VicForests Pre-harvest Fauna Surveys

Transcription

1 VicForests Pre-harvest Fauna Surveys District Coupe Number Coupe Name Nowa Nowa Oblong Sandwich Orbost Fugacious Orbost No Quarter Orbost Quarter RDI Orbost Corata Orbost Panglossian Orbost Patrol Gravel Pit Orbost Cold Coffee Orbost Ollies Trolleys Cann River Stick Shift Cann River Tonghi Cann River Little Parsons RDI Cann River Neck Flap Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited for VicForests Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd ABN: PO Box 255, Bairnsdale, VIC 3875 Ph/Fax:

2 CONTENTS 1 METHODS Walking transects/riparian search Remote cameras Spotlight survey Owl playback survey RESULTS Significant species detected Surveys conducted Oblong Sandwich ( ) Fugacious ( ) No Quarter ( ) and Quarter RDI ( ) Corata ( ) Panglossian ( ) Patrol Gravel Pit ( ) Cold Coffee ( ) Ollies Trolleys ( ) Stick Shift ( ) Tonghi ( ) Neck Flap ( ) and Little Parsons RDI ( ) Appendix 1 Diurnal bird species detected at each coupe during walking transect and dusk listen surveys Appendix 2 Weather conditions recorded at the beginning of each survey Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 1

3 1 METHODS All Survey efforts were conducted in accordance with the VicForests Pre-harvest surveys, targeted species survey procedures (V. 1.9, 24/06/2016). 1.1 Walking transects/riparian search A walking transect of at least 500 m was conducted in each coupe. Transects were conducted during the day simultaneous with camera deployment, and hence covered a range of habitat areas within each coupe. looked for signs of long-footed potoroo (diggings), spot-tailed quoll (scat), koalas (scat/direct observation), large forest owls (whitewash/pellets/direct observation of roosting owls), and creeks with suitable spiny crayfish or target frog species habitat. Surveys were also conducted for three threatened plant species (Slender Tree Fern, Prickly Tree Fern and Blackfellow s Hemp). Any significant observations were recorded with a GPS, photographed and collected for further analysis where applicable (e.g. scat). 1.2 Remote cameras Remote cameras were deployed to survey for long-footed potoroo and spot-tailed quoll. Cameras were deployed in each coupe in areas of suitable habitat, but not within 200m of preceding cameras. Camera placement was in areas clear of vegetation but with evident fauna activity. Cameras were mounted on solid trees with bait holders 1.5-2m away. Cameras targeting Long-footed potoroo were baited using a mixture of peanut butter, rolled oats, golden syrup, and truffle oil; those targeting spot-tailed quoll were baited with pilchards and chicken. Cameras deployed were Reconyx Hyperfire HC500 and HC600, set to capture 5 photos per trigger with a 15 second interval between trigger events. Cameras were deployed for a minimum of 24 days. 1.3 Spotlight survey At each coupe a 1km spotlight survey was conducted along existing roads/tracks. Where roads exist adjacent to the coupe for less than 1km peripheral areas were surveyed provided habitat was appropriately similar. Each spotlight was conducted by 2 observers using LEDLenser head torches (models H14.2 and XEO19R). All audio and visual observations of nocturnal fauna were recorded using a GPS, with distance and direction (compass bearing) recorded to give fauna location. Attention was paid to any waterbodies (pools, roadside ditches, fire dams or watercourses adjacent to the track) for the presence of target frog species. Additionally, observers listened for calls of any target frog species during the spotlight survey. 1.4 Owl playback survey A call playback survey was conducted at each coupe targeting large forest owls. Survey locations were predetermined during the day to ensure both suitable habitat and adequate projection. Calls were broadcast using a megaphone in the following sequence: 1. Powerful Owl (hooting calls) 2. Barking Owl (hooting calls) 3. Sooty Owl ( bomb drop ) 4. Sooty Owl (trilling calls) 5. Masked Owl (screeching call) 6. Masked Owl (chattering call) Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 2

4 Each call was repeated a number of times over two minutes, followed by two minutes of silence before the next call was played. Concurrent with this listening for owl calls was listening for any frog calls. Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 3

5 2 RESULTS 2.1 Significant species detected District Coupe Number Coupe Name Greater Glider Longfooted Potoroo Spottailed Quoll ellowbellied Glider Powerful Owl Nowa Nowa Oblong Sandwich Orbost Fugacious Orbost No Quarter Orbost Quarter RDI Orbost Corata Orbost Panglossian Orbost Patrol Gravel Pit Orbost Cold Coffee Orbost Ollies Trolleys Cann River Stick Shift Cann River Tonghi Cann River Little Parsons RDI Cann River Neck Flap Spiny Crayfish sp. 2.2 Surveys conducted District Coupe Number Coupe Name Number of Remote Cameras Spotlight Survey Owl Playback Survey Walking Transect Nowa Nowa Oblong Sandwich 4 Orbost Fugacious 4 Orbost No Quarter 4 Orbost Quarter RDI 0 Orbost Corata 3 Orbost Panglossian 3 Orbost Patrol Gravel Pit 3 Orbost Cold Coffee 3 Orbost Ollies Trolleys 4 Cann River Stick Shift 4 Cann River Tonghi 4 Cann River Little Parsons RDI 1 Cann River Neck Flap 3 Riparian Search Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 4

6 2.3 Oblong Sandwich ( ) Walking Transect Distance time time (m) 08-Nov-16 Greg Fyfe 09: : Nov-16 Hagan Brightman 09: : Significant observations Comments Termite mound Termite mound Termite mound Termite mound Crayfish mound Termite mound Crayfish burrows Nine burrows (see Figure 1) Riparian Search No water bodies were seen in the drainage lines encountered. No Crayfish burrows noted in dry drainage lines. Common species observations Wombat scat 7 Termite mound Dusk Listen time time 09-Dec-16 Greg Fyfe/Hagan Brightman 20:30 20: Spotlight survey time time 09-Dec-16 Greg Fyfe/Hagan Brightman 21: : Species Seen/Heard Distance (m) Direction ( ) Comments Owl playback time time 09-Dec-16 Greg Fyfe/Hagan Brightman 21:20 21: Boobook Heard Remote camera survey deployed retrieved Confirmed days operational Target species Site Greg Fyfe 08-Nov Dec Spot-tailed Quoll OSQ Greg Fyfe 08-Nov Dec Potoroo OSP Hagan Brightman 08-Nov Dec Spot-tailed Quoll OSQ Hagan Brightman 08-Nov Dec Potoroo OSP Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 5

7 Species OSP1 OSP2 OSQ1 OSQ2 Bassian Thrush Bush Rat Common Brushtail Possum Common Wombat Grey Shrike-thrush Long-footed Potoroo Short-beaked Echidna Superb Lyrebird Swamp Wallaby White-footed Dunnart Wonga Pigeon Figure 1 Engaeus sp. Crayfish burrows located up slope (not in drainage line) during transect surveys, Oblong Sandwich coupe. Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 6

8 2.4 Fugacious ( ) Walking Transect Distance time time (m) 08-Nov-16 Hagan Brightman 16: : Nov-16 Greg Fyfe 16: : Significant observations Comments Termite mound Small conical digging Termite mound Termite mound Riparian Search No water bodies were seen in the drainage lines encountered. No Crayfish burrows noted in dry drainage lines. Common species observations Wombat scat 3 Termite mound 12 Macropod scat 1 Lyrebird mound Dusk Listen time time 08/Nov/16 Greg Fyfe/Hagan Brightman 20:10 20: White-throated Nightjar Heard Spotlight survey time time 08-Nov-16 20: : Species Seen/Heard Distance (m) Direction ( ) Comments Sugar Glider Heard Sugar Glider Owl playback time time 08/Nov/16 20:27 20: Boobook Seen Remote camera survey deployed retrieved Confirmed days operational Target species Site 08-Nov Dec Spot-tailed Quoll FUQ Nov Dec Spot-tailed Quoll FUQ Nov Dec Potoroo FUP Nov Dec Potoroo FUP Species FUP1 FUP2 FUQ1 FUQ2 Common Brushtail Possum Common Wombat Dog Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 7

9 Eastern Whipbird Feral Cat Grey Shrike-thrush Laughing Kookaburra Short-beaked Echidna Superb Lyrebird Swamp Rat Swamp Wallaby Wonga Pigeon Figure 2 Example of a termite mound located during transect surveys, Fugacious coupe Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 8

10 2.5 No Quarter ( ) and Quarter RDI ( ) Walking Transect time time 09-Nov-16 10: : Nov-16 11: : Nov-16 10: : Significant observations Comments Riparian Search No water bodies were seen in the drainage lines encountered. No Crayfish burrows noted in dry drainage lines. Common species observations Distance (m) Wombat scat 3 Brushtail Possum scat 4 Lyrebird mound 3 Termite mound Dusk Listen time time 08-Dec-16 20:20 20: Spotlight survey time time 08-Dec-16 20: : Species Seen/Heard Distance (m) Direction ( ) Comments White Throated Nightjar Heard Brushtail Possum Seen Brushtail Possum Seen Boobook Heard Feathertail Glider Seen individuals, same tree Owl playback time time 08-Dec-16 21:19 21: Sugar Glider Heard Remote camera survey deployed retrieved Confirmed days operational Target species Site 09-Nov Dec Potoroo NOP Nov Dec Potoroo NOP Nov Dec Spot-tailed Quoll NOQ Nov Dec Spot-tailed Quoll NOQ Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 9

11 Species NOP1 NOP2 NOQ2 NOQ1 Bassian Thrush Bush Rat Common Brushtail Possum Eastern ellow Robin Feral Cat Lace Monitor Long-footed Potoroo Satin Bowerbird Short-beaked Echidna Superb Lyrebird Wonga Pigeon Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 10

12 2.6 Corata ( ) Walking Transect time time 10-Nov-16 13: : Significant observations Comments Riparian Search No water bodies were seen in the drainage lines encountered. No Crayfish burrows noted in dry drainage lines. Common species observations Dusk Listen Distance (m) time time 10-Nov-16 19:58 20: Spotlight survey time time 10-Nov-16 21: : Species Seen/Heard Distance (m) Direction ( ) Comments Owl playback time time 10-Nov-16 20:46 21: ellow-bellied Glider Heard during barking owl playback Boobook Heard Remote camera survey deployed retrieved Confirmed days operational Target species Site 10-Nov Dec Potoroo COP Nov Dec Spot-tailed Quoll COQ Nov Dec Potoroo COP Species COP1 COP2 COQ1 Bush Rat Common Brushtail Possum Common Wombat Eastern Whipbird Grey Shrike-thrush Lace Monitor Long-nosed Bandicoot Long-footed Potoroo Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 11

13 Pied Currawong Swamp Rat Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 12

14 2.7 Panglossian ( ) Walking Transect time time 10-Nov-16 13: : Significant observations Comments Whitewash Potoroo/Bandicoot digging Riparian Search No water bodies were seen in the drainage lines encountered. No Crayfish burrows noted in dry drainage lines. Common species observations Wombat scat 1 Swamp Wallaby Distance (m) time time 10-Nov-16 19:59 20: Southern Boobook Heard Southern Boobook Heard Spotlight survey time time 10-Nov-16 21: : Species Seen/Heard Distance (m) Direction ( ) Comments Perons Tree Frog Heard Owl playback time time 10-Nov-16 20:19 20: Boobook Heard individuals Boobook Heard Remote camera survey deployed retrieved Confirmed days operational Target species Site 10-Nov Dec Potoroo PAP Nov Dec Spot-tailed Quoll PAQ Nov Dec Spot-tailed Quoll PAQ Species PAP1 PAQ1 PAQ2 Bush Rat Common Brushtail Possum Common Wombat Eastern Whipbird Grey Shrike-thrush Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 13

15 Lace Monitor Long-nosed Bandicoot Long-footed Potoroo Pied Currawong Satin Bowerbird Superb Lyrebird Swamp Rat Swamp Wallaby Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 14

16 Figure 3 Whitewash located during transect surveys at Panglossian coupe 2.8 Patrol Gravel Pit ( ) Walking Transect time time 10-Nov-16 8: : Significant observations Comments Termite mound Potoroo/Bandicoot digging Potoroo/Bandicoot digging Riparian Search No water bodies were seen in the drainage lines encountered. No Crayfish burrows noted in dry drainage lines. Common species observations Wombat scat Dusk Listen Distance (m) time time 07-Dec-16 20:00 20: Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 15

17 2.8.3 Spotlight survey time time 07-Dec-16 21: : Species Seen/Heard Distance (m) Direction ( ) Comments Boobook Heard Boobook Heard Owl playback time time 07-Dec-16 21:55 22: Seen and ellow-bellied Glider Heard Boobook Heard Remote camera survey deployed retrieved Confirmed days operationa l Target species Site 11-Nov Dec Spot-tailed Quoll PGQ Nov Dec Potoroo PGP Nov Dec Potoroo PGP Species PGP1 PGP2 PGQ1 Bush Rat Common Brushtail Possum Common Wombat Lace Monitor Long-nosed Bandicoot Short-beaked Echidna Swamp Wallaby Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 16

18 Figure 4 Termite mound located during transect survey, Patrol Gravel Pit coupe Figure 5 Potoroo/Bandicoot digging located during transect survey, Patrol Gravel Pit coupe Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 17

19 2.9 Cold Coffee ( ) Walking Transect time time 10-Nov-16 7: : Significant observations Comments Riparian Search No water bodies were seen in the drainage lines encountered. No Crayfish burrows noted in dry drainage lines. Common species observations Wombat scat 2 Macropod scat 1 Brushtail Possum scat Dusk Listen Distance (m) time time 07-Dec-16 20:00 20: Spotlight survey time time 07-Dec-16 21: : Species Seen/Heard Distance (m) Direction ( ) Comments White Throated Nightjar Seen vertical White Throated Nightjar Heard Owl playback time time 07-Dec-16 21:14 21: ellow-bellied Glider Heard After Powerful Owl Playback Remote camera survey deployed retrieved Confirmed days operational 10-Nov Dec Potoroo 10-Nov Dec Potoroo 10-Nov Dec Target species Site CCP CCP Spot-tailed Quoll CCQ Species CCP1 CCP2 CCQ1 Australian Raven Bush Rat Common Wombat Grey Shrike-thrush Lace Monitor Long-footed Potoroo Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 18

20 Long-nosed Bandicoot Swamp Wallaby 2.10 Ollies Trolleys ( ) Walking Transect time time 09-Nov-16 15: : Nov-16 15: : Significant observations Comments Termite mound Active Potoroo/Bandicoot digging Old crayfish burrows Termite mound Active Distance (m) Crayfish burrow Riparian Search Very small, narrow, heavily overgrown stream encountered. Impossible to move along. Difficult to see into. Vegetation on approach very dense not safe to access in dark Common species observations Wombat scat 2 Brushtail Possum scat 3 Swamp Wallaby 1 Wombat burrow Dusk Listen time time 09-Nov-16 20:03 20: Southern Boobook Heard Spotlight survey time time 09-Nov-16 20: : Species Seen/Heard Distance (m) Direction ( ) Comments Owl playback time time 09-Nov-16 20:26 20: Boobook Heard Remote camera survey deployed retrieved Confirmed days operational Target species Site 09-Nov Dec Spot-tailed Quoll OTQ Nov Dec Spot-tailed Quoll OTQ Nov Dec Potoroo OTP Nov Dec Potoroo OTP Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 19

21 Species OTP1 OTP2 OTQ1 OTQ2 Bush Rat Common Brushtail Possum Common Wombat Dusky Antechinus Eastern Spinebill Eastern Whipbird Grey Shrike-thrush Lace Monitor Long-nosed Bandicoot Long-footed Potoroo Short-beaked Echidna Swamp Rat Swamp Wallaby Figure 6 Crayfish burrow located during transect survey, Ollie's Trolleys Coupe 2.11 Stick Shift ( ) Walking Transect time time 12-Nov-16 9: : Nov-16 8: : Significant observations Comments Distance (m) Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 20

22 Riparian Search No water bodies were seen in the drainage lines encountered. No Crayfish burrows noted in dry drainage lines. Common species observations Wombat scat 2 Lyrebird mound 5 Termite mound Dusk Listen time time 06-Dec-16 20:03 20: Spotlight survey time time 06-Dec-16 22: : Species Seen/Heard Distance (m) Direction ( ) Comments Owl playback time time 06-Dec-16 22:30 23: ellow-bellied Glider Heard Boobook Heard Remote camera survey deployed retrieved Confirmed days operational Target species Site 12-Nov Dec Spot-tailed Quoll SSQ Nov Dec Potoroo SSP Nov Dec Spot-tailed Quoll SSQ Nov Dec Potoroo SSP Species SSP1 SSP2 SSQ1 SSQ2 Bassian Thrush Bush Rat Common Brushtail Possum Common Wombat Feral Cat Long-footed Potoroo Satin Bowerbird Superb Lyrebird Swamp Rat Swamp Wallaby Wonga Pigeon Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 21

23 2.12 Tonghi ( ) Walking Transect time time 11-Nov-16 14: : Nov-16 14: : Significant observations Comments Riparian Search No water bodies were seen in the drainage lines encountered. No Crayfish burrows noted in dry drainage lines. Common species observations Lyrebird mound 7 Termite mound 3 Predator scat Dusk Listen Distance (m) time time 11-Nov-16 20:14 20: Southern Boobook Heard Spotlight survey time time 11-Nov-16 20: : Species Seen/Heard Distance (m) Direction ( ) Comments Ringtail Possum Seen Sugar Glider Heard Owl playback time time 11-Nov-16 20:29 20: Boobook Heard Remote camera survey deployed retrieved Confirmed days operational Target species Site 11-Nov Dec Spot-tailed Quoll TOQ Nov Dec Potoroo TOP Nov Dec Spot-tailed Quoll TOQ Nov Dec Potoroo TOP Species TOP1 TOP2 TOQ1 TOQ2 Bassian Thrush Bush Rat Common Brushtail Possum Common Wombat Grey Shrike-thrush Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 22

24 Lace Monitor Long-footed Potoroo Pilotbird Potoroo sp. Short-beaked Echidna Superb Lyrebird Swamp Rat Swamp Wallaby 2.13 Neck Flap ( ) and Little Parsons RDI ( ) Walking Transect time time 11-Nov-16 9: : Nov-16 10: : Nov-16 10: : Significant observations Comments Riparian Search No water bodies were seen in the drainage lines encountered. No Crayfish burrows noted in dry drainage lines. Common species observations Distance (m) Wombat scat 4 Brushtail Possum scat 1 Swamp Wallaby scat Predator scat 1 Lyrebird mound 2 Termite mound Spotlight survey time time 07-Dec-16 1: : Species Seen/Heard Distance (m) Direction ( ) Comments Southern Boobook Heard Southern Boobook Heard Southern Boobook Heard Owl playback time time 07-Dec-16 1:50 2: Remote camera survey deployed retrieved Confirmed days operational Target species Site 11-Nov Dec Potoroo LIP Nov Dec Spot-tailed Quoll NFQ Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 23

25 11-Nov Dec Potoroo NFP Nov Dec Spot-tailed Quoll NFQ Species LIP1 NFP1 NFQ1 NFQ2 Bush Rat Common Brushtail Possum Common Wombat Grey Shrike-thrush Long-footed Potoroo Satin Bowerbird Superb Lyrebird Swamp Rat Swamp Wallaby White-browed Scrubwren Wonga Pigeon Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 24

26 Appendix 1 Diurnal bird species detected at each coupe during walking transect and dusk listen surveys Species Oblong Sandwich Fugacious No Quarter and Quarter RDI Corata Panglossian Patrol Gravel Pit Cold Coffee Ollies Trolleys Stick Shift Tonghi Neck Flap and Little Parsons RDI Australian Raven Common Bronzewing Crimson Rosella Eastern Whipbird Emu Fan-tailed Cuckoo Gang-Gang Cockatoo Grey Fantail Grey Shrike-thrush King Parrot Kookaburra Olive-backed Oriole Pied Currawong Red wattle Bird Spotted Quail-Thrush Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 25

27 Superb Fairy-Wren Superb Lyrebird ellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo White-browed Scrub-wren Wonga Pigeon Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 26

28 Appendix 2 Weather conditions recorded at the beginning of each survey Diurnal: Walking transect and diurnal bird survey; Nocturnal: Owl playback and spotlight survey. District Coupe Number Coupe Name Survey time Temperature ( C) Relative humidity (%) Cloud cover (%) Nowa Nowa Oblong Sandwich 08-Nov-16 Diurnal Calm Drizzle Wind* Rain Moon phase (% visible) Nowa Nowa Oblong Sandwich 09-Dec-16 Nocturnal Moderate None 50 Orbost Fugacious 08-Nov-16 Diurnal Calm None Orbost Fugacious 08-Nov-16 Nocturnal Calm None 0 Orbost Orbost No Quarter and Quarter RDI 09-Nov-16 Diurnal Calm None No Quarter and Quarter RDI 08-Dec-16 Nocturnal Calm None 50 Orbost Corata 10-Nov-16 Diurnal Calm None Orbost Corata 10-Nov-16 Nocturnal Calm None 50 Orbost Panglossian 10-Nov-16 Diurnal Light Drizzle Orbost Panglossian 10-Nov-16 Nocturnal Calm None Orbost Patrol Gravel Pit 10-Nov-16 Diurnal Calm None Orbost Patrol Gravel Pit 07-Dec-16 Nocturnal Calm None 25 Orbost Cold Coffee 10-Nov-16 Diurnal Calm None 50 Orbost Cold Coffee 07-Dec-16 Nocturnal Calm None 50 Orbost Ollies Trolleys 09-Nov-16 Diurnal Light None Orbost Ollies Trolleys 09-Nov-16 Nocturnal Calm None 0 Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 27

29 Cann River Stick Shift 12-Nov-16 Diurnal Light None 75 Cann River Stick Shift 06-Dec-16 Nocturnal Calm None 25 Cann River Tonghi 11-Nov-16 Diurnal Moderate None 50 Cann River Tonghi 11-Nov-16 Nocturnal Calm None 75 Cann River Neck Flap and Little Parsons RDI 11-Nov-16 Diurnal Light None 50 Cann River Neck Flap and Little Parsons RDI 07-Dec-16 Nocturnal Calm None 25 * Wind scale used; - calm = no wind; light = leaves rustle; moderate = branches sway; strong = tops of trees move. Report prepared by Wildlife Unlimited Pty Ltd for VicForests Page 28