2.4 Likelihood of occurrence assessment For all conservation significant species identified in the desktop search, a likelihood of occurrence assessment was conducted to determine their likelihood of occurrence within the study area. Likelihood of occurrence was assigned to one of five possible categories: (1) Confirmed present, (2) Likely to occur, (3) Potential to occur, (4) Unlikely to occur or (5) Highly unlikely to occur. For each species, the likelihood of occurrence assessment was based on the results of desktop and field surveys considering factors including: – Whether the species was detected within the project area during field surveys – The quality and abundance of the species’ habitat observed within the project area – The proximity and age of the nearest historical records – Consideration of information on recent changes in the species distribution or regional threats that could influence the likelihood of occurrence – Consideration of life history characteristics that may require increased conservatism in the assessment to account for species that are cryptic, transient or periodically dormant that were not recorded but may have reduced detectability (e.g. orchids, migratory species or cryptic reptiles). A decision framework was used to standardise the likelihood of occurrence assessment, as shown in Table 2.4. Results of the likelihood of occurrence assessment are presented in Appendix B. Traffic light colouration has been used to draw attention to species that have an increased likelihood of occurrence, and thereby warrant assessment to identify, avoid and mitigate impacts on those species. Only species Confirmed present, Likely to occur or Potential to occur were included in impact assessment and reporting. Species considered Unlikely to occur or Highly unlikely to occur were not included in further impact assessment reporting. The decision framework for guiding the likelihood of occurrence assessment is detailed in Table 2.4.
Table 2.4
Likelihood of occurrence framework
Likelihood
Decision framework
Implications for assessment and reporting
Included in all reporting These species were included in all reporting to: – Assess and map species habitat – Define key ecological features including important populations and habitat critical to the survival of the species
Confirmed present
Species has been recorded within the project area during field surveys. There are recent (within 10 years) and nearby (within 10km) historical records of the species AND suitable high-quality habitat present within the project area. There are older (10 - 20 years) and more regional (10 - 30km) historical records of the species AND suitable low to moderate quality habitat present within the project area. There are no nearby or regional historical records of the species and the species was not detected in field surveys BUT suitable moderate or high- quality habitat is present within the project area AND the species has life history characteristics that warrant increased conservatism in likelihood assessment (i.e. cryptic species or species with temporal or spatial dynamism such as transient, wide-ranging species or species that are dormant for extended periods). The species is unlikely to occur in the project area but has a reasonable likelihood of occurring immediately adjacent and should be included in impact assessment due to the potential for indirect impacts on the species.
Likely to occur (High likelihood)
Potential to occur (Moderate – Low likelihood)
– – –
Assess species-specific impacts
Identify avoidance and mitigation measures
Undertake significance of impact assessments on residual impacts
–
Provide offsets for any significant residual impact
GHD | Heritage Minerals Pty Ltd | 12626510 | Heritage Minerals Mount Morgan 8 This document is in form. The contents, including any opinions, conclusions or recommendations contained in, or which may be implied from, this document must not be relied upon. GHD reserves the right, at any time, without notice, to modify or retract any part or all of the document. To the maximum extent permitted by law, GHD disclaims any responsibility or liability arising from or in connection with this document.
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