appendix s · 2016. 11. 14. · 4.2 graceful sun-moth ... executive summary in january 2011,...

Appendix S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Graceful Sun-moth report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Graceful Sun-moth report

Phoenix Environmental Sciences, May 2011. Graceful Sun-moth Survey Report: Roe Highway Extension and Regional Sites. Unpublished report prepared for South Metro Connect, Perth, WA.

Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd 1

Graceful Sun-moth Survey Report: Roe Highway Extension and Regional Sites

Prepared for South Metro Connect

FINAL REPORT

May 2011

Graceful Sun-moth Survey Draft Report Roe Highway Extension Project and Regional Sites

South Metro Connect

Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd i

Graceful Sun-moth Survey Report Project: Roe Highway Extension and Regional Sites 4th May 2011 Author: Conor O’Neill Reviewers: Volker Framenau and Melanie White Submitted to: Jamie Shaw (South Metro Connect) Prepared for: South Metro Connect Prepared by: Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd © 2011 Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd The information contained in this report is solely for the use of the Client for the purpose in which it has been prepared and Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility for use beyond this purpose. Any person or organisation wishing to quote or reproduce any section of this report may only do so with the written permission of Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd or South Metro Connect. Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd 1/511 Wanneroo Road, BALCATTA WA 6023 P: 08 93455 1608 F: 08 6313 0680 E: [email protected] Project code: 980-ROE-AEC-GSM


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Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd ii

CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................. iii 1. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Background on the Graceful sun-moth ................................................................................. 1 1.2 Previous Work ....................................................................................................................... 3 1.3 Scope of Work and Survey Objectives .................................................................................. 3 1.4 Survey Significance and Environmental Protection Authority Guidance............................... 3

2. Existing environment ................................................................................................................. 5 2.1 Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia (IBRA) ................................................... 5 2.2 Climate .................................................................................................................................. 5 2.3 Biological Context .................................................................................................................. 6

3. METHODS ................................................................................................................................. 7 3.1 GSM Habitat Assessment and Site Selection ....................................................................... 7 3.2 GSM Sampling Methods ....................................................................................................... 7 3.3 Survey Timing and Effort ..................................................................................................... 10 3.4 Lomandra Density Surveys ................................................................................................. 11 3.5 Survey Personnel ................................................................................................................ 11

4. RESULTS ................................................................................................................................ 12 4.1 Climate data ........................................................................................................................ 12 4.2 Graceful Sun-Moth .............................................................................................................. 14 4.3 Lomandra surveys ............................................................................................................... 14 4.4 Survey Limitations ............................................................................................................... 18

5. DISCUSSION .......................................................................................................................... 19 6. REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................ 20 Appendix 1: Lomandra Density Survey Report ............................................................................... 21

TABLES Table 3-1: Date and length of each GSM survey transect surveyed in March 2011 ........................ 10 Table 3-2: Survey personnel ............................................................................................................. 11 Table 4-1: Climate data for the survey period, 1 to 31 March 2011. Data in bold represent survey

days. ................................................................................................................................ 13 Table 4-2: Records of the GSM sightings ......................................................................................... 14 Table 4-3: Limitations of the GSM survey ......................................................................................... 18

FIGURES Figure 1-1 The Roe Highway Extension Project study area surveyed in March 2011 ....................... 2 Figure 1-2: Graceful Sun-moth (Synemon gratiosa) ............................................................................ 3 Figure 2-1: Historic monthly minimum and maximum air temperatures (⁰C) and rainfall (mm) at

Jandakot Airport (BoM 2011) ............................................................................................. 5 Figure 3-1: The northern sites and their transects in the study area ................................................... 8 Figure 3-2: The southern sites and their transects in the study area ................................................... 9 Figure 4-1: The climate data for the survey period, 1 to 31 March 2011 (BoM 2011). ...................... 12 Figure 4-2: The GSM recorded in the study area. ............................................................................. 15 Figure 4-3 Lomandra recorded in the study area, the project extent ................................................ 16 Figure 4-4 The Lomandra recorded in the study area, the regional sites ......................................... 17


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Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd iii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In January 2011, Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd (Phoenix) was commissioned by South Metro Connect to undertake a field assessment for the presence of the Graceful Sun-moth, Synemon gratiosa Westwood, 1877 (‘GSM’), for the Roe Highway Extension project (‘the proposed project’) and some regional bushland sites within 15km of the proposed project.

The Government of Western Australia is planning to extend Roe Highway from Kwinana Freeway in Jandakot to Stock Road in Coolbellup in the City of Cockburn, Perth Western Australia (the ‘project area’). The proposed alignment for the Roe Highway Extension, between the Kwinana Freeway and North Lake Road, intersects the Beeliar Wetlands between Bibra Lake and North Lake. This area is considered to be of high environmental value and as such, extensive biological surveys were required, including determination of presence of GSM.

The Graceful Sun-moth is declared specially protected fauna as it is listed on Schedule 1 (“rare or likely to become extinct”) of the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950. It is listed as Endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) (EPBC Act).

The GSM surveys undertaken by Phoenix in January 2011 encompass the project area (comprising the original ‘project extent’ and an extension to the original project extent referred to as the ‘extended project area’) and some bushlands (‘regional sites’) present within 15km north and south of the project area (collectively termed ‘the study area’).

The extension of the project area and inclusion of regional sites necessitated further surveys for GSM complementing the surveys conducted by Phoenix in 2010. In addition, this survey allowed considering alterations of survey guidelines for GSM released by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) in November 2010 (Bishop et al. 2010a). The 2011 surveys also provided the opportunity to re-assess the population detected at the Stock and Forrest Roads intersection in 2010.

A review of aerial photography, topographic and GIS data and existing vegetation data prior to mobilisation identified a number of potentially significant pockets of remnant bush and vegetation corridors which may provide habitat for the GSM within the study area.

Currently, an assessment for the presence of the GSM is strictly based on the presence of suitable habitat, namely the presence of the plant species Lomandra hermaphrodita within inland locations and Lomandra maritima within coastal locations. The GSM is strongly associated with these two plant species as the larvae (caterpillars) exclusively feed on them.

The majority of transects were within ten metres of an L. hermaphrodita plant or cluster (as per the April 2010 and February–March 2011 density surveys; Appendix 1) at some point within their paths. Significant effort was made to sample on the most prospective days with regard to weather conditions, and the daily timing of each transect was rotated so that each were sampled at various times in the 1000 to 1500hrs peak activity period.

Of the 35 transects surveyed in the study area, two transects (Transect 1 and Transect 2) recorded a total of five GSM specimens on the north-east and north-west sections of the Stock and Forrest Roads intersection. There were two additional sites (Transects 4 and 25) which recorded potential sightings of the GSM, but these were not confirmed by capture of specimens. Transect 4 is also located in the south-east corner of the Stock and Forrest Roads intersection bushland. Transect 25 is located at Sir Frederick Samson Park (Samson Park) in Coolbellup, where the Department of Environment and Conservation has recorded GSM in previous years.

Considering past and current land uses, the known biology and distribution of the species as well as the survey coverage, daily survey rotation and timing in terms of optimal weather conditions, there is sufficient evidence to suggest that the GSM does not reside in the majority of the remnant bushland of the study area.

.


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1. INTRODUCTION

In January 2011, Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd (Phoenix) was commissioned by South Metro Connect to undertake a field assessment for the presence of the Graceful Sun-moth, Synemon gratiosa Westwood, 1877 (‘GSM’), for the Roe Highway Extension project (‘the proposed project’) and some regional bushland sites within 15km of the proposed project.

The Government of Western Australia is planning to extend Roe Highway from Kwinana Freeway in Jandakot to Stock Road in Coolbellup in the City of Cockburn, Perth, Western Australia (the ‘project area’). The proposed alignment for the Roe Highway Extension, between the Kwinana Freeway and North Lake Road, intersects the Beeliar Wetlands between Bibra Lake and North Lake. This area is considered to be of high environmental value and as such, extensive biological surveys were required, including determination of presence of GSM.

The Graceful Sun-moth is declared specially protected fauna as it is listed on Schedule 1 (“rare or likely to become extinct”) of the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (Western Australian Government 2010). It is listed as Endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) (EPBC Act).

The GSM surveys undertaken in March 2011 encompass the project area (comprising the original ‘project extent’ and an extension to the original project extent referred to as the ‘extended project area’) and some bushlands (‘regional sites’) present within 15km north and south of the project area (collectively termed ‘the study area’) (Figure 1-1).

These surveys follow preliminary investigations completed in 2010 (section 1.2).

1.1 BACKGROUND ON THE GRACEFUL SUN-MOTH The GSM is endemic to south-west Western Australia. Prior to March 2010 it was known from the Swan Coastal Plain between Quinns Rocks in the north and south to Mandurah. The 2010 sampling period extended its known range to include bushland remnants well beyond its previously known distribution in Banksia woodland of the Swan Coastal Plain, from Leeman in the north to Bunbury in the south (Bishop et al. 2010b). Only 23.8km2 of the currently known population extent (42.6km2) exist within formal State-managed conservation estates. Of the 11 sites recorded in Banksia woodland (conservation estate and non-protected sites), many are located on small, isolated bushland remnants and are therefore thought to face the real threat of local extinction (Bishop et al. 2010b).

The GSM is a brightly coloured, small day-flying moth that has club-shaped antennae that are more typical of butterflies (Figure 1-2). Lomandra maritima and Lomandra hermaphrodita are the only two plant species on which the larvae of the GSM are known to feed. Further, it is only known from two general vegetation types:

• Banksia woodland/woolly bush on deep sands, in the northern suburbs of Perth on the Swan Coastal Plain, where it feeds on Lomandra hermaphrodita which is typically not very abundant in this association; and

• Open areas of herbland, heathland and shrubland on Quindalup soils (sand and limestone) close to the coast. It feeds on L. maritima, which is often present in reasonable numbers and may be a dominant understorey herb.

The larvae are known to feed inside the bulb-like leaf bases, growing tip and below-ground rhizome of the two Lomandra species. They are thought to reach maturity within one or two years. Populations of the GSM are generally small in size, and typically rare. Detection (confirmed presence) can be difficult because few adults are usually present. As adults, they are thought to live brief lives of between four to ten days (Bishop et al. 2010b).

B.1 Wetland Centre bushland

J.1- Harry Waring Reserve

F-53Kogolup Lake bushland

I-57Thomsons Lake Reserve South

H-53Thomsons Lake Reserve North

J-48Banganup Lake bushland corner

A-21Samson Park

B-26Bibra Lake bushland

G-29Water Corporation bushland

D-14IFAP bushland

E-24Kemerton Industrial Park bushland

C-14Farrington Road Murdoch bushland

Kwin

ana

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S to ck Rd

Cockburn R

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Roe Hwy

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Armadale Rd

South St

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Stock Rd

Roe H

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Armadale Rd

°0 0.5 1 1.5 2

Kilometres

1:65,000 (A4)

Datum: GDA94 Projection: MGA z50

Regional Sites

Extended Project Area

Last Modified 8/04/2011 at 08:31 AM by jonesk4 J:\Client_Data\Main_Roads\60100953_Roe_Extension\Workspaces\#2011\Technical_Reports\GSM Report\Figure_1_1_The Roe Highway Extension Project and Regional sites surveyed March 2011.mxd

The Roe Highway Extension Project and Regional Sites

Surveyed March 2011

Figure 1-1


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Figure 1-2: Graceful Sun-moth (Synemon gratiosa)

1.2 PREVIOUS WORK Previously GSM surveys were undertaken for the project area and the extended project area between February and April 2010. Surveys for GSM have also been conducted by local interest groups, academic researchers, private consultants, non-government organisations and government agencies in bushland in the South Metropolitan Area (SMA) in 2010. These surveys may have included assessment of the GSM sites surveyed by Phoenix in 2011 (Bishop et al. 2010b).

1.3 SCOPE OF WORK AND SURVEY OBJECTIVES The scope of the work is as follows:

• Undertake field surveys (March 2011) for the Graceful Sun-moth over the study area (including regional sites) as appropriate for inclusion in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) documentation

Conduct surveys in accordance with Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) GSM Survey Guidelines (Bishop et al. 2009; Bishop et al. 2010b); and

Focus the surveys on areas of remnant bushland where Lomandra species were recorded (in association with AECOM botanists);

• Provide a technical report that includes: Full results of the survey; Incorporation of available, relevant data and information from previous GSM surveys in

the area; and Identification and discussion of any GSM populations recorded in the study area.

1.4 SURVEY SIGNIFICANCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AUTHORITY GUIDANCE Where practicable, the survey design, methodology and report-writing aspects adhere to the following relevant principles and guidelines:

• Department of Environment and Conservation: Survey Guidelines for the Graceful Sun-Moth (Synemon gratiosa) and site habitat assessments November 2010 v1.2 (Bishop et al. 2010a);


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• Department of Environment and Conservation: Graceful Sun-Moth Information Kit and Survey Methods Version 1.0 (Bishop et al. 2009);

• EPA Position Statement No. 3: Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity Protection (EPA 2002); and

• EPA Guidance Statement No. 56: Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004).


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2. EXISTING ENVIRONMENT 2.1 INTERIM BIOGEOGRAPHIC REGIONALISATION OF AUSTRALIA (IBRA) The study area lies within the Swan Coastal Plain (SWA2) subregion of the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia v6.1 (IBRA) (DEWHA 2011; Thackway & Cresswell 1995). Landforms within the region are composed of colluvial and aeolian sands, alluvial river flats and coastal limestone (Mitchell et al. 2002). The vegetation of the region broadly consists of Banksia and Jarrah-Banksia woodlands on Quaternary marine dunes of various ages and Marri on colluvial and alluvial substrates (Mitchell et al. 2002).

The subregion includes a complex series of seasonal wetlands associated with low-lying interdunal areas (Mitchell et al. 2002). Rare features of the subregion include Holocene dunes and wetlands and, as part of the South West Botanical Province, the subregion is characterised by high species and ecosystem diversity (Mitchell et al. 2002).

2.2 CLIMATE Climate conditions for the study area were surmised from long-term data for Jandakot Airport, approximately 3 km to the east of the project area (BoM 2011). Historically, the mean daily maximum temperature of 31.3°C occurs in February, along with the highest minimum of 16.8°C. July is the coldest month on average, reaching a maximum temperature of 17.8°C. The lowest minimum is shared between July and August, both of which average 6.9°C (Figure 2-1).

Rainfall occurs mainly during the cooler winter months between May and August, peaking in July with an average rainfall (36 year period) of 180.3mm. Annual rainfall is 837mm (BoM 2011).

Figure 2-1: Historic monthly minimum and maximum air temperatures (⁰C) and rainfall (mm)

at Jandakot Airport (BoM 2011)

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Mean Monthly Rainfall (mm) Mean Maximum Temperature (⁰C) Mean Minimum Temperature (⁰C)


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2.3 BIOLOGICAL CONTEXT Phoenix conducted a number of GSM surveys within close proximity to the study area in March/April 2010 (Phoenix 2010, 2011). Six individual moths were recorded during the Roe Highway Extension Project 2010 survey in a Marri/Jarrah remnant on the corner of Stock and Forrest Roads, Coolbellup, that was recently burnt (Phoenix 2011). The extension of the project area and inclusion of regional sites necessitated further surveys for GSM complementing the surveys conducted by Phoenix in 2010. The 2011 surveys also provided the opportunity to re-assess the population detected at the Stock and Forrest Roads intersection in 2010.

The data relating to GSM surveys undertaken by other consultants and research companies was analysed by the DEC in 2010 and a report was produced outlining the results of these cumulative surveys (Bishop et al. 2010b). The results of these surveys informed a change to the survey guidelines for GSM which were released in November 2010 (Bishop et al. 2010a). These changes were addressed in the design of the 2011 surveys.

With regard to potential GSM habitat, the vegetation within the study area has been subject to a significant amount of previous disturbance, such that most of the vegetation is highly modified or degraded (AECOM 2010c in Phoenix 2011). Much of the disturbance has occurred through clearing for urban development, which is evident from the assessment of vegetation condition. Overall, the vegetation condition of the study area ranges from ‘Good – Very Good’ to ‘Degraded’ (AECOM 2010c).

The vegetation condition adjacent to the freeway at the end of Hope Road/Pausin Road was generally ‘Degraded’ as it has been subject to heavy recreational use (dirt bikes) and weed invasion. The vegetation in the regional sites surrounding Thompsons Lake and within the walled Harry Waring Marsupial Reserve also appears to be ‘Degraded’ as grazing kangaroos and other marsupials have affected the vegetation structures which support Lomandra populations (AECOM 2011). The vegetation located near the South Street and Murdoch Drive intersection and Quenda Wetland is in ‘Good to Very Good’ condition. This vegetation was previously recognised in a vegetation survey as being of conservation significance (Bennett 2004).

In total, four vegetation communities in the study area were considered to be in ‘Very Good – Good’ condition, two of which recorded Lomandra species (AECOM 2010c).


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3. METHODS 3.1 GSM HABITAT ASSESSMENT AND SITE SELECTION The presence of the GSM is strongly correlated with the presence of two Lomandra species, therefore the previous flora surveys within the study area (AECOM 2010a, b, c) were reviewed in order to define the survey transects and the potential populations/habitats for the GSM. Thirty-five transects in vegetation types which were known to contain L. hermaphrodita at the time of sampling were targeted. The vegetation associations of the project area were known from previous reports however Lomandra transect gridding of the new regional areas surveyed in 2011 identified the following vegetation communities which recorded Lomandra plants:

AfBa Low woodland of Allocasuarina fraseriana, Banksia attenuata and Banksia menziesii with occasional Eucalyptus marginata over an open low open heath dominated of Leucopogon conostephioides, Eremaea pauciflora and Anigozanthos humilis in grey sand

Ba1 Low woodland of Banksia attenuata, Banksia menziesii with occasional Eucalyptus marginata over a tall open shrubland of Allocasuarina humilis and Hibbertia hypericoides over a very open sedgeland of Mesomelaena pseudostygia in grey- brown to yellow sand

EmBa Low woodland of Eucalyptus marginata and Banksia attenuata over a tall open shrubland of Allocasuarina humilis, Xanthorrhoea preissii and Hibbertia hypericoides over a very open sedgeland of Mesomelaena pseudostygia in grey to yellow sand

For much of the study area, the vegetation data available was not of sufficient detail to target individual Lomandra plants; instead all that was known at the time of mobilisation was that certain vegetation units had recorded Lomandra during the flora surveys. Some GPS data were available from previous reports. Where available, this was used to inform transect design.

Four primary criteria were used during transect design:

• Proximity to Lomandra species (where known);

• Proximity to paths and sunlit areas (GSMs are known to be more active around access tracks);

• Proximity to hills, rises and otherwise elevated areas in a particular block of remnant bushland (GSMs are known to be more abundant in such areas); and

• Due to a paucity of flora data with respect to Lomandra, transects were designed to cover as much of the study area as possible.

The locations of the thirty-five GSM transects are presented (Figure 3-1; Figure 3-2).

3.2 GSM SAMPLING METHODS The sampling methodology was consistent with (Bishop et al. 2010a; Bishop et al. 2009). Survey transects were pre-determined using a range of GIS applications. These transects were loaded into GPS devices so that each surveyor could follow the pre-determined route. Any GSM individuals were recorded using the GPS device. All geographical data were recorded in WGS-84 datum.

Daily weather forecasts were monitored closely so transect assessments could be undertaken on the most prospective days:

• Warm sunny weather (25 to 32⁰C); • Time of day (between 0900 and 1530hrs) with transects being rotated so that each was

conducted at least once during this optimal time frame; and • Calm conditions (wind <18km/h).

A-21Samson Park


D-14IFAP bushland



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Forrest Rd

Karel Av

°0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1

Kilometres

1:35,000 (A4)


Site Transects

Regional Sites


Last Modified 8/04/2011 at 01:30 PM by jonesk4 J:\Client_Data\Main_Roads\60100953_Roe_Extension\Workspaces\#2011\Technical_Reports\GSM Report\Figure_3_1_The northern sites and their transects surveyed in the study area.mxd

The Northern Sitesand their Transectsin the Survey Area

Figure 3-1


J.1- Harry Waring Reserve




J-48Banganup Lake bushland corner


31

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3532

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Armadale Rd

Stock Rd

Rockin gham

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North Lake Rd

°0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1

Kilometres

1:35,000 (A4)


Site Transects

Regional Sites

Last Modified 8/04/2011 at 01:38 PM by jonesk4 J:\Client_Data\Main_Roads\60100953_Roe_Extension\Workspaces\#2011\Technical_Reports\GSM Report\Figure_3_2_The southern sites and their transects surveyed in the study area.mxd

The Southern Sitesand their Transectsin the Survey Area

Figure 3-2


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3.3 SURVEY TIMING AND EFFORT The GSM survey timing and effort are summarised in Table 3-1.

Table 3-1: Date and length of each GSM survey transect surveyed in March 2011

Length

(m) Round 1

(3–4 March)

Round 2

(9–10 March)

Round 3

(17–18 March)

Round 4

(22–23 March)

Round 5

(25–26 March)

Round 6

(29, 31 March)

Transect 1 750 Transect 2 1,880 Transect 3 1,260 Transect 4 2,190 Transect 5 1,340 Transect 6 1,910 Transect 7 1,910 Transect 8 1,560 Transect 9 1,910 Transect 10 2,000 Transect 12 2,610 Transect 13 1,620 Transect 14 1,290 Transect 15 1,320 Transect 16 1,390 Transect 17 1,390 Transect 18 750 Transect 19 1,500 Transect 22 560 Transect 23 680 Transect 24 1,200 Transect 25 1,000 Transect 26 1,250 Transect 27 1,110 Transect 28 1,650 Transect 29 1,290 Transect 30 1,180 Transect 31 7,180 Transect 32 7,250 Transect 33 3,580 Transect 34 4,120 Transect 35 3,710 Transect 36 4,190 Transect 37 2,520 Transect 38 2,620

TOTAL 73,670 35 35 35 35 35 35


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3.4 LOMANDRA DENSITY SURVEYS The Lomandra density surveys for the complete study area were carried out between April and June 2010 (AECOM 2010c) and in February/March 2011 (Appendix 1) (AECOM 2011).

Between April and June 2010, the project area sites were surveyed using 2 m x 2 m replicate quadrats, spaced at 50 m along each transect placed throughout areas of remnant vegetation within the study area. The total area of remnant vegetation within the study area was calculated to be 193.05 ha, based on previous analyses of aerial images and vegetation maps. A total of 151 quadrats were sampled based on advice from the DEC that 30 quadrats per 10ha be sampled for projects of less than 100ha (AECOM 2010c) .

In February and March 2011, the regional surveys were conducted at 11 sites within 10 km of the Roe Highway Extension project area. At each site a series of replicate 2 m x 2 m quadrats were established evenly across the entire site using the new DEC gridding method (Appendix 1) (AECOM 2011). A total of 185 quadrats were assessed encompassing a total area of 449.06ha (Appendix 1) (AECOM 2011).

3.5 SURVEY PERSONNEL Personnel involved in the GSM survey are listed in Table 3-2.

Table 3-2: Survey personnel

Person Title Qualifications Conor O’Neill Environmental Scientist B.Sc. Sust Dev, Env. Sci. Peter Langlands Invertebrate Biologist Ph.D. Volker Framenau Principal Invertebrate Scientist Ph.D. Anna Leung Invertebrate Biologist B.Sc. Env. Sci. Kate Penwarden Biologist B.Sc. Env. Sci. Tamu Bending Biologist B.Sc. Marine Biology, Env. Mgt. Siew Hui Wong Biologist B.Sc. Env. Mgt. (candidate)


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4. RESULTS 4.1 CLIMATE DATA Climate conditions are thought to be strongly related to GSM presence in any given survey period (Bishop et al. 2010a). The climatic data for this survey (Figure 4-1; Table 4-1) indicate that almost without exception, transects were assessed during the best weather conditions for GSM activity. For example, all sample events were undertaken during the known preferred temperature range (25 to 32⁰C) of the GSM, on relatively calm days and on days with good sun hours. All transects were assessed in below average wind conditions (Table 4-1).

Figure 4-1: The climate data for the survey period, 1 to 31 March 2011 (BoM 2011).

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Table 4-1: Climate data for the survey period, 1 to 31 March 2011. Data in bold represent survey days.

Date Min.Temp.

(⁰C) Max. Temp.

(⁰C) Daily Rainfall

(mm) Sun (hrs) Major Wind

Dir. Wind Spd.

(km/hr)

1/03/2011 21.4 36 0 11.7 E NA 2/03/2011 21.1 33.7 0 11.7 ESE NA 3/03/2011 19.7 35.2 0 11.5 E 0–16.6 4/03/2011 19.6 35.9 0 11.3 WNW 2.2–4.0 5/03/2011 21.5 29.8 0 9.1 SW NA 6/03/2011 15.4 27.6 0 10.8 WSW NA 7/03/2011 15.2 28.1 0 11.6 WSW NA 8/03/2011 16.3 30.8 0 11.6 SW NA 9/03/2011 18.2 32.7 0 11.4 WSW 0.1–10.1 10/03/2011 17 32.2 0 11 SW 2.2–6.5 11/03/2011 12.9 27.9 0 10.9 WSW NA 12/03/2011 14.9 27.8 0 10.8 WSW NA 13/03/2011 15.9 31.1 0 11.3 ESE NA 14/03/2011 19.4 35.9 0 11.2 E NA 15/03/2011 22.6 36.1 0 11.2 E NA 16/03/2011 19.9 34.6 0 10.9 ESE NA 17/03/2011 20.7 31.2 0 11.3 WSW 1.8–8.6 18/03/2011 17.2 30.8 0 11.3 W 0–12.2 19/03/2011 16.6 29.1 0 10.9 WSW NA 20/03/2011 14.9 29.2 0 10.6 SE NA 21/03/2011 16.8 31.5 0 10.8 E NA 22/03/2011 20.1 33 0 10.4 N 4.0–11.9 23/03/2011 17.5 32.1 0 10.9 WSW 3.2–11.2 24/03/2011 18.7 35.4 0 10.2 ESE NA 25/03/2011 20.2 36.1 0 10.7 SW 7.6–9.7 26/03/2011 19.6 35.6 0 10.7 NNE 3.6–11.9 27/03/2011 13.2 34.4 0 11 WSW NA 28/03/2011 13.8 33.5 0 11 WSW NA 29/03/2011 17.2 33.8 0 10.9 E 0–4.7 30/03/2011 18.7 33 0 10.9 E NA 31/03/2011 18.6 32.5 0 10.9 E 4.4–8.6 Average 17.9⁰C 32.5⁰C 0 mm 11 hrs ESE 5.53 km/hr


South Metro Connect


4.2 GRACEFUL SUN-MOTH Two individuals of the GSM were recorded during the March 2011 survey at Transect 1, the same site as GSM were recorded during the March 2010 GSM survey. This site represents a recently burnt a Marri/Jarrah remnant on the north-west corner of Stock and Forrest Roads.

The 2011 survey also recorded three individuals of another population in a bushland remnant (Transect 2), located in the north-east corner of the same intersection (Figure 4-2). Data were recorded as per the DEC requirements for surveying (Table 4-2).

Two ‘potential’ sightings were also recorded in March 2011. These were recorded as potential because individuals could not be captured to confirm their identifications. Although the scientists waited 10 to 15 min for reappearance of the insects, they were not seen again. The first potential sighting occurred at Transect 4, on 09 March 2011 in the south-east corner of bushland at the intersection of Stock and Forrest Roads. The second potential record was sighted on 10 March 2011 at the north-east section of Samson Park, Transect 25 (Table 4-2).

All actual and potential sightings were recorded in the study area; no GSM were recorded within the regional sites during the March 2011 survey apart from the potential sighting at Samson Park.

Table 4-2: Records of the GSM sightings

GSM Transect record

Date Time (hrs)

Cloud Cover

%

Temperature (⁰C)

Humidity %

Wind Speed

Wind Direction

Barometer (ha)

T2_01 09/03/11 1145 <10% 33.1 34 6.5 WSW 1001 T1_01 09/03/11 1345 <10% 28.9 32 4.0 NNW 1004 T1_02 09/03/11 1350 <10% 28.9 32 4.0 NNW 1004 T4* 09/03/11 1400 <10% 28.9 32 4.0 NNW 1004 T25* 10/03/11 1045 <10% 31.1 34 2.5 WSW 1004 T2_02 17/03/11 0915 <10% 26.4 45 5.2 N 1007 T2_03 17/03/11 0915 <10% 26.4 45 5.2 N 1007

(Table 4-1 continued) Record Sex Datum Easting Northing

T2_01 Male 50H 386620 6449185 T1_01 Male 50H 386369 6449272 T1_02 Female 50H 386306 6449240 T4* Unknown 50H 386687 6449062 T25* Unknown 50H 386844 6451225 T2_02 Male 50H 386596 6449352 T2_03 Female 50H 386596 6449352 *potential record (identification not confirmed as individuals were not captured)

4.3 LOMANDRA SURVEYS The Lomandra density surveys undertaken in 2010 calculated a total of 2,119 individual L. hermaphrodita plants per hectare based on 128 individual plants being located in 151 quadrats along 20 transects (AECOM 2010b). In the regional sites surveyed in 2011, a total of 320 individual L. hermaphrodita plants were recorded within 185 quadrats (Figure 4-3, Figure 4-4, Appendix 1) (AECOM 2011). These data indicate that the GSM ‘host’ species is fairly widespread in the study area.

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Last Modified 8/04/2011 at 08:41 AM by jonesk4 J:\Client_Data\Main_Roads\60100953_Roe_Extension\Workspaces\#2011\Technical_Reports\GSM Report\Figure_4_2_The GSM recorded in the study area.mxd

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Last Modified 8/04/2011 at 11:05 AM by jonesk4 J:\Client_Data\Main_Roads\60100953_Roe_Extension\Workspaces\#2011\Technical_Reports\GSM Report\Figure_4_3_The Lomandra recorded in the study area the project extent.mxd

The LomandraRecorded in theStudy Area, theProject Extent

Figure 4-3

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Last Modified 13/04/2011 at 07:57 AM by jonesk4 J:\Client_Data\Main_Roads\60100953_Roe_Extension\Workspaces\#2011\Technical_Reports\GSM Report\Figure_4_4_The Lomandra recorded in the study area, the regional sites.mxd

The LomandraRecorded in theStudy Area, theRegional Sites

Figure 4-4

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Regional Sites



South Metro Connect


4.4 SURVEY LIMITATIONS Limitations of the survey are outlined in Table 4-3. Table 4-3: Limitations of the GSM survey

Limitations Relevant to this survey?

Yes / no Comments

Competency/experience of the consultant carrying out the survey

No Phoenix has extensive experience in conducting terrestrial invertebrate surveys, especially in the study area.

Scope (what faunal groups were sampled and were some sampling methods not able to be employed because of constraints such as weather conditions, e.g. pitfall trapping in waterlogged soils or inability to use pitfall traps.)

No The survey targeted all vegetation communities where Lomandra were known at the time of sampling. Although exact locations were not known, transects covered sufficient ground and were focused on the best prospective locations within each remnant, e.g. open sunny rises and tracks.

Proportion of fauna identified, recorded and/or collected

No GSM populations are typically small and therefore individuals rare (Bishop et al. 2009). It cannot be guaranteed to record the GSM in a given area in every survey event, thus the need for multiple transects.

Sources of information e.g. previously available information (whether historic or recent) as distinct from new data

Partially There is a relatively large amount of data concerning GSM biology and distribution (in contrast to many other invertebrate species). However there is still much to be discovered such as years to maturity.

Timing/weather/season/cycle No The survey commenced in the prescribed survey period (March). Adult GSMs are known to be active from late February to early April; however it is thought that in Banksia woodland sites such as in the study area they appear in greatest numbers in March. The weather in March was closely watched in order to capture the most prospective conditions

The proportion of the task achieved and further work which might be needed

No The timing was optimal as it was carried out in the preferred season. The areas surveyed were extensive and covered all prospective areas that were safe to survey.

Disturbances (e.g. fire, flood, accidental human intervention etc.) which affected results of survey

Partially Disturbance and regrowth characterised much of the vegetation condition, especially along the existing Kwinana Freeway and the grazed areas near Thompsons Lake (kangaroos). Although the disturbance is favoured by the species, grazing made it difficult to determine presence of Lomandra.

Intensity (in retrospect, was the intensity adequate?)

No The intensity was adequate and climatic conditions were optimal in that period.

Completeness (was relevant area fully surveyed?)

No All known records or Lomandra within each vegetation type were incorporated into the transect design.

Remoteness and/or access problems Partially Most sites were easily accessed; however there was a danger in accessing some of the planned sites and one surveyed transect line adjacent to the Roe Highway/Kwinana Freeway interchange. The surveyed transect was accessed using a ladder to get over the fence.

Availability of contextual (e.g. biogeographic) information on the region

No There is much data concerning the biology and distribution of the GSM and indeed the Golden Sun-moth in the eastern states. Data from similar GSM surveys conducted across W.A. is also available.


South Metro Connect


5. DISCUSSION The extension of the project area and inclusion of regional sites necessitated further surveys for GSM complementing the surveys conducted by Phoenix in 2010 (Phoenix 2011). The current survey confirmed the persistence of a GSM population at a site where they had been recorded by Phoenix the year before: the north-east corner of the Stock and Forrest Roads intersection, Coolbellup (Phoenix 2011). The 2011 survey also recorded the GSM at a bushland remnant in the north-west corner of the same intersection and a potential sighting in its south-east quadrant (Figure 4-2). No other confirmed GSM populations were recorded in the study area despite the presence of healthy Lomandra populations; one potential sighting indicates GSM presence at one of the regional sites, Samson Park.

It is difficult to assess whether the concentration of GSM records around the Stock and Forrest Roads intersection represents a single population, or whether the fragmentation of the area by the two major roads causes a loss of genetic interchange that has resulted in two separate populations which do not interbreed.

Strong territorial behaviour of males and their relatively short flight distances suggests that re-establishment of individual males’ territories between vegetation remnants is rare. Similarly, the flight distance for females is thought to be less than 1km. In that context, it is logical to suggest that species may not be able to move between sites at distances greater than 1km, especially where they have to cross unsuitable habitats such as urban developments and roads (CALM 2005; Williams 2003). Continued fragmentation of populations may result in loss of genetic diversity and may put the remaining (sub-) populations at risk (e.g. Soulé 1987). Long-term population studies require genetic analysis to properly assess minimum population sizes of the GSM.

The GSM has been shown to successfully reside in relatively small remnants. These include Koondoola Bushland (Bush Forever Site 201), Errina Road Bushland (Bush Forever Site 493), Marangaroo (Decourcey Way) Bushland (Bush Forever Site 328), Shenton Bushland (Bush Forever Site 218) and Warwick Bushland (Bush Forever Site 202). These records are based on targeted GSM surveys conducted by the DEC between 2003 and 2005 (Bishop et al. 2010b).

Currently, the assessment of significant GSM habitat is strictly based on the presence of suitable habitat, namely plant species L. hermaphrodita within inland locations, and L. maritima within coastal locations. Intensive surveys in the study area provided reliable data for the presence of Lomandra and therefore potential habitat for the GSM (AECOM 2011, 2010c). However, GSM appears to be absent from most of the study area. Limited dispersal ability as detailed above may be responsible for this in rehabilitated areas with previous or current disturbance, such as near the Kwinana Freeway and at overgrazed Thompsons Lake Reserve and Haring Waring Reserve, all areas which support Lomandra. Given the known biology of the GSM, it is considered unlikely that the larvae of the GSM, whose survival is reliant on the two Lomandra species, would survive dormant in the soil, after clearing has taken place, or remain attached to tube stock used for re-vegetation. On the other hand, GSM appears to survive some disturbances, such as fire. Recent bushfires were evident at the north-east and north-west corners of the Stock and Forrest Roads intersection which support populations of the species (Phoenix 2011).

Considering past and current land uses, the known biology and distribution of the species, the survey coverage, daily survey rotation and timing in terms of optimal weather conditions, there is sufficient evidence to suggest that populations of GSM do not occur in the majority of the remnant bushland of the study area.


South Metro Connect


6. REFERENCES AECOM. 2010a. Flora and vegetation assessment, Roe Highway assessment - Kwinana Freeway to

Stock Road. Unpublished report for South Metro Connect. AECOM. 2010b. Kwinana Freeway third lane. Lomandra density survey. AECOM Australia Pty Ltd,

Perth, WA. Unpublished report prepared for Main Roads Western Australia. AECOM. 2010c (in Phoenix 2011). Lomandra hermaphrodita survey. Graceful Sun Moth habitat

assessments. AECOM Australia Pty Ltd, Perth, WA. Unpublished report prepared for South Metro Connect.

AECOM. 2011. Lomandra hermaphrodita density survey. Graceful Sun-moth habitat assessment. AECOM Australia Pty Ltd in association with South Metro Connect, Perth, WA. Unpublished draft report prepared for Main Roads Western Australia.

Bennett, E. 2004. Vegetation and flora survey (interim document). Unpublished report prepared for AECOM Australia Pty Ltd, Perth, WA.

Bishop, C., Williams, A., Mitchell, D. & Gamblin, T. 2010a. Survey guidelines for the Graceful sun-moth (Synemon gratiosa) & site habitat assessments. Version 1.2. Department of Environment and Conservation, Kensington, WA. Unpublished report.

Bishop, C., Williams, M. & Gamblin, T. 2009. Graceful Sun-Moth: information kit and survey methods. Version 1.0. Department of Environment and Conservation, Kensington, WA.

Bishop, C., Williams, M., Mitchell, D., Williams, A., Fissioli, J. & Gamblin, T. 2010b. Conservation of the Graceful Sun-moth (Synemon gratiosa). Findings from the 2010 Graceful Sun-moth surveys and habitat assessments across the Swan, South West and southern Midwest Regions. Department of Environment and Conservation, Kensington, WA. Unpublished interim report.

BoM. 2011. Climate Statistics for Australian locations. Commonwealth of Australia, Bureau of Meterology, Available at: http://cd6bk.info/climate/data/ (accessed 7 April 2011).

CALM. 2005. Records held in CALM's Fauna Database and rare/priority fauna files. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Western Australia, Perth, WA.

DEWHA. 2011. Maps: Australia's bioregions (IBRA). Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra, ACT. Available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/nrs/science/bioregion-framework/ibra/index.html (accessed 10 April 2010).

EPA. 2002. Terrestrial biological surveys as an element of biodiversity protection. Position Statement No. 3. Environmental Protection Authority, Perth, WA.

EPA. 2004. Guidance for the assessment of environmental factors (in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1986). Terrestrial fauna surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia. No. 56. Environmental Protection Authority, Perth, WA.

Mitchell, D., Williams, K. & Desmond, A. 2002. Swan Coastal Plain 2 (SWA2 - Swan Coastal Plain subregion) in A biodiversity audit of Western Australia’s 53 Biogeographical subregions in 2002. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth.

Phoenix. 2010. Graceful Sun Moth survey final report: Kwinana Freeway third lane project. Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd, Balcatta, WA. Unpublished report prepared for AECOM Australia Pty Ltd.

Phoenix. 2011. Short-range endemic and targeted invertebrate baseline surveys for the Roe Highway Extension Project. Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd, Balcatta, WA. Final report prepared for South Metro Connect.

Soulé, M. E. (ed.) 1987. Viable populations for conservation. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Thackway, R. & Cresswell, I. D. 1995. An Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia: a

framework for establishing the national system of reserves, Version 4.0. Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra, ACT.

Western Australian Government. 2010. Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice 2010(2). Western Australian Government Gazette 161: 4031–4039.

Williams, M. 2003. Effect of fire on butterflies. Western Wildlife 7: 1–4.

http://cd6bk.info/climate/data/

http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/nrs/science/bioregion-framework/ibra/index.html

Roe Highway Extension Main Roads Western Australia 27 April 2011

Document No. 60100953-412E-EN-REP-0003

Lomandra hermaphrodita Density Survey Graceful Sun-moth Habitat Assessment

Phoenix

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Appendix 1

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AECOM Roe Highway Extension Lomandra hermaphrodita Density Survey - Graceful Sun-moth Habitat Assessment

M:\60100953 - Roe Hwy Ext\8 Issued Docs\8.1 Reports\Environment\600100953_REP_Lh Density Survey2011_Rev0_20110427.docx Revision 0 - 27 April 2011

Lomandra hermaphrodita Density Survey Graceful Sun-moth Habitat Assessment

Prepared for

Main Roads Western Australia

Prepared by AECOM Australia Pty Ltd 3 Forrest Place, Perth WA 6000, GPO Box B59, Perth WA 6849, Australia T +61 8 6430 2000 F +61 8 6430 2999 www.aecom.com ABN 20 093 846 925

In association with

South Metro Connect

27 April 2011

60100953

AECOM in Australia and New Zealand is certified to the latest version of ISO9001 and ISO14001.

© AECOM Australia Pty Ltd (AECOM). All rights reserved.

AECOM has prepared this document for the sole use of the Client and for a specific purpose, each as expressly stated in the document. No other party should rely on this document without the prior written consent of AECOM. AECOM undertakes no duty, nor accepts any responsibility, to any third party who may rely upon or use this document. This document has been prepared based on the Client’s description of its requirements and AECOM’s experience, having regard to assumptions that AECOM can reasonably be expected to make in accordance with sound professional principles. AECOM may also have relied upon information provided by the Client and other third parties to prepare this document, some of which may not have been verified. Subject to the above conditions, this document may be transmitted, reproduced or disseminated only in its entirety.



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Table of Contents Executive Summary i 1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Project Background 1 1.2 Graceful Sun-moth 1 1.3 Regional Survey Sites 1

2.0 Objectives 3 3.0 Methodology 5 4.0 Results 7 5.0 Discussion and Conclusions 9 6.0 References 11

List of Tables

Table 1 Number of quadrats required per site (Bishop et al. 2010) 5 Table 2 Number of quadrats recommended for each regional survey area for Roe Extension

Project Area 7

List of Figures

Figure 1 Regional Survey Sites 2 Figure 2 Gridding technique used for 2011 Lomandra hermaphrodita density survey. 5 Figure 3 Location of Quadrats Sampled 8



i

Executive Summary Main Roads Western Australia (MRWA) is proposing to extend Roe Highway from its current terminus at Kwinana Freeway, to Stock Road in Coolbellup. AECOM, as part of the South Metro Connect project team undertook surveys to determine the extent and density of Lomandra species that are thought to provide important breeding habitat for the specially protected Graceful Sun-moth (GSM) within the remnant vegetation within close proximity to the project area. The purpose of the assessment was to guide the surveys for GSM carried out by Phoenix Environmental Scientists (Phoenix) in March 2011.

The Graceful Sun-moth (GSM) is a small day-flying moth endemic to south west Western Australia and is currently only known from the Swan Coastal Plain between Quinns Rock in Perth’s northern suburbs, south to Mandurah (Bishop et al, 2009). Almost all known populations are on small isolated bushland remnants and subject to a high risk of local extinction.

Eleven areas were assessed as part of the regional Lomandra hermaphrodita density survey. All chosen sites are within 10km of the proposed Roe Highway extension area and are as follows:

- Site A – Sir Fredrick Samson Park;

- Site B – Bibra Lake Bushland;

- Site C – Farrington Road Murdoch University;

- Site D – Farrington Road – IFAP Bushland;

- Site E – South Lake Bushland;

- Site F – Kogolup Lake Bushland;

- Site G – Henderson Road Water Corporation Bushland

- Site H – Thomsons Lake Reserve north

- Site I – Thomsons Lake Reserve south;

- Site J – Banganup Lake Bushland; and

- Site J.1 – Harry Waring Reserve.

A collective total of 449ha of remnant vegetation was searched in detail (gridded) for Lomandra hermaphrodita. The number of plants per hectare recorded ranged from zero to 2,066 plants/ha.

Overall, the regional survey for Lomandra hermaphrodita provides a good indication as to the potential and likely locations and occurrences of the species. This distribution will also be useful in consideration of potential recipient sites for translocated Lomandra hermaphrodita populations, should this occur.

The occurrence of Lomandra hermaphrodita does appear to be restricted by weed invasion, concluded from results of plants consistently not being recorded in areas of high weed invasion. Nevertheless, the species is known to be abundant and widely distributed, which is evident form this survey as it was recorded at all sites except Haring Waring Reserve.



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1

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Project Background Roe Highway is an important link in Perth’s Primary Regional Road network, providing a high standard east-west connection. Seven sections of the highway have been completed to date, culminating with the connection to the Kwinana Freeway, north of Berrigan Drive. Main Roads Western Australia (MRWA) is proposing to extend Roe Highway from its current terminus at Kwinana Freeway, to Stock Road in Coolbellup. With MRWA, AECOM has formed the South Metro Connect project development team and as part of this, various studies have been carried out, including surveys to determine the extent and density of Lomandra spp. that are thought to provide important breeding habitat for the specially protected Graceful Sun-moth (GSM) within and in close proximity to the project area.

1.2 Graceful Sun-moth The Graceful Sun-moth (GSM) is a small day-flying moth endemic to south west Western Australia and is currently only known from the Swan Coastal Plain between Quinns Rock in Perth’s northern suburbs, south to Mandurah (Bishop et al, 2009). Almost all known populations are on small isolated bushland remnants and subject to a high risk of local extinction.

The GSM is declared specially protected fauna under the WA Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, as it is rare or likely to become extinct. It is listed as Endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999. The presence of possible GSM habitat is a component of State and Commonwealth impact assessment of development proposals.

Lomandra hermaphrodita and Lomandra maritima are two closely related species on which GSM larvae feed. The aim of Lomandra density surveys is to determine fine scale Lomandra presence, density, extent and dominant plant species at each site and thus determine potential GSM habitat.

The GSM is currently only known from two vegetation types:

- Banksia woodland/Adenanthos on deep sands in the Northern suburbs of Perth on the Swan Coastal Plain where Lomandra hermaphrodita occurs; and

- Open areas of herbland, heathland and shrubland on Quindalup soils (sand and limestone) close to the coast where Lomandra maritima is present.

1.3 Regional Survey Sites Eleven sites were assessed as part of the regional Lomandra hermaphrodita density survey. All chosen sites are within 10km of the Roe extension project area and are as follows:

- Site A – Sir Fredrick Samson Park;

- Site B – Bibra Lake Bushland;

- Site C – Farrington Road Murdoch University;

- Site D – Farrington Road – IFAP Bushland;

- Site E – South Lake Bushland;

- Site F – Kogolup Lake Bushland;

- Site G – Henderson Road Water Corporation Bushland

- Site H – Thomsons Lake Reserve north

- Site I – Thomsons Lake Reserve south;

- Site J – Banganup Lake Bushland; and

- Site J.1 – Harry Waring Reserve.

The location of each site is presented in Figure 1.

Site J.1Harry Waring Reserve (21)

Site FKogolup Lake Bushland (17)

Site IThomsons Lake Reserve south (13)

Site HThomsons Lake Reserve north (10)

Site J Banganup Lake Bushland (10)

Site A Sir Fredrick Samson Park (22)

Site B Bibra Lake

Bushland (28)

Site G Henderson Road

Water Corporation Bushland (10)

Site DFarrington Road – IFAP Bushland (10)

Site ESouth Lake Bushland (30)

Site CFarrington Road Murdoch University (14)

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Lomandrahermaphrodita

Regional Survey Sites - 2011

Figure 1



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2.0 Objectives The objective of the 2011 Lomandra hermaphrodita regional population and density survey was to determine the presence or absence of suitable habitat for the Graceful Sun-moth associated at sites within the proposed Roe Highway Extension area, to assess impacts and also within regional sites in order to assess possibilities for possible translocation of Lomandra hermaphrodita plants for the project footprint.



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5

3.0 Methodology Previous Lomandra density assessments were conducted in accordance with the prescribed Department of Environment and Conservation methodology. However it has been determined that the results may not be as reliable or as accurate as required for the purposes of impact assessment for a development project and for this reason, the methods used to determine the density of Lomandra hermaphrodita during 2011, differed from the original methodology used during 2010.

In consultation with DEC, AECOM/South Metro Connect have determined that a more robust method of sampling would be appropriate for the purposes of the project. However it has been determined that the intensive gridding procedure previously carried out in some areas of the proposed project footprint is not necessary. The newly revised methodology involves an increase in the number of quadrat replicates at pre-determined grid points from a single quadrat to five quadrats.

Suitable regional survey sites were determined using aerial photography. Each area was ground truthed to determine the habitat suitability for L. hermaphrodita. The suitability for each area was determined based on vegetation condition, vegetation type and weed cover.

The regional surveys were conducted during February and March 2011 at eleven sites within 10km of the Roe Highway Extension area. At each site a series of replicate 2 m x 2 m quadrats were assessed in a grid distribution, spread evenly across the entire site using the revised DEC gridding methodology (Figure 2).

The number of quadrats established within each area was determined using the following formula developed by the DEC; # Lomandra quadrats required = 7 x (area in hectares) 0.67. Table 1 provides a guide for determining the number of quadrats required per study area (Bishop et. al, 2010).

Table 1 Number of quadrats required per site (Bishop et al. 2010)

Site Area (ha) Minimum number of quadrats 10 30 20 50 50 100 100 150 200 240 300 320

A total of five replicate quadrats were assessed, as indicated in Figure 2.

Figure 2 Gridding technique used for 2011 Lomandra hermaphrodita density survey.



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4.0 Results A collective total of 185 quadrats were assessed from eleven regional survey sites encompassing a total area of 449 ha (Table 2). Three sites, namely site H, I and J.1 recorded very low numbers (under 40 plants/ha) of Lomandra hermaphrodita. All the remaining sites exhibit moderate to high abundance of plants per hectare. All quadrats that recorded Lomandra hermaphrodita are spatially presented in Figure 3.

Table 2 Number of quadrats recommended for each regional survey area for Roe Extension Project Area

Regional Site Number Number of proposed quadrats

Actual number of surveyed quadrats

Total Survey Area (ha)

Total Lomandra recorded

Plants/ hectare

Ranking (Plants/ ha)

Site A – Sir Fredrick Samson Park 22 22 14.56 25 568.18 8

Site B – Bibra Lake Bushland 28 28 18.28 78 1392.86 3 Site C – Farrington Road Murdoch University 14 14 8.07 31 1107.14 4

Site D – Farrington Road – IFAP Bushland 14 10 5.03 18 900 6

Site E – South Lake Bushland 30 30 16.49 56 933.33 5 Site F – Kogolup Lake Bushland 53 17 54.23 62 2066.67 1 Site G – Henderson Road Water Corp Bushland 30 10 22.06 36 1800 2

Site H – Thomsons Lake Reserve north 56 10 52.99 0 8 10

Site I – Thomsons lake reserve south 57 13 59.31 1 38.46 9

Site J – Banganup Lake Bushland 51 10 46.04 13 650 7

Site J.1 – Harry Waring Reserve 21 21 152.00 0 0 11 Total 376 185 449.06 320

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Site J.1Harry Waring Reserve (21)

Site FKogolup Lake Bushland (17)

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Site HThomsons Lake Reserve north (10)

Site J Banganup Lake Bushland (10)

Site G Henderson Road Water Corporation Bushland (10)

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Site A Sir Fredrick Samson Park (22)

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Site DFarrington Road – IFAP Bushland (10)

Site ESouth Lake Bushland (30)

Site CFarrington Road Murdoch University (14)

Map 1 Map 2

Map 1

Map 2

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Lomandrahermaphrodita

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Regional Sites




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5.0 Discussion and Conclusions A collective total of 449ha of remnant vegetation was searched in detail (gridded) for Lomandra hermaphrodita. The number of plants per hectare recorded ranged from zero to 2,066 plants/ha.

The number of proposed quadrats that were recommended for each survey site are summarised in Table 2. Due to time constraints and access issues at many of the sites, it was not possible to access or survey the entire area at six sites, namely, Site D, F, G, H, I and J. The lower numbers recorded at these six sites may be attributed to the lower number of quadrats that were sampled, however, the proportion takes into account the reduced sample size. The lower numbers therefore do not necessarily suggest that Lomandra hermaphrodita occurs at these locations in small numbers only that the sampling intensity was not as high as at other locations.

Despite only 17 quadrats of the recommended 53 quadrats sampled at Kogolup Lake (Site F), this site exhibited the highest plants per hectare (2,067plants/ha). Harry Waring Reserve recorded the lowest density of plants and did not record any Lomandra hermaphrodita. For the sites where the full complement of recommended quadrats were sampled (Sites A, B, C, E and J.1), the density of plants ranged from zero to 1392 plants/ha.

It can be concluded from results of the various assessments that Lomandra hermaphrodita is unlikely to occur in areas that are subject to high weed invasion and disturbance, and this is likely to account for low numbers of Lomandra recorded at certain sites.

Overall, the regional survey for Lomandra hermaphrodita provides a good indication as to the potential and likely locations and occurrences of the species. This distribution will also be useful in consideration of potential recipient sites for translocated Lomandra hermaphrodita populations, should this occur.

The occurrence of Lomandra hermaphrodita does appear to be restricted by weed invasion, concluded from results of plants consistently not being recorded in areas of high weed invasion. Nevertheless, the species is known to be abundant and widely distributed, which is evident form this survey as it was recorded at all sites except Haring Waring Reserve.



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11

6.0 References AECOM (2010a) Lomandra hermaphrodita Survey. Graceful Sun-moth Habitat Assessment. Unpublished report prepared for South Metro Connect.

AECOM. (2010b) Roe Highway Extension: Kwinana Freeway to Stock Road: Draft Flora and Vegetation Assessment.

Bishop, C. (2010) personal communication. DEC Science Division.

Bishop., C, Williams, M., Mitchell, D., & Gamblin, T., (2009) Graceful Sun-moth Information kit and survey Methods. Department of Environment and Conservation. Version 1.0

Bishop., C, Williams, M., Mitchell, D., & Gamblin, T., (2010) Survey guildlines for the Graceful Sun-moth (Synemon gratiosa) & site habitat assessments. Department of Environment and Conservation. Division of science and Swan Region. November 2010. Version 1.2

appendix s · 2016. 11. 14. · 4.2 graceful sun-moth ... executive summary in january 2011,...

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