Attachment 6 - Ecological Assessment

                          Ecological Assessment – Attunga Heights



1973; Edwards 1979; Nix 1982; Specht et al 1981). Many insectivorous birds from higher
latitudes and elevation over-winter in the locality. These include species such as the
fantail cuckoo (Cacomantis pyrrhophanus), sacred kingfisher (Todiramphus sanctus),
rainbow bee-eater, noisy pitta (Pitta versicolor), tree martin (Hirundo nigricans), black-
faced cuckoo-shrike (Coracina novaehollandiae), cicada bird (C. tenuirostris), golden
whistler (Pachycephala pectoralis), rufous whistler (P. rufiventris), rose robin (Petroica
rosea), grey fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons), white-throated gerygone (Gerygone olivacaea),
silvereye (Zosterops lateralis), olive-backed oriole (Oriolus sagittatus) and spangled
drongo (Dicrurus bracteatus).

Blossom feeding birds such as honeyeaters and lorikeets are nomadic and their
movements depend on the availability of nectar and pollen resources. Seasonal variations
in the flowering times of important nectar bearing plants in the genera Eucalyptus and
Melaleuca provide a continuity of food for nectarivorous birds throughout the year. The
Queensland blue gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis) is an important food source for scaly-
breasted and rainbow lorikeets (Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus and T. haematodus,
respectively) as this species flowers during the lorikeet’s winter breeding period.

No eucalypt trees are present on the site, which may limit feeding resources for
nectivorous species such as honeyeaters and lorikeets, however, a number of fruiting
species are present which may provide resources for frugivorous species such as orioles
and figbirds.


3.3.3.5 Mammals
A total of four (4) species of mammal were recorded during the site survey (TABLE 8). No
introduced species were recorded. One (1) significant species, Grey-headed Flying Fox
(Pteropus poliocephalus) listed as ‘vulnerable’ under Commonwealth Legislation was
recorded during the site survey.

                                    TABLE 8
                   MAMMAL SPECIES RECORDED IN THE SURVEY AREA
                Scientific Name                Common Name
        Pteropus poliocephalus        Grey-headed Flying-fox
        Pseudocheirus peregrinus      Common Ringtail Possum
        Rattus rattus                 Black Rat
        Trichosaurus vulpecula        Brushtail Possum


Assessment of possible Koala habitat revealed an absence of Koala feed tree species (i.e.
no Eucalypt species were recorded on the site). No scratch markings or faecal pellets
indicating the presence of Koalas were recorded on the site.

Small terrestrial mammals generally occur in highest densities in association with a
complex vegetation structure. A dense understorey layer, which provides shelter from
predators and provides nesting opportunities, is particularly important. In general,
medium-large terrestrial mammals such as macropods (kangaroos and wallabies) select
habitats which provide a dense cover for shelter and refuge and open areas for feeding.


Job No: Q12038/Rw1                      JWA Pty Ltd                                    24