

9/8/10 10.1 21.1 0

10/8/10 1.7 20.3 0

11/8/10 2.7 23.4 0

12/8/10 5.3 28.9 0

13/8/10 14.1 21.9 3

14/8/10 5.4 22.6 0

15/8/10 5.8 24.7 0

16/8/10 5.1 26.3 0

17/8/10 14 23.3 0

18/8/10 8.5 22.6 0

19/8/10 7.8 23.1 0

20/8/10 5.6 24.5 0

21/8/10 6.5 27 0

22/8/10 16.5 21.5 0

23/8/10 12.9 16 1.8



Date Minimum Temperature (°C) Maximum Temperature (°C) Rainfall (mm)

24/8/10 11.4 15.3 7.8

25/8/10 11.4 19.5 3.2

Average 7.7 23.4

2/12/10 23.8 36.2 0

3/12/10 24.6 38.1 0

4/12/10 25.3 39.6 0

Average 24.6 38.0

Both the average minimum and maximum were slightly below the long term August averages, of 10.1°C and 24.8°C respectively (Figure 2.1). The rainfall during the August survey stages was approximately 60% higher than the long-term monthly average of 10 mm (Figure 2.1).

Figure 2.1: Monthly temperature and rainfall averages for Newman

(data provided by the Bureau of Meteorology).

2.2 Survey Team

Terrestrial fauna sampling was carried out under “Licence to Take Fauna for Scientific Purposes” No. SF007562 issued to Dr Phil Runham (Appendix 1). The survey team comprised Dr Phil Runham, Mr Jason Alexander, Mr Clifford Bennison, Ms Penny Brooshooft, Dr Martin Dziminski, Mr Michael Greenham, Ms Zoë Hamilton, Ms Erin Harris, Mr Dan Kamien (Biota) and Ms Caitlin O’Neill (RTIO). Mr Justin Fairhead and Mr Paul Hoffman (Biota) assisted with site installations. Analyses of bat call recordings were completed by Mr Bob Bullen of Bat Call W.A. Invertebrate identifications were completed by Dr Volker Framenau of the WA Museum. Aquatic invertebrates and larval amphibian identifications were completed by Dr Martin Dziminski (Biota).

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2.3 Fauna Sampling

2.3.1 Selection and Location of Systematic Sampling Sites

The central component of this study consisted of a combination of systematic fauna sampling of representative habitats and targeted searches within habitats suitable for SRE or Threatened Fauna. The systematic sampling centred on 33 trapping grids installed in defined habitats considered to represent the range of available habitats within the study area. Targeted searches were conducted in as many additional areas as practicable and encompassed the range of habitats available within the study area. Locations of systematic trapping sites are detailed in Table 2.3 and shown in Figure 2.3. Representative photos of systematic trapping sites are shown in Appendix 2.

2.3.2 Site Design and Trap Effort

An indicative layout for the Koodaideri fauna survey pit-trapping sites is shown in Figure 2.2, with trap effort at the systematic trapping sites detailed in Table 2.3. Pit-traps at each site were arranged in a single row of 10 traps, alternating between 20 litre buckets (350 mm diameter) and PVC tubes (150 mm diameter). Pit-traps were spaced at ~10 m intervals and connected with a single length of 30 cm tall flywire fence. This pit trap design was utilised at 26 sampling sites. A further five trapping transects consisted of funnel traps (between 16 and 20 traps per transect) placed adjacent to a 90 m long flywire drift fence (Table 2.3). Elliott trap transects were installed at two sites (Table 2.3). Elliott trap transects consisted of up to 50 traps spaced at approximately 10 m intervals. Elliott traps were baited with a mixture of peanut butter and rolled oats.

Figure 2.2: Layout of pit trapping transects used for the Koodaideri fauna survey.

Table 2.3: Locations and trap effort of systematic sampling sites installed in the Koodaideri study area (Datum: WGS84; Zone 50).

Site Location (WGS84; Zone 50) Trap

Type Trap

Number Date

Opened Date

Closed Nights Open

Trap Nights Easting Northing

KDD01 717758 7503133 Pitfall 10 19/8/10 25/8/10 6 60

KDD02 707639 7509994 Pitfall 10 19/8/10 25/8/10 6 60

KDD03 716800 7503019 Pitfall 10 9/8/10 15/8/10 6 60

KDD04 714832 7503917 Pitfall 10 8/8/10 14/8/10 6 60

KDD05 713302 7504303 Pitfall 10 9/8/10 15/8/10 6 60

KDD06 712253 7504213 Pitfall 10 19/8/10 25/8/10 6 60

KDD08F 711333 7504769 Funnel 20 9/8/10 15/8/10 6 120

KDD10F 709723 7505366 Funnel 20 9/8/10 15/8/10 6 120

KDD11 707809 7506715 Pitfall 10 9/8/10 15/8/10 6 60

KDD12F 703030 7507647 Funnel 18 19/8/10 25/8/10 6 108

KDD13 703673 7508649 Pitfall 10 18/8/10 24/8/10 6 60

KDD14 705512 7507813 Pitfall 10 18/8/10 24/8/10 6 60

KDD15 704815 7506911 Pitfall 10 18/8/10 24/8/10 6 60

KDD16 708445 7509113 Pitfall 10 8/8/10 14/8/10 6 60

KDD17 710508 7507591 Pitfall 10 8/8/10 14/8/10 6 60

KDD18 712360 7508289 Pitfall 10 8/8/10 14/8/10 6 60

KDD19 715134 7505739 Pitfall 10 9/8/10 15/8/10 6 60

KDD20 717261 7505146 Pitfall 10 8/8/10 14/8/10 6 60

KDD21 711579 7506035 Pitfall 10 8/8/10 14/8/10 6 60

Buckets PVC Tubes Flywire



Site Location (WGS84; Zone 50) Trap

Type Trap

Number Date

Opened Date

Closed Nights Open

Trap Nights Easting Northing

KDD22 713043 7506247 Pitfall 10 19/8/10 25/8/10 6 60

KDD23 706572 7505144 Pitfall 10 18/8/10 24/8/10 6 60

KDD24 718600 7500842 Pitfall 10 19/8/10 25/8/10 6 60

KDD25E 720164 7501901 Elliott 50 19/8/10 25/8/10 6 300

KDD26 721573 7500587 Pitfall 10 19/8/10 25/8/10 6 60

KDD27 709262 7507157 Pitfall 9 8/8/10 14/8/10 6 54

KDD28 703827 7507737 Pitfall 10 18/8/10 24/8/10 6 60

KDD29 704892 7508395 Pitfall 10 18/8/10 24/8/10 6 60

KDD30 705975 7506553 Pitfall 10 18/8/10 24/8/10 6 60

KDD31 708743 7506034 Pitfall 10 8/8/10 14/8/10 6 60

KDD32F 704285 7506360 Funnel 16 18/8/10 24/8/10 6 96

KDD33 718125 7504899 Pitfall 10 8/8/10 14/8/10 6 60

KDD34F 719674 7503500 Funnel 20 19/8/10 25/8/10 6 120

KDD35E 711653 7505978 Elliott 47 19/8/10 25/8/10 6 282

Total Pit Trap Nights 1,554

Total Funnel Nights 564

Total Elliott Nights 582

Total Trap Nights 2,700

2.3.3 Avifauna Survey

The avifauna of the Koodaideri study area was sampled using a combination of techniques, including:

• unbounded area censuses conducted at the systematic sampling grids (Table 2.3);

• unbounded area censuses conducted at opportunistic locations containing habitats or microhabitats likely to support previously unrecorded species; and

• opportunistic observation of birds while driving and walking around the study area. A total of 58 avifauna censuses were completed across 33 sites during the Koodaideri fauna survey (Table 2.7). Avifauna were sampled using 30 or 40 minute censuses comprising a total of nearly 30 hours of dedicated avifauna sampling. Censuses were conducted between 0700 and 1130 and were supplemented by avifauna species opportunistically recorded in the study area.

2.3.4 Bat Survey

Bat sampling during the Koodaideri fauna survey was targeted primarily at the Pilbara Orange Leaf-nosed Bat (Rhinonicteris aurantius) and the Ghost Bat (Macroderma gigas). This sampling was undertaken at four locations within the study area using Anabat SD1 and Anabat SD2 echolocation call recorders, and using the direct method of harp traps (Table 2.4; Figure 2.3; Plate 2.1 to Plate 2.4). Continuous recordings were made at all sites using an LS-10 Professional PCM Recorder (Olympus, Japan) in conjunction with the SD1 and SD2 units. Details of these calls were analysed by Mr Bob Bullen of Bat Call WA (Appendix 3). Only sequences containing high quality calls were used for identification.



Table 2.4: Bat survey sites within the Koodaideri study area (Datum: WGS84; Zone 50).

Site Location Habitat Trap/Unit Date Set Date

Recovered Number of

Nights

KDDBAT01 705633mE; 7507131mN Old mine adit

Harp Trap 09/08/10 10/08/10 1

Anabat SD1 22/08/10 24/08/10 2

Anabat SD1 2/12/10 5/12/10 3

KDDBAT02 709372mE; 7507006mN Old mine adit Harp Trap 12/08/10 14/08/10 2

Anabat SD2 20/08/10 22/08/10 2

KDDBAT03 711556mE; 7505928mN Wide gorge with spring

Anabat SD1 12/08/10 15/08/10 3

KDDBAT04 718225mE; 7503510mN Cave entrance

Harp Trap 20/08/10 24/08/10 4

Anabat SD1 20/08/10 22/08/10 2

Total Number of Nights 19

Plate 2.1: Site KDDBAT01. Plate 2.2: Site KDDBAT02.

Plate 2.3: Site KDDBAT03. Plate 2.4: Site KDDBAT04.

2.3.5 Non-systematic Sampling of Vertebrate Fauna

A range of non-systematic fauna survey activities was also undertaken to supplement the trapping and investigate additional habitats identified during the course of the survey. These included:

• habitat specific searches for Schedule and Priority listed fauna species;

• searching of microhabitats for reptile, frog and small mammal species;

• opportunistic sightings and records;

• identification of road kills and other animal remains; and



• recording and identification of secondary signs (where possible) including tracks, scats and diggings.

2.3.6 Fauna Habitat Assessment

The fauna habitat classification for site selection was undertaken by the lead survey zoologists on the basis of landform, soils and vegetation. This classification approach does not cover all microhabitats available to the entire assemblage of invertebrate and vertebrate fauna, as this would be difficult to resolve and logistically impracticable to sample. Rather, the classifications provide a broader scale framework within which to summarise species occurrence. The faunal assemblage within these habitats depends to some extent on the Land System in which they occur, but can also differ within each Land System. In most situations, it is the vegetation type that best approximates a meaningful habitat classification.

2.3.7 Invertebrate Survey

Targeted SRE invertebrate taxa were sampled by searches focused on locations likely to support these taxa as well as opportunistic records. Searches encompassed a total of 33 sites (Table 2.5; Figure 2.4). Invertebrate groups targeted during the survey included:

• Mygalomorphae (trapdoor spiders);

• Pseudoscorpiones (pseudoscorpions);

• Scorpionida (scorpions);

• Diplopoda (millipedes); and

• Pulmonata (terrestrial and aquatic snails). Searches were made for spider burrows visually. Hand foraging, involving peeling bark and lifting rocks, leaf litter and debris, was used to search for pseudoscorpions, scorpions, millipedes and snails. Raking of leaf litter and other debris was used to sample millipedes. Representative samples of invertebrates were preserved in 70 % ethanol with a sample of tissue preserved in 100 % ethanol and lodged with the WA Museum. Live aquatic snails were also retained as specimens and lodged with the WA Museum.

Table 2.5: Targeted invertebrate search sites in, and adjacent to, the Koodaideri study area (Datum: WGS84; Zone 50; NA).

Site Location Taxa Targeted Date Effort (min)

KDD26 721573mE; 7500587mN Mygalomorph spiders 20/8/10 25

KDD35E 711653mE; 7505978mN Terrestrial snails 20/8/10 280

KDDBAT04 718225mE; 7503510mN Pseudoscorpions, terrestrial snails, millipedes

20/8/10 20

OPP01 707280mE; 7506770mN Pseudoscorpions, mygalomorph spiders, terrestrial snails, millipedes

20/8/10 280

OPP02 710317mE; 7507234mN Mygalomorph spiders, terrestrial snails 20/8/10 105

OPP03 711929mE; 7507799mN Mygalomorph spiders, terrestrial snails, pseudoscorpions

20/8/10 315

OPP07 710773mE; 7508833mN Mygalomorph spiders 20/8/10 10





KDD25E 720164mE; 7501901mN Mygalomorph spiders 21/8/10 20


OPP13 713205mE; 7507251mN Mygalomorph spiders, pseudoscorpions 21/8/10 270





Site Location Taxa Targeted Date Effort (min)

KDD24 718600mE; 7500842mN Mygalomorph spiders, pseudoscorpions 22/8/10 30



KDD32F 704285mE; 7506360mN Mygalomorph spiders 22/8/10 300




KDD12F 703030mE; 7507647mN Pseudoscorpions 23/8/10 10

KDD25E 720164mE; 7501901mN Mygalomorph spiders, pseudoscorpions, millipedes

23/8/10 40







23/8/10 300


23/8/10 450

OPP18 710388mE; 7509233mN Pseudoscorpions 23/8/10 20





KDD25E 720164mE; 7501901mN Pseudoscorpions 24/8/10 25

KDD32F 704285mE; 7506360mN Pseudoscorpions 24/8/10 25


Total Search Effort 3,895 min

2.3.8 Preliminary Aquatic Survey

Two permanent aquatic habitats were identified within the Koodaideri study area and a preliminary survey for aquatic fauna was undertaken at each site (Table 2.6). Sites were searched for aquatic snails and were sampled for fish, amphibian larvae and invertebrates by arbitrary dip-net sweeps. Site KDD21 was also searched by day and night for amphibians, fish and turtles. A transect of eight benthic funnel traps baited with raw beef and bread was installed along the length of the stream at this site. These did not sample turtles due to the small aperture of the entrance (50 mm). The permanent water body at Site KDD21 was also subjected to a comprehensive survey specifically for aquatic invertebrates during October 2010 (Bennelongia 2010).

Table 2.6: Preliminary aquatic survey sites within the Koodaideri study area.

Site Location Date Survey Method Habitat

KDD21 711579mE; 7506035mN 12/8/10 Hand foraging, dip-net sweeps, aquatic funnel traps, night search

Spring and stream

KDDTAD01 713524mE; 7504749mN 11/8/10 Dip-net sweeps Rockpool

2.4 Survey Limitations

The following limitations of the survey should be recognised:

• The fauna records reported here are from a single-phase survey only. It is likely that a seasonal survey would increase the number of species recorded from the Koodaideri study area.



• The most eastern section of the Koodaideri study area (to the east of the BHPBIO Yandi railway) could not be sampled due to accessibility issues.

• Rainfall during the survey period (as recorded at Newman) was higher than the long-term monthly average (see Section 2.1). However, data from Rhodes Ridge indicated that rainfall in the six months preceding the fauna survey was approximately 30% of the amount expected during that period. It is likely such dry climatic conditions would be reflected in the numbers of fauna species recorded during the survey.



Table 2.7: Systematic avifauna censuses undertaken within the Koodaideri study area (*denotes opportunistic records).

Site 10/8/10 11/8/10 12/8/10 13/8/10 14/8/10 15/8/10 20/8/10 21/8/10 22/8/10 23/8/10 24/8/10 Total (min)

KDD01 0937-1007 1030-1100 60

KDD02 0705-0735 1022-1052 60

KDD03 0950-1020 0750-0825 65

KDD04 0840-0910 30

KDD05 0940-1010 0820-0850 60

KDD06 * 0805-0835 0836-0906 60

KDD08F 0835-0915 0930-1000 * 70

KDD10F 0730-0810 40

KDD11 0720-0750 0850-0920 60

KDD12F 0940-1010 0805-0835 60

KDD13 0700-0730 30

KDD14 0838-0908 0825-0855 60

KDD15 0712-0742 30

KDD16 0830-0900 0945-1015 60

KDD17 0850-0930 0800-0830 70

KDD18 0910-0940 1035-1105 60

KDD19 0830-0900 1010-1040 60

KDD20 0905-0935 0915-0945 60

KDD21 0955-1025 * 0740-0820 * 70

KDD22 1010-1040 0709-0739 * 60

KDD23 0900-0930 0704-0734 60

KDD24 1040-1110 30

KDD25E 0730-0800 0850-0900 0830-0900 100

KDD26 0935-1000 0910-0940 55

KDD27 0850-0920 * 30

KDD28 0905-0935 30

KDD29 0758-0828 0750-0820 60

KDD30 0800-0830 0741-0811 60

KDD31 0805-0835 1020-1050 60

KDD32F 0715-0745 30

KDD33 0730-0800 0730-0800 60

KDD34F 0815-0845 0755-0805 50

KDD35E 0906-0936 * 30

Total Census Time 1,780 min



Figure 2.3: Systematic trapping sites used during the Koodaideri fauna survey.



Figure 2.4: Potential SRE invertebrate search sites utilised for the Koodaideri fauna survey.



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3.0 Results

3.1 Fauna Habitats

While 25 vegetation types have been described for the Koodaideri study area (Biota 2011), this equates to seven broad fauna habitat types (Table 3.1). These habitats were identified on the basis of landform, substrate and vegetation, and included:

• plain;

• hill slope;

• colluvial drainage line;

• minor drainage line;

• gully floor

• rocky hill slope; and

• rocky gorge. It should be noted that the vegetation of some of these sites was regenerating after a fire event. Representative photographs of all the sites sampled during the Koodaideri fauna survey can be found in Appendix 2.

Table 3.1: Fauna habitat types present within the Koodaideri study area.

LANDFORM Habitat Detail

Sites

PLAIN

Mixed Acacia spp. over ephemerals, Triodia spp. and Cenchrus ciliaris on loam to stony loam.

KDD02, KDD16, KDD18, KDD19, KDD20, KDD33

HILL SLOPE

Open Acacia spp. shrubland over Triodia spp. on stony loam.

KDD03, KDD04, KDD05, KDD08F, KDD14, KDD17, KDD24, KDD27, KDD28, KDD29, KDD32F, KDD34F

COLLUVIAL DRAINAGE LINE

Eucalyptus spp., Acacia spp. and Grevillea wickhamii over Cenchrus ciliaris on loam.

KDD01, KDD06, KDD21, KDD22, KDD23, KDD26, KDD30

SMALL DRAINAGE LINE

Dense Acacia sp. thicket, alongside Triodia spp. on stony loam. KDD10F, KDD13, KDD15, KDD31

GULLY FLOOR

Open Eucalyptus spp. over dense Cenchrus ciliaris on loam. KDD11

ROCKY HILL SLOPE

Scattered Eucalyptus spp. over ephemerals. KDD12F

ROCKY GORGE

Eucalyptus leucophloia over Triodia spp. KDD25E, KDD35E

3.2 Vertebrate Fauna Assemblage

3.2.1 Vertebrate Fauna Overview

A total of 105 species representing 46 different families were recorded during the Koodaideri fauna survey (Table 3.2). This total included 50 avifauna species (Table 3.3), 13 non-volant mammal species (Table 3.4), ten bat species (Table 3.5) and 32 herpetofauna species (Table 3.6).



Table 3.2: Overview of vertebrate fauna recorded within the Koodaideri study area.

Fauna Group Number of Species Number of Families

Avifauna 50 24

Native Non-volant Mammals 12 5

Introduced Non-volant Mammals 1 1

Bats 10 5

Amphibians 2 2

Reptiles 30 9

Total 105 46

3.2.2 Regional Endemism

None of the avifauna species recorded within the Koodaideri study area are considered to be endemic or near-endemic to the Pilbara bioregion. Of the mammal species recorded during the survey the following species are considered to be endemic or near-endemic to the Pilbara bioregion: Dasykaluta rosamondae, Ningaui timealeyi, Planigale sp. ‘k’, Pseudomys chapmani, Rhinonicteris aurantius and Macroderma gigas. The following herpetofauna species recorded during the Koodaideri fauna survey are considered to be endemic or near-endemic to the Pilbara bioregion: Lucasium wombeyi, Delma pax, Ctenotus duricola, Ctenotus rubicundus, Lerista jacksoni, Lerista muelleri, Lerista zietzi, Ramphotyphlops ammodytes and Liasis olivaceus barroni.

3.2.3 Conservation Significance

There were two avifauna species of State conservation significance, recorded during the Koodaideri fauna survey (Appendix 4). These were the Australian Bustard and the Star Finch, both listed by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) as Priority 4. Neither species is listed under Federal legislation. A further five avifauna species recorded are listed as Migratory and/or Marine under Federal legislation (Appendix 4). These species are: Spotted Nightjar, Pallid Cuckoo, Rainbow Bee-eater, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike and Magpie-lark. Four mammal species of conservation significance were recorded. Two of these, the Northern Quoll and the Pilbara Orange Leaf-nosed Bat, are listed as Schedule 1 under State legislation and as Endangered and Vulnerable, respectively, under Federal legislation (Appendix 4). The other two species recorded were the Priority 4 listed Ghost Bat and Western Pebble-mound Mouse. One herpetofauna species of conservation significance was recorded. This was the Pilbara Olive Python, which is listed as Schedule 1 under State legislation and as Vulnerable under Federal legislation (Appendix 4).



Table 3.3: Avifauna species recorded within the Koodaideri study area.

FAMILY Common Name

Species Name

KD

D01

KD

D02

KD

D03

KD

D04

KD

D05

KD

D06

KD

D08

F

KD

D10

F

KD

D11

KD

D12

F

KD

D13

KD

D14

KD

D15

KD

D16

KD

D17

KD

D18

KD

D19

KD

D20

KD

D21

KD

D22

KD

D23

KD

D24

KD

D25

E

KD

D26

KD

D27

KD

D28

KD

D29

KD

D30

KD

D31

KD

D32

F

KD

D33

KD

D34

F

KD

D35

E

KD

DBA

T01

KD

DBA

T04

KD

DO

PP

Total

CASUARIIDAE

Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae

1 1

COLUMBIDAE

Common Bronzewing

Phaps chalcoptera 1 1

Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes 2 7 9

Spinifex Pigeon Geophaps plumifera 26 3 4 2 6 1 4 4 50

Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata 1 1 2

Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata 4 4

EUROSTOPIDAE

Spotted Nightjar Eurostopodus argus 3 4 7

ACCIPITRIDAE

Collared Sparrowhawk

Accipiter cirrocephalus

1 1

Wedge-tailed Eagle

Aquila audax 1 1 1 1 1 5

FALCONIDAE

Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides 1 1 1 3

Brown Falcon Falco berigora 1 1 2

Australian Hobby Falco longipennis 1 1 1 3

OTIDIDAE

Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis 1 1 1 3

PSITTACIDAE

Australian Ringneck

Barnardius zonarius 3 1 3 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 3 2 27

CUCULIDAE

Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo

Chalcites basalis 1 1

Pallid Cuckoo Cacomantis pallidus 1 1

HALCYONIDAE

Blue-winged Kookaburra

Dacelo leachii 1 3 4

MEROPIDAE

Rainbow Bee-eater

Merops ornatus 3 5 1 1 10

PTILONORHYNCHIDAE

Western Bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus maculatus

2 2

MALURIDAE

White-winged Fairy-wren

Malurus leucopterus 3 3 6

Variegated Fairy-wren

Malurus lamberti 7 5 1 2 13 4 3 35

Rufous-crowned Emu-wren

Stipiturus ruficeps 3 3

ACANTHIZIDAE

Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris 2 2 3 2 3 1 1 3 17

Western Gerygone Gerygone fusca 2 1 2 5

Chestnut-rumped Thornbill

Acanthiza uropygialis

1 1

PARDALOTIDAE

Red-browed Pardalote

Pardalotus rubricatus 1 1 2

Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus 1 1



FAMILY Common Name

Species Name

KD

D01

KD

D02

KD

D03

KD

D04

KD

D05

KD

D06

KD

D08

F

KD

D10

F

KD

D11

KD

D12

F

KD

D13

KD

D14

KD

D15

KD

D16

KD

D17

KD

D18

KD

D19

KD

D20

KD

D21

KD

D22

KD

D23

KD

D24

KD

D25

E

KD

D26

KD

D27

KD

D28

KD

D29

KD

D30

KD

D31

KD

D32

F

KD

D33

KD

D34

F

KD

D35

E

KD

DBA

T01

KD

DBA

T04

KD

DO

PP

Total

MELIPHAGIDAE

Singing Honeyeater

Lichenostomus virescens

1 3 3 3 1 5 1 1 1 3 6 2 1 3 5 1 1 1 2 1 45

Grey-headed Honeyeater

Lichenostomus keartlandi

3 1 4 5 3 8 1 1 9 2 16 1 1 1 5 1 5 7 3 2 1 3 8 91

White-plumed Honeyeater

Lichenostomus penicillatus

2 2 37 2 1 2 1 47

White-fronted Honeyeater

Phylidonyris albifrons 6 6

Yellow-throated Miner

Manorina flavigula 8 1 1 3 5 37 5 3 7 70

Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta 9 1 2 1 2 3 2 1 2 4 1 1 1 1 2 3 1 3 40

CAMPEPHAGIDAE

Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike

Coracina novaehollandiae

1 1 1 3

PACHYCEPHALIDAE

Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris

1 1 2 1 1 1 7

Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica

1 1 1 2 2 1 4 1 13

Crested Bellbird Oreoica gutturalis 3 2 1 3 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 18

ARTAMIDAE

Masked Woodswallow

Artamus personatus 2 2

Black-faced Woodswallow

Artamus cinereus 2 8 3 17 1 3 4 38

Little Woodswallow Artamus minor 18 18

Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis

1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 13

Australian Magpie Cracticus tibicen 2 2 4

RHIPIDURIDAE

Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys 1 5 5 3 3 1 1 2 3 1 2 27

CORVIDAE

Torresian Crow Corvus orru 1 2 1 1 6 2 1 14

MONARCHIDAE

Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca 1 2 1 3 2 9

PETROICIDAE

Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata

1 1 2

MEGALURIDAE

Spinifex-bird Eremiornis carteri 2 2

ESTRILDIDAE

Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata 7 33 3 5 5 80 5 5 6 7 1 4 161

Star Finch Neochmia ruficauda 3 6 9

Painted Finch Emblema pictum 4 6 3 7 20

Total Number of Individuals 27 15 64 5 42 11 26 22 20 16 16 15 10 55 12 35 7 25 205 11 35 15 12 12 4 3 8 25 14 5 25 9 34 1 19 5 865

Total Number of Species 10 6 9 3 6 8 8 9 10 6 8 8 7 11 5 11 5 4 20 5 12 7 5 7 4 3 3 10 4 4 8 5 13 1 6 2 50



Table 3.4: Non-volant mammal species recorded within the Koodaideri study area (T denotes trace record).

FAMILY Species Name

Common Name

KD

D01

KD

D02

KD

D03

KD

D04

KD

D05

KD

D06

KD

D11

KD

D13

KD

D14

KD

D16

KD

D17

KD

D18

KD

D19

KD

D20

KD

D22

KD

D23

KD

D24

KD

D26

KD

D27

KD

D28

KD

D30

KD

D31

KD

D32F

KD

D33

KD

D34F

KD

D35E

KD

DBA

T04

KD

DF08

KD

DO

PP

Total

TACHYGLOSSIDAE

Tachyglossus aculeatus Echidna 2T 2T

DASYURIDAE

Dasykaluta rosamondae

Little Red Kaluta 1 1

Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll 1 1

Ningaui timealeyi Pilbara Ningaui 1 1

Planigale sp. 'k' Planigale sp. 'k' 1 1

Sminthopsis youngsoni Lesser Hairy-footed Dunnart

3 3

MACROPODIDAE

Macropus robustus Euro 1 3 1 1 1 7

Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo 1 1 1 3

MURIDAE

Pseudomys chapmani Western Pebble-mound Mouse

T T T 1 T T T T T 1+8T

Pseudomys hermannsburgensis

Sandy Inland Mouse 1 1 1 1 8 2 2 3 1 20

Zyzomys argurus Common Rock-rat 18 18

CANIDAE

Canis lupus dingo Dingo T 2 1 T 1 T 4+3T

FELIDAE

Felis catus Cat T 1 1+1T

Total Number of Individuals 2+T 4 5 T 1+T 2 1 2T 1 1 2+T 1 T 2T 8 2 3 3 T T 1 1 T 2 1 18 T 1+T 1 62+14T

Total Number of Species 3 2 2 1 2 2 1 2 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 13

Table 3.5: Bat species recorded during the Koodaideri fauna survey (C denotes bat echolocation call [Appendix 3]; T denotes trace record).

FAMILY Species Name

Common Name KDDBAT01 KDDBAT02 KDDBAT03 KDDBAT04 Total

HIPPOSIDERIDAE

Rhinonicteris aurantius Pilbara Orange Leafnosed-bat 7+C C 7+2C

MEGADERMATIDAE

Macroderma gigas Ghost Bat T 1T

EMBALLONURIDAE

Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat C 1C

Taphozous georgianus Common Sheathtail-bat C C 8+C 8+3C

Taphozous hilli Hill's Sheathtail-bat 4 4 8

VESPERTILIONIDAE

Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat C C C 3C

Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat C C 2C

Vespadelus finlaysoni Finlayson's Cave Bat 3+C 2+C C C 5+4C

MOLOSSIDAE

Mormopterus beccarii Beccari's Free-tail Bat C 1C

Tadarida australis White-striped Free-tail Bat C C 1C

Total Number of Individuals 14+4C 6+3C 6C 8+4C+T 28+17C+1T

Total Number of Species 6 4 6 5 10



Table 3.6: Herpetofauna species recorded during the Koodaideri fauna survey (T denotes trace record).

FAMILY Species Name K

DD

01

KD

D02

KD

D03

KD

D04

KD

D05

KD

D06

KD

D08

F

KD

D10

F

KD

D11

KD

D12

F

KD

D13

KD

D14

KD

D15

KD

D16

KD

D17

KD

D18

KD

D19

KD

D20

KD

D21

KD

D22

KD

D23

KD

D24

KD

D26

KD

D27

KD

D30

KD

D31

KD

D32

F

KD

D33

KD

D34

F

KD

D35

E

KD

DBA

T04

Total

HYLIDAE

Litoria rubella 38 38

MYOBATRACHIDAE

Uperoleia russelli 290 290

AGAMIDAE

Ctenophorus caudicinctus

1 1

Ctenophorus isolepis

2 2 2 1 2 1 1 11

Pogona minor 1 1

DIPLODACTYLIDAE

Diplodactylus conspicillatus

2 3 2 1 8

Lucasium stenodactylum

1 1 2 1 1 1 7

Lucasium wombeyi 1 1

Oedura marmorata 1T 1T 2T

Rhynchoedura ornata

1 1 1 1 1 5

Strophurus elderi 1 1

Strophurus wellingtonae

1 1 1 3

GEKKONIDAE

Heteronotia binoei 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 9

PYGOPODIDAE

Delma butleri 1 1

Delma pax 2 1 3

SCINCIDAE

Carlia munda 1 1 3 1 6

Ctenotus duricola 1 1 1 1 4

Ctenotus pantherinus

1 1

Ctenotus rubicundus

1 1

Ctenotus saxatilis 3 3

Lerista bipes 1 3 1 5

Lerista jacksoni 1 1

Lerista muelleri 2 5 1 4 5 17

Lerista zietzi 1 1

Menetia greyii 1 1 1 1 1 1 6

Morethia ruficauda exquisita

2 1 3

VARANIDAE

Varanus acanthurus 1 1

Varanus brevicauda

1 1

TYPHLOPIDAE

Ramphotyphlops ammodytes

1 1 2



FAMILY Species Name K

DD

01

KD

D02

KD

D03

KD

D04

KD

D05

KD

D06

KD

D08

F

KD

D10

F

KD

D11

KD

D12

F

KD

D13

KD

D14

KD

D15

KD

D16

KD

D17

KD

D18

KD

D19

KD

D20

KD

D21

KD

D22

KD

D23

KD

D24

KD

D26

KD

D27

KD

D30

KD

D31

KD

D32

F

KD

D33

KD

D34

F

KD

D35

E

KD

DBA

T04

Total

Ramphotyphlops grypus

1 2 1 1 1 1 1 8

BOIDAE

Liasis olivaceus barroni

2 2

ELAPIDAE

Furina ornata 1 1

Pseudonaja modesta

1 1

Total Number of Individuals

4 6 2 3 4 9 2 2 3 1 1 3 3 6 4 4 2 3 348 4 5 2 6 3 4 4 1 3 1 1T 1T 443+2T

Total Number of Species

3 4 1 2 3 5 2 1 3 1 1 3 3 4 3 4 2 2 11 4 1 1 4 3 4 4 1 3 1 1 1 32



3.3 Potential Short Range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna

3.3.1 Mygalomorph Spiders

Mygalomorphae are regularly collected in the Pilbara bioregion (Biota Internal Database; EPA 2009). Several species are included in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice 2010, although none of these occur in the Pilbara bioregion. Much of the taxonomy relating to Pilbara mygalomorphs has to date only been resolved to the level of genus. Of the 42 spiders collected during the Koodaideri fauna survey, 39 were individuals belonging to the Mygalomorphae. These belonged to three families; the Barychelidae, the Idiopidae and the Nemesiidae (Table 3.8). To date none of the taxa collected are considered to be SREs, however it should be noted that these taxa have not yet been resolved to species level. These specimens have been lodged with the WA Museum for further identification and to contribute to ongoing genetic work. It is likely that until this latter work is advanced, their species-level distributions will remain unclear.

3.3.2 Araneomorph Spiders

Three spider specimens belonging to the Araneomorphae were collected as by-catch while targeting mygalomorphs (Table 3.8). These specimens are not considered to be SREs, but have been lodged with the WA Museum.

3.3.3 Pseudoscorpions

Nineteen pseudoscorpions belonging to two families, the Olpiidae and the Garypinidae, were collected during the Koodaideri fauna survey (Table 3.9). These taxa are not currently considered to be SREs. The specimens have been lodged with the WA Museum for further identification.

3.3.4 Aquatic Snails

Specimens representing three distinct morphotypes of aquatic snail were collected during the survey. The results of analyses relating to their identity are pending, but it appears unlikely that they will be SRE fauna (Z. Hamilton pers. comm.).

3.3.5 Other Aquatic Invertebrates

A total of 64 other aquatic invertebrates, representing two families, were collected during the Koodaideri fauna survey (Table 3.7). None of these are currently considered likely to be SREs.

Table 3.7: Other aquatic invertebrates collected within the Koodaideri study area.

ORDER Family

Genus Species Common Name KDD21 KDDTAD01 Total

HEMIPTERA

Nepidae Laccotrephes sp. 1 Water Scorpion 1 1

Nepidae Laccotrephes sp. 2 Water Scorpion 2 2

COLEOPTERA

Dytiscidae Cybister? sp? Diving Beetle 25 25

Dytiscidae Cybister? sp? Diving Beetle 6 6

Hydrophilidae Scavenger Water Beetle 30 30

Total Number of Individuals 64



Table 3.8: Spiders collected from within, and adjacent to, the Koodaideri study area.

FAMILY Genus

Species

KD

D17

KD

D22

KD

D23

KD

D25E

KD

D26

KD

D29

KD

D30

KD

D32F

KD

D34F

OPP01

OPP03

OPP04

OPP05

OPP06

OPP09

OPP12

OPP13

OPP14

OPP15

Total

BARYCHELIDAE

Aurecocrypta chichester? 1 1

IDIOPIDAE

Eucyrtops sp. 1 1

NEMESIIDAE

Aname sp. 1 1 2 3 1 3 3 5 2 3 1 1 2 1 1 30

Aname sp. MYG001 gp 1 1 1 1 4

Aname sp. armigera gp 1 1 2

Aname sp. MYG004 1 1

LYCOSIDAE

Hoggicosa bicolor 1 1

SEGESTRIIDAE

Indetermined sp. 2 2

Total Number of Individuals 1 1 1 1 4 1 3 2 2 4 3 7 2 3 1 2 2 1 1 42

Total Number of Species 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 2 1 2 1 3 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 8

Table 3.9: Pseudoscorpions collected from within, and adjacent to, the Koodaideri study area.

FAMILY Genus

Species KDD12F KDD24 KDD25E KDD30 KDD32F OPP01 OPP17 OPP18 Total

GARYPINIDAE

Solinus sp. 1 1 1 3

OLPIIDAE

Gen. 7/4 sp. 1 4 1 2 8 16

Total Number of Individuals 1 4 1 1 2 1 1 8 19

Total Number of Species 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2



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4.0 Discussion

4.1 Fauna Habitat Conservation Value

The habitats identified within the Koodaideri study area do not include any assemblages recognised as either Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) or Priority Ecological Communities (PECs). However it should be noted that, for a study area the size of the Koodaideri lease, the high number of vegetation units present (Biota 2011) corresponds to a diverse range of fauna habitats (Section 3.1). While there are no TECs or PECs present within the study area, the Koodaideri spring (at site KDD21) is recognised as having high conservation value as a fauna habitat. Areas containing permanent water in the Pilbara Bioregion such as this are considered to represent significant refugia for many fauna species during dry years. Additionally they represent important foraging habitat for many taxa, particularly species of high conservation significance including the Northern Quoll, Pilbara Olive Python and Pilbara Orange Leaf-nosed Bat. Whilst not containing permanent water, other gorges present within the study area, such as at KDD25E, also represent greater value as habitat than the remaining areas within the study area. These sites represent potential core habitat for threatened fauna species such as the Northern Quoll and Pilbara Orange Leaf-nosed Bat. Lastly, the mine adits located at KDDBAT01 and KDDBAT02 require specific management aimed at preserving their internal structure and limiting access by personnel. These issues are discussed in (Section 4.4.1.2) in relation to their use as roosting sites by bats.

4.2 Fauna Assemblage

The fauna assemblage of 105 vertebrate fauna species is typical of what would be expected for an area of that surveyed at Koodaideri. The suite of species present is representative of the fauna within both the Pilbara bioregion and the Hamersley and Fortescue subregions. It is likely that this level of diversity is dependent to some extent upon the availability of permanent water at KDD21 (Figure 2.3).

4.3 Short-range Endemic Fauna

SREs occur in taxonomic groups with naturally small distributions and are in part characterised by poor dispersal capabilities, confinement to disjunct habitats and low fecundity (Harvey 2002, Ponder and Colgan 2002). Given the importance of Short-range endemism to the conservation of biodiversity, the assessment of such invertebrate taxa is a potentially important component of impact assessment. On the basis of known invertebrate morphotypes, it appears unlikely that those collected during the survey of Koodaideri are restricted solely to the project area. The genera of pseudoscorpions and araneomorph spiders collected are not currently thought to contain taxa representing short-range endemic species (Harvey 2009). Similarly, the aquatic invertebrates that were collected are considered to be widespread and common in the Bioregion (Bennelongia 2010; Pinder et al 2010), although the identification of the aquatic snails is pending. There are mygalomorph taxa in some regions of Western Australia that are listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice 2010 and the group is likely to contain some SRE taxa. However, mygalomorphs are commonly recorded in the Pilbara bioregion (source: Biota internal database), although further studies are required to elucidate



species taxonomy. Consequently, the current approach to resolving impacts on the group focuses on risk-based habitat assessments. Accordingly, the following factors indicate little likelihood of the recorded mygalomorphs representing SRE taxa:

• the Land Systems in which these specimens were recorded are widespread and common in the region;

• the landforms from which they were collected is contiguous with similar landforms in adjacent areas; and

• the habitat from which they were recorded is not isolated or restricted in the landscape.

4.4 Fauna of Conservation Significance

Of the 105 vertebrate fauna species recorded during the Koodaideri fauna survey, seven are currently listed under the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice 2010 (Table 4.1). Of these seven, three are also listed under the EPBC Act 1999. Based on known distributions (Johnstone and Storr 1998; Johnstone and Storr 2004; van Dyck and Strahan 2008; Wilson and Swan 2010) a further nine threatened fauna species may occur within the Koodaideri study area (Table 4.1). For the purposes of this report, only those species confirmed from the study area and requiring specific management attention are discussed further in Section 4.4.1. The remaining four Priority species now known from Koodaideri (Australian Bustard, Star Finch, Ghost Bat and Western Pebble-mound Mouse), and the other Threatened species which may occur, will be addressed in the comprehensive report to be prepared after the completion of the Phase II survey.

Table 4.1: Fauna species of conservation significance recorded or potentially occurring within the Koodaideri study area (* denotes species recorded).

Fauna Species Status

State Federal

Night Parrot Pezoporus occidentalis Schedule 1 Endangered

Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus* Schedule 1 Endangered

Pilbara Orange Leaf-nosed Bat Rhinonicteris aurantius* Schedule 1 Vulnerable

Pilbara Olive Python Liasis olivaceus barroni* Schedule 1 Vulnerable

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Schedule 4 -

Spectacled Hare-wallaby Lagorchestes conspicillatus leichardti Priority 3 -

Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos Priority 4 -

Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis* Priority 4 -

Bush Stone Curlew Burhinus grallarius Priority 4 -

Star Finch Neochmia ruficauda* Priority 4 -

Long-tailed Dunnart Sminthopsis longicaudata Priority 4 -

Ghost Bat Macroderma gigas* Priority 4 -

Short-tailed Mouse Leggadina lakedownensis Priority 4 -

Western Pebble-mound Mouse Pseudomys chapmani* Priority 4 -

Notoscincus butleri Priority 4 -

Ramphotyphlops ganei Priority 4 -

4.4.1 Threatened Fauna Species Recorded Within the Study Area

4.4.1.1 Dasyurus hallucatus

The Northern Quoll was originally recorded across Northern Australia from the Northwest Cape, Western Australia to south-east Queensland but has declined in recent years. Its distribution is



now restricted to six main areas: the north and western top end of the Northern Territory, north of Cape York, the Atherton-Cairns area, the Carnarvon Range-Bowen area of Queensland (Menkhorst and Knight 2001), and the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of northwest Western Australia (Braithwaite and Griffiths 1994). It also occurs on numerous islands off the Australian coast (Abbott and Burbidge 1995, Burbidge and McKenzie 1978). This species is most abundant near major creek lines and rivers and in open, rocky habitat and is also commonly found in gorges, where breeding is successful (Oakwood 2000). This species was represented by one individual recorded within the study area; an individual freshly killed by a bird of prey near KDD06 (Figure 2.3). Given the prevalence of gorge habitat and the permanent water at KDD21, the study area has the potential to support numerous animals. However, it should be noted that assessment of the local area using aerial photography and vehicle traverses during the survey suggest the species’ local distribution will extend well beyond the Koodaideri lease. Under the EPBC Act 1999, an action requires referral to the Federal Environment Minister if it is deemed likely to have a significant impact on a matter of national environmental significance (in this case a listed threatened species the Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus). 4.4.1.2 Rhinonicteris aurantius

The Pilbara Orange Leaf-nosed Bat is a relictual monotypic genus of the family Hipposideridae. It occurs in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, through the Kimberley and across the northern Australia into north-western Queensland (Churchill 1991). The occurrence of this species is influenced by the availability of suitable roost caves (Churchill 1998). That is, deep caves offering suitable humidity and a stable temperature. In the Pilbara, they are thought to be restricted to caves where at least semi-permanent water is nearby (Dr Kyle Armstrong, Specialised Zoological, pers. comm. 2005). As a Schedule 1 and Federally listed species, the Pilbara Orange Leaf-nosed Bat is considered fauna in need of special protection. This study has shown that a colony of this species estimated to number approximately 40 animals occupies the adit at site KDDBAT01 (Appendix 3). As one of the larger colonies identified in recent years, this population is likely to be considered of national significance and will require specific management strategies to be implemented to prevent disturbance of the roost. 4.4.1.3 Liasis olivaceus barroni

Regarded as a Pilbara endemic, this subspecies has a known distribution that coincides roughly with the Pilbara bioregion (Environment Australia 2000). The Pilbara Olive Python occurs in rocky areas within the Pilbara, showing a preference for rocky habitats near water, particularly rock pools. The primary threats identified as impacting the Pilbara Olive Python are predation, reduction of prey species and development associated with gas and iron ore production. It should be noted however, that this last factor is identified with particular regard to the Burrup Peninsula (DEWHA 2008), and other sources suggest that the species is not threatened in the Pilbara (Kendrick 2001). This species was recorded in a pool in the gorge at site KDD21 (Figure 2.3). As a Schedule 1 and Federally listed species, the Pilbara Olive Python is considered fauna in need of special protection. However, while proposed developments may impact on individuals, it is not generally considered likely to have a significant impact on the conservation status of this species and it therefore normally requires no specific management.



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5.0 References Abbott, I. and A.A. Burbidge (1995). The occurrence of mammal species on the islands of

Australia: a summary of existing knowledge. CALM Science 1: 259-324.

Biota Environmental Sciences (2011). A Vegetation and Flora Survey of Koodaideri – Summary Report. Unpublished consultants report prepared for Rio Tinto Iron Ore.

Bennelongia Environmental Consultants (2010) Baseline Survey of Koodaideri Spring. Unpublished consultants report prepared for Rio Tinto Iron Ore.

Braithwaite R.W. and A. Griffiths (1994). Demographic variation and range contraction in the Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae). Wildlife Research 21: 203- 217.

Burbidge, A.A. and N.L. McKenzie (Eds.) (1978). The Islands of the North-west Kimberley. Wildlife Research Bulletin of Western Australia, No 7.

Churchill, S.K. (1991). Distribution, abundance and roost selection of the orange horseshoe-bat, Rhinonicteris aurantius, a tropical cave dweller. Wildlife Research 18: 343-353.

Churchill, S.K. (1998). Australian Bats. Reed New Holland: Frenchs Forest, NSW.

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (2008). http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/liasis-olivaceous-barroni.html#conservation. Accessed 8th March 2011.

Environment Australia (2000). Revision of the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) and Development of Version 5.1, Summary Report. Environment Australia, November 2000.

Environmental Protection Authority (2002). Position Statement No. 3: Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity Protection. http://www.epa.wa.gov.au/docs/1033_ps3.pdf

Environmental Protection Authority (2004). EPA Guidance Statement No. 56: Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia. http://www.epa.wa.gov.au/docs/1850_GS56.pdf

Environmental Protection Authority (2009). EPA Guidance Statement No. 20: Sampling of Short Range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia. . http://www.epa.wa.gov.au/docs/2953_GS20SRE250509.pdf

Harvey, M.S. (2002) Short Range endemism among Australian fauna: some examples from nonmarine environments. Invertebrate Systematics, 16: 555-570.

Harvey M.S. (2009) Pseudoscorpions of the World, version 1.2. Western Australian Museum, Perth. http://www.museum.wa.gov.au/arachnids/pseudoscorpions/

Johnstone, R.E. and G.M. Storr (1998). Handbook of Western Australian Birds. Volume I – Non-passerines (Emu to Dollarbird). Western Australian Museum, Perth WA.

Johnstone, R.E. and G.M. Storr (2004). Handbook of Western Australian Birds. Volume II – Passerines (Blue-winged Pitta to Goldfinch). Western Australian Museum, Perth WA.

Kendrick, P. (2001) Pilbara 3 (PIL3 – Hamersley subregion). In: A Biodiversity Audit of western Australia’s 53 Biogeographical Subregions in 2002. May and Mackenzie [eds] 2003. Dept of Conservation and Land Management, Western Australia.

Menkhorst, P. and F. Knight (2001). A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. Oxford University Press.



Oakwood, M. (2000). Reproduction and demography of the northern quoll, Dasyurus hallucatus, in the lowland savanna of northern Australia. Australian Journal of Zoology 48: 519–539.

Pinder, A.M., Halse, A.H., Shiel, R.J. and McRae, J.M. (2010) An arid zone awash with diversity: patterns in the distribution of aquatic invertebrates in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Recs of the W.A. Museum, Supplement 78:205-246.

Ponder, W.F. and Colgan, D.J. (2002). What makes a narrow-range taxon? Insights from Australian fresh-water snails. Invertebrate Systematics 16: 571–582.

Van Dyck, S. and Strahan, R. (2008). The Mammals of Australia Third Edition. Reed New Holland, NSW.

Wilson, S. and G. Swan (2010). A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia. Third Edition. New Holland Publishers, Australia.


Cube:Current:583 (Koodaideri Fauna 2010):Documents:Koodaideri Terrestrial Fauna Survey v2.docx

Appendix 1

Regulation 17 “Licence to take fauna for scientific purposes”

SF007562



Appendix 2

Systematic Site Photographs



Plate 1: Site KDD01. Plate 2: Site KDD02.



Plate 7: Site KDD08F. Plate 8: Site KDD10F.



Plate 9: Site KDD11. Plate 10: Site KDD12F.









Plate 23: Site KDD25E. Plate 24: Site KDD26.



Plate 33: Site KDD35E.



Appendix 3

Bat Call WA Report

Echolocation Survey of Koodaideri project Fauna - 2010

BAT CALL WA 1 of 18 12/03/2011

Koodaideri Project, WA,

Fauna Survey Phase 1, 2010

Echolocation Survey of Bat Activity.

Prepared for Biota Environmental Sciences

Bat Call WA Pty Ltd ABN 26 146 117 839 43 Murray Drive Hillarys Western Australia 6025 [email protected] +61 8 9402 1987 +61 488 930 735 Prepared by: R. D. Bullen – Bat Call WA Issue 3 12 March 2011 This document has been prepared to the requirements of Biota Environmental Sciences. It may be cited for the purposes of scientific research or other reasonable use. It may not be reproduced or distributed to any third party by hardcopy or electronic means without the permission of the client or Bat Call WA.


BAT CALL WA 2 of 18 12/03/2011

Document Revision History

Date Issue Revision History

17 Jan 2011 Draft Issue 1 Initial Draft prepared for Biota

2 Mar 2011 Issue 2 Reissued with comments from Biota incorporated

12 Mar 2011 Issue 3 Reissued with comments from RTIO incorporated. Recommendations section moved to Biota main report.


BAT CALL WA 3 of 18 12/03/2011

Summary Chiroptera species presence, with an estimate of activity level, is presented for four sites on the RTIO Koodaideri deposit, approximately 110 km northwest of Newman in the Pilbara, WA. Biota Environmental Sciences carried out a systematic echolocation based survey during August of 2010. A single site, the adit at KDDbat 01 was revisited in December 2010. Bat Call WA has reviewed the recordings made and provided species lists for the bats present. Nine species of insectivorous microbats were recorded including Pilbara leaf-nosed bat (Rhinonicteris aurantia, PLN) a species listed as Vulnerable under both state and federal legislation. A typical Pilbara colony of between 30 and 40 PLN was detected at site KDDbat01, a disused mine adit. The December 2010 visit to this site indicated that this may be a maternity colony of over 30 reproducing females. Two PLN transient calls were also recorded at the spring site, KDDbat03, approximately 6 km distant in August 2010. Habitats Sites for the Chiroptera survey were chosen by Biota. The survey was carried out over nine recording nights in August 2010 and three nights in December 2010. Two overnight recordings were made at sites KDDbat01, KDDbat02 and KDDbat04. Three were made at KDDbat03. Plates 1 to 4 below show the habitats surveyed. Sites ’01 and ’02 are disused mine adits. Site ’03 is a natural spring with surface water in a wide gorge and site ’04 is a cave entrance overlooking another wide gorge. The general locations of the sites are shown in relation to the regional features in Figure 1.


BAT CALL WA 4 of 18 12/03/2011

Plate 1. Site KDDbat01.

Plate 2. Site KDDbat 02.


BAT CALL WA 5 of 18 12/03/2011

Plate 3 Site KDDbat03.

Plate 4. Site KDDbat04.


BAT CALL WA 6 of 18 12/03/2011

Bat Fauna A microbat assemblage of nine insectivorous species was confirmed as present at the study sites in August (Table 3). A colony of approximately 40 PLN was found at the adit at site ‘01. The size of the colony is estimated by the pattern of echolocation records shown in Figures 2 and 3. The August pattern, Figure 2, is consistent with 20 to 25 PLN departing the adit between 6:15PM and 7:30 PM and then returning from 8:15 PM onwards. The December pattern repeated itself over the three nights that were recorded and is consistent with approximately 40 PLN departing the adit between 7PM and 11 PM with a small number returning by midnight. The second peak is consistent on all three nights and indicates approximately 30 PLN returning to the adit between 3:45 AM and 5 AM. An energy balance is presented below that suggests that the late returning PLN are probably lactating females. A colony of this size is typical in the Pilbara. Past observations estimate PLN colonies at between 10 and 350 with 20 to 100 being a more typical size (DEWHA 2010). In addition, two PLN calls were recorded at the spring site, KDDbat03 on the 14th August. The distance of this site from the colony, 6 km, is consistent with the known nightly foraging distance of this species. It is probable that these calls were made by PLN from the colony. Other species activity levels varied between high and low overall, which is typical for the time of year, see criteria below. Site specific details are presented in Table 1. Characteristics of the calls recorded are presented in Table 2. PLN Energy Balance. The PLN is a 10g insectivore that uses its highly agile flight capability and an airsuperiority strategy to forage (Bullen and McKenzie 2001, McKenzie and Bullen 2009). They are opportunistic in their foraging, taking primarily moths and beetles but also other insects available (Churchill 2008). Published data on PLN reproduction is scarce. Armstrong (2001) reports pregnant PLN in November and December and lactating/post lactating females in March. Churchill (2008) reports timing of birth in December with weaning in February. Churchill’s data though apply to the wet-tropics of the top-end.


BAT CALL WA 7 of 18 12/03/2011

In August, the PLN active at the adit would clearly be either non-reproductive or in the early stages of pregnancy. In December the majority of adult female PLN would be either gravid or be post partum and be lactating. The author’s energy balance analysis (Bullen unpublished data, paper in preparation) for this species indicates that non-reproductive PLN have a daily field metabolic (FMR) rate of 20 kJ and require 2 hours of foraging to balance their daily energy expenditure. Author’s analysis of pregnant and lactating PLN show daily FMR levels of 24kJ and 60kJ respectively and require 2.5 and 6.0 hours of foraging respectively (Bullen in prep.). The August data from the adit is consistent with a 2 hour active foraging period with the majority of calls recorded over a 5 hour period. This is interpreted as bats leaving the roost in the first hour and then progressively returning over the following four, the intervening period including some non-foraging night roost time. The December data shows a very different pattern with the majority of bats leaving the roost in the first three hours and then returning in the hour before first-light, an elapsed period of approximately 8 hours. This pattern is very consistent over three nights with 50-60 PLN calls recorded between 7PM and midnight and then approximately 30 PLN calls being recorded between 4AM and 5AM. This pattern is interpreted as a resident population at the adit of approximately 40 individuals with 30 of these being post-partum females with pups. Survey Timing, Moon Phase and Weather The initial systematic echolocation survey was conducted between 12th and 24th of August 2010. Sampling evenings were generally fine and cold with minimum temperatures between 5OC and 15OC overnight. The nights of the 13th and the 23rd of August were humid with some showers in the region. The moon in this period was between new and full. These conditions normally result in recorded bat echolocation activity below typical seasonal levels. The second visit to KDDbat01 was conducted between 2nd and 4th December 2010. Sampling evenings were fine and warm with minimum temperatures between 15OC and 25OC overnight. The moon in this period


BAT CALL WA 8 of 18 12/03/2011

was new. These are typical wet season conditions and correspond to maximum bat activity. Survey Team A team of Biota ecologists led by Phil Runham conducted the bat sampling work. Bob Bullen of Bat Call WA completed analysis of echolocation recordings. Systematic Sampling The August systematic survey consisted of completing nine overnight bat sound recordings, beginning at twilight, at a location within the survey area. The recordings were “continuous” (Hyder et al. 2010) made using Anabat SD-1 (Titley Electronics, Ballina, NSW) detectors, set to divide by 16, in conjunction with a LS-10 Professional PCM Recorder (Olympus, Japan). A failing Anabat battery on the night of the 23rd August at KDDbat01 resulted in intermittent recording. The December visit was completed over three nights. Again overnight continuous recordings were made using Anabat SD1/Olympus LS-10 equipment. COOL EDIT 2000 (Now available as AUDITION from Adobe Systems Inc.) was used to display each “continuous call” sequence for identification. Only good quality call sequences were used. Details of calls analysed are provided in Table 2 as recommended by Australasian Bat Society (ABS 2006). Reference data for the species identified are available in Bullen and McKenzie 2002, McKenzie and Bullen 2003 and McKenzie and Bullen 2009. Bat activity was then characterised as “Low”, “Medium” or “High” based on the rate of call sequences recorded. !" Low species activity is referred when a species is recorded with call spacing less often than ten minutes, !" Medium species activity refers to call recordings more often than 10 minutes but less often than two minutes apart for a significant time period followed by sporadic records for the remainder of the session. !" High species activity refers to call recording more often than two minutes apart for significant periods followed by reasonably regular records for the remainder of the session. Further details of the calls analysed including graphical presentations are available from Bat Call WA on request.


BAT CALL WA 9 of 18 12/03/2011

Survey Limitations The sites surveyed were accessible on foot and the recorders were set with the microphone pointing upward at approximately 45 deg. The survey method may be biased against species that are known to forage close to the ground and in heavily wooded habitat due to the adit and cave sites being either open or high on the slope. Species that may be under-represented as a result may include Nyctophilus geoffroyi and N. daedalus that are known to occasionally forage in the area. Bat species density away from adit entrances is impossible to estimate from echolocation records. Bat activity is therefore substituted as an approximate guide to the relative numbers of each species using the study area.


BAT CALL WA 10 of 18 12/03/2011

References ABS (2006). Recommendations of the Australasian Bat Society Inc for reporting standards for insectivorous bat surveys using bat detectors. The Australasian Bat Society Newsletter 27: 6-9. Armstrong, K. N. (2001). The distribution and roost habitat of the orange leaf-nosed bat, Rhinonicteris aurantius, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Wildlife Research 28: 95-104. Bullen R.D. and McKenzie N.L. (2001). Bat airframe design: flight performance, stability and control in relation to foraging ecology. Australian Journal of Zoology 49: 235-261. Bullen R.D. and McKenzie N.L. (2002). Differentiating Western Australian Nyctophilus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) echolocation calls. Australian Mammalogy. 23: 89-93 Churchill, S. (2008). Australian Bats 2nd edition. Allen and Unwin; Sydney. Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) (2010). Species profile and threats database, Rhinonicteris aurantia (Pilbara form). www.environment.gov.au/ site accessed 8 Sept 2010. Hyder, B.M., Dell, J. and Cowan, M.A. (eds) (2010). Technical guide – Terrestrial vertebrate fauna surveys for environmental impact assessment. Technical report of the Environmental Protection Authority and the Department of Environment and Conservation. McKenzie N.L. and Bullen R.D. (2003). Identifying Little Sandy Desert bat species from their echolocation calls. Australian Mammalogy 25: 73-80. McKenzie, N.L. and Bullen R.D. (2009). The echolocation calls, habitat relationships, foraging niches and communities of Pilbara microbats. Rec. West. Aust. Mus. Supplement 78:123-155.


BAT CALL WA 11 of 18 12/03/2011

Table 1 Site Specific details.

Site Date Recording Time Habitat Easting Northing

KDDbat 01

22 - 24 Aug 2010.

2 - 4 Dec 2010

Two and three continuous overnight

recordings respectively

Adit entrance 705633 7507131

KDDbat 02 20 – 22 Aug 2010

Two overnight

recordings. One continuous and one

intermittent

Adit entrance 709372 7507006

KDDbat 03 12 – 15 Aug 2010

Three continuous overnight

recordings

Natural spring with running

water in a wide gorge

711556 7505928

KDDbat 04 20 – 22 Aug 2010

Two continuous overnight

recordings Cave entrance 718225 7503510

Note – Coordinates are GDA94 Zone 50


BAT CALL WA 12 of 18 12/03/2011

Table 2: Summary of Echolocation call characteristics for microbat species present.

Genus species Authority Common name Typical FpeakC kHz

Ave. Q

Typical Duration

msec

Typical Call Shape

Chalinolobus gouldii (Grey 1841) Gould’s wattled bat 32 10 7 - 11 FM

Mormopterus beccarii Peters 1881 Beccari’s free-tailed bat 26 10 8 – 13 Shallow FM

Nyctophilus geoffroyi Leach 1821 Lesser long-eared bat 47 2.5 5 Steep FM

Rhinonicteris aurantia (Gray 1845) Pilbara leaf-nosed bat 120 30 5 - 8 CF

Saccolaimus flaviventris (Peters 1867)

Yellow-bellied sheath-tailed bat 17 9 12 - 21 CF - FM

Scotorepens greyii (Gray 1843) Little broad-nosed bat 38 10 7 - 13 FM

Tadarida australis (Grey 1838) White-striped free-tailed bat 11 7 12 - 23 CF– shallow FM

Taphozous georgianus Thomas 1915 Common sheath-tailed bat 24.5 14 9 - 18 CF– shallow

FM

Vespadelus finlaysoni (Kitchener, Jones and Caputi 1987) Inland cave bat 55 14 4 - 8 FM

Note: FpeakC and Q are defined in McKenzie and Bullen 2003, 2009.


BAT CALL WA 13 of 18 12/03/2011

Table 3. Microbat lists obtained presented by site and night.

Site Date

Chal

inol

obus

gou

ldii

Mor

mop

teru

s bec

carii

Nyc

toph

ilus g

eoffr

oyi

Rhin

onic

teris

aur

antia

Sacc

olai

mus

flav

iven

tris

Scot

orep

ens g

reyi

i

Tada

rida

austr

alis

Taph

ozou

s geo

rgia

nus

Not

e 1

Vesp

adel

us fi

nlay

soni

KDDbat 01 22 Aug Low 37 calls note 2 Low Low Low

KDDbat 01 23 Aug note 3 5 calls

note 3

KDDbat 01 2-4 Dec Low

80-90 calls per

night note 2

Low Low Low

KDDbat02 20 Aug Low Low Low


BAT CALL WA 14 of 18 12/03/2011

KDDbat02 21 Aug Low Low

KDDbat03 12 Aug Low Low High Low High

KDDbat03 13 Aug Low Med Med

KDDbat03 14 Aug Low 2 calls Low High

KDDbat04 20 Aug Low Low High Med

KDDbat04 21 Aug Low Low High Med

Note 1: Taphozous calls recorded had the characteristics of T. georgianus. There may be a similar species, T. hilli, with a like call interspersed. Note 2: The August temporal pattern of calls is consistent with approximately 20 PLN departing the cave between 6 15 PM and 7 30 PM and then returning progressively between 8 15 PM and dawn. The December temporal pattern is consistent over three nights and indicates approximately 40 PLN departing the adit between 7PM and 11PM with a small number returning by midnight. Approximately 30 PLN then return to the adit between 3:45 AM and 5 AM.


BAT CALL WA 15 of 18 12/03/2011

Note 3: The Anabat detector on the 23rd August ran in 15 minute bursts before the battery failed completely. The calls recorded are in a consistent pattern with the recording of the 22nd August but the departure and return pattern of R. aurantia could not be completely verified this night, see Figure 2.


BAT CALL WA 16 of 18 12/03/2011

Figure 1 Anabat Sites in relation to features in the study area. Shown are the Hamersley Range, the southern edge of the Fortescue Marsh and

the location of a transient PLN call recorded in 2008 (authors unpublished data).


BAT CALL WA 17 of 18 12/03/2011

Figure 2. Temporal pattern of departures and arrivals of PLN at mine adit KDDbat01 on 22nd and 23rd August 2010.

R. aurantia records - KDDbat 01

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

6:00 P

M

6:45 P

M

7:30 P

M

8:15 P

M

9:00 P

M

9:45 P

M

10:30

PM

11:15

PM

12:00

AM

12:45

AM

1:30 A

M

2:15 A

M

3:00 A

M

3:45 A

M

4:30 A

M

5:15 A

M

6:00 A

M

Cal

ls re

cord

ed

22 August23 August


BAT CALL WA 18 of 18 12/03/2011

Figure 3. Temporal pattern of departures and arrivals of PLN at mine adit KDDbat01 between 2nd and 4th December 2010.

R. aurantia records - KDDbat 01Dec 2010

0

5

10

15

20

25

6:00 P

M

6:45 P

M

7:30 P

M

8:15 P

M

9:00 P

M

9:45 P

M

10:30

PM

11:15

PM

12:00

AM

12:45

AM

1:30 A

M

2:15 A

M

3:00 A

M

3:45 A

M

4:30 A

M

5:15 A

M

6:00 A

M

Cal

ls re

cord

ed in

15

min

ute

perio

ds

2 December3 December4 December



Appendix 4

Threatened Fauna Statutory Framework



Native fauna species that are rare, threatened with extinction, or have high conservation value are specially protected by law under the Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950-1979. In addition, many of these species are listed under the Federal EPBC Act 1999. 1. EPBC Act 1999 Fauna species of national conservation significance are listed under the EPBC Act 1999, and may be classified as ‘critically endangered’, ‘endangered’, ‘vulnerable’ or ‘conservation dependent’ (consistent with IUCN categories: http://www.iucn.org/themes/ssc/redlist2006/categories.htm Migratory wader species are also protected under the EPBC Act 1999. The national List of Migratory Species consists of those species listed under the following International Conventions:

• Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA);

• China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA); and

• Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention). 2. Wildlife Conservation Act 1950-1979 Classification of rare and endangered fauna under the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice 2010 recognises four distinct schedules of taxa:

Schedule 1 taxa are fauna which are rare or likely to become extinct and are declared to be fauna in need of special protection;

Schedule 2 taxa are fauna which are presumed to be extinct and are declared to be fauna in need of special protection;

Schedule 3 taxa are birds which are subject to an agreement between the governments of Australia and Japan relating to the protection of migratory birds and birds in danger of extinction, which are declared to be fauna in need of special protection; and

Schedule 4 taxa are fauna that are in need of special protection, otherwise than for the reasons mentioned in paragraphs (1), (2) and (3). In addition to the above, fauna are also classified by DEC under five different Priority codes:

Priority One Taxa with few, poorly known populations on threatened lands. Taxa which are known from few specimens or sight records from one or a few localities on lands not managed for conservation. The taxon needs urgent survey and evaluation of conservation status before consideration can be given to declaration as threatened fauna.

Priority Two Taxa with few, poorly known populations on conservation lands. Taxa which are known from few specimens or sight records from one or a few localities on lands not under immediate threat of habitat destruction or degradation. The taxon needs urgent survey and evaluation of conservation status before consideration can be given to declaration as threatened fauna.

Priority Three Taxa with several, poorly known populations, some on conservation lands. Taxa which are known from few specimens or sight records from several localities, some of which are on lands not under immediate threat of habitat destruction or degradation. The taxon needs urgent survey and evaluation of conservation status before consideration can be given to declaration as threatened fauna.

Priority Four Taxa in need of monitoring. Taxa which are considered to have been adequately surveyed, or for which sufficient knowledge is available, and which 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.

Priority Five Taxa in need of monitoring (conservation dependent). Taxa which are not considered threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program, the cessation of which would result in the species becoming threatened within five years.