Significant Residual Impact criteria
Assessment
Accordingly, the project is considered unlikely to result in invasive species that are harmful to an endangered species becoming established in the endangered species’ habitat. A possible herpes-type virus has been impacting the Mt Etna population of ghost bats (approximal 70 km north of the project area) (TSSC, 2016a), however, no further publications have confirmed it as a significant disease which may cause the species to decline. Zoonoses are a potential future risk, such as a fungal disease called White Nosed Syndrome (Bat Call WA, 2023). Additionally, the species is susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi due the soil fungus’s ability to infect eucalypt species, which may be utilised by the species while waiting to ambush prey. Weed and pest species that may act as disease vectors will be managed as per the EMP. As such, the Project is not considered likely to introduce disease that may cause the species to decline. While potential foraging habitat will be removed, similar quality habitat remains widely available throughout the region. Ecological surveys did not identify any potential breeding or denning habitat within the project area. Whilst there is the potential for the project area to be used by ghost bats for foraging and/or dispersal, it is unlikely a population will occur within the project area and therefore it is unlikely any project related impact could interfere with the recovery of the species. As such, the project is considered unlikely to interfere with the recovery of the species. While potential foraging habitat will be removed, similar quality habitat remains widely available throughout the region. Ecological surveys did not identify any potential breeding or denning habitat within the project area. The Mt Etna colony likely fulfils the regions breeding requirements making it unlikely that the tunnel within the project area functions as a maternity roost. As such, the project is considered unlikely to cause disruption to ecologically significant locations (breeding, feeding, nesting, migration or resting sites) of a species.
Unlikely
Introduce disease that may cause the species to decline;
Unlikely
Interfere substantially with the recovery of the species; and
Unlikely
Cause disruption to ecologically significant locations (breeding, feeding, nesting, migration or resting sites) of a species.
4.4. Greater glider (southern and central) ( Petauroides volans) The greater glider (southern and central) ( Petauroides volans ) is listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act and NC Act. The species is restricted to mature eucalypt forests and woodlands with an abundance of mature, hollow bearing trees (Andrews et al., 1994; Kavanagh, 2000; Eyre, 2004; Van der Ree et al., 2004; Vanderduys et al., 2012). The species has a specialist folivorous diet and displays seasonal food preferences (Kehl and Borsboom, 1984; Kavanagh and Lambert, 1990). As a result, the species requires access to forests with a diversity of tree species to provide a consistent food source throughout the year (Kavanagh, 1984). The species dens in large hollows in mature trees (Henry, 1984; Lindenmayer et al., 1991; Goldingay, 2012). The availability of mature, hollow- bearing trees is a limiting factor. The species has been found to be absent from forests with fewer than six hollow-bearing trees per hectare (Smith et al., 1994). The species has a relatively small home range, typically 1 – 4 ha (Henry 1984; Comport et al. 1996; Gibbons and Lindenmayer, 2002). Given the species’ limited capacity
Wulguru Technical Services Pty Ltd – Heritage Minerals Upper Mundic Gully TSF – Fauna Survey Assessment Report 49
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