Attachment 6 - Ecological Assessment

                            Ecological Assessment – Attunga Heights



The long and narrow shape of the site has meant that it has been prone to a range of
detrimental edge effects. This has resulted in a high level of degradation including the
presence of a high proportion of weeds in both communities. These edge effects are
likely to have considerably reduced the corridor value of the site, particularly to species
that are more vulnerable in edge habitats due to an increase in predation.

In addition to being separated from continuous habitat regionally, there was also a
considerable degree of fragmentation evident on the site itself. Areas of exposed sand
dominated by Protasparagus aethiopicus regularly intersected areas of Callitris forest
where a more protective understorey and layer of leaf litter is present. These gaps
between canopy elements present effective barriers to some species, particularly those
with low mobility

The proposed development layout provides for the conservation of areas of both
vegetation communities present on the subject site. The removal of weeds and planting
of additional locally native plant species where feasible, will ensure that the value of this
site as a wildlife corridor will not be compromised as a result of the proposed
development. The following section discusses likely impacts on movement/dispersal of
each of the fauna groups.

Amphibians: The site does provide a tenuous link between patches of habitat for
amphibians associated with the creekline habitat. A small linkage occurs to suitable
habitat north and south along the creekline. This habitat is, however, degraded with
weeds and heavily infested with the introduced Cane toad (Rhinella marina). This is
likely to significantly reduce the sites suitability for amphibians. Rehabilitation work that
will accompany the proposed development is likely to improve opportunities for
amphibians to utilise the site.

Reptiles: The site does provide a tenuous link between patches of habitat for reptile
species including Ophioscincus truncatus. It is likely that suitable habitat will be lost as a
result of the proposed development, however rehabilitation work proposed for the site is
likely to improve remaining habitat and corridor suitability for reptile species including
Ophioscincus truncatus.

Small Mammals: The site supports a low diversity of native small mammals. The site does
provide a tenuous link between patches of habitat, however, because of its degraded
nature has little value as a small mammal corridor. It is expected that the development
would not negatively impact small mammal movements through the site, and may in fact
improve them as a result of rehabilitation works.

Arboreal Mammals: The site does not currently provide a continuous well vegetated link
between other habitat areas, but does support good populations of Brushtail and Ringtail
possums. These populations are urbanised and likely to be utilising adjacent residential
development and vegetation present on the site. The site does not support any hollow
bearing trees required by smaller arboreal species. It is not expected that the
development would negatively impact on the movements of arboreal mammals.




Job No: Q12038/Rw1                        JWA Pty Ltd                                      27