Attachment 6a - Ecological Assessment Part 1 · MCU18/0015

                            Ecological Assessment – Attunga Heights



4.2.2.4 Diurnal Bird Survey
This methodology was designed to target species such as Grey Goshawk, Black-chinned
Honeyeater, Ground Parrot, and Latham’s Snipe. One count was undertaken in the early
morning (between dawn and two hours after dawn) and one count in the late morning (two
to four hours after dawn) for a total of four (4) hours of survey during the 2003 survey, and
a total of four (4) hours of survey during the 2018 survey. Due to the suitable visual access
across the site, bird sightings were recorded during standard bird surveys and
opportunistically.

Searches were also completed for chewed Allocasuarina cones (orts - a sign of Glossy Black
Cockatoo presence) on the site in 2003 for a total of one (1) person hour and in 2018 for a
total of one (1) person hour.


4.2.2.5 Nocturnal Bird and Mammal Playback
This methodology was employed to target the Powerful Owl and Koala. Nocturnal playback
sessions were conducted on three (3) consecutive nights in 2003, and four (4) consecutive
nights in 2018.

On commencement of each playback session a 10-minute listening period was undertaken,
followed by the broadcast of pre-recorded calls. The call was played for three minutes,
followed by a two-minute listening period. After the calls had been played, each observer
scanned the immediate area by spotlight for ten (10) minutes. The locations where
playback was broadcast from are shown in FIGURES 8 and 9.


4.2.2.6 Spotlighting
This methodology was employed to target nocturnal fauna including reptiles, birds,
amphibians and terrestrial and arboreal mammals.

In 2003, spotlighting involved two (2) or three (3) observers traversing the entire site on
foot with 50W spotlights on three (3) consecutive nights, for a total of nine and a half (9.5)
person hours during the survey period.

In 2018, spotlighting involved one (1) observer traversing the entire site on foot with 50W
spotlight on four (4) consecutive nights, for a total of eight (8) person hours during the
survey period.


4.2.2.7 Elliott Trapping
This methodology was employed to target small and medium terrestrial mammals.

In 2003 a total twenty-five (25) Type A Elliott traps were set along two (2) trapping lines
(10 traps on one line, 15 traps on the other) at approximately 10 m apart. Traps were set
for four (4) nights providing 100 trap nights across the study site. Elliott traplines are shown
in FIGURE 8.




Job No: Q12038/RW3                        JWA Pty Ltd                                        25