Attachment 6 - Ecological Assessment

                            Ecological Assessment – Attunga Heights



Fauna species were detected using a combination of trapping techniques, opportunistic
sightings and active searches during daylight and at night. FIGURE 7 shows the location of
traps on the subject site.

All traps were routinely checked as soon as practicably possible after first light to
minimise the capture stress to any trapped animals and to prevent captured animals from
overheating during warm daylight hours. Captured animals were handled for a minimum
amount of time to reduce stress associated with handling. Care was taken to ensure that
captured animals were released into areas where they could find immediate and safe
shelter and predators could not intercept them.

Techniques utilised during the fauna survey are described below.


3.2.3.2 Opportunistic Sightings
The random meander technique (Cropper 1993) was used to traverse the site. All
incidental records of fauna utilising the study area were recorded. Discoveries of scratch
marks on trees, scats, footprints, diggings, bones and other animal traces were noted.


3.2.3.3 Active Searching
Any logs, sheets of tin, cardboard, bark and leaves were overturned in search of reptiles
and amphibians while traversing the site. Searches were undertaken for diggings, scats,
and bones. Eucalypt trees were inspected for signs of koala activity such as scratch marks
and scats. Active observation of bird and amphibian activity, both aurally and visually,
was undertaken during the site visit.


3.2.3.4 Diurnal and Nocturnal Herpetofauna Searches
Herpetofauna was surveyed by two (2) scientists between the 10th November 2003 and
the 15th November 2003. Survey methodology included physical searches in all habitats by
two scientists for a total of approximately four (4) person hours. Methodology was
designed to target significant species as listed under the EPBC Act and NCWR (e.g. Litoria
cooloolensis, L. freycineti, L. brevipalmata, Crinia tinnula, Coeranoscincus reticulatus,
Ophioscincus truncatus).


3.2.3.5 Diurnal Bird Survey
This methodology was designed to target species such as Grey Goshawk, Black-chinned
Honeyeater, Ground Parrot, and Latham’s Snipe.

Two (2) 30 minute diurnal bird censuses were undertaken during each day of the trapping
period. 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. Due to the suitable visual access across the site, bird sightings
were recorded during standard bird surveys and opportunistically.

Searches were also undertaken for a total of one (1) person hour for chewed
Allocasuarina cones (a sign of Glossy Black Cockatoo presence) on the site.


Job No: Q12038/Rw1                        JWA Pty Ltd                                      17