Attachment 7D - Impact Management Plan - EVNT Fauna species - Noosa Landfill Expansion

                                                                            Native Foresters


Densities of the Wallum Rocketfrog in the Noosa Region are generally low, with calling
aggregations seldom numbering more than 20 animals (Meyer 2010). Densities of calling
animals are generally highest in low open (often disturbed) wallum vegetation with shallow
surface water (Hines and Meyer 2011).
The habitat suitability models for Wallum frogs suggest that all areas mapped as
RE12.3.13 and 12.3.5 constitute core habitat. Adjacent vegetation communities (RE
12.5.4) are considered non-core habitat for Wallum Froglets dispersing after breeding and
core habitat for Wallum Rocketfrogs.

3.3.3 Swamp Crayfish
The Swamp Crayfish (Tenuibranchiurus glypticus) is Australia’s smallest crayfish
(measuring up to 25 mm in length). It can be distinguished from other species of crayfish
by its small size, narrow thorax and the alignment of the fingers of the claws which is
vertical rather than horizontal.

Throughout its range, Swamp Crayfish is associated mainly with coastal paperbark
(Melaleuca) swamps, including areas of remnant and regrowth Melaleuca quinquenervia
woodland (E. Meyer, pers. comm.). Records of this species from drainage lines and
artificial ponds, within and adjacent disturbed Melaleuca woodland, suggest some
resilience to disturbance (e.g., see Dawkins, 2015). For example, the species has been
encountered in areas subject to periodic slashing and flail mowing, as well as previously
cleared areas (Ed Meyer, pers.comm.). The disturbance and destruction of coastal
Melaleuca wetlands, however, remains a significant threat to the species (Coughran et al.,
2010). Other potential threats to Swamp Crayfish include: weeds, pollution, pesticide use,
climate change and predation by exotic species such as Mosquitofish (Gambusia
holbrooki) and Swordtails (Xiphophorus helleri) (Coughran et al., 2010).

Knowledge of Swamp Crayfish biology is limited by its cryptic nature; however, it is known
to inhabit burrows up to one metre deep and is sometimes found in association with other
crayfish species e.g. Cherax spp (Dawkins, 2015). It is likely that, within these burrows,
Swamp Crayfish reproduce, overwinter, and/or avoid desiccation. Harding and Williams
(2003) suggest the species prefers areas of denser sedge cover as a predator-avoidance
mechanism, however at night Swamp Crayfish have also been observed foraging in areas
of shallow open water with little or no vegetation cover (E. Meyer, pers. comm.). The
importance of sedge cover for this species is therefore unclear.
The breeding biology and breeding habitat preferences of Swamp Crayfish are also poorly
documented. Available data suggest breeding occurs during late autumn/early winter with
egg-bearing animals and young-of-year crayfish having been recorded in May-July
(Dawkins, 2015; E. Meyer, pers. comm.). Observations on the Gold Coast and Bribie
Island, however, suggest breeding may occur at other times of year as well (Dawkins,
2015). Populations have been found in areas of open water and amongst dense aquatic
vegetation in both disturbed drainage lines and pristine wetland ecosystems.
Differentiating between areas of breeding and non-breeding habitat is therefore impractical
and, for the purposes of this SMP, any occupied habitats are regarded as breeding places.
Both adult and juvenile specimens of the Endangered Swamp Crayfish (Tenuibranchiurus
glypticus) were found in the acidic, tannin stained pools in areas of surface expression of
groundwater in the Impact Area and 100m buffer. Due to knowledge gaps relating to
Swamp Crayfish breeding habitat requirements, areas occupied by Swamp Crayfish are
considered breeding habitat.
IMPACT MANAGEMENT PLAN – Noosa Landfill Expansion
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