080620 BCR02_EcoAssess_20071109_Final_MT.pdf [As Published] · 132008.1128

Amphibians
Pitfall trapping, diurnal searches of shelter habitat, nocturnal searches using spotlight while traversing
suitable habitat on foot and listening for frog calls. Habitat assessment was also conducted.

Reptiles
Pitfall trapping, diurnal searches of shelter habitat and for basking and foraging reptiles along tracks,
nocturnal searches using spotlight while traversing suitable habitat on foot. Habitat assessment was
also conducted.

Birds
Dawn bird surveys using binoculars and listening for bird calls, diurnal searches of suitable habitat, call
playback surveys, nocturnal searches using spotlight while traversing suitable habitat on foot. Habitat
assessment was also conducted.

Mammals
Elliot traps, cage traps, hair tubes, pitfall traps, diurnal searches for shelter habitat, call playback surveys,
anabat bat call recording, nocturnal searches using spotlight while traversing suitable habitat on foot.
Habitat assessment was also conducted.


2.1.3     Climate and other limitations

Conditions during the survey period were generally hot, dry and sunny. The intensity of wind and cloud
cover varied only slightly during the survey period. Conditions in the weeks leading up to the survey
were much the same as those experienced during the survey period, although some rain fell in the
weekend immediately prior to the survey.

Climatic and other limitations for each fauna group are discussed below:

Amphibians
Climatic conditions during the survey period were not optimal for detecting amphibians. Surveys for
this group should be conducted following extended rainfall periods. Timing of the survey was suitable,
as most amphibians are more active during the warmer summer months. Timing of the survey may
have been sub-optimal for detecting Wallum Froglets (Crinia tinnula) which are generally acknowledged
to be a winter breeding species. However, Wallum Froglets have also been observed calling in response
to rainfall events during the summer months (pers. obs.).

Reptiles
Climatic conditions during the survey period were suitable for detecting reptiles. Timing of the survey
was suitable for most reptile species, as reptiles are generally more active during the warmer summer
months.

Birds
Climatic conditions during the survey period were suitable for detecting most bird species, including
summer migratory species. Timing of the survey was unsuitable for detecting winter blossom migrants
(Swift Parrot, Lathamus discolor) and nomads (Regent Honeyeater, Xanthomyza phrygia). Most records
of Black-chinned Honeyeater (Melithreptus gularis) from the region are also during the winter months
(Birds Queensland 2007).

Mammals
Climatic conditions during the survey period were suitable for detecting mammals. Timing of the survey
was suitable for most mammal species.

One limitation during the survey period was the constraint on establishing trapping transects along the
narrow powerline easement (forming part of Lot 1 SP177650) through Noosa National Park. This
easement is the only part of the site containing an example of low wet and dry heathland. The
easement is currently used by the public as a walking track, and Elliot traps and pitfalls along the
easement would have presented a significant risk of injury or theft.

Grasstree Court, Sunrise Beach         Ecological Assessment Report (BCR02)                    PLACE Environmental

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