Appendix M - Ecology Report

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During the detailed site inspection, a range of habitats and native fauna was observed within the site
(assessment methodology is summarised is Section 2.0).

Site habitats were assessed to determine their value for native fauna species, in particular, significant
and threatened species. Particular attention was given to habitat features including:

     The presence of hollows, fissures and tubes in mature trees suitable as nesting/roosting sites,
      as well as arboreal and ground based nests, dreys or burrows;
     The presence of significant habitat trees;
     The presence of arboreal fauna, scratch markings, orts and scats;
     The presence of characteristic feeding signs, for example, diggings (terrestrial mammals), and
      sap feeding scars on Eucalypts (Gliders);
     The presence/abundance of dense vegetation, logs, leaf litter and fallen timber; (small bush birds
      and reptiles);
     Floristic diversity, including diversity and abundance of fruiting and flowering species; and
     Vegetation connectivity.
A nocturnal fauna assessment has not been performed as part of this assessment.

3.4.2     Avifauna

Avifauna were opportunistically observed both visually and aurally within the site, with a total of thirteen
species recorded on-site or adjacent to the site during the field inspection. The site provides a medium
level of diversity of flowering species and contributes to local nectar and pollen resources. The native
vegetation on the site is likely to provide some local foraging and habitat resources for a range of edge
specialists and open forest birds.
During the inspection, hollow bearing limbs and termitaria were observed within the mature native
canopy of the site, therefore it is likely that the site would support habitat for hollow dependent species.
As stated, a number of highly adaptable species which are considered ‘edge specialists’ were
observed or heard on or adjacent to the site. These species included the following species:
       Torresian Crow (Corvus orru);
       Pied Butcherbird (Cracticus nigrogularis);
       Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala);
       Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys);
       Figbird (Sphecotheres viridis);
       Blue-faced honeyeater (Entomyzon cyanotis);
       Galah (Cacatua roseicapilla); and
       Masked lapwing (northern subspecies) (Vanellus miles miles).

It should be noted that these are generally larger birds, which are not as dependent on complex forest
structures as smaller species of bush birds. It is possible that other common bird species utilise the
site for foraging and movement opportunities from time to time, depending on floristics and
seasonality.




    REF:S50335ER001_rev a                       10 & 22 Rose Gum Road and 521 Elm Street, Black Mountain
                                                                         Detailed Ecological Assessment