20517 App M.pdf [As Published] · 132007.1259

SCANLON PROPERTY GROUP a

Ecological Assessment *
natural solutions

environmental consultants

Draft Report

 

6.0 BIODIVERSITY VALUES

Within the subject site, historical use and disturbance of vegetation has resulted in a mosaic of
different habitat types occurring on site. The three broad habitat types occurring on site were
described in Section 4.1 (Figure 7). Each of these broad habitats offers elements that fulfil a
range of requirements for various native fauna species. In addition, elements such as fallen
logs, which are not necessarily associated with a particular habitat type, fulfil important foraging,
shelter, and nesting requirements for terrestrial reptiles and mammals. Reptiles may also use
such elements for thermoregulation (i.e., essential regulation of their body temperature). The
following sections outline the key habitat values / characteristics of each habitat type, and
Table 5 outlines broad fauna groups that may utilise each habitat type, and the functional value
provided for fauna by each habitat type.

6.1 CARAVAN PARK AREA

The grass ground cover in this area is regularly maintained (mown) and the area as a whole is
heavily utilised by people. As such this area affords little habitat value for ground-dwelling
native species, although a certain mammals such as macropods and bandicoots may potentially
forage in this area. The mature paperbark trees scattered through this area provide substantial
nesting, resting, and foraging habitat for various bird species. The trees may also provide
suitable nesting and foraging habitat for arboreal mammal and reptile species.

6.2 VEGETATION BUFFER

Although highly disturbed, this more densely vegetated area will provide habitat values similar to
those provided by the remnant wet heath area. However, the disturbed nature of this area is
likely to be unsuitable for certain species that are particularly sensitive to habitat condition and
external disturbances.

6.3 REMNANT WET HEATH AREA

The remnant vegetation in this area provides significant habitat values for native fauna species.
For instance, birds (including migratory species) may use the trees bordering the open wet
heath for resting, shelter, foraging, and / or nesting. Arboreal mammals such as gliders, koalas
and possums, require a series trees in order to disperse within and between home ranges.
These species, as well as bats, also utilise trees for resting, foraging, and shelter. Certain
reptiles (e.g. monitors, snakes, lizards, and geckos) may utilise trees for shelter and
thermoregulation.

The Gilgai formation (i.e. hummocky micro-relief of soils produced by expansion and contraction
caused by changes in moisture) of the wet heath also provides substantial habitat values for
various fauna species. For example, predatory birds and mammals may use the area for
foraging purposes. In addition, the area is particularly important for providing essential shelter,
nesting, refuge, and foraging values for amphibians and other small ground-dwelling species
(reptiles, mammals, and birds).

 

June 2007 ( 30 )

Y:\W07\J07-049_215-219 David Low Way,Peregian\Reports\Draft\070618_DR Ecological Assessment_JO7-049_JW.doc