MCU 14/0106 Appendix F - Ecological Assessment

State and Local Government Ecological Assessment
Noosa Civic Expansion



COOLOOLA BLIND SNAKE (Ramphotyphlops silvia)
The Cooloola Blind Snake was known from the Noosa locality based on Wildnet and Queensland Museum
records. The Cooloola Blind Snake shows similar habitat preference to the Elf Skink. It is known to use
coastal rainforest, woodlands and heath growing on sand where they shelter in sand and decomposed wood
under logs and leaf litter (Wilson and Swan, 2010). Therefore sandy areas were targeted where high litter
and cover are present. Targeted searches for this species including pitfall trapping and searches of leaf litter
and under logs was undertaken across the Study Area. This species was not observed. While no
individuals were recorded, potential habitat does occur. Given the habitat preferences of this species
(Appendix I), the appropriate habitat associations are within the southern, alluvial portions of the Study
Area.

4.2.2.3            Amphibians
Dedicated searches were undertaken for the State listed Wallum Sedgefrog, Tusked Frog, Wallum Froglet,
Green-thighed Frog, Cooloola Sedgefrog, Giant Barred Frog and Wallum Rocketfrog. The Wallum
Sedgefrog, Wallum Froglet and Wallum Rocketfrog all require coastal lowland/wallum areas. Low lying,
moist areas on Study Area were searched for these species. Pitfall and funnel traps were placed proximate
to likely habitat for amphibians (and reptiles).
Three native species of amphibian were recorded. One species was recorded from capture in funnel traps
and the two other species were recorded from call only. These were the Striped Marsh Frog (Limnodynastes
peroni), the Eastern Sedgefrog (Litoria fallax) and Wallum Froglet (Crinia tinnula).
The Wallum Froglet was identified during the wet spotlight survey on 8 April 2013. This species was heard in
the far south east corner of the Study Area. This species was not detected elsewhere on the Study Area.
Habitat in this area (i.e. regrowth of Melaleuca quinquenervia and Eucalyptus robusta forest) is suitable for
supporting this species. Additional potential habitat is also located adjacent to the existing truck access in
the south west of the Study Area; however, no amphibian species were detected in this location. Despite
this, the area represents suitable potentially habitat for the species. This species is Vulnerable under the
NCA and also regarded as a high priority species within the SEQ Back on Track Framework (DERM, 2010b).
The Green-thighed Frog and Giant Barred Frog were considered less likely to occur in the Study Area based
on their habitat preferences. Despite this, dedicated searches were undertaken and time was allowed to
listen for calls during spotlighting.
The exotic Cane Toad (Rhinella marina) was commonly observed in the more open parts of the Study Area,
particularly along the cleared areas.

4.2.2.4            Birds
Bird habitat is largely homogenous in the Study Area characterised by tall overstorey trees with very thick
undergrowth vegetation.
A total of 37 species of birds were recorded in the Study Area as listed in Appendix N. As well as directly
observing species, bird nests were also identified on Study Area including a number of Australian Bush
Turkey mounds (Plate 9).




QIC Noosa Civic Pty Ltd                                  Version 1                               5 December 2014
J13041_Ecological Assessment State Local_V1.docx   Commercial in Confidence                             Page 24