2.3.3.6. Habitat Suitability Assessment Habitat values within the Project area were initially assessed qualitatively, with emphasis on potential suitability for the northern quoll ( Dasyurus hallucatus ) (NQ) and greater glider ( Petauroides volans ), which were identified as having the potential to occur during GHD’s desktop and LoO assessment. Habitat was assessed using incidental observations gathered whilst traversing the site. The details of what constitutes habitat for these species, and therefore what features were searched for, are outlined in the following sections. 2.3.3.6.1. Northern quoll The NQ is an opportunistic omnivore and will feed on a wide variety of invertebrates, vertebrates and the fruits and nectar of native plants. Dunlop et al. (2017) identified insects, vegetation, rodents and reptiles as the most common food types for quolls in a study in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The NQ requires relatively complex habitat for shelter and breeding. This typically includes ranges, boulder fields, escarpments, and gorges. It may also include woodlands with large diameter trees and termite mounds. During the field surveys, we considered the following features to provide sheltering or breeding habitat for the NQ:
1. Boulder piles 2. Rocky faces with caves or crevices 3. Large trees capable of providing shelter (e.g. large fig trees) 4. Large hollow logs
The NQ exists in a variety of habitats across its native range. Continuous and unmodified habitat is required to promote natural movement. The NQ has a home range of approximately 35 ha (EPBC referral guidelines) The NQ has a home range of approximately 35ha (Commonwealth of Australia, 2016) 2.3.3.6.2. Greater glider The greater glider lives in high canopies and relies of forests with large, old eucalyptus trees that have well- formed tree hollows. These hollows are used for shelter and breeding, and they feed on the eucalyptus leaves. Species Specific guidance (Eyre TJ, 2022) for greater gliders indicates that tree DBH > 50 cm is preferred by greater gliders for breeding while smaller trees > 30 cm DBH can be used for foraging. Habitat assessment for the greater glider also provided habitat assessment for the yellow-bellied glider ( Petaurus australis ), which similarly selects a larger size cohort of preferred tree species, specifically for sap feeding purposes. Across their geographic range, larger trees (> 40 cm DBH, and predominantly within the 60- 80 cm DBH size class) are incised by Yellow-bellied Gliders for sap feeding (DAWE, 2022). Tree species that are important to both Glider species include C. citriodora , E. fibrosa , E. moluccana and E. tereticornis. During field surveys, common tree species and large trees with tree hollows were noted as potential habitat.
13 Wulguru Technical Services Pty Ltd – Heritage Minerals Upper Mundic Gully TSF – Fauna Survey Assessment Report
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