Appendix H - Biodiversity Code

                                                                                 Native Foresters



        Weed cover: Weeds can dominate and suppress native plant growth which affects the
         diversity of food sources; they can change the fuel or litter characteristics of a site,
         thereby altering the fire regime, and also prevent recruitment and succession of native
         vegetation.
        Understorey components: The shrub and herb strata generally contain the greatest plant
         species richness and can be a useful indicator of disturbance and changes in condition.
        Organic litter, fallen timber and rocks: Litter cover (both fine and coarse), can be
         indicative of the degree of disturbance of a site, and can be an important determinant of
         species recruitment. It will influence soil microclimates, structure and composition, and
         provide refugia for invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians and ground dwelling mammals.
        Recruitment: Recruitment of plant species, particularly woody perennials, within all strata
         reflects the site’s long-term viability.
        Ephemeral ponding: Seasonally inundated areas provide intermittent breeding habitat for
         many opportunistic species.
        Landscape context: The size of a patch, its connectivity and distance to a core area of
         vegetation (ie: greater than 50 hectares) can affect both its regenerative capacity and
         long-term viability. Species–area relationships suggest that large areas tend to support
         more species and populations than smaller ones thus retaining greater genetic variability
         and providing refuge for species susceptible to disturbances.

For each listed species that was identified in Essential Habitat Mapping or Wildlife Online, a
likelihood of occurrence rating was assigned based on the following:

        Known - species positively recorded by this survey or other survey by qualified
         ecologists during past 30 years;
        Likely - based on the presence of suitable habitat and recent database records from
         study area or proximity;
        Possible - suitable habitat present for the species, but no recent database records from
         the study area or proximity; and
        Unlikely - based on a lack of suitable habitat and lack of proximate records.

2.2.4 Survey timing and weather conditions

The flora and fauna surveys were conducted in autumn under cool, overcast and rainy
conditions with temperatures ranging from 16.2 to 23.9 degrees Celsius and relative humidity of
58-99%. Scattered showers over the survey dates delivered approximately 37 millimetres of rain
and there was 4.2 millimetres of rain recorded during the preceding week (BOM Daily Weather
Observations for Tewantin (http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/).

The timing of the survey is considered suitable for detecting the target EVNT listed plant,
Pararistolochia praevenosa, which can be identified all year round based on its characteristic
leaf size, shape and hooked petiole as well as its mottled, ridged or furrowed stem.




Carramar Extension – Fauna and Flora Assessment                                                     11