Attachment 4 - Terrestrial Ecology Report_RACV_2022 June

Attachment E2 – Fauna Survey Methodology
STANDARD METHODOLOGY FOR FAUNA SURVEYS 1
The location of all traps is marked with flagging tape and numbered. Start and finish of a trap line double flagged. GPS used to record trap
locations and “mud-map” prepared to confirm trap locations. Traps never set in exposed locations (i.e. important to avoid hot open areas)
and checked regularly, including early in the morning and late afternoon. A notebook to record data on habitats, species, trap locations,
survey effort etc. used. The trapping exercise established in accordance with site variables to target potentially occurring species in suitable
habitats. The health and well-being of animals needs to be a priority. All trapping needs to be done in accordance with the appropriate
scientific research and ethics permits for Queensland.

Elliott Box Traps

Live traps with capture and release of the animal. Small metal folding box traps used for trapping small mammals (and larger lizards). Traps
installed flat on the ground in a location with shelter cover to avoid exposure. A bait mixture of rolled oats, honey and peanut butter is
placed in a ball within the trap. Traps generally established in a “line” of 20 and approximately 10-20m apart, dependent on the location of
habitat features (e.g. large trees, hollow logs, burrows, clumps of vegetation). Traps placed in a range of habitats to target species, including
native rats, water mouse, antechinus. Traps are checked in the morning and afternoon to remove animals trapped overnight (nocturnal) or
during the day (diurnal).

Hair Traps

Live traps with no capture, only a hair/fur sample. Standard (faunatech style) hair traps were placed within woodland and heathland habitats
to supplement the Elliott trapping. Traps are placed flat on the ground 20m apart, depending on habitat features. Hair traps have a “sticky
wafer” which is installed at the top surface of the funnel-shaped trap and animals (mammals) enter the trap to reach the bait (which is placed
in a closed receptacle) at the rear of the trap. Hair/fur of the animal attaches to the wafer and can be analysed at a later stage. Same bait
mix as for Elliott traps is used and same target species. In other circumstances hair traps also allow for capture of large mammals (e.g.
bandicoots, possums, wallabies) due to the funnel shape allowing smaller animals to go further into the trap, while larger animals only enter
a short distance. Hair analysis by Barbara Triggs (hair and scat expert, Victoria).

Pitfall Trap Line

Live traps which need to be checked regularly and animals released. Trap line established in “flat” area that allows for the installation of a
drift fence and the placement of a number of buckets (pits). Suitable locations include areas that have reasonable soil and leaf litter with
surrounding thicket vegetation. Intent is to trap fauna (lizards, small mammals, frogs, snakes etc.) that are moving between habitats or
generally foraging in the area. The correct installation of the fence is essential for the trapping to be effective. The fence (at least 30cm high)
can be installed in a number of configurations to suit the terrain but in essence the fence (impenetrable material) is installed with pegs/stakes
to maintain it in an upright position. Buckets (4 buckets is often used per trap line and larger 25L buckets trap more fauna and minimise the
chance of escape) are placed along the fenceline with the fence over the bucket to force animals into the pit as they move along the fenceline
(T formation used for survey). There must be no gaps beneath the fence to minimise fauna escape. Excess sand soil should be removed
from the bucket and (depending on site circumstances) leaf litter, soil, sponge with water, floatation devices should be placed in the bucket
to minimise exposure, avoid drowning (in high rainfall events) and avoid dehydration (in extreme heat conditions). Checking of traps needs
to be done cautiously as insects and spiders (and snakes) are often trapped. Gloves and a stick can be used for the initial check to look for
captured fauna. Folding/funnel traps can be used in conjunction with pitfall trap lines.

Funnel or Folding Traps

Live traps with capture and need to release the animal. Used in conjunction with the Pitfall trap lines and evenly placed either side of the
drift fence. Fauna (lizards, geckos, frogs, small mammals, snakes) are trapped by the fence and move along towards a funnel. Once they
enter the funnel exit is difficult. Important for funnel zip to be closed and the trap placed flat on the ground and against the fence. Leaf and
or soil is placed at each entrance of the funnel to allow a “natural” surface. Traps need to be checked regularly to avoid exposure of the
animals. Traps should be placed in a cool area and/or covered to avoid excessive exposure. Traps need to be checked carefully as small
lizards can be difficult to see. Hold traps to light, turn slowly and from side to side to be certain no animals are left in traps. Traps to be reset
after each check.

Bat Detector

Song meter/bat detector installed to detect the echolocation signature of micro-chiropteran (insectivorous small bats). Detector installed in
tree or similar location to record bats flying. Flyways (paths, tracks, gaps in the forest), water bodies and caves, rock ledges are potential
locations to record small bats. Bat calls are downloaded and analysed following survey. Bat call analysis was completed by Greg Ford
(Australian bat expert, Balance Environmental, Queensland).

Cages

Live traps with capture and need to release animal. Medium sized metal wire cages set in association with the Elliott trap lines flat on the
ground. Traps set in shaded area with cover to avoid exposure of any trapped animal. Target species included small to medium mammals

1 Standard/generic survey guidelines in accordance with relevant State scientific and ethics permitting.