Fauna Management Plan Aug 2021 21040 Rpt01a

                                                            2 Pearsons Road, Cooroy
                                                             Fauna Management Plan



        shall be given the opportunity to leave the area of its own volition
        (generally overnight). Clearing will not recommence within the buffer
        zone until the Koala has moved out of the area.

2.2.3. Hollow-bearing tree protocols
Large, mature eucalypts and allied species are generally absent from
vegetation within and adjacent to the site. Nonetheless, should hollow-
bearing trees be identified during the pre-clearing inspection the following
protocols shall be implemented.
       Where removal of hollow-bearing trees or log piles is required, the
        use of hard felling processes using chain saws, mega mulchers and
        bulldozers should be avoided where possible to minimise the
        destruction of hollows and potential injury to wildlife. Instead these
        trees can be felled using a vertical tree grab that can remove the tree
        in a controlled fashion, particularly dead trees or trees with large
        trunk hollows.
       Hollow bearing trees and other habitat features will be identified and
        marked as part of the pre-clearing survey. Surrounding vegetation
        will then be cleared and hollow bearing trees left in place for at least
        one night to encourage any resident fauna to relocate of their own
        volition.
       Hollows should then be inspected with an elevated work platform
        (EWP) to check for any resident fauna. If fauna are found to be within
        the hollow, the entrance to the hollow should be blocked and if
        possible, the hollow should be cut from the tree and relocated to a
        suitable nearby location and installed in a tree at as similar height
        and orientation as possible. The hollow should be unblocked at dusk.
       Prior to felling, where possible, hollow entrances are to be blocked
        using buffer rags and the hollow removed from the tree prior to
        felling, and relocated, preferably into retained vegetation within the
        project site.
       Where hollow salvage and relocation is not possible prior to felling,
        the tree should be knocked at the base to encourage fauna to relocate
        of their own accord. Once the tree is felled, injured fauna can be
        rescued and taken to a wildlife carer or veterinarian. Otherwise,
        hollow entrances should be blocked on the felled tree, the hollows
        removed from the tree and relocated. Where extensive damage has
        occurred to the felled hollow, the fauna should be relocated into an
        artificial nest box.
       If possible and safe to do so, hollow trees should be felled at dusk to
        allow fauna present, particularly bats, the opportunity to disperse
        without the presence of diurnal predators such as butcherbirds, kites
        and currawongs. These trees should be felled away from hollow
        openings.
       The fauna spotter-catcher is to inspect all hollows, nests and habitat
        post felling, using a borescope where necessary and any injured
        fauna is to be taken to a wildlife carer/facility or veterinarian.


Ecological Survey & Management         21040 Rpt01a                              5