Significant Residual Impact criteria Cause disruption to Ecologically significant locations (breeding, feeding, nesting, migration or resting sites) of a species
Assessment
Unlikely
No ecologically significant locations are identified for this species. Suitable and essential habitat for G. hockingsii was field verified within the project area, and habitats similar to those noted within the project area are prevalent within the surrounding landscape. Considering habitat for the species only, it is unlikely disruption to the habitat within the project area will significantly reduce available habitat for the species. Given the above, the Project is considered unlikely to cause disruption to ecologically significant locations (breeding, feeding, nesting, migration or resting sites) of a species.
4.9. Short-beaked echidna ( Tachyglossus aculeatus) The short-beaked echidna ( Tachyglossus aculeatus ) is not listed under the EPBC Act and is special least concern under the NC Act. The short-beaked echidna is widely distributed throughout Australia, occurring in a broad range of habitats, wherever there is suitable availability of ant or termite prey (Augee, 1998). The species has specialist nursery burrows and shelters in hollow logs but otherwise does not have any fixed nest or shelter sites (Augee, 1998). Given the species broad habitat tolerances, the short-beaked echidna can occur in almost all landscapes including deserts, closed forest, woodland, rainforest, heath, cleared agricultural, grazing land and suburbia. The short-beaked echidna was confirmed present on a remote camera which was deployed around Upper Mundic Gully dam, within the south-eastern extent of the project area. Due to the species’ ability to utilise a range of terrestrial habitats, suitable habitat for the short-beaked echidna is common within the project area. Higher-quality habitat (i.e. ecologically significant locations) is considered to occur within remnant (Category B) woodland within the project area. The remainder of the project area is mapped as general habitat where it aligns with non-remnant (Category X) vegetation.
The Project is unlikely to result in a significant impact on the species. Table 19. SRI assessment - short-beaked echidna ( Tachyglossus aculeatus ) Significant Residual Impact criteria Assessment
Lead to a long- term decrease in the size of a local population of the species; Reduce extent of occurrence of the species; the Fragment an existing population;
Unlikely
Creation of the Project will result in the clearance of 43.12 ha of potential habitat for the short-beaked echidna. Habitat for the species is widespread and abundant within the region, owing to the species broad tolerance to a range of terrestrial habitat types. 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 removal of habitat within the project area is unlikely to lead to a long-term decrease in the local population. Creation of the Project will result in the clearance of 43.12 ha of potential habitat for the short-beaked echidna. Habitat for the species is widespread and abundant within the region, owing to the species broad tolerance to a range of terrestrial habitat types. As such, the Project is considered unlikely to reduce the area of occupancy of a population. Creation of the Project will result in the clearance of 43.12 ha of potential habitat for the short-beaked echidna. Habitat for the species is widespread and abundant within the region, owing to the species broad tolerance to a range of terrestrial habitat types.
Unlikely
Unlikely
Wulguru Technical Services Pty Ltd – Heritage Minerals Upper Mundic Gully TSF – Fauna Survey Assessment Report 61
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