as such less water is likely available within the project area compared to prior to disturbance. Several invasive flora species, including lantana, are present within the species’ potential habitat. These pose a threat to the species by degrading potential foraging habitat, as they can change the local floristic characteristics of vegetation, impacting resource availability. Due to the degraded nature of the project area, this habitat is likely less preferable than intact habitat in the surrounding region. Therefore, the Project is not anticipated to result in a significant impact on the ghost bat.
Table 13. SRI assessment - ghost bat ( Macroderma gigas ) Significant Residual Impact criteria Assessment
Unlikely
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 that could be impacted. Additionally, to mitigate potential impacts to individuals, pre-clearance surveys will be conducted, with all activities supervised by qualified fauna spotter-catchers. As such, the project is considered unlikely to lead to a long-term decrease in the size of a population of the species. 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 that could be impacted. As such, the Project is considered unlikely to reduce the area of occupancy of a population. 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 that could be impacted. The project is situated on the interface between a large area of remnant vegetation and a large area of non-remnant cleared land associated with the Mount Morgan Mine. As such, the project is not expected to isolate or fragment any patches of habitat. A such, the project is considered unlikely to fragment an existing population into two or more populations. 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 that could be impacted. The project is situated on the interface between a large area of remnant vegetation and a large area of non-remnant cleared land associated with the Mount Morgan Mine. As such, the project is not expected to isolate or fragment any patches of habitat. A such, the project is considered unlikely to result in genetically distinct populations forming as a result of habitat isolation. Predation by feral animals is not a listed threat to the ghost bat, however the Commonwealth conservation advice (TSSC, 2016a) states that poisoning by cane toad has been recorded in Queensland. The cane toad has been confirmed present within the project area. Feral animal control measures will be implemented throughout the duration of the Project as detailed in the EMP. There is also potential for the spread of invasive weeds during the construction and operation phase, which pose a threat to the species by degrading potential foraging habitat, as they can change the local floristic characteristics of vegetation, impacting resource availability. This potential will be addressed within the EMP.
Lead to a long- term decrease in the size of a local population of the species;
Unlikely
Reduce the extent of occurrence of the species;
Unlikely
Fragment an existing population;
Unlikely
Result in genetically distinct
populations forming as a result of habitat isolation;
Unlikely
Result in invasive species that are harmful to a vulnerable species becoming established in the vulnerable species’ habitat;
Wulguru Technical Services Pty Ltd – Heritage Minerals Upper Mundic Gully TSF – Fauna Survey Assessment Report 48
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