Rev Fauna Flora Assessment

                                                                                  Native Foresters



Its distribution is highly restricted, occurring only from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast.
Throughout its range, the Swamp Crayfish is associated mainly with coastal paperbark
(Melaleuca) swamps, including areas of remnant and regrowth Melaleuca quinquenervia
woodland (E. Meyer, pers. comm.). Records of this species from drainage lines and artificial
ponds, within and adjacent disturbed Melaleuca woodland, suggest some resilience to
disturbance (e.g., see Dawkins, 2015). For example, the species has been encountered in areas
subject to periodic slashing and flail mowing, as well as previously cleared areas (Ed Meyer,
pers.comm.; Tim Howell, pers.comm.).

Genetic studies indicate significant genetic structuring amongst populations of the Swamp
Crayfish, with animals from divergent clades and subclades representing up to two genera and
seven species (Dawkins et al., 2010; 2017). Nevertheless, pending future taxonomic revision,
specimens of Tenuibranchiurus from south-east Queensland (including the project area) are
currently referrable to as T. glypticus.

Knowledge of the Swamp Crayfish’s reproductive biology is limited; however, it is known to inhabit
burrows up to 1.5 metres deep and is sometimes found sharing burrows with other crayfish
species e.g. Cherax spp (Dawkins, 2015). It is likely that within these burrows, Swamp Crayfish
reproduce, overwinter, and/or avoid desiccation. Studies by Harding and Williams (2003), suggest
the species prefer areas of denser sedge cover, with sedges providing protection from potential
predators. At night, however, Swamp Crayfish may be readily seen foraging in areas of shallow
open water with little or no vegetation cover (E. Meyer, pers. comm.). In addition to this, Swamp
Crayfish have also been recorded in waterbodies with little or no sedge cover (E. Meyer, pers.
comm.). The importance of sedge cover for this species is therefore unclear.
Available data suggest breeding occurs during late autumn/early winter with egg-bearing animals
and young-of-year crayfish having been recorded in May-July (Dawkins, 2015; E. Meyer, pers.
comm.). Observations on the Gold Coast and Bribie Island, however, suggest breeding may occur
at other times of year as well (Dawkins, 2015).
Though the diet of Swamp Crayfish has not been documented, it is likely that the species feeds
on decaying roots and leaf litter (as is the case with most freshwater crayfish species).
What, if any, specific requirements this species has in terms of breeding habitat is unclear.
Differentiating between areas of breeding and non-breeding habitat is therefore impractical and,
for the purposes of this assessment, areas of occupied habitat are regarded as breeding places.
Swamp crayfish and their breeding habitat are protected under s88 of the NC Act and s332 of the
Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006. If clearing of “breeding habitat” is
to occur, an appropriate Species Management Program (SMP) is required and measures to
minimise impacts to the species and their breeding habitat must be pursued as these are vital for
ensuring long term species viability.
Habitat loss, pollution and climate change are considered significant threats to the survival of this
species. There is very little suitable habitat remaining within its range, as most has been cleared.

A small population of Swamp crayfish were identified in the ephemeral ponds in the Melaleuca
wetland / sedgeland near the stormwater outlets east of the Carramar carpark as shown in Figure
9 and Appendix B.

Implementation of an DES-approved Species Management Plan will be required under Section
332 of the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006 before works can
proceed unless measures are taken to ensure indirect impacts to the breeding habitat for


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