ONSLOW TOWNSITE STRATEGY
FLORA, VEGETATION AND FAUNA
ASSESSMENT
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS (8‐9‐2011)
ONSLOW TOWNSITE STRATEGY FLORA, VEGETATION AND FAUNA ASSESSMENT Prepared for
LandCorp
Prepared by
ENV Australia Pty Ltd
Level 1, 503 Murray Street
PERTH WA 6000
Phone: (08) 9214 6100
Fax: (08) 9266 4109
Email: [email protected]
Job Number: J100505 (11.095)
Report Number: 11/095
Prepared by: Ciaran Sgherza and Dr Colin Trainor
Status: Final
QA Review: Bridget Watkins
Technical Review: Denise True
Content Review: Teresa Gepp
Date: 08/09/2011
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS (8‐9‐2011)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................... III
1 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................... 1
1.1 THE PROJECT...................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1.1 Objectives..............................................................................................................................................................1
1.1.2 Location.................................................................................................................................................................1
1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL ATTRIBUTES....................................................................................................... 1
1.2.1 Climate ..................................................................................................................................................................1
1.2.2 Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia.............................................................................................2
1.2.3 Land Systems.........................................................................................................................................................3
1.2.4 Geology .................................................................................................................................................................3
1.2.5 Vegetation Mapping..............................................................................................................................................3
1.3 PREVIOUS BIOLOGICAL SURVEYS ................................................................................................... 4
2 METHODOLOGY ......................................................................................................... 5
2.1 BACKGROUND TO THE PROTECTION OF FLORA, VEGETATION AND FAUNA ........................... 5
2.2 FLORA ................................................................................................................................................. 7
2.2.1 Desktop Survey .....................................................................................................................................................8
2.2.2 Field Survey ...........................................................................................................................................................8
2.2.3 Taxonomic Identification.......................................................................................................................................9
2.2.4 Vegetation Association Definition, Mapping and Statistical Analysis....................................................................9
2.2.5 Vegetation Condition Mapping ...........................................................................................................................10
2.3 FAUNA .............................................................................................................................................. 10
2.3.1 Database and Literature Review ......................................................................................................................... 10
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2.3.2 Field Survey .........................................................................................................................................................11
2.3.3 Taxonomic Identification.....................................................................................................................................11
3 RESULTS.................................................................................................................... 12
3.1 VARIABLES INFLUENCING THE FLORA AND VEGETATION SURVEY ......................................... 12
3.2 FLORA ............................................................................................................................................... 13
3.2.1 Potentially Occurring Flora and Vegetation Communities of Conservation Significance ....................................13
3.2.2 Recorded Flora ....................................................................................................................................................16
3.2.3 Flora of Conservation Significance ......................................................................................................................16
3.2.4 Flora of Local Significance ...................................................................................................................................16
3.2.5 Introduced Flora..................................................................................................................................................18
3.3 VEGETATION ASSOCIATIONS......................................................................................................... 19
3.3.1 Vegetation Condition ..........................................................................................................................................25
3.3.2 Vegetation of Conservation Significance.............................................................................................................25
3.3.3 Regional Representation of Vegetation Associations..........................................................................................25
3.4 VARIABLES INFLUENCING THE FAUNA SURVEY.......................................................................... 26
3.5 FAUNA HABITATS ............................................................................................................................ 27
3.6 FAUNA ASSEMBLAGES.................................................................................................................... 28
3.6.1 Amphibians .........................................................................................................................................................29
3.6.2 Reptiles................................................................................................................................................................29
3.6.3 Birds ....................................................................................................................................................................29
3.6.4 Mammals ............................................................................................................................................................30
3.7 CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT FAUNA ......................................................................................... 32
3.7.1 Potentially Occurring Fauna of Conservation Significance ..................................................................................32
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3.7.2 Recorded Species ................................................................................................................................................34
4 DISCUSSION ............................................................................................................ 35
4.1 FLORA ............................................................................................................................................... 35
4.2 INTRODUCED SPECIES .................................................................................................................... 36
4.3 VEGETATION .................................................................................................................................... 37
4.4 FAUNA HABITAT .............................................................................................................................. 37
4.5 FAUNA OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE ................................................................................. 38
5 SUMMARY OF SURVEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION ............................................. 39
6 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................. 40
FIGURES
FIGURE 1 REGIONAL LOCATION
FIGURE 2 AVERAGE LONG‐TERM (1886‐2011), 2011 MONTHLY RAINFALL AND AVERAGE
MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES AT ONLSOW (BOM 2011) (INCLUDED IN‐
TEXT)
FIGURE 3 LOCATION OF QUADRATS AND RELEVÉS
FIGURE 4 LOCATION OF LOCALLY SIGNIFICANT FLORA
FIGURE 5 LOCATION OF INTRODUCED FLORA
FIGURE 6 VEGETATION ASSOCIATIONS
FIGURE 7 VEGETATION CONDITION
FIGURE 8 FAUNA HABITAT TYPES
FIGURE 9 LOCATION OF FAUNA OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE
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PLATES
PLATE 1 MAIREANA LOBIFLORA (WAH 2011)
PLATE 2 MAIREANA LOBIFLORA DISTRUBUTION MAP: WESTERN AUSTRALIA (WAH 2011);
AND AUSTRALIA (COUNCIL OF HEADS OF AUSTRALIA [CHAH] 2011)
PLATE 3 KAPOK (*AERVA JAVANICA) (WAH 2011)
PLATE 4 BUFFEL (*CENCHRUS CILIARIS)
PLATE 5 MESQUITE (*PROSOPIS GLANDULOSA)
PLATE 6 VERANO STYLO (*STYLOSANTHES HAMATA) (WAH 2011)
PLATE 7 ATHEL TREE (*TAMARIS APHYLLA)
PLATE 8 CALTROP (*TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS) (WAH 2011)
PLATE 9 EXAMPLES OF BIRDS ENCOUNTERED DURING THE ONSLOW TOWNSITE SURVEY
TABLES
TABLE 1 LAND SYSTEMS OF THE STUDY AREA
TABLE 2 PRE‐EUROPEAN VEGETATION WITHIN THR STUDY AREA AS DESCRIBED BY SHEPHARD
ET AL., (2001)
TABLE 3 VARIABLES ASSOCIATED WITH THE FLORA AND VEGETATION SURVEY
TABLE 4 THE LIKELIHOOD OF PRIORITY FLORA OCCURRING IN THE STUDY AREA BASED ON THE
SURVEY RESULTS AND LITERATURE REVIEW
TABLE 5 FLORA OF LOCAL SIGNIFICANCE WIHTIN THE STUDY AREA
TABLE 6 INTRODUCED PLANT SPECIES LISTED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL WEED STRATEGY
(CALM 1999) FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA LOCATED WITHIN THE STUDY AREA
TABLE 7 VEGETATION ASSOCIATIONS WITHIN THE STUDY AREA
TABLE 8 REGIONAL REPRESENTATION OF VEGETATION IN THE STUDY AREA
TABLE 9 VARIABLES ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAUNA SURVEY
TABLE 10 MAJOR HABITAT TYPES OF THE STUDY AREA
TABLE 11 CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT FAUNA POTENTIALLY OCCURRING IN THE STUDY AREA
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APPENDICES
APPENDIX A DEFINITION OF DECLARED RARE / PRIORITY / THREATENED FLORA AND SIGNIFICANT
FLORA 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
APPENDIX D ENVIRONMENTAL WEEDS AND DECLARED PLANT CATEGORIES AND INTRODUCED
FLORA POTENTIALLY OCCURRING IN THE STUDY AREA
APPENDIX E BUSH FOREVER CONDITION SCALE AND STANDARISED VEGETATION MATRIX
APPENDIX F FLORA QUADRAT DATA SHEETS
APPENDIX G MATRIX OF SPECIES FOUND WITHIN EACH SITE
APPENDIX H FLORA INVENTORY
APPENDIX I LOCATION OF INTRODUCED FLORA
APPENDIX J DENDROGRAM
APPENDIX K HABITAT ASSESSMENT DATA SHEETS
APPENDIX L PREVIOUSLY RECORDED CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT VERTEBRATE FAUNA
APPENDIX M SUMMARY OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT FAUNA PREVIOUSLY RECORDED
WITHININ THE VICINITY OF THE SURVEY AREA
PERMITS
This flora survey was undertaken under the following licences issued by the Department
of Environment and Conservation: SL009368 to Ciaran Sgherza and SL009377 issued to
James Sansom.
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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 LandCorp in April 2011, to undertake a Level
Two Flora and Vegetation and a Level One Fauna assessment of the Onslow Townsite
Strategy study area.
The objectives of the flora and fauna assessment were to:
Review the desktop assessment completed by AECOM to collate background
information;
Delineate and characterise the vegetation associations (vegetation association
mapping);
Map the condition of vegetation (vegetation condition mapping);
Conduct targeted searches for Threatened Flora, Declared Rare Flora, Priority Flora,
Threatened Ecological Communities, Priority Ecological Communities, Declared
plants and environmental weeds;
Assess vertebrate fauna habitat; and
Make opportunistic records of vertebrate fauna.
A total of 109 flora taxa from 77 genera and 31 families, were recorded from the study
area. Average plant species richness was 17.7 taxa per quadrat ± 6.8 from a total of 22
sites.
No species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act
1999, gazetted as Declared Rare Flora under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, or
listed as Priority Flora by the Department of Environment and Conservation were
recorded in the study area.
Six introduced plant species were recorded in the study area. Two of the introduced
species, Mesquite (*Prosopis glandulosa) and Athel Pine (*Tamarix aphylla), are listed
as Declared Plants under the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act 1976.
Four vegetation associations were mapped in the study area. None of the vegetation
associations recorded are listed as Threatened Ecological Communities under the
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, as Environmentally
Sensitive Areas under the Environmental Protection Act 1986, or as Priority Ecological
Communities by the Department of Environment and Conservation.
Vegetation condition ranged from Very Good to Completely Degraded, with most of the
study area being described as being in Very Good to Good condition. Disturbance to
vegetation within the study area included the presence of introduced species, tracks,
previous clearing and dumped rubbish.
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The study area consists of two fauna habitat types: shrubland of Acacia species over
Hummock grassland and Beach. The shrubland of Acacia species over Hummock
grassland was considered to have moderate habitat value mainly because of the lack of
vegetation structure, and lack of trees. The sandy substrate has potential to provide
habitat for a diverse reptile fauna. The Beach was also considered as moderate fauna
value because of its value for resident wading birds, as well as a wide range of
migratory terns and shorebirds that have been recorded in this habitat about Onslow,
but were absent during the time of survey.
A total of 279 vertebrate fauna have been previously recorded within the vicinity of the
study area. This includes four amphibian species, 70 reptile species, 176 bird species
and 29 mammal species. Many of the species recovered from database searches are
unlikely to occur in the study area on a regular basis since these records are from a
large area encompassing a wide range of habitats.
A total of 49 vertebrate fauna species were recorded including one amphibian, three
reptiles, two mammals and 43 bird species. The amphibian recorded (Green Tree Frog
Litoria caerulea) had not previously been listed for the Onslow area in database
searches, and appears to have been transported to the area, as its natural range in
Western Australia is the Kimberley. This was the only vertebrate recorded during the
survey, which had not been previously recorded.
A total of 44 conservation significant fauna were identified as having the potential to
use the habitats present within the study area. This includes a large number of migrant
shorebirds (20 species) and migratory terns (four species) which are likely to occur on
Beach habitat. Four of the 44 species are considered as ‘Possible’ to occur within the
study area; a further 30 were considered as ‘Likely’ to occur; five were noted as
‘Present’ (with current project records), and five species were considered as ‘Unlikely’
to occur within the study area.
A total of five vertebrate species of conservation significance were recorded during the
survey: the Western Star Finch (Neochmia ruficauda subclarescens) is a small resident
breeding bird that requires permanent water and grass seeds. A further four species are
listed as migratory: Eastern Reef Egret (Egretta sacra), Eastern Osprey (Pandion
cristatus), Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia), and Rainbow Bee‐eater (Merops ornatus).
Although listed as migratory species, the Eastern Reef Egret and Rainbow Bee‐eater
probably breed locally, and nests of Eastern Osprey are present, which confirms that
this bird breeds locally.
This flora, vegetation and fauna survey of the Onslow Townsite Strategy study area has
not identified any species, communities or habitats of conservation significance, which
would constitute a statutory constraint to development.
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 THE PROJECT
1.1.1 Objectives
ENV.Australia Pty Ltd (ENV) was commissioned by LandCorp in April 2011, to undertake
a Level Two Flora and Vegetation and a Level One Fauna assessment of the Onslow
Townsite strategy study area (‘the study area’).
The objectives of the flora and fauna assessment were to:
Review the desktop assessment completed by AECOM to collate background
information;
Delineate and characterise the vegetation associations present (vegetation
association mapping);
Map the condition of vegetation (vegetation condition mapping);
Conduct targeted searches for Threatened Flora, Declared Rare Flora, Priority Flora,
Threatened Ecological Communities, Priority Ecological Communities, Declared
plants and environmental weeds;
Assess vertebrate fauna habitats; and
Make opportunistic records of vertebrate fauna.
1.1.2 Location
The study area is approximately 333 hectares (ha) in size and located within the
townsite of Onslow, approximately 1,386 km north of Perth, Western Australia
(Figure 1). The study area consists of several development opportunity areas including:
Infill Sites, Greenfield Opportunities, Other Opportunities and the Survey Area for the
Proposed Bypass Road. Approximately 17 ha of privately owned land within the study
area, was not accessed during the field assessment.
1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL ATTRIBUTES
1.2.1 Climate
The study area is located in the Carnarvon region of Western Australia. The nearest
accessible climate data is available from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) Onslow
weather station located within the study area.
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The Carnarvon region has an arid‐tropical climate with two distinct seasons, a hot
summer from October to April and a mild winter from May to September. The area
experiences a wide temperature range, with an average annual maximum daytime
temperature of 31.3°C (1886‐2011). In summer, maximum daytime temperatures may
reach 35.5°C, whilst in winter, minimum night time temperatures may fall to 12.5 °C
(BoM 2011).
Rainfall in the Carnarvon region is often sporadic, and throughout the year (in summer
and winter). The Onslow area has an average annual rainfall of 276.3 mm (1886‐2011)
(BoM 2011) with the majority of rainfall occurring during the summer months (Figure 2).
Summer rainfall is typically associated with tropical storms in the north, or tropical
cyclones that cross the coast and move inland. Winter rainfall is commonly the result of
cold fronts moving north‐easterly across the State.
For the three months preceding the survey Onslow received 385.0 mm of rainfall
(February – April 2011), compared with the long‐term average of 122.1 mm (1886‐2011)
for the same period (BoM 2011). Rainfall for the year to date (January to May 2011) was
469.8 mm compared with 150.0 mm for the long‐term average for the same period
(1971‐2010). Overall, rainfall was well above the long term average.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Month
Tem
per
atu
re (
oC
)
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
Rai
nfa
ll (
mm
)
Rainfall
2011Rainfall
Max
Min
Figure 2: Average long‐term (1886‐2011) Rainfall, 2011 Monthly Rainfall and average Maximum
and Minimum Temperatures at Onslow (BoM 2011)
1.2.2 Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia
The Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) divides Australia into 85
bioregions based on major biological and geographical/geological attributes (Thackway
and Cresswell 1995). These bioregions are subdivided into 403 subregions, as part of a
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refinement of the IBRA framework [Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water,
Population and Communities (DSEWPaC) 2011a].
The study area is located in the Carnarvon bioregion which is divided into two
subregions. The project is located in the Cape Range subregion (CAR1) (Kendrick and
Mau 2002). The Cape Range subregion is composed of quaternary alluvial, Aeolian and
marine sediments overlying Cretaceous strata (Kendrick and Mau 2002). The vegetation
is characterised by Acacia shrublands over Triodia (spinifex) on limestone and red
dunefields, Triodia hummock grasslands with sparse Eucalyptus trees and shrubs on the
Cape Range and eastern dune‐fields (Kendrick and Mau 2002).
1.2.3 Land Systems
Land system mapping is based on regional patterns in topography, soils and vegetation.
The land system mapping classifies the Pilbara region into 102 land systems (van
Vreeswyk et al. 2004). The study area comprises one land system (Table 1).
Table 1: Land System of the Study Area
Land System Description Extent within Pilbara Region
(km²)
Proportion of the Pilbara Region (%)
Dune Dune fields supporting soft spinifex grasslands.
138 0.1
1.2.4 Geology
The following geological units occur in the study area, based on mapping by the
Geological Survey of Western Australia (1990):
Qs: Beaches and coastal dunes – light grey, unconsolidated and poorly
consolidated quartzose calcarenite; and
Qp: Claypans poorly sorted clay, silt, sand and minor pebbles.
1.2.5 Vegetation Mapping
Vegetation mapping of the Pilbara region was completed on a broad scale (1:1,000,000)
by Beard (1975). The study area is situated in the Carnarvon Botanical District in the
Eremaean Botanical Province of Western Australia (Beard 1975). Beard mapped the
study area as containing three vegetation units (Table 2).
Shepherd et al. (2001) re‐assessed the mapping of Beard (1975), and updated
vegetation boundaries to account for clearing in the intensive land use zone, and
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divided some larger vegetation units into smaller units. Vegetation types described by
Shepherd et al. (2001) correspond with that of Beard (1975) as indicated in Table 2.
Table 2: Pre‐European Vegetation within the Study Area as Described by Shepherd et al., (2001)
Beard Mapping
Unit
Vegetation Code
Description Pre‐
European Extent (ha)
Current Extent (ha)
Remaining (%)
T1Hi 117 Hummock grasslands, grass steppe; soft spinifex
917, 087 917, 087 100
Mud 127 Bare areas; mudflats 778, 381 778,153 100
K3Ci 676 Succulent steppe; samphire 2, 110, 508 2, 087, 874 98.9
1.3 PREVIOUS BIOLOGICAL SURVEYS
Historically, the flora and fauna of the Carnarvon region has not been systematically
recorded in detail; with significant exceptions being the flora studies by Beard (1975).
More recently, the Department of Agriculture (van Vreeswyk et al. 2004) conducted an
inventory and condition survey. The report provides a regional inventory of flora and a
description of land resources. A comprehensive and systematic field review by the
Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) of Pilbara regional flora has been
underway since 2002. However, the results of this assessment are not yet available.
In recent decades, a boom in large‐scale regional resource development projects has
resulted in a significant amount of site‐specific biological survey work being carried out
in the region, most of which is undertaken for formal environmental impact assessment.
Those most relevant to the current survey are:
Onslow Townsite Strategy Ecological Desktop Study (AECOM 2010);
A Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Wheatstone Project Area, near Onslow (Biota
2010a); and
Terrestrial Fauna Survey of the Wheatstone Project Area, near Onslow (Biota 2010b).
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2 METHODOLOGY
2.1 BACKGROUND TO THE PROTECTION OF FLORA, VEGETATION AND FAUNA
Flora and fauna are 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); and
Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act).
Non‐Legislative Protection
Western Australian DEC Priority lists for flora, fauna 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.
EPBC Act
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). See Appendix A2, Appendix B and
Appendix C2.
Projects likely to cause impacts on matters of national environmental significance
should be referred to DSEWPaC for assessment under the EPBC Act.
WC Act
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
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(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).
EP Act
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.
DEC 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’ flora or fauna.
Flora and fauna assessed as Priority 1‐3 (Appendix A and Appendix B) are in urgent need
of further survey. Priority 4 flora require monitoring every 5‐10 years (Appendix A for
definitions) while Priority 4‐5 fauna are in need of monitoring as they are not currently
threatened but could become so (Appendix B).
Although DEC Priority species have no formal legal protection, they are under
consideration as ‘Rare’ flora and ‘Scheduled’ fauna under the WC Act.
In addition, the DEC maintains a list of Priority Ecological Communities (PECs) which
identifies those 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 for definitions).
Informal Recognition of Flora and Fauna
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, flora and
fauna 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 (primarily land clearing), and relict populations of such species
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assume local importance for the DEC. It is not uncommon for the DEC to make comment
on these species of interest.
Introduced Flora
The Environmental Weed Strategy for Western Australia [Department of Conservation
and Land Management (CALM) 1999] contains criteria for the assessment and ranking of
weeds in terms of their environmental impact on biodiversity (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.’
Plants may also be ‘Declared’ by the Agriculture Protection Board under the Agriculture
and Related Resources Protection Act 1976 (WA) (ARRP Act). 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] 2009).
The Australia 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
(Australian Government 2011).
2.2 FLORA
The survey was carried out in a manner designed to be compliant with EPA
requirements for the 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);
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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 2004a).
2.2.1 Desktop Survey
A desktop survey was undertaken to gather background information on the flora and
vegetation of the study area. This involved a search of the following sources:
DEC combined biological database NatureMap (DEC 2011b);
DEC Threatened and Priority Flora database (DEC 2011c); and
previous flora surveys (refer to Section 1.3).
A request for a database search was submitted to the DEC (50 km around the point:
115°6'48"E, 21°38'16"S) to ascertain the presence of Declared Rare or Priority species
and Threatened or Priority Ecological Communities previously recorded in the project
and surrounding areas. In addition, a literature review was conducted, together with a
review of records of flora for the study area. These sources were used to compile a list
of expected Declared Rare or Priority species, and Threatened or Priority Ecological
Communities that may occur on the landforms in the study areas.
2.2.2 Field Survey
The survey was undertaken between the 12th and 15th of May 2011, with eight person‐
days invested in the survey.
The survey recorded flora richness, vegetation composition and structure and assessed
vegetation condition using quadrat data and traverses of the study area. Field staff
collected flora information using 50 m x 50 m vegetation survey plots, as preferred by
DEC (pers. comm. S. van Leeuwen, DEC), relevés and opportunistic collections. Quadrat
and relevé locations are illustrated in Figure 3.
A total of 22 quadrats and six relevés were established within the study area. The
quadrats were selected to be representative of the flora and vegetation of the study
area.
Data was recorded using standardised field sheets. The information recorded at each
quadrat included landscape features, soils, bare ground and disturbance levels (the
Condition Scale is presented in Appendix E). Each species of plant at each quadrat was
recorded, including information on height and percentage cover (Quadrat data sheets
are presented in Appendix F). Descriptions of the vegetation present at each quadrat
were made using a standardised vegetation matrix (Appendix G). Opportunistic
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collections focused mainly on the location of new flora taxa not recorded in the
quadrats, introduced species, and in particular, Declared Rare and Priority Flora, and
flora not well known or not currently described.
2.2.3 Taxonomic Identification
One specimen of each taxon was collected. In addition, where field identification of taxa
was not possible, specimens were collected systematically for later identification by
taxonomists utilising the resources of the Western Australian Herbarium (WAH),
through comparison with the reference collection and use of identification keys.
The species list for the study area was checked against FloraBase (WAH 2011) to
determine whether any of the species are listed as DRF, Priority Flora or introduced
species. Declared Rare and Priority Flora were also checked against the EPBC Act listing
of threatened species to determine whether any are federally listed. Introduced species
were checked against the Environmental Weed Strategy for Western Australia (CALM
1999) and the Government of Australia WONS list to determine the criteria and ranking
in terms of their environmental impact. Introduced species were also checked against
the ARRP Act to determine whether any are listed as Declared Plants.
2.2.4 Vegetation Association Definition, Mapping and Statistical Analysis
Vegetation associations were described based on their structure and species
composition, as defined by quadrat data and field observations. Locations of quadrats
were selected using aerial photographs and were positioned to cover observed possible
variations in vegetation.
Quadrat and relevé vegetation descriptions were used to delineate vegetation
associations in the study area. Vegetation mapping was undertaken in the field and
finalised in the office once vegetation association analysis had been completed. Field
mapping was carried out using GPS (Magellan and Garmin) and GIS (OziExplorer and
ArcGIS 9.3.1) hardware and software.
Multivariate analysis was conducted on quadrat data from the survey using presence‐
absence. Quadrat data was transformed to improve normality, and a similarity matrix
based on Bray‐Curtis similarities was computed. A dendrogram was then computed,
using hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis using Primer‐E version 6.1.5 (2006).
Using the multivariate analysis, boundaries of the vegetation associations were drawn
over aerial photographs with the aid of GPS coordinates taken throughout the field
survey. The vegetation associations were digitised and produced as electronic mapping
data using Microstation V7.0. ESRI shapefiles were created with ArcGIS 9.3.1.
Once the vegetation associations were determined, they were checked against the
listing of Federal and State TECs and State PECs. The vegetation associations were also
checked against regional databases, such as Beard (1975), Shepherd et al. (2001) and
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Comprehensive Adequate and Representative (CAR) Reserve Analysis (DAFWA 2007), to
determine their regional representation.
2.2.5 Vegetation Condition Mapping
Quadrat data, combined with field traverses of the study area, was interpreted and
vegetation condition boundaries drawn over an aerial photograph. The vegetation
condition mapping was then digitised and produced as manipulable electronic mapping
data using ArcGIS 9.3.1. Vegetation condition was mapped as per the condition scale
presented in Appendix E.
2.3 FAUNA
The survey was carried out in a manner designed to be compliant with the 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 2004b); and
Terrestrial Guide – Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment (EPA and DEC 2010).
2.3.1 Database and Literature Review
The purpose of the desktop review was to gather background information on the study
area and the fauna that it may support. This involved a search of the following sources:
Western Australian Museum (WAM) and DEC combined biological database
NatureMap (DEC 2011b) (area search based on an approximate 50 km buffer around
the study area);
DEC Threatened and Priority Fauna Database (DEC 2011d) (area search based on an
approximate 50 km buffer around the study area);
Birds Australia’s Birdata (Birdata 2011) (area search based on a one degree square at
around the study area);
DSEWPaC Protected Matters Search Tool (DSEWPaC 2011b), also known as an EPBC
search; and
Previous fauna surveys (e.g. previous ENV reports, other consultant’s reports and
DEC reports).
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Collectively, these sources were used to compile a list of species previously recorded 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, high level of habitat
specificity for habitat types not located in the study area, are locally extinct or were
erroneously identified in previous surveys. These fauna were analysed and excluded
from the list where relevant.
2.3.2 Field Survey
The purpose of the field survey was to verify the accuracy of the desktop assessment
and to further delineate and characterise the fauna and faunal assemblages present in
the study area. The 2011 field survey was undertaken between the 12th and 15th of May
2011 entailing four person days of effort.
During the field survey, broad fauna habitats were identified and mapped based on
vegetation structure and landforms. These fauna habitats were then assessed for their
potential to support species of conservation significance and the quality of habitat they
provide to a wider suite of fauna assemblages. Habitats were rated as high, moderate or
low on the basis of their complexity, the presence of microhabitats including caves,
significant trees with hollows, loose bark, fallen hollow logs and leaf litter, and their
representation in the region and study area. Four habitat assessments were undertaken
within the study area.
During the survey, fauna was opportunistically observed and recorded, with a focus on
individuals or evidence of conservation significant fauna, including evidence of burrows
and other traces of specific fauna (for example scats and tracks).
Bat recordings were undertaken at dusk and early evening using AnaBat II recording
units to document the presence of bat species in the area. The detectors convert
ultrasonic echolocation signals produced by bats into audible electronic signals, which
are later analysed to determine the presence of species‐specific calls.
2.3.3 Taxonomic Identification
For species identified in the desktop assessment where there is doubt to their true
taxonomy (through subsequent name changes or taxonomic reviews) an effort was
made to determine the current scientific name for each taxon. In some cases, old
scientific names may be presented where correct nomenclature could not be
determined due to name changes. Some taxon names may be followed by ‘sp.’, meaning
that the species name was not given in the data source or the identification is in doubt.
Where there are previously recorded taxa such as this that have the potential to be a
conservation significant species, they are discussed specifically in the results and
discussion section.
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3 RESULTS
3.1 VARIABLES INFLUENCING THE FLORA AND VEGETATION SURVEY
There are always variables associated with individual surveys and it is often difficult to
predict the extent to which they influence survey outcomes. Table 3 outlines some of
the variables identified during the survey of the study area.
Table 3: Variables Associated with the Flora and Vegetation Survey
Variable Impact on Survey Outcomes
Access Approximately 17 ha of private property was inaccessible as permission
to enter was not granted by the property owners. All other parts of the
study area were accessible and adequately surveyed.
Experience The scientists who conducted these surveys were practitioners suitably
qualified in their respective fields.
Co‐ordinating Botanist: Ciaran Gibson (Botanist);
Field Staff: Ciaran Gibson and James Sansom (Environmental
Biologist);
Taxonomy: Peter Jobson (Taxonomist); and
Data Interpretation and Reporting: Ciaran Gibson.
Timing1, weather,
season.
Flora composition changes with time, particularly over the seasons and
with seasonal conditions. A large proportion of arid flora is annual and
ephemerals and these have both specific growing periods and a
requirement for adequate and timely rainfall. Some plants last for a
markedly brief time. In the Carnarvon, the fire history will also have a
significant bearing on the composition of the flora. Therefore, botanical
surveys completed at different times will have varying results.
The seasonal conditions for the survey, and the timing of the survey
were considered to be optimal. See Section 1.2.1
Sources of
information
At the bioregion level, the Carnarvon region has not been relatively well
studied. Some flora surveys have been undertaken in the area as part of
environmental impact assessment processes. Those most relevant and
1 EPA Guidance Statement No, 51 (2004a) stipulates that flora and vegetation surveys should be undertaken following the season that
contributes the greatest rainfall in the region. In the Northern Province, this is after summer. In the Eremaean Province, rainfall is
sporadic, and in the South‐west Province the main rain is in winter, requiring surveys to be undertaken in spring. Short‐term variations
in normal weather patterns (e.g. drought) may necessitate supplementary survey work at other times of year or in later years to take
into account temporal changes in diversity.
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Variable Impact on Survey Outcomes
available to the current study are listed in Section 1.3.
Completeness The study area was mostly accessible and considered to be adequately
surveyed. A minimum of one quadrat per vegetation association was
established across the study area.
The average plant species richness recorded of 17.7 taxa per quadrat ±
6.8 is considered to be low compared to two other recent surveys
within the townsite of Onslow. A survey of the Onslow Light Industrial
Area recorded an average plant species richness of 36.2 taxa per
quadrat ± 4.9 (four quadrats) (ENV 2011a) and a survey of the Onslow
Multi‐sport and Recreation Precinct recorded an average plant species
richness of 25.3 taxa per quadrat ± 6.1 (three quadrats) (ENV
2011b). Past clearing and the high presence of introduced species is
considered to have reduced the floral diversity within the study area.
3.2 FLORA
3.2.1 Potentially Occurring Flora and Vegetation Communities of Conservation
Significance
In the Carnarvon region one taxa, Eucalyptus beardiana (Beard's Mallee), is listed as
Threatened under the EPBC Act and DRF under the WC Act. This species is known from a
restricted distribution approximately 400 km south of the study area and thus, is not
expected to occur. Additionally, according to Florabase (WAH 2011) as of June 2011, 69
Priority Flora listed by the DEC are known from the Carnarvon region.
A search of DEC databases (Appendix A) for a 50 km radius around the study area
identified known records for six Priority Flora. One additional Priority flora and one
Threatened species pursuant to the EBPC Act were identified during the desktop
analysis as potentially occurring within the study area. Four of these Priority flora were
considered as ‘Possible’ to occur, the remaining four were considered as ‘Unlikely’. The
likelihood of these eight species occurring within the study area is presented in Table 4.
Two TECs as endorsed by the Western Australian Minister for the Environment, occur in
the Carnarvon region. These are: the Cape Range Remipede Community and the
Camerons Cave Troglobitic Community. These represent invertebrate communities and
neither of these TECs occurs in the study area.
The DEC database search did not identify any TEC as occurring within the vicinity of the
survey. One PEC was identified within 50 km of the study area, Peedamulla Swamp
Community (Priority 1), and another PEC was identified with 51 km of the study area,
Tanpool land System (Priority 1).
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Table 4: The Likelihood of Priority Flora Occurring in the Study area based on the Survey Results and Literature Review
Priority Taxa Conservation
Status
Annual or
Perennial
Suitable Conditions
Habitat Preference (WAH 2011)
Suitable Habitat Present
Comments
Likelihood in the study area
Eleocharis papillosa
‘Vulnerable’
pursuant to
the EPBC Act
and P3
Annual Yes Red clay over
granite, open clay flats. Claypans
Yes
Species was recorded by Biota (2010a)
approximately 19 km south of the study area.
Unlikely
Abutilon uncinatum P1 Perennial Yes Red sand and flat
plains Yes
Species was recorded by Biota (2010a)
approximately 15 km south of the study area.
Possible
Carpobrotus sp. Thevenard Island
(M. White 050) P2 Perennial Yes
Occurs on coarse white sand, dune tops and disturbed
areas
Yes
Records of this species have been isolated to Thevenard Island,
approximately 20 km north of Onslow (WAH
2011).
Unlikely
Cyperus victoriensis P1 Perennial Yes Along creeks No
The closest known record is greater than 50 km from
the study area (WAH 2011).
Unlikely
Atriplex flabelliformis P3 Perennial Yes Saline flats or marshes
Yes
Species was recorded Biota (2010a)
approximately 16 km south west of the study
area.
Possible
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Priority Taxa Conservation
Status
Annual or
Perennial
Suitable Conditions
Habitat Preference (WAH 2011)
Suitable Habitat Present
Comments
Likelihood in the study area
Eremophila forrestii subsp. viridis P3 Perennial Yes Not available No
Species was recorded by Biota (2010a)
approximately 13 km south west of the study
area
Unlikely
Triumfetta echinata P3 Perennial Yes Red sandy soils and sand dunes.
Yes
Species was recorded by Biota (2010a)
approximately 14 km south west of the study
area
Possible
Vigna sp. central (M.E. Trudgen
1626) P2 Perennial Yes
Sandplains, coastal dune. Brown sand with occasional
patches of crusting loam over limestone.
Yes
The closest known record is approximately 12 km west of the study area
(WAH 2011).
Possible
Likely – suitable habitat, close (<10 km) records and/or field survey completed in sub‐optimal season, suggest species is likely to occur; Possible – suitable habitat, records (<50 km) and/or field survey completed in sub‐optimal season, suggests species possibly occurs; and Unlikely – lack of suitable habitat, no records (<50 km) and/or field survey completed in optimal season, suggest species is unlikely to occur.
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3.2.2 Recorded Flora
A total of 109 taxa (including species, subspecies and varieties) were recorded from the
study area, consisting of plants from 77 genera and 31 families. Average plant species
richness was 17.7 taxa per quadrat ± 6.8 from a total of 22 quadrats. Quadrat data,
including photographs, are presented in Appendix F, the species by site matrix is
presented in Appendix G and the flora inventory is presented in Appendix H.
The most frequently recorded families from the study area were, Fabaceae (27 taxa),
Poaceae (16 taxa) and Chenopodiaceae (ten taxa). The most frequently recorded genera
from the study area were Acacia (nine taxa), Indigofera (five taxa) and Scaevola (four
taxa).
3.2.3 Flora of Conservation Significance
No Threatened species pursuant to the EPBC Act were found during the survey of the
study area.
No plant taxa gazetted as DRF pursuant to the WC Act were recorded in the study area.
No Priority flora was recorded in the study area.
3.2.4 Flora of Local Significance
One species of local significance, Maireana lobiflora was recorded within the study area
(Plate 1). Maireana lobiflora is a perennial herb or shrub, which grows to 0.5 m in
height, produces white flowers between September and October and is known to occur
on river flats and limestone flats (WAH 2011). The record is considered of significance as
it constitutes a range extension for the species.
Plate 1: Maireana lobiflora (WAH 2011)
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Maireana lobiflora was recorded from four locations within the survey area (Table 5;
Figure 4). These records occur beyond the known distribution of this species, the closest
known record is approximately 240 km north‐east of the study area (WAH 2011)
(Plate 2). Thus these records are considered to constitute a range extension.
Table 5: Flora of Interest Found in the Study Area
Taxa Quadrat Location*
OS12 304916 7605003
OS13 305332 7604619
OS14 305250 7605277 Maireana lobiflora
OS21 304533 7604167
*Australian Geocentric 1994 (GDA94), Zone 51 K
Plate 2: Maireana lobiflora Distribution Map: Western Australia (WAH 2011); and Australia
(Council of Heads of Australasian Herbaria [CHAH] 2011).
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3.2.5 Introduced Flora
Six introduced species were recorded in the study area (Plates 3 – 8). The locations of
these species are presented in Appendix I and Figure 5.
Five of the six introduced species recorded are environmental weeds as defined by the
Environmental Weed Strategy for Western Australia (CALM 1999). The rating and
criteria met for these species inclusion under this strategy are presented in Table 6.
Two of these taxa, Mesquite (*Prosopis glandulosa) and Athel Tree (*Tamarix aphylla)
are listed as Declared Plants under the ARRP Act. Mesquite is listed as P1 and P2 for the
entire State while Athel Tree is listed as P1 for the entire state (Appendix B).
Mesquite and Athel Tree are also listed as WONS (Australian Government 2011).
Plate 3: Kapok (*Aerva javanica) (WAH 2011) Plate 4: Buffel (*Cenchrus ciliaris)
Plate 5: Mesquite (*Prosopis glandulosa) Plate 6: Verano (*Stylosanthes hamata)
(WAH 2011)
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Plate 7: Athel Tree (*Tamarix aphylla) Plate 8: Caltrop (*Tribulus terrestris)(WAH 2011)
Table 6: Introduced Plant Species Listed by the Environmental Weed Strategy (CALM 1999) for
Western Australia Located Within the Study area and Frequency of Species within Survey Area
Criteria
Taxon Common Name
No. of Sites
Recorded Rating Invasiveness Distribution Impacts
*Aerva javanica Kapok 22 High Yes Yes Yes
*Cenchrus ciliaris Buffel 24 High Yes Yes Yes
*Tamarix aphylla Athel Tree 3 Moderate Yes Yes ‐
*Stylosanthes Verano 3 Mild Yes ‐ ‐
*Prosopis Mesquite 2 Low ‐ ‐ ‐
*Tribulus terrestris Caltrop 18 Not N/A N/A N/A
3.3 VEGETATION ASSOCIATIONS
The study area comprised four vegetation associations (Figure 6 and Table 7).
Table 7: Vegetation Associations within the Study area
Vegetation Mapping Legend Area (ha)
1
Scattered Shrubs of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea over Low Open Shrubland of Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii and Tephrosia rosea var. clementii over Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia and Spinifex longifolius over Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris over Open Herbs of Ipomoea pes‐caprae subsp. brasiliensis.
35.02
2
Scattered Shrubs of Shrubland of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea over Low Shrubland of Acacia stellaticeps, Scaevola sericophylla, Indigofera boviperda subsp. boviperda and Pityrodia loxocarpa over Open Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia over Open Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris.
121.73
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Vegetation Mapping Legend Area (ha)
3
Shrubland of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea and Rhagodia preissii subsp. sturtii over Low Shrubs of Tephrosia gardneri, Scaevola crassifolia and Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum over Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris.
69.77
4
Low Shrubland of Tecticornia auriculata, Tecticornia halocnemoides subsp. tenuis, Frankenia ambita and Atriplex semilunaris over Open Tussock Grassland of Eragrostis pergracilis, Eragrostis falcata and Sporobolus virginicus.
1.66
5 Bare Sandy Beach 20.44
6 Bare Salt Flat 0.76
Multivariate analysis of the quadrat data was conducted using Primer‐E version 6.1.5
(2006). The dendrogram and a discussion of the analysis are presented in Appendix J.
The presence of introduced species is likely to have limited the accuracy of the
statistical analysis. Delineation of vegetation associations was largely based on
observations from the field survey.
Three of the four vegetation associations were dominated by Acacia and Triodia species,
the remaining vegetation association dominated by Chenopod species (salt bush). The
majority of the study area consists of Acacia shrublands over Triodia hummock
grasslands on sand dunes and are represented by vegetation associations 1, 2 and 3.
The least commonly occurring vegetation association is 4, which encompasses the
chenopod communities in the wet salty depressions within the study area.
Two additional areas were also mapped: Bare Sandy Beach and Bare Salt Flats. These
areas are bare and do not consist of vegetation. However, they are naturally occurring.
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Vegetation Association: 1 Scattered Shrubs of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea over Low Open Shrubland of Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii and Tephrosia rosea var. clementii over Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia and Spinifex longifolius over Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris over Open Herbs of Ipomoea pes‐caprae subsp. brasiliensis.
Quadrats Sampled OS01, OS02, OS03, OS04 and OS20 Landform Description Location and Landform:
This vegetation association is located on the low foredunes of the study area
Soil Attributes: Red‐ light brown sand with some small limestone outcrops Litter Cover: 0% Logs, <1% Twigs and <1% Leaves Bare Ground: 20‐40% Vegetation Structure and Floristics The Low Shrubland of Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii and Tephrosia rosea var. clementii and the Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia and Spinifex longifolius are the main diagnostics of this association.
Stratum Key Characteristics
Overstorey
Canopy Layer Scattered Shrubs of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea to a height of 2 m
Midstorey
Middle Shrub Layer Low Open Shrubland of Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii, Tephrosia
rosea var. clementii, Scaevola crassifolia, Salsola tragus subsp. grandiflora
and Indigofera sp.
Understorey
Hummock and
Tussock Grasses
Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia and Spinifex longifolius and Tussock
Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris under 1 m.
Vegetation Condition
Condition Rating: Good to Very Good
Disturbances: Introduced species, tracks, dumped rubbish and nearby townsite
infrastructure
Average Fire Age: Old
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Vegetation Association: 2 Shrubland of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea and Rhagodia preissii subsp. sturtii over Low Shrubs of Tephrosia gardneri, Scaevola crassifolia and Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum over Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris.
Quadrats Sampled OS05, OS06, OS07, OS08, OS17, OS19, OS26 and
OS28 Landform Description Location and Landform:
This vegetation association is located on the higher dunes in the north of the study area and on the tops of the dunes in the south of the study area.
Soil Attributes: Red‐brown Sand Litter Cover: <1% Logs, 2% Twigs and 5% Leaves Bare Ground: 20‐70% Vegetation Structure and Floristics The Shrubland of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea over the over Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris are the main diagnostics of this association.
Stratum Key Characteristics
Overstorey
Canopy Layer Shrubland of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea to a height of 2 m
Midstorey
Middle Shrub Layer Low Shrubs of Tephrosia gardneri, Scaevola crassifolia and Trichodesma
zeylanicum var. zeylanicum under 1 m
Understorey
Tussock Grasses Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris under 1 m
Vegetation Condition
Condition Rating: Very Good to Good
Disturbances: Introduced species, tracks, dumped rubbish and nearby townsite
infrastructure
Average Fire Age: Old
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Vegetation Association: 3 Scattered Shrubs of Shrubland of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea over Low Shrubland of Acacia stellaticeps, Scaevola sericophylla, Indigofera boviperda subsp. boviperda and Pityrodia loxocarpa over Open Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia over Open Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris.
Quadrats Sampled OS12, OS13, OS14, OS15, OS16, OS18, OS21, OS23
and OS30 Landform Description Location and Landform:
This vegetation association is located on the low sand dunes of the study area.
Soil Attributes: Red‐brown sand Litter Cover: <1% Logs, <1% Twigs and 1% Leaves Bare Ground: 20‐60% Vegetation Structure and Floristics Low Shrubland of Acacia stellaticeps is one of the main diagnostics of this association.
Stratum Key Characteristics
Overstorey
Canopy Layer Scattered Shrubs of Shrubland of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea, Acacia
tetragonophylla and Acacia bivenosa to a height of 2 m
Midstorey
Middle Shrub Layer Low Shrubland of Acacia stellaticeps, Scaevola sericophylla, Indigofera
boviperda subsp. boviperda and Pityrodia loxocarpa under 1 m
Understorey
Hummock and
Tussock Grasses
Open Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia over Open Tussock Grassland of
*Cenchrus ciliaris under 1 m
Vegetation Condition
Condition Rating: Very Good ‐ Good
Disturbances: Introduced species, tracks, dumped rubbish and nearby townsite
infrastructure.
Average Fire Age: Old
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Vegetation Association: 4 Low Shrubland of Tecticornia auriculata, Tecticornia halocnemoides subsp. tenuis, Frankenia ambita and Atriplex semilunaris over Open Tussock Grassland of Eragrostis pergracilis, Eragrostis falcata and Sporobolus virginicus.
Sites Sampled OSR02 and OSR05 Landform Description Location and Landform:
This vegetation association is located on the low salty depressions of the study area.
Soil Attributes: Brown mud with some Clayey Areas Litter Cover: 0% Logs, <1% Twigs and 5% Leaves Bare Ground: 80% Vegetation Structure and Floristics
The Low Shrubland of Chenopods is one of the main diagnostics of this association.
Stratum Key Characteristics
Overstorey
Canopy Layer None
Midstorey
Middle Shrub Layer Low Shrubland of Tecticornia auriculata, Tecticornia halocnemoides subsp.
tenuis, Frankenia ambita and Atriplex semilunaris under 1 m
Understorey
Tussock Grasses Open Tussock Grassland of Eragrostis pergracilis, Eragrostis falcata and
Sporobolus virginicus under 1 m
Vegetation Condition
Condition Rating: Degraded
Disturbances: Introduced species, tracks, dumped rubbish and nearby townsite
infrastructure
Average Fire Age: Old
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3.3.1 Vegetation Condition
Vegetation condition within the study area ranged between Very Good to Completely
Degraded (Figure 7). The majority of the vegetation was categorised as Very Good to
Good. The proximity of the vegetation to the developed portions of Onslow has greatly
reduced the condition of the vegetation within the survey area. Disturbances to
vegetation include the presence of introduced species, tracks and roads, rubbish
dumping and property developments.
Fire age within the study area was assessed as Very Old (eight to 12 years since the last
fire).
3.3.2 Vegetation of Conservation Significance
Four vegetation associations were identified as occurring within the study area. None of
the vegetation associations recorded in the study area are listed as TECs under the EPBC
Act, as ESAs under the EP Act or as PECs by the DEC.
3.3.3 Regional Representation of Vegetation Associations
Beard (1975) mapped three vegetation types in the study area (Table 8). These can be
correlated to mapping by Shepherd et al. (2001) who determined the extent of these
vegetation types.
The ENV vegetation associations have been generally correlated with the Beard (1975)
broad vegetation types (Table 8). Differences exist with the terminology used in the
descriptions as they are based on different methods of categorising and characterising
vegetation types, and the spatial scale of the analysis (i.e. region vs. local scale).
The vegetation types mapped by Beard (1975) that occur in the study area have a large
distribution especially within the Carnarvon region. In addition, as shown in Table 8,
they are all considered to exist at more than 73% of their pre‐European extent as per
Shepherd et al. (2001) and DAFWA (2007). Vegetation types that have more than 50% of
their pre‐European extent are considered of ‘Least Concern’ as per the Department of
Natural Resources and Environment (2002).
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Table 8: Regional Representation of Vegetation in the Study area
Pre‐
European
area (ha)2
Current
extent (ha)3
Remaining
(%)3
Pre‐
European
% in IUCN
Class I‐IV
Reserves3
Conservation
Status3
ENV
Vegetation
Associations
IBRA
Bioregion
–
Carnarvon
8,523,963 8,523,963 100.0 6.1 Least
Concern N/A
Vegetation Type (Beard 1975) within Western Australia
117 917, 087 917, 087 100.0 13.3 Least
Concern 1, 2 and 3
127 778, 381 778,153 100.0 7.0 Least
Concern ‐
676 2, 110, 508 2, 087, 874 98.9 6.5 Least
Concern 4
Vegetation Type (Beard 1975) within the Carnarvon Bioregion
117 12,395 9,065 73.1 27.1 Least
Concern 1, 2 and 3
127 102,670 102,282 99.6 1.1 Least
Concern ‐
676 51,978 51,678 99.4 6.5 Least
Concern 4
3.4 VARIABLES INFLUENCING THE FAUNA SURVEY
It is important to note the variables associated with individual surveys, which are often
difficult to predict, as is the extent to which they influence survey outcomes. Survey
variables of the fauna survey are detailed in Table 9.
2 Shepherd et al. (2001) and DAFWA (2007)
3 Department of Natural Resources and Environment (2002)
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Table 9: Variables Associated with the Fauna Survey
Variable Impact on Survey Outcomes
Access All areas of the study area were accessible and adequately surveyed.
Experience The scientists who undertook these surveys were practitioners suitably
qualified in their respective fields.
Field Staff: Dr Colin Trainor (Senior Zoologist);
Data Interpretation and Reporting: Colin Trainor, James Sansom.
Timing, weather,
season
The rainfall for the year to date (January to April 2011) was significantly
above average (see Section 1.2.1). A total of 15.2 mm fell over the three
survey days. The air temperature was several degrees below average
(15.3 degrees Celsius min., 25.3 degrees Celsius max.) during the
survey, with a strong gusty wind of more than 50 km/hr on each day,
with a maximum wind speed of 81 km/hr.
The cool weather undoubtedly limited reptile activity.
Scope: sampling
methods/
intensity
A Level One survey was undertaken. Many cryptic species that are
typically recorded by trapping would not have been recorded during the
survey, such as small mammals.
All conservation significant species previously recorded in the area have
been considered. Based on the habitat present, those species deemed
to potentially occur in the study area have been addressed in this
report.
Sources of
information
At the bioregion level, the Carnarvon region has not been relatively well
studied. Some flora surveys have been undertaken in the area as part of
environmental impact assessment processes. Those most relevant and
available to the current study are listed in Section 1.3.
3.5 FAUNA HABITATS
The study area consists of two main fauna habitat types: Shrubland of Acacia species
over Hummock grassland and Beach (Table 10 and Figure 8). The data sheets for the
habitat assessments are provided in Appendix K.
The study area comprises 84.1 ha of cleared and ‘completely degraded’ land which
provides little to no habitat value and ‘private property’ which could not be accessed
during the survey.
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Table 10: Major Habitat Types of the Study Area.
Habitat Type Habitat Value Habitat Size (ha)
Shrubland of Acacia species
over Hummock grassland Moderate 229.0
Beach Moderate 20.5
Total 249.5
Additional classes were: ‘Completely degraded’ (67.2 ha) and ‘Private property’ (16.9 ha).
Shrubland of Acacia species over Hummock grassland
This was a simple habitat with variable shrub cover, but consistently high cover of
Triodia, which provides moderate quality fauna habitat. In the north‐west of the study
area and to the south, there were dense stands of Acacia up to about 5 m in height.
Above the beach there were also stands of Casuarina to about 10 m in height, but trees
were generally absent through most of the study area. The lack of vegetation structure
greatly constrains the variety of habitats available for vertebrate fauna. Consequently
the avifauna is highly generalised consisting predominantly of common and widespread
grassland and woodland species which occur throughout much of arid Australia. In
constrast, the reptile fauna is probably quite diverse and includes some regional
endemics such as Lerista onsloviana. The absence of trees means that there are few or
no hollows, few logs, little decorticating bark, and greatly simplified roosts and nesting
opportunities. The provision of artificial water sources, as well as tree plantings and
open fields inside the town of Onslow has attracted some species such as the Magpie‐
lark (Grallina cyanoleuca), Little Corella (Cacatua sanguinea) and Green Tree Frog
(Litoria caerulea).
Beach
The Beach habitat occurs along the north of the study area. It provides a simple habitat which is frequently vital for a small range of resident beach dwelling fauna, as well as visiting and migratory species most of which were absent during the period of this survey. Many of these are migratory species are shorebirds or coastal seabirds. The Beach habitat provides for a limited number of presumed resident bird species such as Eastern Osprey (Pandion cristatus), Australian Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris), Red‐capped Plover (Charadrius ruficapillus), and the dunes above the beach are probably rich in reptiles.
3.6 FAUNA ASSEMBLAGES
Fauna assemblages in the study area have been compiled from surveys conducted
within and surrounding the study area (Appendix L) and records from DEC threatened
fauna database searches, NatureMap (DEC 2011b), and DSEWPaC Protected Matters
Search Tool (DSEWPaC 2011b).
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A total of 279 vertebrate fauna have been previously recorded within the vicinity of the
study area. This includes four amphibian species, 70 reptile species, 176 bird species
and 29 mammal species. Many of these species are unlikely to occur in the study area
on a regular basis since these records are from a large area encompassing a wide range
of habitats. Furthermore, small common ground‐dwelling reptiles and mammals tend to
be habitat specific and many shorebirds and coastal seabird species occur seasonally as
migrants (mostly August to March) or occasional visitors.
A total of 49 vertebrate species were recorded during the field survey, which included
one amphibian, three reptiles, two mammals and 43 bird species.
All fauna recorded previously in the region are listed in Appendix L, with conservation
significant fauna potentially occurring and/or previously recorded for the study area,
listed in Table 11.
3.6.1 Amphibians
One amphibian species the Green Tree Frog (Litoria caerulea) was recorded during the
survey, and a further four species have been previously recorded (DEC 2011b). The
Green Tree Frog was the only vertebrate species not previously recorded from the study
area (Appendix L). This species occurs naturally in the Kimberley region of Western
Australia, where it occurs widely in woodland. The population (two individuals were
observed at a hotel in Onslow) appears to be the result of an unplanned translocation.
Whilst not recorded, the Sheep Frog (Cyclorana mainii) and Little Red Tree Frog (Litoria
rubella), are likely to be common in the study area.
3.6.2 Reptiles
A total of 70 reptile species have been previously recorded in the general vicinity of the
study area (Appendix L). Three reptiles (two gecko species and a dragon) were recorded
in the study area.
The most common reptiles surrounding the Onslow townsite are likely to be the Long‐
nosed Dragon (Amphibolurus longirostris), Ring‐tailed Rock Dragon (Ctenophorus
caudicinctus caudicinctus), Variegated Tree Dtella (Gehyra variegata), Bynoe’s Gecko
(Heteronotia binoei) and Rock Ctenotus (Ctenotus saxatilis). None of these species are
considered as being of conservation significance.
3.6.3 Birds
A total of 176 species have been recorded previously in the general vicinity of the study
area (Appendix L), though 40‐50 species occur in the area as seasonal migrants during
the August to March. A total of 43 bird species were recorded during the field survey.
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Some of the most commonly recorded bird species were: Nankeen Kestrel (Falco
cenchroides), Peaceful Dove (Geopelia striata), Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus),
Singing Honeyeater (Lichenostomus virescens), White‐plumed Honeyeater
(Lichenostomus penicillatus), Brown Honeyeater (Lichmera indistincta), Variegated
Fairy‐wren (Malurus lamberti), Magpie‐lark (Grallina cyanoleuca), Black‐faced
Woodswallow (Artamus cinereus) and Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata) (Plate 9). Most
of these are among the most common and widespread birds occurring in the arid
Australia. Uncommon birds included Bar‐shouldered Dove (Geopelia humeralis) – just
two individuals were recorded within Onslow town. This is a common and
predominantly tropical bird, with Onslow close to its south‐western limits. The Yellow
White‐eye (Zosterops luteus) is another predominantly tropical bird, but it was
abundant in Acacia shrubland near the coast.
Five bird species considered as of conservation significance were recorded during the
field survey.
3.6.4 Mammals
A total of 29 mammal species have previously been recorded in the general vicinity of
the study area (Appendix L). A total of two mammal species were recorded. The Euro
(Macropus robustus) was recorded on dunes to the south of town, and scats were
observed throughout the survey area. A single cat, presumably a Feral Cat (Felis catus)
was recorded in shrubland in the east of the study area. AnaBat detectors failed to
record any bats adjacent to a small dam in Onslow.
Common bats likely to occur in the study area include the Gould’s Wattled Bat
(Chalinolobus gouldii), the Little Broad‐nosed Bat (Scotorepens greyii) and Finlayson’s
Cave Bat (Vespadelus finlaysoni).
No mammal species considered as conservation significance were recorded during the
field survey.
Six species of introduced mammal have previously been recorded in the general vicinity
of the study area: the House Mouse (*Mus musculus), European Rabbit (*Oryctolagus
cuniculus), Fox (*Vulpes vulpes), Feral Cat (*Felis catus), Cattle (*Bos taurus) and Goat
(*Capra hircus).
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Plate 9. Examples of birds encountered and photographed during the Onslow Townsite
survey: 1. Peaceful Dove (Geopelia striata); 2. Eastern Osprey (Pandion cristatus); 3.
nest of Eastern Osprey on tower; 4. Nankeen Kestrel (Falco cenchroides); 5. male
Variegated Fairy‐wren (Malurus lamberti); 6. Yellow White‐eye (Zosterops luteus); and,
7. Western Star Finch (Neochmia ruficauda subclarescens).
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3.7 CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT FAUNA
3.7.1 Potentially Occurring Fauna of Conservation Significance
From the desktop review of previous surveys conducted in the area and database
searches, a list of recorded conservation significant species was compiled (Appendix L).
The 44 conservation significant species previously recorded are listed in Table 11 and
discussed in Appendix M. These comprise one reptile, 39 birds and four mammals. Four
of these species were assesses and listed as ‘Possible’ to occur within the study area
(Appendix M). A further 30 were considered as ‘Likely’ to occur; five were noted as
‘Present’ (with current project records), and five species were considered as ‘Unlikely’
to occur within the study area. Among the birds, a total of 20 Palaearctic migrant
shorebirds and four species of migratory tern are considered likely to occur.
The Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is considered as possible to occur. Of the
four mammals listed (Appendix M) only the Short‐tailed Mouse (Leggadina
lakedownensis) is considered as ‘likely’ to occur in the study area.
Table 11: Conservation Significant Fauna Potentially Occurring in the Study Area
Conservation Significant Species
Conserva
tion
Status Likelihood
Reptiles
Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) S4 Possible
Birds
Flock Bronzewing (Phaps histrionica) P4 Likely
Fork‐tailed Swift (Apus pacificus) Mi Likely
Southern Giant‐petrel (Macronectes giganteus) En Unlikely
Cattle Egret (Ardea ibis) Mi Unlikely
Eastern Great Egret (Ardea modesta) Mi Likely
Eastern Reef Egret (Egretta sacra) Mi Present
White‐bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) Mi Likely
Eastern Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Mi Present
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) S4 Possible
Australian Bustard (Ardeotis australis) P4 Likely
Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) Mi Likely
Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius leschenaultii) Mi Likely
Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongolus) Mi Likely
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Conservation Significant Species
Conserva
tion
Status Likelihood
Oriental Plover (Charadrius veredus) Mi Likely
Bar‐tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) Mi Likely
Black‐tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) Mi Likely
Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) Mi Likely
Little Curlew (Numenius minutus) Mi Likely
Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis) Mi, P4 Likely
Grey‐tailed Tattler (Tringa brevipes) Mi Likely
Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) Mi Likely
Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola) Mi Likely
Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) Mi Likely
Sanderling (Calidris alba) Mi Likely
Great Knot (Calidris tenuirostris) Mi Likely
Red‐necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis) Mi Likely
Sharp‐tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata) Mi Likely
Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea) Mi Likely
Red‐necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) Mi Likely
Oriental Pratincole (Glareola maldivarum) Mi Likely
White‐winged Black Tern (Chlidonias leucoptera) Mi Likely
Lesser Crested Tern (Sterna bengalensis) Mi Likely
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) Mi Likely
Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) Mi Likely
Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis) EN Unlikely
Rainbow Bee‐eater (Merops ornatus) Mi Present
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) Mi Possible
Star Finch (Neochmia ruficauda subclarescens) P4 Present
Mammals
Crest‐tailed Mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda) VU,S1 Possible
Long‐tailed Dunnart (Sminthopsis longicaudata) P4 Unlikely
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Conservation Significant Species
Conserva
tion
Status Likelihood
Short‐tailed Mouse Mouse (Leggadina
lakedownensis) P4 Likely
Western Pebble‐mound Mouse (Pseudomys
chapmani) P4 Unlikely
3.7.2 Recorded Species
Five species of conservation significance were recorded. These incuded the Priority four
Western Star Finch (Neochmia ruficauda subclarescens) and a further four species listed
as migratory: Eastern Reef Egret (Egretta sacra), Eastern Osprey (Pandion cristatus),
Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia), and Rainbow Bee‐eater (Merops ornatus). The
location of the sightings of these conservation significant fauna are indicated in
Figure 9.
Although listed as migratory species, the Eastern Reef Egret and Rainbow Bee‐eater
probably breed locally. The Eastern Osprey breeds within the study area as evidenced by
two nests on towers (Plate 9). The Rainbow Bee‐eater has been reported breeding near
Onslow (Barrett et al. 2003). In Western Australia this bird can occur as a ‘resident,
breeding visitor, postnuptial nomad, passage migrant and winter visitor’ (Johnstone and
Storr 1998). Populations from south‐western Western Australia migrate north prior to
the winter period (February‐April) (Johnstone and Storr 1998).
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4 DISCUSSION
4.1 FLORA
A total of 109 taxa were recorded within the study area. The floral diversity recorded
within the study area is considered to be low when compared with two recent surveys in
Onslow. The current survey recorded an average of 17.7 taxa per quadrat ± 6.8 (twenty‐
two quadrats) compared with 36.2 taxa per quadrat ± 4.9 (four quadrats) (ENV 2011a)
and 25.3 taxa per quadrat ± 6.1 (three quadrats) (ENV 2011b). Past clearing and the high
presence of introduced species and is considered to have reduced the floral diversity
within the study area.
None of the plant species recorded in the study area are Threatened species pursuant to
the EPBC Act, gazetted as DRF pursuant to the WC Act or listed as Priority Flora by the
DEC.
One species listed as Vulnerable pursuant to the EPBC Act was previously recorded
within approximately 19 km of the study area: Eleocharis papillosa (Biota 2010a). This
species was recorded from a tidally influenced creek in association with chenopod
species (Biota 2010a). A similar habitat within the study area is represented by
vegetation association 4. However, this habitat is not considered suitable as it only
occurs in small areas within the study area and has been degraded by disturbances
including the presence of introduced species, clearing and dumped rubbish.
No other Threatened flora pursuant to the EPBC Act are known or expected to occur
within the study area.
No DRF species were identified as potentially occurring within the survey area and none
were recorded by the survey. Thus, no DRF are expected to occur within the study area.
Seven priority species were identified as potentially occurring within the study area.
Three of these species were considered unlikely to occur as suitable habitat does not
occur within the study area: Carpobrotus sp. Thevenard Island (M. White 050), Cyperus
victoriensis and Eremophila forrestii subsp. viridis. Suitable habitat for the remaining
four species occurs within the study area and thus, it was considered possible that these
species occur: Abutilon uncinatum, Atriplex flabelliformis, Triumfetta echinata and
Vigna sp. central (M.E. Trudgen 1626). Habitat for these species included the sand dune
communities: vegetation associations 1, 2 and 3. None of these species were recorded
during the survey and as the survey was thorough and conducted after sufficient
rainfall, these species are not considered to occur within the study area.
One species considered to be of local significance, Maireana lobiflora, was recorded.
The four records of this species from the study area represent a range extension. The
closet known previous record of this species is approximately 240 km south east of the
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study area (WAH 2011). This species is not protected by Commonwealth or State
legislation. However, the EPA and the DEC are interested in range extensions.
4.2 INTRODUCED SPECIES
Introduced species were common within the study area. At least one weed species was
recorded within each quadrat surveyed. Buffel (*Cenchrus ciliaris), Kapok (*Aerva
javanica) and Caltrop (*Tribulus terrestris) were the most commonly recorded species
and were observed to be present throughout the entire study area. These species are all
common and widespread within the semi‐arid regions of Western Australia (Hussey et
al., 2007).
Mesquite (*Prosopis glandulosa) and Athel pine (*Tamarix aphylla) were recorded in the
study area and are both listed as Declared Plants under the ARRP Act. These two species
are also listed as WONS by the Australian Government (Australian Government 2011).
Mesquite (*Prosopis glandulosa) is a Declared Plant that is listed as P1 and P2 for the
entire State. This species is known to occur along the coast between Karratha and
Onslow (Hussey et al., 2007). Mesquite was recorded in two wet depressions in
association with chenopod species within the study area. The northern record of this
species represents a dense thicket, whereas the southern record was an individual
plant. Key points of Mesquite as listed by the Australian Government include that:
Mesquite (Prosopis spp.), which includes four species and several hybrids, is one of
four prickle bushes that have infestations scattered throughout semi‐arid Australia;
it is a nuisance in rangelands where it forms dense impenetrable stands, particularly
around waterways;
Animals eat the seed pods and spread the seeds. Historical control efforts by
mechanical and chemical means have been expensive and ultimately ineffective; and
Control requires an integrated management approach, including mechanical,
chemical and biological techniques and the use of fire and grazing strategies
(Australian Government 2011).
Athel pine (*Tamarix aphylla) is a Declared Plant that is listed as P1 for the entire State.
This species is often planted as shade trees in arid areas (Hussey et al., 2007) and was
largely observed as a planted windbreak along the beach within the study area. This
species was also recorded in two isolated locations. Key points of Athel Pine as listed by
the Australian Government include that:
it is a fast growing and becomes reproductive at three years of age;
It is able to establish on saline and alkaline soils;
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it disperses and establishes by seed, and broken stem material is moved by flood
water; and
It is a threat to the pastoral and tourism industry and the riparian biodiversity of
central Australia (Australian Government 2011).
4.3 VEGETATION
Four vegetation associations were identified as occurring within the study area. Three of
these represent sand dune communities, while the remaining association consisted of
chenopod species within wet depressions. All of these communities were observed to
have been disturbed. Disturbances included introduced species, historical clearing,
tracks, developments and dumped rubbish. The high level of disturbance to the native
vegetation within the study area is a direct result of the proximity to the townsite of
Onslow. The vegetation surveyed occurred in and around the developed town and thus,
the impact of anthropogenic influences on the vegetation were obvious.
None of the vegetation associations recorded in the study area are listed as TECs under
the EPBC Act, as ESAs under the EP Act, or as PECs by the DEC. This is expected as no
communities of conservation significance were identified as potentially occurring within
the study area. In addition the vegetation associations recorded within the study area
are considered to be representative of vegetation units that are widespread within the
Carnarvon region.
4.4 FAUNA HABITAT
Two major habitat types (shrubland of Acacia species over Hummock grassland and
Beach) were recorded in the study area. Both were in good to very good condition, and
were considered to provide moderate habitat value. Shrubland of Acacia over Hummock
grassland was dominant in the study area. It provides a simple habitat lacking
vegetation structure which is important for birds, but the extensive Triodia cover and
sandy substrate probably hosts a diverse reptile fauna.
The fauna species recorded in shrubland was highly generalized, with species that occur
widely throughout much of arid Australia. Two exceptions were the Bar‐shouldered
Dove and Yellow White‐eye, which are tropical species near their southernmost limits at
Onslow. The only amphibian recorded was the Green Tree Frog. This species was
probably accidentally translocated in Onslow on trucks travelling from the Kimberley.
Artificial populations are likely to be maintained by the provision of artificial water
sources. Water about towns also attracts and provides drinking opportunities for a
range of bird species, especially granivorous parrots and finches.
The Beach habitat was poor in species overall, but most of those present were not
found in the Acacia shrubland habitat. Three migratory birds (Eastern Reef Egret,
Eastern Osprey and Caspian Tern) were recorded in the Beach habitat. During the
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summer migrant season, another 20 or more migratory shorebirds are likely to occur on
the beaches, and several migratory terns would also visit the Beach habitat in the study
area.
4.5 FAUNA OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE
Five birds of conservation significance were recorded within the study area, namely the
Eastern Reef Egret, Eastern Osprey, Caspian Tern, Rainbow Bee‐eater and Western Star
Finch. The Western Star Finch is rated as Priority 4 on the DEC priority list and the other
four species are listed as Migratory under the EPBC Act. Although considered as
migratory, the Eastern Osprey breeds in the study site, and the Eastern Reef Egret and
Rainbow Bee‐eater also probably breed in the study area. Therefore, populations of
these species might consist of a mixture of resident and migratory populations.
The Eastern Reef Egret, Eastern Osprey and Caspian Tern are mostly associated with the
Beach habitat, which is understood to be unlikely to be directly impacted by
development of the study area. The towers that the Eastern Osprey nests in should be
retained, or artificial towers or platforms could be created to provide additional nesting
habitat for this bird.
The western subspecies of the Star Finch is confined to the Pilbara region of Western
Australia (Pizzey and Knight 2007) and typically inhabits areas with permanent water.
This small finch drinks daily and generally breeds near water. The Star Finch was
recorded in tall Acacia dominated shrubland to the northwest of the study area.
Juvenile and adult birds were observed, confirming that this bird does breed in or about
the study area. Development of the Onslow townsite may disturb populations of the
Star Finch, but this could be mitigated by providing permanent artificial water sources
such as small ponds (fed by roof‐top run‐off) in the vicinity of hummock grassland.
The Rainbow Bee‐eater is one of the most common and widespread birds in Australia
and was a commonly recorded species during surveys in the Pilbara (Burbidge et al.
2010) with a distribution that covers the majority of Australia (Barrett et al. 2003). The
Rainbow Bee‐eater is a highly mobile species and is unlikely to be disturbed by
development in the study area.
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
Page 39 J100505‐001‐CS (8‐9‐2011)
5 SUMMARY OF SURVEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION
The survey of the Onslow Townsite Strategy study area found the following:
No flora listed under the EPBC Act, gazetted as Declared Rare Flora under the WC
Act or listed as Priority Flora by the DEC were recorded;
Total of 109 taxa (six introduced and 103 native) were recorded from the study area.
These 127 taxa were from 77 genera and 31 families. Average plant species richness
was 17.7 taxa per quadrat ± 6.8 from a total of 22 quadrats;
Two flora, Mesquite (*Prosopis glandulosa) and Athel pine (*Tamarix aphylla), listed
as Declared Plants under the ARRP Act and as WONS by the Australian Government
were recorded;
Four vegetation associations were described for the study area: three sand dune
communities and one chenopod community; one naturally occurring on the sand
dunes and the other occurring within a drainage slump and thus, not considered to
be naturally occurring;
No vegetation associations representing TECs under the EPBC Act, ESAs under the EP
Act, or PECs as listed by the DEC were recorded;
Two fauna habitats were recorded in the study area, and both were considered to be
of moderate habitat value, because of their value in providing habitat for five birds
of conservation signbificance, for providing habitat for an assumed diverse reptile
fauna, and for potentially providing habitat for many migrant shorebirds and terns;
Five bird species of conservation significance were recorded during the survey;
Forty four conservation significant fauna potentially occur in the study area, thirty
of these were considered as ‘Likely’ inhabitants and four as ‘Possibly’ occurring; and
Two conservation significant birds, the Eastern Osprey and Western Star Finch could
be impacted by development of the Onslow townsite, but this might be readily
mitigated by artificial provision/retention of water (Western Star Finch) and
breeding towers/platforms (Eastern Osprey).
This flora, vegetation and fauna survey of the Onslow Townsite Strategy study area has
not identified any species, communities or habitats of conservation significance, which
would constitute a statutory constraint to development.
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
Page 40 J100505‐001‐CS (8‐9‐2011)
6 REFERENCES
Australian Government (2011) Weeds of National Significance (WONS). Commonwealth
of Australia. Available from <http://www.weeds.gov.au/weeds/lists/wons.html> [June‐
July 2011]
AECOM (2010) Onslow Townsite Strategy Ecological Desktop Study. Unpublished report
prepared for Landcorp.
Biota (2010a) A Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Wheatstone Project Area, near
Onslow. Published Report Prepared for Chevron.
Biota (2010b) Terrestrial Fauna Survey of the Wheatstone Project Area, near Onslow.
Published Report Prepared for Chevron.
Council of Heads of Australia Herbaria [CHAH] (2011). Australia’s Virtual Herbarium
Available from <http://chah.gov.au/avh/index.jsp.> [May‐June 2011].
Barrett, G., Silcocks, A, Barry, S, Cunningham, R. and Poulter, R (2003). The new Atlas of
Australian Birds. Birds Australia. Hawthorn East, Victoria.
Beard, JS (1975). Vegetation Survey of Western Australia: Sheet 5 Pilbara, University of
Western Australia Press, Perth, Western Australia.
Birdata (2011). Birdata: Distribution Maps. Online: www.birdata.com.au/maps.vm
[Accessed January 2011]
Burbidge, A. H. Johnstone, R. E. and Pearson, D. J. (2010). Birds in a vast arid upland:
biogeographical patterns in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Records of the
Western Australian Museum 78: 247‐270.
Bureau of Meteorology (2011). Daily Weather Observations. Commonwealth of
Australia. Available from: <www.bom.gov.au/climate> [June 2011].
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia [DAFWA] (2007). Comprehensive
Adequate and Representative Reserve Analysis. Department of Agriculture and Food,
Western Australia.
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia [DAFWA] (2009). Agriculture and
Related Resources Protection Act 1976 ‐ Declared Plants, December 2009. Department of
Agriculture and Food, Western Australia.
Department of Conservation and Land Management [CALM] (1999). Environmental Weed
Strategy for Western Australia. Department of Conservation and Land Management,
Perth, Western Australia.
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Page 41 J100505‐001‐CS (8‐9‐2011)
Department of Environment and Conservation [DEC] (2011a). Pilbara Biological Survey
Database. Department of Environment and Conservation. Online:
http://science.calm.wa.gov.au/projects/pilbaradb/ [January 2011].
Department of Environment and Conservation [DEC] (2011b). NatureMap: Mapping
Western Australia's Biodiversity. Department of Environment and Conservation and
Western Australian Museum. Available from: <http://naturemap.dec.wa.gov.au/>
[January 2011].
Department of Environment and Conservation [DEC] (2011c). Priority Flora Database
Search. Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth, Western Australia.
Department of Environment and Conservation [DEC] (2011d). Threatened and Priority
Fauna Database (custom search). Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth
Western Australia.
Department of Natural Resources and Environment (2002). Biodiversity Action Planning.
Action planning for native biodiversity at multiple scales; catchment bioregional;
landscape, local. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria.
Department of the Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
[DSEWPaC] (2011a). Maps: Australia’s Bioregions (IBRA) Available from:
<www.environment.gov.au/parks/nrs/science/bioregion‐framework/ibra/index.html>
[January 2011].
Department of the Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
[DSEWPaC] (2011b). EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool. Available from:
<www.environment.gov.au/erin/ert/epbc/index.html> [May 2011].
Environmental Protection Authority [EPA] (2000). Environmental Protection of Native
Vegetation in Western Australia: Clearing of Native Vegetation with Particular Reference
to Agricultural Areas. Position Statement No. 2. EPA, Perth, Western Australia.
Environmental Protection Authority [EPA] (2002). Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an
Element of Biodiversity Protection. Position Statement No. 3. EPA, Perth, Western
Australia.
Environmental Protection Authority [EPA] (2004a). Terrestrial Flora and Vegetation
Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia, No. 51. EPA, Perth,
Western Australia.
Environmental Protection Authority [EPA] (2004b). Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for
Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia. Guidance Statement No. 56,
EPA, Perth, Western Australia.
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
Page 42 J100505‐001‐CS (8‐9‐2011)
Environmental Protection Authority [EPA] (2010). Technical Guide – Terrestrial
Vertebrate Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment, EPA, Perth, Western
Australia.
ENV.Australia (2011a). Onslow Light Industrial Area Flora, Vegetation and Fauna
Assessment. Unpublished Report Prepared for the Shire of Ashburton.
ENV.Australia (2011b). Onslow Multi‐sport and Recreation Precinct Flora, Vegetation
and Fauna Assessment. Unpublished Report Prepared for the Shire of Ashburton.
Geering, A, Agnew L and Harding, S (2007). Shorebirds of Australia, CSIRO Publishing,
Collingwood, Vic.
Geological Survey of Western Australia (1990). Onslow, Western Australia 1:250 000
Geological Series. Geological Survey of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia.
Hussey B J M, Keighery G J, Dodd J, Lloyd S G and Cousens R D (2007). Western Weeds: A
Guide to the Weeds of Western Australia, 2nd ed. The Weeds Society of Western
Australia, Perth, Western Australia.
Johnstone, RE and Storr, GM (1998). Handbook of Western Australian Birds: Volume 1 –
Non‐passerines (Emu to Dollarbird). Western Australian Museum, Perth, Western
Australia.
Johnstone, R. E. and Storr, G. M. (2004). Handbook of Western Australian Birds: Volume
2: Passerines (Blue‐winged Pitta to Goldfinch), Western Australian Museum, Perth.
Kendrick, P and Mau, R (2002). Carnarvon 1 (CAR1‐ Cape Range subregion) In: A
Biodiversity Audit of Western Australia's 53 Biogeographic Subregions in 2002.
Department of Conservation and Land Management, Western Australia.
Menkhorst, P and Knight, F (2004). A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia (2nd ed.).
Oxford University Press, South Melbourne.
Morcombe, M (2000). Field Guide to Australian Birds, Steve Parish Publishing.
Archerfield, Queensland.
Pizzey, G and Knight, F (2007). The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Eighth Edition,
Harper Collins, Sydney New South Wales.
Shepherd, DP, Beeston, GR and Hopkins, AJM (2001). Native Vegetation in Western
Australia: Extent, Type and Status. Resource Management Technical Report 249,
Department of Agriculture, Government of Western Australia.
Simpson, K and Day, N (2004). A Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Penguin Books
Australia Ltd, Melbourne.
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
Page 43 J100505‐001‐CS (8‐9‐2011)
Thackway, R and Cresswell, ID (1995). An Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for
Australia: A framework for setting priorities in the National Reserves System Cooperative
Program, Version 4.0. Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra.
van Dyck, S and Strahan R (2008). The Mammals of Australia – Third Edition. Reed New
Holland, Sydney.
van Vreeswyk, AME, Payne, AL, Leighton, KA, and Hennig, P (2004). An Inventory and
Condition Survey of the Pilbara Region of Western Australia. Technical Bulletin 92.
Department of Agriculture, Government of Western Australia.
Western Australian Herbarium (2011). Florabase ‐ Information on the Western
Australian Flora. Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth. Online:
http://florabase.calm.wa.gov.au/. [May‐June 2011].
Wilson, S and Swan, G (2008). Reptiles of Australia. Second Edition, New Holland
Publishers, Australia.
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS (8‐9‐2011)
FIGURES
300000 32500075
7500
0
7575
000
7600
000
7600
000
7625
000
7625
000
Regional LocationAUTHOR:C. Gibson
Onslow Townsite Strategy - Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
@ A31:250,000
LandcorpJOB NO.CLIENT
SCALE PROJECTIONS. Rho 8-7-2011DRAWN DATE
GDA 94 MGA 50
J100505
1FIGURE
LegendGreenfield Opportunities
Infill Sites
Survey Area for Proposed Bypass Road
Other Opportunity Sites
Survey Area
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Perth
Geraldton
Port Hedland
Broome
Indian Ocean
Location Map
0 2 4 6 8 10
Kilometres
±
Survey Area
OS30
OS28
OS26
OS23
OS21
OS20
OS19
OS18
OS17
OS16
OS15
OS14
OS13
OS12
OS08
OS07 OS06
OS05
OS04
OS03
OS02
OS01
OSR08
OSR06
OSR05
OSR04
OSR02
OSR01
304000 305000 30600076
0300
0
7603
000
7604
000
7604
000
7605
000
7605
000
7606
000
7606
000
Location of Quadrats and RelevesAUTHOR:C. Gibson
Onslow Townsite Strategy - Flora, Vegetation and FaunaAssessment@ A41:17,000
LandcorpJOB NO.CLIENT
SCALE PROJECTIONS. Rho 8-7-2011DRAWN DATE
GDA 94 MGA 50
J100505
3FIGURE
LegendGreenfield Opportunities
Infill Sites
Survey Area for Proposed Bypass Road
Other Opportunity Sites
Quadrat Location
Releve Location
0 250 500 750 1,000
Metres
±
304000 305000 30600076
0300
0
7603
000
7604
000
7604
000
7605
000
7605
000
7606
000
7606
000
Location of Locally Significant FloraAUTHOR:
C. Gibson Onslow Townsite Strategy - Flora, Vegetation and FaunaAssessment@ A41:17,000
LandcorpJOB NO.CLIENT
SCALE PROJECTIONS. Rho 8-7-2011DRAWN DATE
GDA 94 MGA 50
J100505
4FIGURE
LegendGreenfield Opportunities
Infill Sites
Survey Area for Proposed Bypass Road
Other Opportunity Sites
Location of
0 250 500 750 1,000
Metres
±
Maireana lobiflora
304000 305000 30600076
0300
0
7603
000
7604
000
7604
000
7605
000
7605
000
7606
000
7606
000
Location of Introduced FloraAUTHOR:C. Gibson Onslow Townsite Strategy -
Flora, Vegetation and FaunaAssessment@ A41:17,000
LandcorpJOB NO.CLIENT
SCALE PROJECTIONS. Rho 8-7-2011DRAWN DATE
GDA 94 MGA 50
J100505
5FIGURE
LegendGreenfield Opportunities
Infill Sites
Survey Area for Proposed Bypass Road
Other Opportunity Sites
Location of Introduced Flora
*Prosopis glandulosa *Stylosanthes hamata*Tamarix aphylla *Tribulus terrestris*Cenchrus ciliaris*Aerva javanica
0 250 500 750 1,000
Metres
±
(WONS)
(WONS)
Vegetation Assocations LegendAUTHOR:C. Gibson
Onslow Townsite Strategy - Flora, Vegetation and FaunaAssessment
NA
LandcorpJOB NO.CLIENT
SCALE PROJECTIONS. Rho 8-7-2011DRAWN DATE
NA
J100505
6.1FIGURE
LegendVegetation Description
Scattered Shrubs of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea over Low Open Shrubland of Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii and Tephrosia rosea var. clementii over Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia and Spinifex longifolius over Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris over Open Herbs of Ipomoea pes-caprae subsp. brasiliensis.Scattered Shrubs of Shrubland of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea over Low Shrubland of Acacia stellaticeps, Scaevola sericophylla, Indigofera boviperda subsp. boviperda and Pityrodia loxocarpa over Open Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia over Open Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris.Shrubland of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea and Rhagodia preissii subsp. sturtii over Low Shrubs of Tephrosia gardneri, Scaevola crassifolia and Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum over Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris.
Low Shrubland of Tecticornia auriculata, Tecticornia halocnemoides subsp. tenuis, Frankenia ambita and Atriplex semilunaris over Open Tussock Grassland of Eragrostis pergracilis, Eragrostis falcata and Sporobolus virginicus.
Bare sandy beach
Bare salt flat
Completely Degraded
Private Property
304000 305000 30600076
0300
0
7603
000
7604
000
7604
000
7605
000
7605
000
7606
000
7606
000
Vegetation AssocationsAUTHOR:C. Gibson Onslow Townsite Strategy -
Flora, Vegetation and FaunaAssessment@ A41:17,000
LandcorpJOB NO.CLIENT
SCALE PROJECTIONS. Rho 8-7-2011DRAWN DATE
GDA 94 MGA 50
J100505
6FIGURE
0 250 500 750 1,000
Metres
±
LegendGreenfield Opportunities
Infill Sites
Survey Area for Proposed Bypass Road
Other Opportunity Sites
See Figure 6.1 for Vegetation Association Legend
304000 305000 30600076
0300
0
7603
000
7604
000
7604
000
7605
000
7605
000
7606
000
7606
000
Vegetation ConditionAUTHOR:C. Gibson Onslow Townsite Strategy -
Flora, Vegetation and FaunaAssessment@ A41:17,000
LandcorpJOB NO.CLIENT
SCALE PROJECTIONS. Rho 8-7-2011DRAWN DATE
GDA 94 MGA 50
J100505
7FIGURE
0 250 500 750 1,000
Metres
±
LegendGreenfield Opportunities
Infill Sites
Survey Area for Proposed Bypass Road
Other Opportunity Sites
Vegetation Condition
Very Good
Very Good to Good
Good
Degraded
Bare Sandy Beach
Bare Salt Flat
Completely Degraded
Private Property
304000 305000 30600076
0300
0
7603
000
7604
000
7604
000
7605
000
7605
000
7606
000
7606
000
Fauna Habitat TypesAUTHOR:C. Gibson Onslow Townsite Strategy -
Flora, Vegetation and FaunaAssessment@ A41:17,000
LandcorpJOB NO.CLIENT
SCALE PROJECTIONS. Rho 8-7-2011DRAWN DATE
GDA 94 MGA 50
J100505
8FIGURE
0 250 500 750 1,000
Metres
±
LegendGreenfield Opportunities
Infill Sites
Survey Area for Proposed Bypass Road
Other Opportunity Sites
Fauna Habitat TypeBeach
Completely Degraded
Private Property
Shrubland of Acacia species over Hummock grassland of Triodia
")
")!(
_̂
304000 305000 30600076
0300
0
7603
000
7604
000
7604
000
7605
000
7605
000
7606
000
7606
000
Location of Fauna of Conservation SignificanceAUTHOR:
C. Gibson Onslow Townsite Strategy - Flora, Vegetation and FaunaAssessment@ A41:17,000
LandcorpJOB NO.CLIENT
SCALE PROJECTIONS. Rho 8-7-2011DRAWN DATE
GDA 94 MGA 50
J100505
9FIGURE
LegendGreenfield Opportunities
Infill Sites
Survey Area for Proposed Bypass Road
Other Opportunity Sites
Location of Conservation Significant Fauna
_̂ Star Finch
!( Eastern Osprey
") Rainbow Bee-eater
0 250 500 750 1,000
Metres
±
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS (8‐9‐2011)
APPENDIX A
DEFINITION OF DECLARED RARE / PRIORITY / THREATENED FLORA AND SIGNIFICANT FLORA POTENTIALLY
OCCURRING IN THE STUDY AREA
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix A
ONSLOW TOWNSITE STRATEGY FLORA, VEGETATION AND FAUNA ASSESSMENT APPENDIX A
DEFINITION OF DECLARED RARE / PRIORITY / THREATENED FLORA AND SIGNIFICANT
FLORA POTENTIALLY OCCURRING IN THE PROJECT AREA
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.”
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix A
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: Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 19
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix A
A3: Significant Flora Species Potentially Occurring in the Project Area
Priority Taxa Conservation Status
Description (WAH 2011)
Abutilon uncinatum P1
Prostrate perennial, herb, that grows to 0.2–1 m high with grey foliage and spined pods. Occurs on red sand and flat plains.
Atriplex flabelliformis P3
Monoecious, erect, rounded perennial, herb, to 0.35 m high. Occurs on clay loam, loam, saline
flats or marshes.
Carpobrotus sp. Thevenard Island (M. White 050)
P2
Prostrate, succulent perennial, herb with leaves that are sessile and triangular in cross‐section.
Fruit is turbinate. Produces cream flowers in August. Occurs on
coarse white sand, dune tops and disturbed areas.
Cyperus victoriensis P1 Perennial, grass‐like or herb
(sedge), that grows to 0.6 m high. Occurs along creeks.
Eremophila forrestii subsp. viridis P3 Much‐branched shrub, that
grows to 1 m high. Produces pink, cream flowers in August.
Eleocharis papillosa
‘Vulnerable’ pursuant to the EPBC Act and P3
Annual herb with brown flowers in November. Occurs on red clay over granite, open clay flats and
claypans.
Triumfetta echinata P3
Prostrate shrub, that grows to 0.3 m high. Produced flowers in August. Occurs on red sandy soils
and sand dunes.
Vigna sp. central (M.E. Trudgen 1626) P2 Not available.
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS (8‐9‐2011)
APPENDIX B
DEFINITIONS OF CONSERVATION CODES FOR FAUNA OF CONSERVATION
SIGNIFICANCE
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix B
ONSLOW TOWNSITE STRATEGY FLORA, VEGETATION AND FAUNA ASSESSMENT
APPENDIX B
DEFINITIONS OF CONSERVATION CODES FOR FAUNA OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE
B1: Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth): Threatened Species
and Threatened Ecological Communities Codes
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), and Threatened Ecological Communities
in the CE and E categories are protected as matters of national environmental significance under
the EPBC Act.
Category Code Category
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.
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix B
Category Code Category
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 area
1
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.
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix B
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.
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.
B4: IUCN Redlist Conservation Fauna Codes
Category Code Description
Extinct EX Taxa for which there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died.
Extinct in the Wild EW
Taxa which is known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside its past range and it has not been recorded in known or expected habitat despite exhaustive survey over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form.
Critically Endangered CR Taxa facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
Endangered EN Taxa facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
Vulnerable VU Taxa facing high risk of extinction in the wild
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Category Code Description
Near Threatened NT Taxa which has been evaluated but does not qualify for CR, EN, or VU now but is close to qualifying or likely to qualify in the near future.
Least Concern LC Taxa which has been evaluated but does not qualify for CR, EN, VU, or NT but is likely to qualify for NT in the near future.
Data Deficient DD Taxa for which there is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of its risk of extinction based on its distribution and/or population status.
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APPENDIX C
DEFINITION OF THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES
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ONSLOW TOWNSITE STRATEGY FLORA, VEGETATION AND FAUNA ASSESSMENT 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
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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.
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.
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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.
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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/
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C3: Categories of Threatened Ecological Communities under the EPBC Act.
Three categories exist for listing threatened ecological communities under the Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). An ecological community may be
categorized as:
Critically Endangered If, at that time, it is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in
the immediate future.
Endangered If, at that time, it is not critically endangered and is facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild in the near future.
Vulnerable If, at that time, it is not critically endangered or endangered, and is facing a
high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium‐term future.
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APPENDIX D
ENVIRONMENTAL WEEDS AND DECLARED PLANT CATEGORIES AND INTRODUCED FLORA POTENTIALLY OCCURRING IN THE STUDY AREA
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APPENDIX D
ENVIRONMENTAL WEEDS AND DECLARED PLANT CATEGORIES AND INTRODUCED FLORA POTENTIALLY OCCURRING IN THE PROJECT AREA
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 week 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.
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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.
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;
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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/.
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APPENDIX E
BUSH FOREVER CONDITION SCALE AND STANDARDISED VEGETATION
MATRIX
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APPENDIX E
E1: 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: Government of Western Australia (2000). Bush Forever Volume 2: Directory of Bush Forever Sites. Department of Environmental Protection, Perth, Western Australia.
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E2: STANDARDISED VEGETATION MATRIX
Vegetation Classifications for the Pilbara based on Specht with modification by Aplin and
Trudgen
Under 2% 2‐10% 10‐30% 30‐70% 70‐100%
Trees over 30m Scattered Tall
Trees
High Open
woodland
High
Woodland
High Open
Forest
High Closed
Forest
Trees 10‐30m Scattered
Trees
Open
Woodland Woodland Open Forest Closed Forest
Trees under 10m Scattered Low
Trees
Low Open
Woodland Low woodland
Low Open
Forest
Low Closed
Forest
Shrubs 2‐5m Scattered Tall
Shrubs
High Open
Shrubland
High
Shrubland Open Scrub Closed Shrub
Shrubs 1‐2m Scattered
Shrubs
Open
Shrubland Shrubland Open Heath Closed Heath
Shrubs under 1m Low scattered
Shrubs
Low Open
Shrubland Low Shrubland
Low Open
Heath
Low Closed
Heath
Grasses Scattered
Grasses
Very open
Grassland
Open
Grassland Grassland
Closed
Grassland
Herbs Scattered
Herbs
Very Open
Herbland
Open
Herbland Herbland
Closed
Herbland
Sedges Scattered
Sedges
Very Open
Sedgeland
Open
Sedgeland Sedgeland
Closed
Sedgeland
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APPENDIX F
FLORA QUADRAT DATA SHEETS
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FLORA QUADRAT AND RELEVÉ DATA SHEETS
Onslow Town Site OS01
Described by JS Date 13/05/2011 Type Q 50 x 50 m
Location Onslow Town Site
MGA Zone 50 305834 mE 7605465 mN
Habitat Sand Dunes
Soil Red sand
Vegetation Open Shrubland of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea over Open Low Shrubland of Acacia stellaticeps,
Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii and Tephrosia rosea var. clementii over Hummock Grassland of
Triodia epactia over Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris.
Veg Condition Very Good
Fire Age Old
Notes Aspect: N/A Bare ground: 40%. Litter cover: ‐ Logs; + Twigs; + Lvs. Disturbance type: Track, Introduced Species, Rubbish
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea 3% 1.4 m OS01‐07 Acacia stellaticeps 2% 0.7 m OS01‐08 Adriana tomentosa var. tomentosa + 0.4 m OS01‐15 *Aerva javanica + 0.5 m NC *Cenchrus ciliaris 60% 0.5 m NC Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii 1% 0.7 m OS01‐04 Eriachne aristidea OUT 0.4 m OS01‐23 Euphorbia myrtoides + 0.2 m OS01‐03 Indigofera boviperda subsp. boviperda + 0.4 m OS01‐11 Indigofera colutea + 0.3 m OS01‐10 Indigofera linifolia + 0.3 m OS01‐17 Ipomoea pes‐caprae subsp. brasiliensis + CR OS01‐06 Pityrodia loxocarpa OUT 0.4 m OS01‐20 Rhagodia preissii subsp. obovata + 0.6 m OS01‐09 Scaevola crassifolia OUT OS01‐24 Spinifex longifolius OUT 0.6 m OS01‐21 Tephrosia rosea var. clementii 1% 1 m OS01‐13 Threlkeldia diffusa OUT 1 m OS01‐22 *Tribulus terrestris + CR OS01‐05 Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum + 0.6 m OS01‐02 Tricoryne corynothecoides + 0.5 m OS01‐18 Triodia epactia 30% 0.4 m OS01‐01 Whiteochloa airoides + 0.7 m OS01‐14
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Onslow Town Site OS02
Described by CS Date 13/05/2011 Type Q 50 x 50 m
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 306113 mE 7605379 mN
Habitat Sand Dune
Soil Light Brown Sand
Vegetation Scattered Shrubs of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea over Low Shrubland of Crotalaria cunninghamii
subsp. sturtii, Tephrosia rosea var. clementii and Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum over Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia over Very Open Hummock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris over Very Open Herbland of Ipomoea pes‐caprae and Euphorbia alsiniflora.
Veg Condition Very Good
Fire Age Very Old
Notes Bare ground: 30%. Litter cover: + Logs; 5% Twigs; 10% Lvs. Disturbance type: Track, Introduced Species, Rubbish
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea 1% 1.5 m OS02‐01 Acacia stellaticeps + 0.6 m NC Cassytha capillaris OUT OS02‐14 *Cenchrus ciliaris 10% 0.3 m NC Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii 15% 0.9m OS02‐09 Dysphania rhadinostachya subsp. rhadinostachya OUT OS02‐15 Enchylaena tomentosa var. tomentosa OUT OS02‐17 Euphorbia alsiniflora 1% 0.3 m OS02‐04 Indigofera colutea + 0.2 m OS02‐06 Ipomoea pes‐caprae subsp. brasiliensis 5% CR NC Neobassia astrocarpa OUT OS02‐16 Pityrodia loxocarpa + 0.5 m OS02‐11 Salsola tragus subsp. grandiflora + 0.3 m OS02‐10 Spinifex longifolius + 0.6 m OS02‐13 Tephrosia rosea var. clementii 3% 0.6 m OS02‐02 *Tribulus terrestris + CR OS02‐05 Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum 1% 0.6 m OS02‐08 Triodia epactia 30% 0.3 m OS02‐03 Triraphis mollis + 0.4 m OS02‐07 Whiteochloa airoides + 0.5 m OS02‐12
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Onslow Town Site OS03
Described by CS Date 13/05/2011 Type Q 50 x 50 m
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 306250 mE 7605509 mN
Habitat Sand Dune
Soil Light Brown Sand
Vegetation Scattered Shrubs of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea over Low Open Shrubland of Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii, Tecticornia auriculata and Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum over Open Hummock Grassland of Spinifex longifolius over Very Open Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris over Open Herbs of Ipomoea pes‐caprae and Euphorbia alsiniflora.
Veg Condition Very Good
Fire Age Very Old
Notes Bare ground: Litter cover: Logs; Twigs; Lvs. Disturbance type: Track, Introduced Species, Rubbish
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea + 1.5 m OS02‐01 *Aerva javanica + 0.5 m NC *Cenchrus ciliaris 7% 0.4 m NC Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii 1% 0.5 m OS02‐09 Dysphania rhadinostachya subsp. rhadinostachya + 0.15 m OS02‐15 Eragrostis falcata + 0.15 m OS03‐01 Eriachne aristidea + 0.5 m OS03‐02 Eulalia aurea + 0.6 m OS03‐07 Euphorbia alsiniflora 2% 0.3 m OS02‐04 Ipomoea pes‐caprae subsp. brasiliensis 8% CR NC Pluchea sp. B Kimberley Flora (K.F. Kenneally + 0.2 m OS03‐04 9526A)
Pterocaulon sphaeranthoides + 0.4 m OS03‐06 Salsola tragus subsp. grandiflora + 0.3 m OS02‐10 Scaevola crassifolia + 0.3 m OS01‐24 Spinifex longifolius 10% 0.5 m OS02‐13 Swainsona pterostylis + 0.4 m OS03‐03 Tecticornia auriculata + 0.3 m OS03‐09 Threlkeldia diffusa + 0.2 m OS03‐08 Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum + 0.5 m OS02‐08
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Onslow Town Site OS04
Described by JS Date 13/05/2011 Type Q 50 x 50 m
Location Onslow town
MGA Zone 50 305256 mE 7605662 mN
Habitat Sand Dune Crest
Soil Red Sand
Vegetation Open Shrubland of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea and Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii over Low
Scattered Shrubs of Scaevola spinescens over Very Open Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia over
Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris.
Veg Condition Good
Fire Age Moderate
Notes Aspect: SW Bare ground: 20% Litter cover: ‐ Logs; 1% Twigs; + Lvs. Disturbance type: Introduced Species,
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea 2% 1.5 m OS01‐07 Cassytha capillaris + CR OS04‐05 *Cenchrus ciliaris 70% 0.5 m NC Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii 2% 1 m OS01‐04 Euphorbia myrtoides + 0.2 m OS01‐03 Indigofera boviperda subsp. boviperda OUT 0.3 m OS01‐11 Indigofera colutea OUT 0.2 m OS01‐10 Ipomoea pes‐caprae subsp. brasiliensis 1% CR OS01‐06 Pterocaulon sphaeranthoides + 0.5 m OS04‐02 Rhagodia preissii subsp. obovata OUT 0.6 m OS01‐09 Scaevola spinescens 1% 0.6 m OS04‐01 Sida fibulifera OUT 0.4 m OS04‐04 Tephrosia rosea var. clementii + 0.5 m OS04‐03 *Tribulus terrestris 1% CR OS01‐05 Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum + 0.4 m OS01‐02 Tricoryne corynothecoides + 0.3 m OS01‐18 Triodia epactia 5% 0.4 m OS01‐01 Whiteochloa airoides OUT 0.5 m OS01‐14
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Onslow Town Site OS05
Described by JS Date 13/05/2011 Type Q 50 x 50 m
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 304176 mE 7606607 mN
Habitat Sand Dune
Soil Red Sand
Vegetation Open Heath of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea and Rhagodia preissii subsp. obovata over Low Scattered
Shrubs of Salsola tragus subsp. grandiflora over Open Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris over Very Open Herbs of *Tribulus terrestris.
Veg Condition Very Good
Fire Age Old
Notes Aspect: N Bare ground: 50% Litter cover: + Logs; 1% Twigs; 5% Lvs. Disturbance type: Introduced Species,
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Abutilon aff. dioicum OUT 1.4 m OS05‐06 Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea 30% 2.5 m OS05‐01 *Aerva javanica + 0.6 m NC *Cenchrus ciliaris 10% 0.4 m NC Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii OUT 0.5 m OS01‐04 Eriachne aristidea OUT 0.4 m OS01‐23 Eulalia aurea OUT 0.5 m OS05‐07 Euphorbia myrtoides + 0.3 m OS01‐03 Rhagodia preissii subsp. obovata 2% 1.2 m OS01‐09 Salsola tragus subsp. grandiflora 1% 0.4 m OS05‐03 Scaevola crassifolia OUT 0.4 m OS01‐24 Spinifex longifolius + 0.8 m OS01‐21 Tephrosia gardneri + 0.4 m OS05‐02 Threlkeldia diffusa + 0.2 m OS01‐22 *Tribulus terrestris 3% CR OS01‐05 Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum + 0.1 m OS01‐02
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Onslow Town Site OS06
Described by CS Date 13/05/2011 Type Q 50 x 50 m
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 304127 mE 7606315 mN
Habitat Sand Dune
Soil Light Brown Sand
Vegetation Shrubland of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea, Rhagodia preissii subsp. obovata and Crotalaria
cunninghamii subsp. sturtii over Very Open Hummock Grassland of Spinifex longifolius over Open Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris over Scattered Herbs of Euphorbia myrtoides.
Veg Condition Very Good ‐ Good
Fire Age Old
Notes Bare ground: 60% Litter cover: 1% Logs; 7% Twigs; 10% Lvs. Disturbance type: Introduced Species,
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea 10% 2 m OS02‐01 Adriana tomentosa var. tomentosa OUT OS06‐02 *Cenchrus ciliaris 15% 0.4 m NC Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii + 1m OS02‐09 Euphorbia myrtoides 1% 0.3 m OS06‐01 Indigofera colutea + 0.2 m OS02‐06 Rhagodia preissii subsp. obovata 1% 1m OS08‐03 Salsola tragus + 0.3 m NC Spinifex longifolius 5% 0.6 m OS02‐13 Tephrosia gardneri + 0.3 m OS08‐02 Threlkeldia diffusa + 0.4 m OS08‐05 *Tribulus terrestris + CR OS02‐05 Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum + 0.5 m OS02‐08
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix F
Onslow Town Site OS07
Described by JS Date 13/05/2011 Type Q 50 x 50 m
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 303925 mE 7606326 mN
Habitat Sand Dunes
Vegetation Shrubland of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea and Rhagodia preissii subsp. obovata over Low Scattered
Shrubs of Tephrosia gardneri and Salsola tragus subsp. grandiflora over Very Open Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris, Eulalia aurea and Whiteochloa airoides.
Veg Condition Very Good
Fire Age Old
Notes Aspcet: N Bare ground: 60% Litter cover: 1% Logs; 7% Twigs; 10% Lvs. Disturbance type: Introduced Species,
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Abutilon aff. dioicum + 0.7 m OS05‐06 Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea 27% 2 m OS05‐01 Adriana tomentosa var. tomentosa + 0.3 m OS01‐15 *Cenchrus ciliaris 5% 0.4 m NC Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii + 0.6 m OS01‐04 Eulalia aurea + 0.5 m OS05‐07 Euphorbia myrtoides OUT 0.2 m OS01‐03 Rhagodia preissii subsp. obovata 3% 1 m OS01‐09 Salsola tragus subsp. grandiflora + 0.6 m OS05‐04 Spinifex longifolius + 0.6 m OS01‐21 Tephrosia gardneri + 0.3 m OS05‐02 Threlkeldia diffusa + 0.4 m OS01‐22 Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum + 0.2 m OS01‐02 Whiteochloa airoides + 0.5 m OS01‐14
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix F
Onslow Town Site OS08
Described by CS Date 13/05/2011 Type Q 50 x 50 m
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 304061 mE 7606086 mN
Habitat Sand Dune
Soil Light Brown Sand
Vegetation Open Shrubland of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea, Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii and Rhagodia
preissii subsp. obovata over Low Scattered Shrubs of Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum and
Tephrosia gardneri over Very Open Hummock Grassland of Spinifex longifolius over Open Hummock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris over Very Open Herbs of Euphorbia alsiniflora.
Veg Condition Very Good ‐ Good
Fire Age Old
Notes Bare ground: 70% Litter cover: + Logs; 2% Twigs; 10% Lvs. Disturbance type: Introduced Species, Rubbish, Clearing.
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea 7% 2 OS02‐01 *Aerva javanica NC *Cenchrus ciliaris 15% 0.4 m NC Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii 2% <0.5 m OS02‐09 Cullen martinii + 1 m OS08‐01 Euphorbia alsiniflora 5% 0.3 m OS02‐04 Rhagodia preissii subsp. obovata + 1 m OS08‐04 Spinifex longifolius 5% 0.6 m OS02‐13 Tephrosia gardneri 1% 0.3 m OS08‐02 Threlkeldia diffusa + 0.5 m OS08‐05 Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum 1% 0.7 m OS02‐08
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix F
Onslow Town Site OS12
Described by CS Date 14/05/2011 Type Q 50 x 50 m
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 304916 mE 7605003 mN
Habitat Undulating Sand Plain
Soil Red Brown Sandy Loam
Rock Type Limestone
Vegetation Open Shrubland of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea and Pimelea ammocharis over Low Open Shrubland
of Scaevola spinescens, Acacia stellaticeps, Indigofera monophylla and Diplopeltis eriocarpa over Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia over Scattered Tussock Grasses of Sorghum plumosum,
*Cenchrus ciliaris and Aristida holathera var. holathera.
Veg Condition Very Good
Fire Age Old
Notes Aspect: Slightly SW Bare ground: 30% Litter cover: ‐ Logs; 1% Twigs; 1% Lvs. Disturbance type: Introduced Species, Nearby Tracks.
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Acacia bivenosa OUT NC Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea 1% 1 m OS12‐06 Acacia stellaticeps 3% 0.4 m NC Acacia trachycarpa 2 m NC *Aerva javanica + 0.7 m NC Aristida holathera var. holathera + 0.3 m OS12‐13 Bonamia linearis + CR OS22‐04 Cassytha capillaris + CR OS02‐14 *Cenchrus ciliaris + 0.4 m NC Diplopeltis eriocarpa 1% 0.3 m OS12‐08 Goodenia microptera + 0.2 m OS12‐12 Indigofera monophylla 1% 0.4 m OS12‐02 Maireana lobiflora + 0.3 m OS12‐04 Pimelea ammocharis 1% 1 m OS12‐05 Ptilotus exaltatus OUT NC Scaevola sericophylla + 0.5 m OS12‐07 Scaevola spinescens 4% 0.6. m OS12‐01 Solanum lasiophyllum OUT OS10‐03 Sorghum plumosum 1% 1.5 m OS12‐10 Striga curviflora + 0.3 m OS12‐11 *Tribulus terrestris OUT OS02‐05 Triodia epactia 65% 0.5 m OS12‐03 Whiteochloa airoides OUT OS12‐14
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix F
Onslow Town Site OS13
Described by JS Date 14/05/2011 Type Q 50 x 50 m
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 305332 mE 7604619 mN
Habitat Sand Dune
Soil Red Brown Sand
Vegetation Open Shrubland of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea over Low Open Shrubland of Acacia stellaticeps,
Adriana tomentosa var. tomentosa, Pityrodia loxocarpa, Scaevola sericophylla and Trichodesma
zeylanicum var. zeylanicum over Open Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia over Open Tussock
Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris over Very Open Herbs of Cassytha capillaris.
Veg Condition Good
Fire Age Old
Notes Aspect: N, NW Bare ground: 20% Litter cover: ‐ Logs; ‐ Twigs; + Lvs. Disturbance type: Introduced Species, Nearby Tracks.
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea 2% 1.2 m OS13‐07 Acacia stellaticeps 4% 0.7 m OS01‐08 Adriana tomentosa var. tomentosa 2% 0.7 m OS01‐15 *Aerva javanica + 0.4 m NC Cassytha capillaris 5% CR OS13‐04 *Cenchrus ciliaris 10% 0.4 m NC Euphorbia alsiniflora + 0.5 m OS13‐08 Euphorbia myrtoides + 0.3 m OS13‐05 Indigofera boviperda subsp. boviperda + 0.2 m OS01‐11 Indigofera colutea + 0.1 m OS01‐10 Indigofera linifolia + 0.1 m OS01‐17 Maireana lobiflora + 0.2 m OS13‐01 Olearia axillaris + 0.4 m OS13‐03 Pityrodia loxocarpa 1% 0.4 m OS01‐20 Scaevola sericophylla 1% 0.4 m OS13‐02 Solanum lasiophyllum + 0.4 m OS10‐03 * Prosopis glandulosa + 0.1 m OS09‐17 *Tribulus terrestris + CR OS01‐05 Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum 1% 0.6 m OS01‐02 Tricoryne corynothecoides + 0.4 m OS01‐18 Triodia epactia 25% 0.3 m OS13‐06 Whiteochloa airoides 1% 0.5 m OS01‐14
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix F
Onslow Town Site OS14
Described by CS Date 14/05/2011 Type Q 50x50
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 305250 mE 7605277 mN
Habitat Low sandy hills
Soil Red brown loamy sand
Vegetation Scattered Shrubs of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea over Low Open Shrubland of Acacia stellaticeps,
Pityrodia loxocarpa and Scaevola sericophylla over Open Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia over
Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris.
Veg Condition Good to Very Good
Fire Age Old
Notes Aspect: N/A Bare ground: 30% Litter cover: + Logs; 1% Twigs; 1% Lvs. Disturbance type: Weeds, rubbish, nearby tracks SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Acacia bivenosa + 2 m NC Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea 1% 1.5 m OS02.01 Acacia stellaticeps 5% 0.6 m NC *Aerva javanica + 0.5 m NC *Cenchrus ciliaris 50% 0.4 m NC Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii + 1.5 m OS02.09 Indigofera boviperda subsp. boviperda + 0.3 m OSR08.03 Indigofera colutea + 0.15 m OS02.06 Maireana lobiflora OUT OS12.04 Malvaceae sp. OUT NC Pityrodia loxocarpa 2% 0.5 m OS02.11 Scaevola sericophylla 1% 0.6 m OS14.01 Scaevola spinescens OUT NC Tephrosia rosea var. clementii + 0.2 m OS02.02 *Tribulus terrestris + Cr OS02.05 Triodia epactia 20% 0.4 m OS12.03
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix F
Onslow Town Site OS15
Described by JS Date 14/05/2011 Type Q 50 x 50 m
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 304828 mE 7604561 mN
Habitat Sand Dune
Soil Red Brown Sand
Vegetation Low Shrubland of Acacia stellaticeps, Scaevola spinescens and Indigofera monophylla over Closed
Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia over Scattered Tussock Grasses of Sorghum plumosum.
Veg Condition Very Good
Fire Age Old
Notes Aspect: W Bare ground: 20% Litter cover: ‐ Logs; ‐ Twigs; + Lvs. Disturbance type: Introduced Species, Nearby Tracks.
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea + 0.4 m OS05‐01 Acacia stellaticeps 1% 0.5 m OS01‐08 *Aerva javanica + 0.4 m NC Cassytha capillaris + CR OS04‐05 Diplopeltis eriocarpa + 0.2 m OS15‐01 Euphorbia myrtoides + 0.1 m OS01‐03 Indigofera monophylla 1% 0.5 m OSJS08 Pimelea ammocharis + 0.6 m OSJS09 Scaevola spinescens 1% 0.5 m OS04‐01 Solanum lasiophyllum + 0.3 m OS10‐03 Sorghum plumosum 1% 1.2 m OS15‐03 Triodia epactia 80% 0.3 m OS13‐06
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix F
Onslow Town Site OS16
Described by CS Date 14/05/2011 Type Q 50 x 50 m
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 305195 mE 7605017 mN
Habitat Low Sand Hill
Soil Light Brown Sand Hill
Vegetation Scattered Shrubs of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea, Adriana tomentosa var. tomentosa and Rhagodia
preissii subsp. obovata over Low Shrubland of Acacia stellaticeps, Scaevola spinescens and Indigofera boviperda subsp. boviperda over Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia over Open Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris, Sorghum plumosum and Whiteochloa airoides.
Veg Condition Very Good
Fire Age Old
Notes Bare ground: 40% Litter cover: + Logs; + Twigs; 1% Lvs. Disturbance type: Introduced Species, Nearby Tracks, Rubbish
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea 1% 1.5 m OS02‐01 Acacia stellaticeps 5% 0.7 m NC Acacia tetragonophylla + 1.2 m OS16‐04 Adriana tomentosa var. tomentosa + 1.5 m OSR08‐05 *Aerva javanica + 0.6 m NC Cassytha capillaris + CR OS02‐14 *Cenchrus ciliaris 15% 0.4 m NC Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii + 1.5 m OS02‐09 Euphorbia alsiniflora + 0.3 m OS02‐04 Indigofera boviperda subsp. boviperda 1% 0.3 m OSR08‐03 Indigofera monophylla OS12‐02 Indigofera trita OS16‐05 Pityrodia loxocarpa 1% 0.4 m OS02‐11 Pterocaulon sphaeranthoides + 0.4 m OS16‐02 Rhagodia preissii subsp. obovata + 1 m OS08‐03 Rhynchosia minima + CR OS16‐03 Scaevola sericophylla 1% 0.7 m OS12‐07 Scaevola spinescens 2% 0.5 m OS16‐06 Solanum lasiophyllum + 0.3 m OS10‐03 Sorghum plumosum 2% 1.5 m OS12‐10 Tephrosia gardneri + 0.4 m OS16‐01 *Tribulus terrestris + CR OS02‐05 Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum + 1.5 m OS02‐08 Triodia epactia 40% 0.4 m OS12‐03 Whiteochloa airoides 1% 0.5 m OS12‐14
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix F
Onslow Town Site OS17
Described by JS Date 14/05/2011 Type Q 50 x 50 m
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 305043 mE 7604205 mN
Habitat Sand Hill Crest
Soil Red Brown Sand
Vegetation Shrubland of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea over Low Scattered Shrubs of Tephrosia rosea var.
clementii, Acacia stellaticeps and Indigofera boviperda subsp. boviperda over Open Hummock grassland of Triodia epactia over Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris.
Veg Condition Very Good
Fire Age Old
Notes Aspect: E Bare ground: 30% Litter cover: ‐ Logs; + Twigs; 1% Lvs. Disturbance type: Introduced Species.
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea 10% 2 m OS05‐01 Acacia stellaticeps + 0.5 m OS01‐08 *Cenchrus ciliaris 40% 0.3 m NC Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii + 0.4 m OS01‐04 Euphorbia myrtoides + 0.1 m OS01‐03 Indigofera boviperda subsp. boviperda + 0.4 m OS01‐11 Tephrosia rosea var. clementii 1% 0.6 m OSJS10 *Tribulus terrestris + CR OS01‐05 Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum + 0.3 m OS01‐02 Tricoryne corynothecoides + 0.2 m OS01‐18 Triodia epactia 10% 0.3 m OS13‐06 Whiteochloa airoides + 0.7 m OS01‐14
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix F
Onslow Town Site OS18
Described by CS Date 14/05/2011 Type Q 50 x 50 m
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 304246 mE 7603332 mN
Habitat Sandplain
Soil Red Brown Sandy Loam
Vegetation Scattered Shrubs of Acacia tetragonophylla, Hakea lorea subsp. lorea, Acacia bivenosa and Acacia
trudgeniana over Low Open Shrubland of Indigofera monophylla, Pimelea ammocharis, Ptilotus axillaris,
Scaevola spinescens, Scaevola pulchella and Acacia tetragonophylla over Hummock Grassland Triodia
epactia over Tussock Grassland of Aristida holathera var. holathera, *Cenchrus ciliaris and Panicum
decompositum.
Veg Condition Very Good ‐ Good
Notes Bare ground: 30% Litter cover: + Logs; 1% Twigs; 1% Lvs. Disturbance type: Introduced Species. Fencing, Near the Highway
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Acacia bivenosa + 1.5 m NC Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea + 1 m OS02‐01 Acacia stellaticeps + 0.4 m NC Acacia tetragonophylla 1% 1 m OS18‐12 Acacia trudgeniana + 2.5 m OS18‐02 *Aerva javanica + 0.6 m NC Aristida holathera var. holathera 30% 0.5 m OS18‐04 Bonamia linearis + CR OS22‐04 Bonamia rosea + 0.3 m OS18‐18 Cassytha capillaris + CR OS02‐14 *Cenchrus ciliaris 10% 0.4 m NC Eriachne mucronata 1% 0.35 m OS18‐10 Euphorbia alsiniflora + 0.3 m OS02‐04 Euphorbia boophthona + 0.4 m OS18‐17 Evolvulus alsinoides var. villosicalyx + CR OS18‐01 Goodenia microptera + 0.3 m OS12‐12 Gossypium australe + 0.6 m OS18‐16 Hakea lorea subsp. lorea + 1m OS18‐19 Indigofera monophylla 2% 0.5 m OS12‐02 Indigofera trita + 0.2 m OS18‐07 Melhania oblongifolia + 0.25 m OS18‐09 Olearia axillaris + 0.3m OS18.19 Panicum decompositum 1% 0.7 m OS18‐03 Pimelea ammocharis 1% 0.5 m OS12‐05 Pterocaulon sphaeranthoides + 0.4m OS16‐02 Ptilotus axillaris 1% 0.3 m OSCS39 Ptilotus exaltatus + 0.3 m NC Ptilotus macrocephalus + 0.7 m OS18‐14 Rhynchosia minima + CR OS16‐03 Sauropus trachyspermus + 0.4 m OS18‐15
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix F
Scaevola pulchella 1% 0.3 m OS18‐08 Scaevola spinescens 1% 0.5 m OS12‐01 Senna artemisioides subsp. oligophylla + 0.2 m OS18‐06 Senna glutinosa subsp. glutinosa + 1.5 m OS18‐13 Solanum lasiophyllum + 0.3 m OS10‐03 * Prosopis glandulosa + 0.3 m OSR06‐01 *Tribulus terrestris + CR OS02‐05 Triodia epactia 40% 0.4 m OS18‐11 Whiteochloa airoides + 0.6 m OS12‐14 Yakirra australiensis + 0.25 m OS18‐05
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix F
Onslow Town Site OS19
Described by JS Date 14/05/2011 Type Q 50 x 50 m
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 304650 mE 7603837 mN
Habitat Sand Dune
Soil Red Brown Sand
Vegetation Open Shrubland of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea and Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii over Low
Open Shrubland of Acacia stellaticeps, Rhagodia preissii subsp. obovata and Tephrosia gardneri over
Open Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris over Open Herbs of Euphorbia myrtoides.
Veg Condition Very Good
Fire Age Old
Notes Aspect: W Bare ground: 30% Litter cover: + Logs; 1% Twigs; 1% Lvs. Disturbance type: Introduced Species. Fencing, Near the Highway
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea 5% 2 m OS05‐01 Acacia stellaticeps 2% 0.4 m OS01‐08 Adriana tomentosa var. tomentosa + 0.5 m OS01‐15 Cassytha capillaris + CR OS04‐05 *Cenchrus ciliaris 10% 0.4 m NC Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii + 1 m OS01‐04 Cullen martinii + 0.2 m OS19‐01 Euphorbia myrtoides 12% 0.3 m OS13‐05 Indigofera boviperda subsp. boviperda + 0.3 m OS01‐11 Pityrodia loxocarpa 1% 0.4 m OS01‐20 Rhagodia preissii subsp. obovata + 0.5 m OS01‐09 Solanum lasiophyllum + 0.2 m OS10‐03 Tephrosia gardneri + 0.4 m OS19‐02 Tephrosia rosea var. clementii + 0.4 m OSJS10 *Tribulus terrestris 1% CR OS01‐05 Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum + 0.6 m OS01‐02
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix F
Onslow Town Site OS20
Described by JS Date 14/05/2011 Type Q 50 x 50 m
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 305144 mE 7605532 mN
Habitat Sandplain
Soil Red Brown Sand
Vegetation Tall Open Shrubland of * Tamarix aphylla over Low Open Shrubland of Tephrosia rosea var. clementii and Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii over Open Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia over Tussock
Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris over Very Open Herbs of *Aerva javanica.
Veg Condition Good ‐ Degraded
Fire Age Old
Notes Bare ground: 30% Litter cover: ‐ Logs; + Twigs; + Lvs. Disturbance type: Introduced Species, Track, Rubbish, Clearing.
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea + 0.6 m OS05‐01 Acacia stellaticeps + 0.5 m OS01‐08 Adriana tomentosa var. tomentosa + 0.6 m OS01‐15 *Aerva javanica 2% 0.4 m NC Cassytha capillaris + CR OS04‐05 *Cenchrus ciliaris 50% 0.3 m NC Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii 1% 0.4 m OS01‐04 Euphorbia myrtoides + 0.1 m OS01‐03 Indigofera boviperda subsp. boviperda + 0.2 m OS01‐11 Indigofera colutea + 0.1 m OS01‐10 Ipomoea pes‐caprae subsp. brasiliensis + CR OS01‐06 Salsola tragus subsp. grandiflora + 0.3 m OS05‐03 Scaevola sericophylla + 0.3 m OS13‐02 * Tamarix aphylla 2% 4 m OS20‐02 Tephrosia rosea var. clementii 2% 0.5 m OS20‐01 *Tribulus terrestris + CR OS01‐05 Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum + 0.4 m OS01‐02 Triodia epactia 20% 0.4 m OS13‐06
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix F
Onslow Town Site OS21
Described by JS Date 14/05/2011 Type Q 50 x 50 m
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 304533 mE 7604167 mN
Habitat Sand Dune
Soil Red Brown Sand
Vegetation Low Shrubland of Acacia stellaticeps, Adriana tomentosa var. tomentosa, Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii and Scaevola sericophylla over Very Open Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia over Open Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris over Scattered Herbs of *Aerva javanica.
Veg Condition Very Good
Fire Age Old
Notes Aspect: W Bare ground: 30% Litter cover: ‐ Logs; + Twigs; + Lvs. Disturbance type: Introduced Species.
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea OUT 1.8 m OS05‐01 Acacia stellaticeps 20% 0.6 m OS01‐08 Adriana tomentosa var. tomentosa + 0.5 m OS01‐15 *Aerva javanica 1% 0.6 m NC Aristida holathera var. holathera + 0.3 m OS21‐03 Bonamia linearis + CR OS21‐04 *Cenchrus ciliaris 15% 0.3 m NC Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii + 0.4 m OS01‐04 Euphorbia myrtoides + 0.2 m OS13‐05 Indigofera boviperda subsp. boviperda + 0.3 m OS01‐11 Indigofera colutea + 0.1 m OS01‐10 Maireana lobiflora + 0.6 m OS13‐01 Rhagodia preissii subsp. obovata + 0.2 m OS01‐09 Salsola tragus subsp. grandiflora + 0.2 m OS21‐02 Scaevola sericophylla + 0.1 m OS13‐02 Sida clementii + 0.3 m OS21‐01 Solanum lasiophyllum + 0.4 m OS10‐03 *Tribulus terrestris + CR OS01‐05 Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum + 0.4 m OS01‐02 Triodia epactia 3% 0.3 m OS13‐06 Whiteochloa airoides + 0.5 m OS01‐14
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix F
Onslow Town Site OS23
Described by JS Date 14/05/2011 Type Q 50 x 50 m
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 304405 mE 7603846 mN
Habitat Sand Plain
Soil Red Brown Sand
Vegetation Scattered Shrubs of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea and Adriana tomentosa var. tomentosa over Low
Open Shrubland over Acacia stellaticeps, Solanum lasiophyllum, Scaevola crassifolia, Scaevola sericophylla and Solanum lasiophyllum over open Hummock grassland of Triodia epactia over Open Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris.
Veg Condition Very Good
Fire Age Old
Notes Aspect: W Bare ground: 30% Litter cover: ‐ Logs; + Twigs; + Lvs. Disturbance type: Introduced Species.
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea 1% 1.5 m OS05‐01 Acacia stellaticeps 2% 0.5 m OS01‐08 Adriana tomentosa var. tomentosa 1% 1 m OS01‐15 *Aerva javanica + 0.5 m NC Bonamia linearis + 0.1 m OS23‐01 Cassytha capillaris + CR OS13‐04 *Cenchrus ciliaris 10% 0.4 m NC Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii 1% 0.7 m OS01‐04 Euphorbia boophthona + 0.4 m OS23‐06 Euphorbia myrtoides + 0.2 m OS01‐03 Gyrostemon ramulosus OUT 1.2 m OS23‐09 Hannafordia quadrivalvis subsp. recurva 50 0.3 m OSJS12 Indigofera boviperda subsp. boviperda + 0.3 m OS01‐11 Indigofera colutea + 0.2 m OS01‐10 Indigofera trita + 0.3 m OS23‐05 Pimelea ammocharis + 0.6 m OSJS09 Pityrodia loxocarpa + 0.2 m OS01‐20 Pterocaulon sphaeranthoides + 0.3 m OS04‐02 Rhagodia preissii subsp. obovata + 0.7 m OS23‐08 Rhynchosia minima + CR OS23‐04 Salsola tragus subsp. grandiflora + 0.4 m OS23‐03 Scaevola crassifolia 1% 0.6 m OS01‐24 Scaevola sericophylla 1% 0.6 m OS13‐02 Sida rohlenae subsp. rohlenae + 0.4 m OS23‐07 Solanum lasiophyllum 1% 0.6 m OS10‐03 Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum + 0.3 m OS01‐02 Tricoryne corynothecoides + 0.5 m OS01‐18 *Triodia epactia 20% 0.3 m OS13‐06 Whiteochloa airoides + 0.6 m OS01‐14
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix F
Onslow Town Site OS26
Described by JS Date 15/05/2011 Type Q 50 x 50 m
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 304277 mE 7605432 mN
Habitat Sand Dune
Soil Red Brown Sand
Vegetation Open Shrubland of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea, Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii and
Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum over Low Scattered Shrubs of Indigofera colutea, Rhagodia
preissii subsp. obovata, Tephrosia rosea var. clementii, Adriana tomentosa var. tomentosa and Scaevola sericophylla over Open Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia over Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris over Very Open Herbs of *Aerva javanica.
Veg Condition Good
Fire Age Old
Notes Aspect: E Bare ground: 30% Litter cover: ‐ Logs; + Twigs; + Lvs. Disturbance type: Introduced Species, Nearby Track, Rubbish.
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea 5% 2 m OS26‐02 Adriana tomentosa var. tomentosa + 0.6 m OS01‐15 *Aerva javanica 2% 0.6 m NC *Cenchrus ciliaris 30% 0.3 m NC Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii + 1 m OS01‐04 Euphorbia myrtoides + 0.1 m OS01‐03 Indigofera boviperda subsp. boviperda + 0.2 m OS01‐11 Indigofera colutea + 0.1 m OS01‐10 Rhagodia preissii subsp. obovata + 0.6 m OS01‐09 Scaevola sericophylla + 0.5 m OS13‐02 Tephrosia rosea var. clementii + 0.4 m OSJS13 *Tribulus terrestris + CR OS01‐05 Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum + 1 m OS01‐02 Tricoryne corynothecoides + 0.3 m OS01‐18 Triodia epactia 20% 0.4 m OS26‐01
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix F
Onslow Town Site OS28
Described by JS Date 15/05/2011 Type Q 50 x 50 m
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 304493 mE 7605107 mN
Habitat Sand Dune
Soil Red Brown Sand
Vegetation Shrubland of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea over Low Scattered Shrubs of Crotalaria cunninghamii
subsp. sturtii, Scaevola sericophylla, Adriana tomentosa var. tomentosa and Rhagodia preissii subsp. obovata over Open Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia over Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris.
Veg Condition Good
Fire Age Old
Notes Aspect: N Bare ground: 20% Litter cover: ‐ Logs; + Twigs; + Lvs. Disturbance type: Introduced Species, Nearby Track, Rubbish.
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea 10% 2 m OS26‐02 Adriana tomentosa var. tomentosa + 0.6 m OS01‐15 *Aerva javanica + 0.4 m NC *Cenchrus ciliaris 25% 0.3 m NC Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii + 0.6 m OS01‐04 Euphorbia myrtoides + 0.1 m OS01‐03 Indigofera boviperda subsp. boviperda + 0.3 m OS01‐11 Rhagodia preissii subsp. obovata + 0.5 m OS01‐09 Scaevola sericophylla + 0.5 m OS13‐02 Solanum phlomoides + 0.4 m OS28‐01 Tephrosia gardneri + 0.5 m OS28‐02 *Tribulus terrestris + CR OS01‐05 Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum + 0.3 m OS01‐02 Triodia epactia 15% 0.4 m OS26‐01
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix F
Onslow Town Site OS30
Described by CS Date 15/05/2011 Type Q 50 x 50 m
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 304607 mE 7604820 mN
Habitat Low Sand Dune
Soil Light brown Sand
Rock Type Limestone
Vegetation Scattered Shrubs of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea and Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii over Low
Open Shrubland of Acacia stellaticeps, Adriana tomentosa var. tomentosa and Scaevola sericophylla over Open Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia over Open Tussock Grassland of Sorghum plumosum and *Cenchrus ciliaris over Scattered Herbs of Cassytha capillaris.
Veg Condition Good ‐ Very Good
Fire Age Old
Notes Bare ground: 60% Litter cover: + Logs; 2% Twigs; + Lvs. Disturbance type: Introduced Species, Old Track, Rubbish
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea + 1.5 m OS02‐01 Acacia stellaticeps 5% 0.5 m NC Adriana tomentosa var. tomentosa 1% 0.6 m OSR08‐05 Aerva javanica + 0.5 m NC Bonamia linearis + CR OS22‐04 Cassytha capillaris 1% CR OS02‐14 *Cenchrus ciliaris 5% 0.4 m NC Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii + 1 m OS02‐09 Diplopeltis eriocarpa + 0.3 m OS12‐08 Euphorbia alsiniflora 1% 0.3 m OS02‐04 Euphorbia boophthona + 0.3 m OS18‐17 Goodenia microptera + 0.3 m OS12‐12 Indigofera boviperda subsp. boviperda + 0.4 m OSR08‐03 Indigofera monophylla OUT OS12‐02 Pimelea ammocharis + 0.5 m OS12‐05 Rhynchosia minima + CR OS16‐03 Scaevola sericophylla 1% 0.5 m OS12‐07 Solanum lasiophyllum + 0.4 m OS10‐03 Sorghum plumosum 10% 1.5 m OS12‐10 Striga curviflora + 0.3 m OS30‐02 Triodia epactia 20% 0.3 m OS30‐01 Whiteochloa airoides + 0.7 m OS12‐14
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix F
Onslow Town Site OSR01
Described by JS Date 13/05/2011 Type R
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 304334 mE 7605750 mN
Habitat Low Hill/ Sand Dune
Soil Red Sand
Vegetation Open Shrubland of Acacia trachycarpa, Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea and Acacia sclerosperma subsp. sclerosperma over Low Open Shrubland of Tephrosia rosea var. clementii, Indigofera colutea, Pityrodia loxocarpa and Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii over Open Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia over Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris over Very Open Herbs of *Aerva javanica.
Veg Condition Good
Fire Age Old
Notes Disturbance‐ Introduced Species, Tracks.
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea 1% 2 m OS05‐01 Acacia sclerosperma subsp. sclerosperma + 1 m OSR01‐02 Acacia trachycarpa 2% 2 m OSR01‐01 *Aerva javanica 2% 0.5 m NC *Cenchrus ciliaris 40% 0.5 m NC Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii + 0.5 m OS01‐04 Euphorbia myrtoides + 0.1 m OS01‐03 Indigofera colutea + 0.3 m OS01‐10 Pityrodia loxocarpa + 0.4 m OS01‐20 Tephrosia rosea var. clementii 1% 0.6 m OPJS02 *Tribulus terrestris + CR OS01‐05 Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum + 0.7 m OS01‐02 Triodia epactia 4% 0.3 m OS01‐01
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix F
Onslow Town Site OSR02
Described by CS Date 13/05/2011 Type R
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 305868 mE 7605274 mN
Habitat Wet Depression
Soil Brown Loamy Clay
Vegetation Low Shrubland of Tecticornia auriculata, Tecticornia halocnemoides subsp. tenuis and Frankenia ambita
over Open Tussock Grassland of Eragrostis pergracilis and Sporobolus virginicus.
Veg Condition Very Good
Fire Age Old
Notes Disturbance‐ Nearby Introduced Species, Altered Drainage.
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Eragrostis pergracilis 5% 0.2 m OSR02‐03 Frankenia ambita + 0.2 m OSR02‐06 Sporobolus virginicus 5% 0.4 m OSR02‐07 Tecticornia auriculata 8% 0.3 m OSR02‐01 Tecticornia halocnemoides subsp. tenuis 8% 0.3 m OSR02‐02
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix F
Onslow Town Site OSR04
Described by CS Date 13/05/2011 Type R
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 304484 mE 7605858 mN
Habitat Sand Plain
Soil Light Brown Sand
Vegetation Low Open Woodland of *Tamarix aphylla over Shrubland of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea over Very Open hummock grassland of Triodia epactia over Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris.
Veg Condition Degraded‐ Completely Degraded
Fire Age Old
Notes Disturbance‐ Introduced Species, Clearing, Tracks, Rubbish.
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea 10% 2 m OS02‐01 *Aerva javanica + 1 m NC *Cenchrus ciliaris 20% 0.4 m NC Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii + 0.6 m OS02‐09 Eucalyptus camaldulensis OSCS10 Out of Plot Euphorbia alsiniflora + 0.3 m OS02‐04 Indigofera colutea + 0.4 m OS02.06 Pityrodia loxocarpa + 0.5 m OS02‐11 Salsola tragus subsp. grandiflora + 0.4 m OS02‐10 * Tamarix aphylla 5% 8 m OSR04‐03 Tecoma stans OSR04‐05 Out of Plot Tephrosia gardneri + 0.4 m OS08‐02 Terminalia hadleyana OSR04‐04 Out of Plot Threlkeldia diffusa + 0.4 m OS08‐05 *Tribulus terrestris + CR OSR02‐05 Triodia epactia 5% 0.4 m OSR04‐01
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix F
Onslow Town Site OSR05
Described by CS Date 14/05/2011 Type R
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 303991 mE 7602809 mN
Habitat Salt Flats
Soil Red Brown Clay Loam
Vegetation Low Shrubland of Tecticornia auriculata, Tecticornia halocnemoides subsp. tenuis and Atriplex semilunaris
over Very Open Tussock Grassland of Eragrostis falcata.
Veg Condition Degraded ‐ Good
Fire Age Old
Notes Disturbance‐ introduced Species, Rubbish, Tracks
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Atriplex semilunaris + 0.3 m OSR05‐06 Eragrostis falcata 6% 0.3 m OSR05‐05 *Prosopis glandulosa + 1 m OSCS05 Tecticornia auriculata 12% 0.4 m OSR05‐01 Tecticornia halocnemoides subsp. tenuis 2% 0.3 m OSR05‐02
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix F
Onslow Town Site OSR06
Described by Date 13/05/2011 Type R
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 304839 mE 7605451 mN
Habitat Sand Plain
Soil Light Brown Sand
Vegetation Low Open Woodland of Eucalyptus camaldulensis over Open Shrubland of Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii, Acacia trachycarpa and Acacia ampliceps over Low Open Shrubland of *Stylosanthes hamata over Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris.
Veg Condition Degraded
Fire Age Very Old
Notes Disturbance‐ Drainage diverting water into the site from the road, Introduced Species, Tracks
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Acacia ampliceps + 1.5 m OSCS06 Acacia trachycarpa + 1 m NC *Aerva javanica + 0.6 m NC *Cenchrus ciliaris 60% 0.4 m NC Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii 3% 1 m OS02‐09 Eucalyptus camaldulensis 2% 7 m OSCS10 *Stylosanthes hamata 10% 0.5 m OSR06‐01
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix F
Onslow Town Site OSR08
Described by CS Date 13/05/2011 Type R
Location Onslow Town
MGA Zone 50 304899 mE 7605282 mN
Habitat Sand Dune
Soil Light Brown Sand
Vegetation Shrubland of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea over Low Open Shrubland of Acacia stellaticeps and
Rhagodia preissii subsp. obovata over Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris over Scattered Herbs of *Aerva javanica.
Veg Condition Good ‐ Degraded
Fire Age Very Old
Notes Disturbance‐ Introduced Species, Rubbish, Clearing.
SPECIES LIST:
Name Cover Height Specimen Notes Abutilon aff. dioicum + 1 m OSR08‐02 Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea 10% 2 m OSR08‐01 Acacia stellaticeps 5% 0.6 m NC Adriana tomentosa var. tomentosa OUT OSR08‐05 *Aerva javanica 1% 1 m NC *Cenchrus ciliaris 40% 0.4 m NC Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii + 0.7 m OS02‐09 Euphorbia alsiniflora + 0.3 m OS02‐04 Goodenia microptera OUT OSR08‐04 Indigofera boviperda subsp. boviperda + 0.4 m OSR08‐03 Pityrodia loxocarpa 1% 0.4 m OS02‐11 Pterocaulon sphaeranthoides OUT OS03‐06 Rhagodia preissii subsp. obovata 1% 0.7 m OS08‐04 Salsola tragus subsp. grandiflora + 0.3 m OS02‐10 Tephrosia gardneri + 0.3 m OS08‐02 Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum + 0.5 m OS02‐08
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix F
Onslow Town Site OPCOL
Type Opportunistic Collections
Location Onslow
SPECIES LIST:
Quad Name Specimen Notes
Acacia ampliceps OSCS06 305862, 7605255, 70% cover
Acacia sclerosperma subsp. sclerosperma OSCS30 305009, 7605141 Acacia synchronicia OSCS42.02 Aerva javanica NC 306443, 7605469. 2 plants, 0.5 m
*Aerva javanica NC 305177, 7605636, Population
*Aerva javanica NC 304304, 7605762, Population.
Alysicarpus muelleri OSCS52 304674, 7603360 Casuarina obesa OSCS20 304153, 7605859, 2 plants
Corchorus tectus OSCS40 304349, 7603464 Dactyloctenium radulans OSCS51 304674, 7603360 Eucalyptus camaldulensis OSCS10 305127, 7605727, 2 plants
Eucalyptus victrix OSCS42 Gyrostemon ramulosus OSCS02 306264,7605334, 5 Plants
Heliotropium ovalifolium OSCS46 Indigofera monophylla OSJS08 304908, 7604664, Population of 50
Indigofera monophylla OSJS08 305348, 76004424, Population of 20
Indigofera monophylla OSJS08 304852, 7604757, 20 Plants Melaleuca argentea OSCS19 304153, 7605859, 3 plants
Myoporum montanum OSCS21 304079, 7605640, 7 plants
Olearia axillaris OSCS23 304734, 7604973, 4 plants
Olearia axillaris OSCS23 304987, 7605295, 2 plants
Pimelea ammocharis OSJS09 304908, 7604664, Population of 50
*Prosopis glandulosa OSCS05 306049, 7605174, 60 plants
Ptilotus axillaris OSCS38 304174, 7603227, 12 plants
Ptilotus axillaris OSCS38 304124, 7603270 Senna glutinosa subsp. chatelainiana OSCS35 304992, 7604986, 3 plants
Sida clementii OSCS36 304230, 7603489, 13 plants
Sida clementii OSCS36 304320, 7603545, 10 plants
Sporobolus virginicus OSCS22 304079, 7605640, 7 plants
Stemodia sp. Onslow (A.A. Mitchell 76/148) OSCS42.01
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix F
Stemodia sp. Onslow (A.A. Mitchell 76/148) OSCS04 306100, 7605148, 2 Plants
Streptoglossa bubakii OSCS48 304674, 7603360, 1 plant
Striga curviflora OSJS07 304852, 7604757, 1 Plant
Swainsona kingii OSCS50 304674, 7603360,3 plants
Tephrosia gardneri OSCS07 305325, 7605641, 7 plants
Tephrosia gardneri OSCS16 304173, 7606378, 2 plants
Tephrosia gardneri OSCS41 304565, 7603712, 6 plants
Tephrosia gardneri OSCS34 305516, 7605017, 5 plants
Tephrosia gardneri OSCS56 304434, 7605073, 30+ plants
Tephrosia gardneri OSCS16 304065, 7606227, 30 plants in 5m
Tephrosia gardneri OSCS07 304987, 7605295, 1 plant
Tephrosia gardneri OSCS07 305467, 7605606, 6 plants
Tephrosia gardneri OSCS16 304065, 7606227, 30 plants in 15m
Tephrosia gardneri OSCS07 304032, 7606153, 1 plant
Tephrosia gardneri OSCS07 304244, 7606151, 5 plants
Tephrosia gardneri OSCS07 304292, 7606244, 20 plants
Tephrosia gardneri OSCS07 304237, 7606371, 1 plant
Tephrosia gardneri OSCS07 305109, 7605748, 3 plants
Tephrosia gardneri OSCS07 305232, 765693, 4 Plants
Tephrosia rosea var. clementii OSJS13 304248, 7605445, Population of 20 Plants Tephrosia rosea var. clementii OSCS01 Population from 306422, 7605343 ‐ 305827, 7605325
Tephrosia rosea var. clementii OSCS31 305103, 7605289,40+ plants
Tephrosia rosea var. clementii OSCS31 305217, 7605335, 50 plants
Tephrosia rosea var. clementii OSJS02 304186, 7605806, Population of 60.
Tephrosia rosea var. clementii OSJS01 306148, 7605400, Population
Tephrosia rosea var. clementii OSJS10 304896, 7604177, 14 Plants
Tricoryne corynothecoides OSCS03 306127, 7605176, 3 Plants
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS (8‐9‐2011)
APPENDIX G
MATRIX OF SPECIES FOUND WITHIN EACH SITE
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
APPENDIX G
MATRIX OF SPECIES FOUND WITHIN EACH SITE
Taxa OS01 OS02 OS03 OS04 OS05 OS06 OS07 OS08 OS12 OS13 OS14 OS15 OS16 OS17
Abutilon aff. dioicum OUT +
Abutilon lepidum
Acacia ampliceps
Acacia bivenosa OUT +
Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea 3% 1% + 2% 30% 10% 27% 7% 1% 2% 1% + 1% 10%
Acacia sclerosperma subsp. sclerosperma
Acacia stellaticeps 2% + 3% 4% 5% 1% 5% +
Acacia synchronicia
Acacia tetragonophylla +
Acacia trachycarpa nc
Acacia trudgeniana
Adriana tomentosa var. tomentosa + OUT + 2% +
*Aerva javanica + + + nc + + + + +
Alysicarpus muelleri
Aristida holathera var. holathera +
Atriplex semilunaris
Bonamia linearis +
Bonamia rosea
Cassytha capillaris OUT + + 5% + +
Casuarina obesa
*Cenchrus ciliaris 60% 10% 7% 70% 10% 15% 5% 15% + 10% 50% 15% 40%
Corchorus tectus
Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii 1% 15% 1% 2% OUT + + 2% + + +
Cullen martinii +
Dactyloctenium radulans
Diplopeltis eriocarpa 1% +
Dysphania rhadinostachya subsp. rhadinostachya OUT +
Enchylaena tomentosa var. tomentosa OUT
Eragrostis falcata +
Eragrostis pergracilis
Eriachne aristidea OUT + OUT
Eriachne mucronata
Eucalyptus camaldulensis
Eucalyptus victrix
Eulalia aurea + OUT +
Euphorbia alsiniflora 1% 2% 5% + +
Euphorbia boophthona
Euphorbia myrtoides + + + 1% OUT + + +
Evolvulus alsinoides var. villosicalyx
Frankenia ambita
Goodenia microptera +
Gossypium australe
Gyrostemon ramulosus
Hakea lorea subsp. lorea
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix G
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
APPENDIX G
MATRIX OF SPECIES FOUND WITHIN EACH SITE
Taxa OS01 OS02 OS03 OS04 OS05 OS06 OS07 OS08 OS12 OS13 OS14 OS15 OS16 OS17
Hannafordia quadrivalvis subsp. recurva
Heliotropium ovalifolium
Indigofera boviperda subsp. boviperda + OUT + + 1% +
Indigofera colutea + + OUT + + +
Indigofera linifolia + +
Indigofera monophylla 1% 1% nc
Indigofera trita nc
Ipomoea pes‐caprae subsp. brasiliensis + 5% 8% 1%
Lepidium platypetalum
Maireana lobiflora + + OUT
Melaleuca argentea
Melhania oblongifolia
Myoporum montanum
Neobassia astrocarpa OUT
Olearia axillaris +
Panicum decompositum
Pimelea ammocharis 1% +
Pityrodia loxocarpa OUT + 1% 2% 1%
Pluchea sp. B Kimberley Flora (K.F. Kenneally 9526A) +
*Prosopis glandulosa
Pterocaulon sphaeranthoides + + +
Ptilotus axillaris
Ptilotus exaltatus OUT
Ptilotus macrocephalus
Rhagodia preissii subsp. obovata + OUT 2% 1% 3% + +
Rhynchosia minima +
Salsola tragus subsp. grandiflora + + 1% + +
Sauropus trachyspermus
Scaevola crassifolia OUT + OUT
Scaevola pulchella
Scaevola sericophylla + 1% 1% 1%
Scaevola spinescens 1% 4% OUT 1% +
Senna artemisioides subsp. oligophylla
Senna glutinosa subsp. chatelainiana
Senna glutinosa subsp. glutinosa
Sida clementii
Sida fibulifera OUT
Sida rohlenae subsp. rohlenae
Solanum lasiophyllum OUT + + +
Solanum phlomoides
Sorghum plumosum 1% 1% 2%
Spinifex longifolius OUT + 10% + 5% + 5%
Sporobolus virginicus
Stemodia sp. Onslow (A.A. Mitchell 76/148)
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix G
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
APPENDIX G
MATRIX OF SPECIES FOUND WITHIN EACH SITE
Taxa OS01 OS02 OS03 OS04 OS05 OS06 OS07 OS08 OS12 OS13 OS14 OS15 OS16 OS17
Streptoglossa bubakii
Striga curviflora +
Stylobasium spathulatum
*Stylosanthes hamata +
Swainsona kingii
Swainsona pterostylis +
*Tamarix aphylla
*Tecoma stans
Tecticornia auriculata +
Tecticornia halocnemoides subsp. tenuis
Tephrosia gardneri + + + 1% +
Tephrosia rosea var. clementii 1% 3% + + 1%
Terminalia hadleyana
Threlkeldia diffusa OUT + + + + +
*Tribulus terrestris + + 1% 3% + OUT + + + +
Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum + 1% + + + + + 1% 1% + +
Tricoryne corynothecoides + + + +
Triodia epactia 30% 30% 5% 65% 25% 20% 80% 40% 10%
Triraphis mollis +
Whiteochloa airoides + + OUT + OUT 1% 1% +
Yakirra australiensis
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix G
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
APPENDIX G
MATRIX OF SPECIES FOUND WITHIN EACH SITE
Taxa
Abutilon aff. dioicum
Abutilon lepidum
Acacia ampliceps
Acacia bivenosa
Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea
Acacia sclerosperma subsp. sclerosperma
Acacia stellaticeps
Acacia synchronicia
Acacia tetragonophylla
Acacia trachycarpa
Acacia trudgeniana
Adriana tomentosa var. tomentosa
*Aerva javanica
Alysicarpus muelleri
Aristida holathera var. holathera
Atriplex semilunaris
Bonamia linearis
Bonamia rosea
Cassytha capillaris
Casuarina obesa
*Cenchrus ciliaris
Corchorus tectus
Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii
Cullen martinii
Dactyloctenium radulans
Diplopeltis eriocarpa
Dysphania rhadinostachya subsp. rhadinostachya
Enchylaena tomentosa var. tomentosa
Eragrostis falcata
Eragrostis pergracilis
Eriachne aristidea
Eriachne mucronata
Eucalyptus camaldulensis
Eucalyptus victrix
Eulalia aurea
Euphorbia alsiniflora
Euphorbia boophthona
Euphorbia myrtoides
Evolvulus alsinoides var. villosicalyx
Frankenia ambita
Goodenia microptera
Gossypium australe
Gyrostemon ramulosus
Hakea lorea subsp. lorea
OS18 OS19 OS20 OS21 OS23 OS26 OS28 OS30 OSR01 OSR02 OSR04 OSR05 OSR06 OSR08 OPCOL
+
nc
+ nc
+
+ 5% + OUT 1% 5% 10% + 1% 10% 10%
+ nc
+ 2% + 20% 2% 5% 5%
nc
1%
2% +
+
+ + + 1% + + 1% OUT
+ 2% 1% + 2% + + 2% + + 1% nc
+ nc
30% +
+
+ + + +
+
+ + + + 1%
nc
10% 10% 50% 15% 10% 30% 25% 5% 40% 20% 60% 40%
nc
+ 1% + 1% + + + + + 3% +
+
nc
+
6%
5%
1%
nc 2% nc
nc
+ 1% + +
+ + +
12% + + + + + +
+
+
+ + OUT
+
OUT nc
+
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix G
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
APPENDIX G
MATRIX OF SPECIES FOUND WITHIN EACH SITE
Taxa
Hannafordia quadrivalvis subsp. recurva
Heliotropium ovalifolium
Indigofera boviperda subsp. boviperda
Indigofera colutea
Indigofera linifolia
Indigofera monophylla
Indigofera trita
Ipomoea pes‐caprae subsp. brasiliensis
Lepidium platypetalum
Maireana lobiflora
Melaleuca argentea
Melhania oblongifolia
Myoporum montanum
Neobassia astrocarpa
Olearia axillaris
Panicum decompositum
Pimelea ammocharis
Pityrodia loxocarpa
Pluchea sp. B Kimberley Flora (K.F. Kenneally 9526A)
*Prosopis glandulosa
Pterocaulon sphaeranthoides
Ptilotus axillaris
Ptilotus exaltatus
Ptilotus macrocephalus
Rhagodia preissii subsp. obovata
Rhynchosia minima
Salsola tragus subsp. grandiflora
Sauropus trachyspermus
Scaevola crassifolia
Scaevola pulchella
Scaevola sericophylla
Scaevola spinescens
Senna artemisioides subsp. oligophylla
Senna glutinosa subsp. chatelainiana
Senna glutinosa subsp. glutinosa
Sida clementii
Sida fibulifera
Sida rohlenae subsp. rohlenae
Solanum lasiophyllum
Solanum phlomoides
Sorghum plumosum
Spinifex longifolius
Sporobolus virginicus
Stemodia sp. Onslow (A.A. Mitchell 76/148)
OS18 OS19 OS20 OS21 OS23 OS26 OS28 OS30 OSR01 OSR02 OSR04 OSR05 OSR06 OSR08 OPCOL
+ nc
nc
+ + + + + + + +
+ + + + + +
2% OUT nc
+ +
+
nc
+
nc
+
nc
+ nc
1%
1% + + nc
1% + + + 1%
+ nc
+ + OUT
1% nc
+
+
+ + + + + 1%
+ + +
+ + + + +
+
1%
1%
+ + 1% + + 1%
1% nc
+
nc
+
+ nc
+
+ + + 1% +
+
10%
5% nc
nc
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix G
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
APPENDIX G
MATRIX OF SPECIES FOUND WITHIN EACH SITE
Taxa
Streptoglossa bubakii
Striga curviflora
Stylobasium spathulatum
*Stylosanthes hamata
Swainsona kingii
Swainsona pterostylis
*Tamarix aphylla
*Tecoma stans
Tecticornia auriculata
Tecticornia halocnemoides subsp. tenuis
Tephrosia gardneri
Tephrosia rosea var. clementii
Terminalia hadleyana
Threlkeldia diffusa
*Tribulus terrestris
Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum
Tricoryne corynothecoides
Triodia epactia
Triraphis mollis
Whiteochloa airoides
Yakirra australiensis
OS18 OS19 OS20 OS21 OS23 OS26 OS28 OS30 OSR01 OSR02 OSR04 OSR05 OSR06 OSR08 OPCOL
nc
+ nc
nc
+ 10%
nc
2% 5%
nc
8% 12%
8% 2%
+ + + + nc
+ 2% + 1% nc
nc
+
+ 1% + + + + + +
+ + + + + + + +
+ + nc
40% 20% 3% 20% 20% 15% 20% 4% 5%
+ + + +
+
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix G
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS (8‐9‐2011)
APPENDIX H
FLORA INVENTORY
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix H
ONSLOW TOWNSITE STRATEGY FLORA, VEGETATION AND FAUNA ASSESSMENT APPENDIX H
SPECIES INVENTORY
Family Taxa
*Aerva javanica
Ptilotus axillaris
Ptilotus exaltatus
Amaranthaceae
Ptilotus macrocephalus
Olearia axillaris
Pluchea sp. B Kimberley Flora (K.F. Kenneally 9526A)
Pterocaulon sphaeranthoides
Asteraceae
Streptoglossa bubakii
Bignoniaceae *Tecoma stans
Heliotropium ovalifolium Boraginaceae
Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum
Brassicaceae Lepidium platypetalum
Casuarinaceae Casuarina obesa
Atriplex semilunaris
Dysphania rhadinostachya subsp. rhadinostachya
Enchylaena tomentosa var. tomentosa
Maireana lobiflora
Neobassia astrocarpa
Rhagodia preissii subsp. obovata
Salsola tragus subsp. grandiflora
Tecticornia auriculata
Tecticornia halocnemoides subsp. tenuis
Chenopodiaceae
Threlkeldia diffusa
Chloanthaceae Pityrodia loxocarpa
Combretaceae Terminalia hadleyana
Bonamia linearis
Bonamia rosea
Evolvulus alsinoides var. villosicalyx
Convolvulaceae
Ipomoea pes‐caprae subsp. brasiliensis
Adriana tomentosa var. tomentosa
Euphorbia alsiniflora
Euphorbia boophthona
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbia myrtoides
Acacia ampliceps
Acacia bivenosa
Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea
Acacia sclerosperma subsp. sclerosperma
Acacia stellaticeps
Acacia synchronicia
Acacia tetragonophylla
Acacia trachycarpa
Acacia trudgeniana
Alysicarpus muelleri
Fabaceae
Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix H
Family Taxa
Cullen martinii
Indigofera boviperda subsp. boviperda
Indigofera colutea
Indigofera linifolia
Indigofera monophylla
Indigofera trita
*Prosopis glandulosa
Rhynchosia minima
Senna artemisioides subsp. oligophylla
Senna glutinosa subsp. chatelainiana
Senna glutinosa subsp. pruinosa
*Stylosanthes hamata
Swainsona kingii
Swainsona pterostylis
Tephrosia gardneri
Fabaceae
Tephrosia rosea var. clementii
Frankeniaceae Frankenia ambita
Goodenia microptera
Scaevola crassifolia
Scaevola pulchella
Scaevola sericophylla
Goodeniaceae
Scaevola spinescens
Gyrostemonaceae Gyrostemon ramulosus
Hemerocallidaceae Tricoryne corynothecoides
Lauraceae Cassytha capillaris
Abutilon aff. dioicum
Abutilon lepidum
Corchorus tectus
Gossypium australe
Hannafordia quadrivalvis subsp. recurva
Melhania oblongifolia
Sida clementii
Sida fibulifera
Malvaceae
Sida rohlenae subsp. rohlenae
Myoporaceae Myoporum montanum
Eucalyptus camaldulensis
Eucalyptus victrix
Myrtaceae
Melaleuca argentea
Phyllanthaceae Sauropus trachyspermus
Plantaginaceae Stemodia sp. Onslow (A.A. Mitchell 76/148)
Aristida holathera var. holathera
*Cenchrus ciliaris
Dactyloctenium radulans
Eragrostis falcata
Eragrostis pergracilis
Eriachne aristidea
Eriachne mucronata
Eulalia aurea
Panicum decompositum
Poaceae
Sorghum plumosum
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix H
Family Taxa
Spinifex longifolius
Sporobolus virginicus
Triodia epactia
Triraphis mollis
Whiteochloa airoides
Poaceae
Yakirra australiensis
Proteaceae Hakea lorea subsp. lorea
Sapindaceae Diplopeltis eriocarpa
Scrophulariaceae Striga curviflora
Solanum lasiophyllum Solanaceae
Solanum phlomoides
Surianaceae Stylobasium spathulatum
Tamaricaceae *Tamarix aphylla
Thymelaeaceae Pimelea ammocharis
Zygophyllaceae *Tribulus terrestris
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS (8‐9‐2011)
APPENDIX I
LOCATION OF INTRODUCED FLORA
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix I
ONSLOW TOWNSITE STRATEGY FLORA, VEGETATION AND FAUNA ASSESSMENT APPENDIX I
LOCATION OF INTRODUCED FLORA
Taxa Site Number #Easting #Northing
OPCOL 306443 7605469
OPCOL 304304 7605762
OPCOL 305177 7605636
OS01 305834 7605465
OS03 306250 7605509
OS05 304176 7606607
OS08 304061 7606086
OS12 304916 7605003
OS13 305332 7604619
OS14 305250 7605277
OS15 304828 7604561
OS16 305195 7605017
OS18 304246 7603332
OS20 305144 7605532
OS21 304533 7604167
OSR01 304334 7605750
OSR04 304484 7605858
OSR06 304839 7605451
OSR08 304899 7605282
OS23 304405 7603846
OS26 304277 7605432
*Aerva javanica
OS28 304493 7605107
OS01 305834 7605465
OS02 306113 7605379
*Cenchrus ciliaris
OS03 306250 7605509
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix I
Taxa Site Number #Easting #Northing
OS04 305256 7605662
OS05 304176 7606607
OS06 304127 7606315
OS07 303925 7606326
OS08 304061 7606086
OS12 304916 7605003
OS13 305332 7604619
OS14 305250 7605277
OS16 305195 7605017
OS17 305043 7604205
OS18 304246 7603332
OS19 304650 7603837
OS20 305144 7605532
OS21 304533 7604167
OSR01 304334 7605750
OSR04 304484 7605858
OSR06 304839 7605451
OSR08 304899 7605282
OS23 304405 7603846
OS26 304277 7605432
*Cenchrus ciliaris
OS28 304493 7605107
OPCOL 306049 7605174 *Prosopis glandulosa
OSR05 303991 7602809
OS13 305332 7604619
OS18 304246 7603332
*Stylosanthes hamata
OSR06 304839 7605451
OS20 305144 7605532
OSR04 304484 7605858
*Tamarix aphylla
OSR04 304484 7605858
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix I
Taxa Site Number #Easting #Northing
OS01 305834 7605465 *Tribulus terrestris
OS02 306113 7605379
OS04 305256 7605662
OS05 304176 7606607
OS06 304127 7606315
OS12 304916 7605003
OS13 305332 7604619
OS14 305250 7605277
OS16 305195 7605017
OS17 305043 7604205
OS18 304246 7603332
OS19 304650 7603837
OS20 305144 7605532
OS21 304533 7604167
OSR01 304334 7605750
OSR04 304484 7605858
OS26 304277 7605432
*Tribulus terrestris
OS28 304493 7605107
# WGS 84, Zone 50K
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS (8‐9‐2011)
APPENDIX J
DENDROGRAM
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix J
ONSLOW TOWNSITE STRATEGY FLORA, VEGETATION AND FAUNA ASSESSMENT
APPENDIX J
DENDROGRAM
Vegetation data from Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora and Vegetation assessment was analysed
to determine vegetation associations.
Quadrat percentage cover data was then transformed (presence/absence) to improve normality
and reduce the influence of different botanists whose cover value estimates are likely not to
have be normally distributed (i.e. skewed to high and low end of distribution curve). Whilst,
normality is less important in multivariate statistics, the underlying assumptions of normal
distribution are still a requisite.
Once data was treated, a similarity matrix based on Bray‐Curtis similarities was computed using
Primer‐E version 6.1.5 (2006). Using this similarity matrix, a dendrogram was then computed,
using hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis. The dendrogram was checked and found to be
less than satisfactory. Delineation of vegetation associations was based primarily on the results
field observations with cross checks of the dendrogram.
Overall, the results of the statical analysis differ from the field observation vegetation mapping.
The impact of the disturbances particularly the high number and cover of introduced species is
considered to have reduce the accuracy of the statical analysis. The introduced species are
considered to have displaced native species in the understorey of vegetation. Thus, changing
species composition and adding complexity to the delineation of native vegetation associations.
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix J
Dendrogram of Onslow Townsite Strategy Quadrats Based on Species Presence/ Absence
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS (8‐9‐2011)
APPENDIX K
HABITAT ASSESSMENT DATA SHEETS
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001 CS11.095 Appendix K Fauna habitat data sheets Complete
ONSLOW TOWNSITE STRATEGY FLORA, VEGETATION AND FAUNA ASSESSMENT APPENDIX K
HABITAT ASSESSMENT DATA SHEETS
Habitat Assessment ‐ HA 1
Broad Fauna Habitat: Beach, Shrubland on dune behind beach
UTM Co‐ordinates 50 304973 Easting, 7604084 Northing
Habitat Value: Moderate
Total Area of Habitat: 229.02 ha Proportion of Project Area: 68.6%
Habitat Structure and Microhabitats Aspect: South Exfoliating Slabs: None Soils: Red sand Surface rocks: Small: Nill Large: Nill Boulders: None Tree Hollows: Small: None Large: None Cracks: None Caves: None Crevices: None Cliffs : None Suitability for bats: Nil Litter Cover: 5% Leaf litter , 0% Woody Debris, 15% Bare Ground
Vegetation Stratum Vegetation Species Cover Height Overstory Shrubland of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea 2‐10% 2 m Midstory Low Shrubs of Tephrosia gardneri, Scaevola crassifolia and
Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum 2‐10% 1 m
Ground Cover Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris 30‐70% 0.3 m Condition Rating: Good Disturbance: Weeds
Fire Age Old
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001 CS11.095 Appendix K Fauna habitat data sheets Complete
Habitat Assessment ‐ HA 2
Broad Fauna Habitat: Shrubland
UTM Co‐ordinates 50 305527 Easting, 7605170 Northing
Habitat Value: Moderate
Total Area of Habitat: 229.02 ha Proportion of Project Area: 68.6%
Habitat Structure and Microhabitats Aspect: North West Exfoliating Slabs: None Soils: Red Sand Surface rocks: Small: None Large: None Boulders: None Tree Hollows: Small: none Large: None Cracks: None Caves: None Crevices: None Cliffs : None Suitability for bats: Nil Litter Cover: 10% Leaf litter , 0% Woody Debris, 10% Bare Ground
Vegetation Stratum Vegetation Species Cover Height Overstory Scattered Shrubs of Shrubland of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea,
Acacia tetragonophylla and Acacia bivenosa. 2% 2 m
Midstory Low Shrubland of Acacia stellaticeps, Scaevola sericophylla, Indigofera boviperda subsp. boviperda and Pityrodia loxocarpa
2% 1 m
Ground Cover Open Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia over Open Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris
30‐70% 0.3 m
Condition Rating: Very Good Disturbance: Weeds, Tracks
Fire Age Old
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001 CS11.095 Appendix K Fauna habitat data sheets Complete
Habitat Assessment ‐ HA 3
Broad Fauna Habitat: Shrubland
UTM Co‐ordinates 50 305614 Easting, 7605391 Northing
Habitat Value: Low
Total Area of Habitat: 229.02 ha Proportion of Project Area: 68.6%
Habitat Structure and Microhabitats Aspect: North East Exfoliating Slabs: None Soils: Red Sand Surface rocks: Small: None Large: None Boulders: None Tree Hollows: Small: None Large: None Cracks: None Caves: None Crevices: None Cliffs : None Suitability for bats: Nil Litter Cover: 10% Leaf litter , 0% Woody Debris, 10% Bare Ground
Vegetation Stratum Vegetation Species Cover Height Overstory Scattered Shrubs of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea 2% 2 m Midstory Low Open Shrubland of Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii,
Tephrosia rosea var. clementii, Scaevola crassifolia, Salsola tragus subsp. grandiflora and Indigofera sp.
2% 1 m
Ground Cover Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia and Spinifex longifolius and Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris
30‐70% 0.3 m
Condition Rating: Good Disturbance: Weeds
Fire Age Moderate
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001 CS11.095 Appendix K Fauna habitat data sheets Complete
Habitat Assessment ‐ HA 4
Broad Fauna Habitat: Coastal Dune/ Beach
UTM Co‐ordinates 50 305343 Easting, 7605703 Northing
Habitat Value: Low
Total Area of Habitat: 20.46 ha Proportion of Project Area: 6.1%
Habitat Structure and Microhabitats Aspect: N/A Exfoliating Slabs: None Soils: Beach Sand Surface rocks: Small: None Large: None Boulders: None Tree Hollows: Small: None Large: None Cracks: None Caves: None Crevices: None Cliffs : None Suitability for bats: Nil Litter Cover: + Leaf litter , 0% Woody Debris, 80% Bare Ground
Vegetation Stratum Vegetation Species Cover Height Overstory Scattered Shrubs of Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea 2% 2 m Midstory Low Open Shrubland of Crotalaria cunninghamii subsp. sturtii,
Tephrosia rosea var. clementii, Scaevola crassifolia, Salsola tragus subsp. grandiflora and Indigofera sp.
2% 1 m
Ground Cover Hummock Grassland of Triodia epactia and Spinifex longifolius and Tussock Grassland of *Cenchrus ciliaris
30‐70% 0.3 m
Condition Rating: Excellent Disturbance: Weeds, Rubbish
Fire Age Very Old
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS (8‐9‐2011)
APPENDIX L
PREVIOUSLY RECORDED CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT
VERTEBRATE FAUNA
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment APPENDIX L
Previously Recorded Fauna Species
AMPHIBIANSScientific Name Common Name EPBC WC DEC A B C D E F
Cyclorana maini Sheep Frog x x
Litora caerulea Green Tree Frog xLitoria rubella Little Red Tree Frog x x
Neobatrachus aquilonius Northern Burrowing Frog x x
Notaden nichollsi Desert Spadefrog x x
[X] fauna species recorded from the project area.
[*] denotes introduced species.
L1: AMPHIBIAN SPECIES PREVIOUSLY RECORDED IN THE REGION
APPENDIX L
LIMNODYNASTIDAE
HYLIDAE
Key: EPBC = Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, WC = Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, DEC = Department of Conservation Priority
Code, A = Listed in Naturemap (2011), B= EPBC protected matters search tool (DSEWPaC 2011) C = Listed by Birds Australia (2010), D= DEC Protected Matters
Search E= Previously recorded from surveys within 50 km, F=Current Survey.
Note: For Definitions of Conservation Codes see Appendix B.
Conservation Codes
J100505‐001‐ CS Appendix L
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment APPENDIX L
Previously Recorded Fauna Species
REPTILES
Scientific Name Common Name EPBC WC DEC A B C D E F
Crocodylus porosus Salt Water Crocodile S x x
Amphibolurus gilberti gilberti x
Amphibolurus longirostris Long‐nosed Dragon x
Ctenophorus caudicinctus Ring‐tailed Rock Dragon x x
Ctenophorus femoralis Dune Dragon x
Ctenophorus isolepis Military Sand Dragon x x
Ctenophorus nuchalis Central Netted Dragon x x
Ctenophorus rubens Red Dragon x
Ctenophorus reticulatus Western Netted Dragon
Diporiphora winneckei Blue‐lined Dragon x x
Pogona minor minor Bearded Dragon x x
Diplodactylus conspicillatus Fat‐tailed Gecko x x
Diplodactylus pulcher x
Lucasium stenodactylum Pale‐snouted Ground Gecko x x
Rhynchoedura ornata Beaked Gecko x
Strophurus jeanae x x
Strophurus strophorus x x
Nephrurus levis occidentalis x x
Gehyra pilbara Pilbara Dtella x x
Gehyra punctata Spotted Rock Dtella x x
Gehyra purpurascens x
Gehyra variegata Variegated Tree Dtella x x xHeteronotia binoei Bynoe's Gecko x x x
Delma nasuta Long‐nosed Delma x x
Delma pax x
Delma tincta x
Lialis burtonis Burton's Legless Lizard x x
Pygopus nigriceps Hooded Scaly‐foot x x
Ctenotus calurus x xCtenotus duricola x
Ctenotus grandis titan x x
Ctenotus hanloni x
Ctenotus helenae x
Ctenotus iapetus x x
Ctenotus maryani x
PYGOPODIDAE
DIPLODACTYLIDAE
AGAMIDAE
CARPHODACTYLIDAE
GEKKONIDAE
APPENDIX L
Conservation Codes
Note: For Definitions of Conservation Codes see Appendix B
L2: REPTILIAN SPECIES PREVIOUSLY RECORDED IN THE REGION
Key: EPBC = Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, WC = Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, DEC = Department of Conservation Priority
Code, A = Listed in Naturemap (2011), B= EPBC protected matters search tool (DSEWPaC 2011) C = Listed by Birds Australia (2010), D= DEC Protected Matters
Search E= Previously recorded from surveys within 50 km, F=Current Survey.
SCINCIDAE
CROCODYLUS
J100505‐001‐ CS Appendix L
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment APPENDIX L
Previously Recorded Fauna Species
REPTILES
Scientific Name Common Name EPBC WC DEC A B C D E F
Conservation Codes
Ctenotus pantherinus ocellifer Leopard Ctenotus x x
Ctenotus rufescens x x
Ctenotus saxatilis Rock Ctenotus x x
Ctenotus schomburgkii x x
Cyclodomorphus melanops melanops Spinifex‐slender Bluetongue x xEremiascincus fasciolatus Narrow‐banded Sand‐swimmer x x
Glaphyromorphus isolepis x
Lerista baynesi x
Lerista bipes x x
Lerista clara x x
Lerista elegans x
Lerista osloviana x x
Lerista planiventralis maryani x
Lerista uniduo x
Menetia greyii Common Dwarf Skink x x
Morethia ruficauda ruficauda x
Morethia ruficauda exquisita Fire‐tailed Skink x
Tiliqua multifasciata Central Bluetongue x x
J100505‐001‐ CS Appendix L
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment APPENDIX L
Previously Recorded Fauna Species
REPTILES
Scientific Name Common Name EPBC WC DEC A B C D E F
Conservation Codes
Varanus brevicauda Short‐tailed Monitor x x
Varanus bushi Pilbara Mulga Monitor x
Varanus caudolineatus Striped‐tailed Monitor x x
Varanus eremius Pygmy Desert Monitor x x
Varanus gouldii Gould's Sand Monitor x
Varanus panoptes rubidus Yellow‐spotted Monitor x
Varanus tristis tristis Black‐headed Monitor x
Ramphotyphlops ammodytes x x
Ramphotyphlops grypus Beaked Blind Snake x x
Ramphotyphlops hamatus x x
Antaresia perthensis Pygmy Python x
Antaresia stimsoni stimsoni Western Stimson's Python x x
Aspidites melanocephalus Black‐headed Python x x
Demansia psammophis cupreiceps Yellow‐faced Whip‐Snake x x
Furina ornata Moon Snake x x
Pseudechis australis Mulga Snake x x
Pseudonaja modesta Ringed Brown Snake x x
Pseudonaja nuchalis Gwardar x x
Simoselaps anomalus Desert Banded Snake x x
Suta punctata Spotted Snake x x
[X] fauna species recorded from the project area.
[*] denotes introduced species.
VARANIDAE
ELAPIDAE
BOIDAE
TYPHLOPIDAE
J100505‐001‐ CS Appendix L
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment APPENDIX L
Previously Recorded Fauna Species
BIRDS
Scientific Name Common Name EPBC WC DEC A B C D E F
Dromaius novaehollandiae Emu x x x
Coturnix pectoralis Stubble Quail x x x
Coturnix ypsilophora Brown Quail x x x
Tadorna tadornoides Australian Shelduck x
Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck x x
Anas gracilis Grey Teal x x x
Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck x x x x
Aythya australis Hardhead x x
Cygnus atratus Black Swan x
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Australasian Grebe x x
Poliocephalus poliocephalus Hoary‐headed Grebe x x
Columba livia *Rock Dove x x
Geophaps plumifera Spinifex Pigeon x x x
Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove x x x
Geopelia striata Peaceful Dove x x x x
Geopelia humeralis Bar‐shouldered Dove x x x
Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing x
Phaps histrionica Flock Bronzewing P4 x x
Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon x x x
Eurostopodus argus Spotted Nightjar x x
Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet‐nightjar x x
Apus pacificus Fork‐tailed Swift Mi x x x x
Macronectes giganteus Southern Giant‐Petrel En X
Anhinga novaehollandiae Australasian Darter x x
Phalacrocorax carbo Great Cormorant x
Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Little Pied Cormorant x X
Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Little Black Cormorant x X
Phalacrocorax varius Pied Cormorant x X
APPENDIX L
L3: AVIAN SPECIES PREVIOUSLY RECORDED IN THE REGION
CASUARIIDAE
PHASIANIDAE
Conservation Codes
Note: For Definitions of Conservation Codes see Appendix B.
Key: EPBC = Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, WC = Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, DEC = Department of Conservation Priority Code,
A = Listed in Naturemap (2011), B= EPBC protected matters search tool (DSEWPaC 2011) C = Listed by Birds Australia (2010), D= DEC Protected Matters Search E=
Previously recorded from surveys within 50 km, F=Current Survey.
ANATIDAE
ANHINGIDAE
PODARGIDAE
AEGOTHELIDAE
APODIDAE
COLUMBIDAE
PODICIPEDIDAE
HYDROBATIDAE
CAPRIMULGIDAE
PHALACROCORACIDAE
J100505‐001 CS Appendix L
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment APPENDIX L
Previously Recorded Fauna Species
BIRDS
Scientific Name Common Name EPBC WC DEC A B C D E F
Conservation Codes
Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian Pelican x x
Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Black‐necked Stork x
Ardea garzetta Little Egret x X x
Ardea intermedia Intermediate Egret x x
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret Mi x
Ardea modesta Eastern Great Egret Mi x x X
Ardea pacifica White‐necked Heron X
Egretta novaehollandiae White‐faced Heron x X
Egretta sacra Eastern Reef Egret Mi x x x x
Butorides striata Striated Heron x
Nycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night Heron x
Threskiornis spinicollis Straw‐necked Ibis x X
Platalea flavipes Yellow‐billed Spoonbill x X
Accipiter cirrhocephalus Collared Sparrowhawk x x
Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk x x x
Aquila audax Wedge‐tailed Eagle x x x
Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier x x
Circus approximans Swamp Harrier x x x
Elanus axillaris Black‐shouldered Kite x x x
Elanus scriptus Letter‐winged Kite x
Haliaeetus leucogaster White‐bellied Sea‐Eagle Mi x x x x
Haliastur indus Brahminy Kite x x x x
Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite x x x
Hamirostra melanosternon Black‐breasted Buzzard x x x
Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle x x
Milvus migrans Black Kite x x
Pandion cristatus Eastern Osprey Mi x x x x
Falco berigora Brown Falcon x x
Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel x x x x
Falco longipennis Australian Hobby x x x
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon S4 x x
Falco subniger Black Falcon x
Fulica atra Eurasian Coot x x
Tribonyx ventralis Black‐tailed Native Hen x
Porzana fluminea Australian Spotted Crake x
Porzana pusilla Ballion's Crake x
Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard P4 x x x
Esacus magnirostris Beach Stone‐curlew x
Haematopus longirostris Australian Pied Oystercatcher x x x
Haematopus fuliginosus Sooty Oystercatcher x x
Himantopus himantopus Black‐winged Stilt x x x
Recurvirostra novaehollandiae Red‐necked Avocet x x
RALLIDAE
ACCIPITRIDAE
CICONIIDAE
PELECANIDAE
BURHINIDAE
HAEMATOPODIDAE
OTIDAE
FALCONIDAE
ARDEIDAE
RECURVIROSTRIDAE
THRESKIORNITHIDAE
J100505‐001 CS Appendix L
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment APPENDIX L
Previously Recorded Fauna Species
BIRDS
Scientific Name Common Name EPBC WC DEC A B C D E F
Conservation Codes
Elseyornis melanops Black‐fronted Dotterel x x
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover Mi x x
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover Mi x x
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover Mi x x
Charadrius ruficapillus Red‐capped Plover x x x
Charadrius veredus Oriental Plover Mi x x
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper Mi x x
Limosa lapponica Bar‐tailed Godwit Mi x x
Limosa limosa Black‐tailed Godwit Mi x
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel Mi x x
Numenius minutus Little Curlew Mi x x
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew Mi P4 x x x
Tringa brevipes Grey‐tailed Tattler Mi x x
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank Mi x x
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper Mi x
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone Mi x x
Calidris alba Sanderling Mi x x
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot Mi x
Calidris ruficollis Red‐necked Stint Mi x x
Calidris acuminata Sharp‐tailed Sandpiper Mi x x
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper Mi x x
Phalaropus lobatus Red‐necked Phalarope Mi x
Turnix velox Little Button‐quail x x x x
Glareola maldivarum Oriental Pratincole Mi x x x
Onychoprion anaethetus Bridled Tern x
Sternula albifrons Little Tern x x
Sternula nereis Fairy Tern x
Gelochelidon nilotica Gull‐billed Tern x x
Hydroprogne caspia Caspian Tern Mi x x x x
Chlidonias hybrida Whiskered Tern x
Chlidonias leucopterus White‐winged Black Tern Mi x x
Sterna dougallii Roseate Tern Mi x x
Sterna hirundo Common Tern Mi x
Thalasseus bengalensis Lesser Crested Tern Mi x x
Thalasseus bergii Crested Tern x
Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae Silver Gull x x x x
Cacatua roseicapilla Galah x x x
Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella x x x
Nymphicus hollandicus Cockatiel x x x x
Barnardius zonarius Australian Ringneck x x x
Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar x x x
Pezoporus occidentalis Night Parrot En T x x
Chrysococcyx osculans Black‐eared Cuckoo x
Chrysococcyx basalis Horsfield's Bronze‐Cuckoo x x x x
Cuculus pallidus Pallid Cuckoo x x
CUCULIDAE
PSITTACIDAE
TURNICIDAE
CHARADRIIDAE
LARIDAE
CACATUIDAE
GALREOLIDAE
CENTROPIDAE
SCOLOPACIDAE
J100505‐001 CS Appendix L
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment APPENDIX L
Previously Recorded Fauna Species
BIRDS
Scientific Name Common Name EPBC WC DEC A B C D E F
Conservation Codes
Centropus phasianinus Pheasant Coucal x
Ninox connivens Barking Owl x
STRIGIDAE
J100505‐001 CS Appendix L
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment APPENDIX L
Previously Recorded Fauna Species
BIRDS
Scientific Name Common Name EPBC WC DEC A B C D E F
Conservation Codes
Ninox novaeseelandiae Southern Boobook Owl x x x
Tyto javanica Eastern Barn Owl
Dacelo leachii Blue‐winged Kookaburra x x x
Todiramphus pyrrhopygia Red‐backed Kingfisher x
Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher x x x
Todiramphus chloris Collared Kingfisher x x
Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee‐eater Mi x x x x x
Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy‐wren x x x x
Malurus leucopterus White‐winged Fairy‐wren x x x x
Gerygone fusca Western Gerygone x
Gerygone levigaster Mangrove Gerygone x x
Gerygone tenebrosa Dusky Gerygone x
Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill x x
Pardalotus rubricatus Red‐browed Pardalote x x
Certhionyx variegatus Pied Honeyeater x
Epthianura aurifrons Orange Chat x
Epthianura tricolor Crimson Chat x x
Lichenostomus keartlandi Grey‐headed Honeyeater x x x
Lichenostomus penicillatus White‐plumed Honeyeater x x x
Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater x x x x
Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater x x x x
Manorina flavigula Yellow‐throated Miner x x
Sugomel niger Black Honeyeater x x
Pomatostomus temporalis Grey‐crowned Babbler x x x
Psophodes occidentalis Chiming Wedgebill x x x
Coracina novaehollandiae Black‐faced Cuckoo‐shrike x x x x
Lalage tricolor White‐winged Triller x x x
Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike‐thrush x x
Oreoica gutturalis pallescens Crested Bellbird x x x
Pachycephala lanioides White‐breasted Whistler x
Pachycephala melanura Mangrove Golden Whistler x
Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler x x
HALCYONIDAE
TYTONIDAE
CLIMACTERIDAE
MEROPIDAE
POMATOSTOMIDAE
CAMPEPHAGIDAE
MALURIDAE
ACANTHIZIDAE
PACHYCEPHALIDAE
MELIPHAGIDAE
PARDALOTIDAE
PTILONORHYNCHIDAE
CINCLOSOMATIDAE
J100505‐001 CS Appendix L
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment APPENDIX L
Previously Recorded Fauna Species
BIRDS
Scientific Name Common Name EPBC WC DEC A B C D E F
Conservation Codes
Artamus leucorynchus White‐breasted Woodswallow x x x
Artamus personatus Masked Woodswallow x x
Artamus cinereus Black‐faced Woodswallow x x x x
Artamus cyanopterus Dusky Woodswallow x x
Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird x x x
Cracticus torquatas Grey Butcherbird x
Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie x x
Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie‐Lark x x x x
Myiagra inquieta Restless Flycatcher x
Rhipidura phasiana Mangrove Grey Fantail x
Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail x x x x
Corvus bennetti Little Crow x x x
Corvus orru Torresian Crow x x x
Mirafra javanica Singing Bushlark x x x x
Cincloramphus mathewsi Rufous Songlark x x x x
Cincloramphus cruralis Brown Songlark x x
Zosterops lateralis Silver eye x
Zosterops luteus Yellow White‐eye x X x x
Cheramoeca leucosterna White‐backed Swallow x x x
Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow x x x
Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow MI x
Petrochelidon ariel Fairy Martin x x x
Petrochelidon nigricans Tree Martin x x x x
Emblema pictum Painted Finch x x x
Neochmia ruficauda clarescens Star Finch P4 x x x
Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch x x x x
Anthus novaeseelandiae Richard's Pipit x x x x
[X] fauna species recorded from the project area.
[*] denotes introduced species.
ARTAMIDAE
DICRURIDAE
ALAUIDAE
CORVIDAE
SYLVIIDAE
HIRUNDINIDAE
PASSERIDAE
MOTACILLIDAE
ZOSTEROPIDAE
J100505‐001 CS Appendix L
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
MAMMALSScientific Name Common Name EPBC WC DEC A B C D E F
Tachyglossus aculeatus Short‐beaked Echidna x
Dasykaluta rosamondae Little Red Kaluta x
Dasyurus cristicauda Mulgara Vu x
Ningaui timealeyi Pilbara Ningaui x x
Planigale ingrami Long‐tailed Planigale x
Sminthopsis longicaudata Long‐tailed Dunnart P4 x x x
Sminthopsis macroura Stripe‐faced Dunnart x x
Sminthopsis youngsoni Lesser Hairy‐footed Dunnart x
Macropus robustus erubescens Euro x x x
Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo x x
Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow‐bellied Sheathtail‐bat x
Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat x x
Scotorepens greyii Little Broad‐nosed Bat x
Vespadelus finlaysoni Finlayson's Cave Bat x x
Tadarida australis White‐striped Freetail‐bat x
Leggendina lakedownensis Short‐tailed Mouse P4 x x
VESPERTILIONIDAE
MOLOSSIDAE
MURIDAE
EMBALLONURIDAE
MACROPODIDAE
APPENDIX L
L4: MAMMALIAN SPECIES PREVIOUSLY RECORDED IN THE REGION
TACHYGLOSSIDAE
Note: For Definitions of Conservation Codes see Appendix B.
Key: EPBC = Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, WC = Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, DEC = Department of Conservation Priority
Code, A = Listed in Naturemap (2011), B= EPBC protected matters search tool (DSEWPaC 2011) C = Listed by Birds Australia (2010), D= DEC Protected Matters
Search E= Previously recorded from surveys within 50 km, F=Current Survey.
Conservation Codes
DASYURIDAE
J100505‐001‐ CS Appendix L
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
MAMMALSScientific Name Common Name EPBC WC DEC A B C D E F
Conservation Codes
*Mus musculus House Mouse x x
Notomys alexis Spinifex Hopping‐mouse x x
Pseudomys chapmani Western Pebble‐mound Mouse P4 x x x
Pseudomys delicatulus Delicate Mouse x
Pseudomys desertor Desert Mouse x x
Pseudomys hermannsburgensis Sandy Inland Mouse x x
Rattus tunneyi Pale Field rat x
*Oryctolagus cuniculus European Rabbit x
Canis lupus dingo Dingo x
*Vulpes vulpes Fox x
*Felis catus Feral Cat x x x x
*Bos taurus Cow x x
*Capra hircus Goat x
[X] fauna species recorded from the project area.
[*] denotes introduced species.
BOVIDAE
CANIDAE
LEPORIDAE
FELIDAE
J100505‐001‐ CS Appendix L
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS (8‐9‐2011)
APPENDIX M
SUMMARY OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT FAUNA SPECIES
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix M
Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
APPENDIX M
SUMMARY OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT FAUNA SPECIES PREVIOUSLY RECORDED WITHIN THE VICINITY OF THE SURVEY AREA
Conservation Significant Species
Conservation Status
Distribution and Ecology Habitat Relevance Likelihood
REPTILES
Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
S4
The Estuarine or Saltwater Crocodile inhabits coastal rivers and swamps from the Western Pacific to India. They extend inland along major drainage systems and are occasionally seen in open seas. Saltwater crocodiles feed on crustaceans, fish, reptiles, mammals, birds and fish (Wilson and Swan 2008).
Mangrove lined estuaries and beach
Possible
BIRDS
Flock Bronzewing (Phaps histrionica)
P4
The Flock Bronzewing is highly nomadic, and is found in open woodland and treeless grass plains (Simpson and Day 2004). This species of pigeon is highly gregarious, usually feeding and drinking in large flocks of many thousands.
Shrubland over Triodia grassland; inland plains.
Likely
Fork‐tailed Swift (Apus pacificus)
Mi
The Fork‐tailed Swift is a summer migrant (October‐April) to
Australia. This species is an aerial species, which forages high
above the tree canopy and rarely lower, so is independent of
terrestrial habitats. It usually occurs in flocks of up to 2000
and is often seen accompanying Tree Martins and Masked
Woodswallows (Johnstone and Storr 1998).
It is possible that the Fork‐tailed Swift passes through the Survey area on a transitory basis. However, it is unlikely to use the habitats in the Survey area.
Likely
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix M
Conservation Significant Species
Conservation Status
Distribution and Ecology Habitat Relevance Likelihood
Southern Giant‐petrel (Macronectes giganteus)
En
A pelagic seabird usually observed sitting on the sea; attracted to fishing boats where they take bait, mostly below 22 degrees south
Coastal habitats
Unlikely
Cattle Egret (Ardea ibis)
Mi
The Cattle Egret occurs in the wetter parts of Western Australia, in particular the Kimberley and the south‐west. The species inhabits short grass, in particular damp pastures and wetlands, usually in the company of cattle and occasionally other livestock. In Western Australia it is an irregular visitor, occurring mostly in autumn, and is not thought to breed regularly (Johnstone and Storr 1998).
The Survey area lacks inundated pastures preferred by the Cattle Egret, thereby there is no suitable habitat present. Unlikely
Eastern Great Egret (Ardea modesta)
Mi
The Eastern Great Egret occurs in the Kimberley, Pilbara, and on the west coast from the Murchison River south, throughout the south‐west, and east to Cape Arid. It inhabits mostly shallow fresh lakes, pools in rivers, lagoons, lignum swamps, clay pans and samphire flats, large dams and sewage ponds. It also inhabits shallow saltwater habitat such as mangrove creeks, tidal pools, samphire swamps and salt work ponds (Johnstone and Storr 1998).
This species may forage in the Ephemeral Creekline habitat. However, no suitable nesting habitat is present in the Survey area.
Likely
Eastern Reef Egret (Egretta sacra)
Mi
The Eastern Reef Egret occurs in coastal areas along the entire West Australian coast, although it is more common in the warmer regions to the north. The species inhabits beaches, rocky shores, tidal rivers and inlets, mangroves, and exposed coral reefs. Although it is listed as migratory, the Eastern Reef Egret is largely sedentary in nature (Johnstone and Storr 1998).
Recorded along mangrove lined stream in project area; likely on beach.
Present
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix M
Conservation Significant Species
Conservation Status
Distribution and Ecology Habitat Relevance Likelihood
White‐bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)
Mi
The White‐bellied Sea Eagle is distributed along the coast, islands and estuaries of Western Australia but not the lower west and south‐west or far‐east (Johnstone and 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 and Storr 1998).
Mangrove lined estuary, coastal habitats.
Likely
Eastern Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Mi
The Eastern Osprey is distributed along the coast, islands and lower river courses of Western Australia. They feed on fish and other marine animals (Johnstone and Storr 1998). They nest in trees, cliffs and sometimes structures such as radio towers, often close to the water.
Mangrove lined stream; coastal habitats.
Present
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
S4
The Peregrine Falcon is uncommon but wide‐ranging across Australia. It occurs mainly along coastal cliffs, rivers and ranges as well as wooded watercourses and lakes. The Peregrine Falcon nests primarily on cliffs, granite outcrops and quarries, and feeds mostly on birds (Johnstone and Storr 1998).
Probably prefers habitat with greater tree cover.
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 (Morcombe 2000). The abundance of this species varies according to habitat and season, in particular the abundance of grasshoppers. Habitat loss has led to a decline in this species in the south‐west (Johnstone and Storr 1998).
Occurs in woodlands and plains.
Likely
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix M
Conservation Significant Species
Conservation Status
Distribution and Ecology Habitat Relevance Likelihood
Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)
Mi
The Grey Plover inhabits coastal areas, preferring marine shores of estuaries or lagoons on broad open mudflats, sandy bars or beaches and rocky coasts as well as coastal salt lakes and swamps (Morcombe 2000). They occasionally are found in drying freshwater lakes (Johnstone and Storr 1998).
Likely to occur along beach and estuary habitat in the project area.
Likely
Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius leschenaultii)
Mi
The Greater Sand Plover is a summer non‐breeding migratory shorebird that is common on the north and west coast of Western Australia. It inhabits exposed sand and mud flats (Geering, Agnew and Harding 2007).
Likely to occur along beach and estuary habitat in the project area.
Likely
Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongolus)
Mi The Lesser Sand Plover is a summer non‐breeding migratory shorebird that occurs on the north and west coast of Western Australia (Geering, Agnew and Harding 2007).
Likely to occur along beach and estuary habitat in the project area. Likely
Oriental Plover (Charadrius veredus)
Mi
The Oriental Plover occurs in the Kimberley and in the north‐eastern interior at Lake Gregory and the north‐west coastal plains (Johnstone and Storr 1998). This species is typically found on sparsely vegetated plains including samphire (in spinifex plains particularly after fire as well as beaches.
Likely to occur along beach, short grass and estuary habitat in the project area. Likely
Bar‐tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)
Mi
The Bar‐tailed Godwit a relatively common summer non‐breeding migratory shorebird that occurs along most of the coast of Western Australia and typically inhabits inter‐tidal mudflats (Geering, Agnew and Harding 2007).
Likely to occur along beach and estuary habitat in the project area
Likely
Black‐tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)
Mi
The Black‐tailed Godwit is an uncommon summer non‐breeding migratory shorebird that occurs along most of the coast of Western Australia (Geering, Agnew and Harding 2007). It inhabits fresh and brackish wetlands as well as inter‐tidal mudflats (Geering, Agnew and Harding 2007). This Migratory bird breeds of the coast of Mongolia and Siberia. It migrates to Australian waters in September to May (Pizzey and Knight 2007).
Likely to occur along beach and estuary habitat in the project area
Likely
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix M
Conservation Significant Species
Conservation Status
Distribution and Ecology Habitat Relevance Likelihood
Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)
Mi
The Whimbrel is a large non‐breeding migratory shorebird, found commonly along the north coast of Western Australia, but less commonly south of Shark Bay (Geering, Agnew and Harding 2007). This species typically inhabits mudflats of estuaries or lagoons (Morcombe 2000).
Likely to occur along beach and estuary habitat in the project area.
Likely
Little Curlew (Numenius minutus)
Mi
The Little Curlew is a medium sized shorebird and is typically found on short, dry grasslands. Flocks are highly mobile moving unpredictably according to grassland conditions, often congregating in wetlands to drink when conditions are hot. This species breeds in north‐east Siberia and migrates to the sub‐coastal plains of northern Australia during summer (Geering, Agnew and Harding 2007).
Likely to occur along beach and estuary habitat in the project area
Likely
Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis)
Mi, P4
The Eastern Curlew is a large non‐breeding migratory shorebird, found commonly along the north coast of Western Australia, but rarely south of Shark Bay. It inhabits a range of coastal habitats, but primarily inter‐tidal mudflats, particularly on exposed seagrass beds or mudflats feeding on burrowing crabs or shrimps (Geering, Agnew and Harding 2007).
Likely to occur along beach and estuary habitat in the project area
Likely
Grey‐tailed Tattler (Tringa brevipes)
Mi
The Grey‐tailed Tattler is a non‐breeding migratory shorebird, common on the north and west coasts of Western Australia, but rare on the south coast (Geering, Agnew and Harding 2007). It inhabits sheltered coasts with reef and rock platforms or with inter‐tidal mudflats (Morcombe 2000).
Likely to occur along beach and estuary habitat in the project area.
Likely
Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)
Mi
The Common Greenshank is a non‐breeding migratory shorebird, common along most of the coast of Western Australia (Geering, Agnew and Harding 2007). It inhabits intertidal mudflats, as well as fresh and saltwater wetlands of the coast or inland (Geering, Agnew and Harding 2007).
Likely to occur along beach and estuary habitat in the project area.
Likely
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix M
Conservation Significant Species
Conservation Status
Distribution and Ecology Habitat Relevance Likelihood
Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
Mi
The Wood Sandpiper is a summer non‐breeding migratory shorebird that occurs along the coast and inland regions of Western Australia. It primarily inhabits freshwater wetlands and rarely inter‐tidal mudflats (Geering, Agnew and Harding 2007).
Likely to occur along beach and estuary habitat in the project area.
Likely
Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)
Mi
The Ruddy Turnstone is a summer non‐breeding migratory shorebird that occurs on the coast of the north‐west, and west coast from Beagle Bay to Shark Bay (Johnstone and Storr 1998). It occurs primarily on rocky coasts and rocky reefs, as well as tidal mudflats and beaches and pebbly shores of near‐coastal salt lakes and salt‐work ponds (Johnstone and Storr 1998).
Likely to occur along beach and estuary habitat in the project area
Likely
Sanderling (Calidris alba)
Mi
The Sanderling is a small compact shorebird and is often found in small to large flocks, mostly on open beaches exposed to surf. This species has also been recorded within inter‐tidal mudflats. This species distinctly dashes between waves when feeding and is known at high tide to roost among beach debris (Geering, Agnew and Harding 2007).
Likely to occur along beach and estuary habitat in the project area
Likely
Great Knot (Calidris tenuirostris)
Mi
The Great Knot is a summer non‐breeding migratory shorebird that occurs along most of the coast of Western Australia. It inhabits larger inter‐tidal mud and sand flats (Geering, Agnew and Harding 2007).
Likely to occur along beach and estuary habitat in the project area
Likely
Red‐necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis)
Mi
The Red‐necked Stint is a summer non‐breeding migratory shorebird that occurs along most of the coast of Western Australia. It inhabits a wide range of fresh and saltwater habitats such as tidal mudflats, salt marshes and sandy beaches (Pizzey and Knight 2007).
Likely to occur along beach and estuary habitat in the project area
Likely
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix M
Conservation Significant Species
Conservation Status
Distribution and Ecology Habitat Relevance Likelihood
Sharp‐tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminate)
Mi
The Sharp‐tailed Sandpiper is a summer non‐breeding migratory shorebird that occurs along most of the coast of Western Australia except for the south coast, and in well‐watered parts of the interior and casually in the arid east south of Lake Gregory (Johnstone and Storr 1998). It inhabits both coastal and inland areas but prefers non‐tidal fresh or brackish wetlands (Geering, Agnew and Harding 2007).
Likely to occur along beach and estuary habitat in the project area
Likely
Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea)
Mi
The Curlew Sandpiper is a summer non‐breeding migratory shorebird that occurs along most of the coast of Western Australia. It inhabits exposed tidal mudflats, and less frequently on inland freshwater wetlands (Geering, Agnew and Harding 2007).
Likely to occur along beach and estuary habitat in the project area
Likely
Red‐necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus)
Mi
The Red‐necked Phalarope is usually found on shallow, near‐coastal wetlands, in water ranging from fresh to saline. The Red‐necked Phalarope is a small distinctive marine shorebird with small slender neck and short, straight needle‐like bill (Geering, Agnew and Harding 2007).
Likely to occur in near shore habitats just off the project area
Likely
Oriental Pratincole (Glareola maldivarum)
Mi
The Oriental Pratincole occurs in the Kimberley and along the northern coast of Western Australia, and is a summer migrant. It occurs around tidal flats and floodwaters where it feeds aerially on flying insects and roosts on bare ground (Johnstone and Storr 1998).
Likely to occur along beach, short grass and estuary habitat in the project area. Likely
White‐winged Black Tern (Chlidonias leucoptera)
Mi
The White‐winged Black Tern is a non‐breeding migratory Tern that occurs regularly in northern Western Australia and rarely in the southern half of Western Australia (Barrett et al. 2003). It inhabits coastal marine habitats (such as estuaries, lagoons and harbours) and near‐coastal freshwater wetlands (such as river pools, billabongs and inundated floodplains (Morcombe 2000).
Near‐shore coastal habitats, beach and estuary.
Likely
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix M
Conservation Significant Species
Conservation Status
Distribution and Ecology Habitat Relevance Likelihood
Lesser Crested Tern (Sterna bengalensis)
Mi
The Lesser Crested Tern is distributed along the north‐western and upper west coasts of Western Australia and occasionally comes as far south as Shark Bay. This species inhabits mainly blue water seas around islands or reefs and commonly visits tidal creeks. It breeds on the many small islands found along the north‐west coast (Johnstone and Storr 1998).
Near‐shore coastal habitats, beach and estuary.
Likely
Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia)
Mi
The Caspian Tern is distributed along the coast of Western Australia. It is scarce or uncommon north of Broome and uncommon to moderately common further south (Johnstone and Storr 1998). This species inhabits coastal areas as well as inland watercourses, saline and brackish lakes (Simpson and Day 2004).
Near‐shore coastal habitats, beach and estuary.
Present
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
Mi
The Common Tern is a summer migrant that is found along the northern coast of Western Australia, with a southern distribution of Carnarvon. This species inhabits sheltered seas, estuaries, near coastal saltworks and sewerage ponds (Johnstone and Storr 1998).
Near‐shore coastal habitats, beach and estuary.
Likely
Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii)
Mi
Breeds on islands along the Kimberley coast, and very common in the Abrolhos.
Near‐shore coastal habitats, beach and estuary. Islands.
Likely
Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis)
EN
The Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis) is a very cryptic bird species, with few records of it since the 1880s, although it is thought to persist inland. It inhabits inland plains in sparsely wooded spinifex near water (Johnstone and Storr 1998).
A little known species that appears to need access to permanent water in association with spinifex grassland.
Unlikely
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix M
Conservation Significant Species
Conservation Status
Distribution and Ecology Habitat Relevance Likelihood
Rainbow Bee‐eater (Merops ornatus)
Mi
The Rainbow Bee‐eater is a common and widespread species in Western Australia, occurring in lightly wooded, often sandy country, preferring areas near water. This species feeds on airborne insects, and nests throughout its range in Western Australia in burrows excavated in sandy ground or banks, often at the margins of roads and tracks (Johnstone and Storr 1998).
The Rainbow Bee‐eater was recorded foraging within the Survey area. The sandy soils of the Sandplain habitat have the potential to be used for breeding or sheltering purposes.
Present
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Mi
The Barn Swallow is a migratory species that breeds in north‐east Asia, and is a rare visitor to northern coastal northern Western Australia from September to early April (Johnstone and Storr 2004). They occur in ones or twos or in small flocks up to 15 (or occasionally large flocks in the 100’s) and sometimes attached to flocks of Welcome Swallows (Johnstone and Storr 2004). They forage mainly near towns and wetlands such as sewage and salt work ponds, river pools, swamps, tidal creeks and reservoirs (Johnstone and Storr 2004). They forage aerially on insects and nest in caves, cliffs under bridges and in buildings (Morcombe 2000).
Can overfly all habitats, often feeds over freshwater lakes and streams.
Possible
Star Finch (Neochmia ruficauda subsp. Subclarescens)
P4
The western subspecies of the Star Finch is confined to the Pilbara region of Western Australia (Pizzey and Knight 2007). The species occurs in grasslands with sparse vegetation, and feeds mainly on grass seeds and some small insects (Johnstone and Storr 2004). Like most finches this species needs regular water, so is likely to occur near permanent fresh water for most of the season then disperse out to a wider area during and after the wet season when ephemeral pools have water.
Needs permanent water, which is available in the project area.
Present
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix M
Conservation Significant Species
Conservation Status
Distribution and Ecology Habitat Relevance Likelihood
MAMMALS
Crest‐tailed Mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda)
VU, S1
The Crest‐tailed Mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda) is a small carnivorous marsupial, now possibly extinct in Western Australia, but it may persist in other parts of central Australia. Its position is uncertain because it is often confused with the closely‐related Mulgara (Dasycercus blythi). Its habitat is grassland (especially Spinifex), and it persists in parts of north‐western South Australia and south‐eastern Northern Territory. It is threatened by loss of habitat and competition from introduced grazers (Menkhorst and Knight 2004).
The sandy habitats throughout the project area may be suitable for burrowing by this species, but it is very unlikely to occur.
Possible
Long‐tailed Dunnart (Sminthopsis longicaudata)
P4
Little is known about the habitat requirements of this species,
as prior to 1975 there were only three whole specimens in the
museums and nothing was known of its natural history. The
current records of Long‐tailed Dunnarts come from widely
scattered localities in the arid zone, but trapping records
show it may prefer rugged, rocky areas (van Dyck and Strahan
2008).
Probably no suitable habitat in project area
Unlikely
Short‐tailed Mouse Mouse (Leggadina lakedownensis)
P4
The Lakeland Downs Mouse occurs in a range of habitat types on seasonally inundated sandy‐clay soils (van Dyck and Strahan 2008). In the Pilbara it occurs on stony hummock grasslands (Menkhorst and Knight 2004). It is generally rare, with scattered populations, and very little is known of its biology (van Dyck and Strahan 2008).
There are recent records of this species from the vicinity of Onslow townsite.
Likely
LANDCORP –Onslow Townsite Strategy Flora, Vegetation and Fauna Assessment
J100505‐001‐CS Appendix M
Conservation Significant Species
Conservation Status
Distribution and Ecology Habitat Relevance Likelihood
Western Pebble‐mound Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani)
P4
The Western Pebble‐mound Mouse is endemic to the Pilbara, and is confined to the central and eastern Pilbara, including Karijini National Park (Menkhorst and Knight 2004). Abandoned mounds to the east of its current range indicate a decline in distribution (van Dyck and Strahan 2008). Abandoned mounds are common in some areas, possibly as a result of land degradation from grazing and mining activities.
There is no suitable habitat in the vicinity of Onslow townsite.
Unlikely
KEY:
En Listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act 1999.
Vu Listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act 1999.
Mi Listed as Migratory under the EPBC Act 1999.
S Listed as Scheduled under the WC Act 1950.
P Listed as Priority by the DEC.
Recorded Recorded during the field survey or site reconnaissance.
Likely Suitable habitat is present in the project area and the project area is in the species’ known distribution.
Possible Limited or no suitable habitat is present in project area but is nearby. The species has good dispersal abilities and is known from the general area.
Unlikely No suitable habitat is present in project area but is nearby, the species has poor dispersal abilities, but is known from the general area; or suitable habitat is present, however the project 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.
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