Appendix D Terrestrial and Aquatic Biodiversity - Environment ...

5.4.2 Fauna Survey Results
The surveys recorded a total of 151 native fauna species, comprising of 15 amphibians, 29 reptiles, 92 birds,
and 20 mammals. Four introduced species were identified. The majority of species were identified through
trapping, active search techniques, and incidental observations. Species lists are provided in the sections
below, and site data is provided in Appendix D-3. Summary descriptions by faunal group for each are
provided below.
The majority of species recorded during the survey are common and generally widespread throughout similar
habitat in the region. One Threatened species (as per the TPWC Act) was identified during the survey –
Mertens’ Water Monitor (Varanus mertensi). No species listed as threatened under the EPBC Act were
identified, however two listed migratory species (both birds) and 21 listed marine species (20 birds and 1
reptile) were recorded.
Amphibians
A total of 15 amphibians was recorded from the surveys, mainly from pit traps and active searches (Appendix
D-3). Most were recorded around freshwater swamps, creeks and pools in the area. Amphibians from the
genus Uperoleia were trapped but could not be identified to species level without a reference call. The most
prolific species were those preferring grasslands and seasonally inundated habitats. Three species of
amphibians were recorded once only; three others twice only.
Reptiles
• No threatened species were identified.
• Three Data Deficient species were identified – Litoria australis, Litoria bicolor, and Opisthodon
ornatus. These species are common and widespread throughout this region, and also the across
northern Australia.
• One Introduced species was identified, Cane Toad (Chaunus marinus), which was identified at
each location along the haul road.
• The remaining species (including the unidentified Uperoleia species) are all listed as Least
Concern.
A total of 29 reptiles was recorded from the survey, mainly from pit traps, funnel traps and active searches
(Appendix D-3). Geckoes and skinks were the best represented families, as well as the dragon species
Diporiphora magna. Few snakes were recorded and nine species of reptiles were recorded only once. The
Rosie site contained five species not found anywhere else.
Birds
• One threatened species, Mertens’ Water Monitor (Varanus mertensi), which is listed as Vulnerable
was identified at both Cox and Rosie sites in and along creeks.
• One Data Deficient species was recorded, Cryptoblepharus australis, a common and widespread
skink in suitable habitat throughout northern Australia.
• The remaining species are all listed as Least Concern.
• One listed marine species – Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni) – was recorded.
• No introduced reptile species were identified.
A total of 92 native bird species from 37 families was identified during the survey (Appendix D-3). Birds were
most active in the hours of dawn and dusk, and bird count numbers were maximized by varying the sites
visited at these times. The Limmen and Towns (Lower) sites were the driest and contained the least avian
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Doc Title: Appendix D – Terrestrial Biodiversity Technical Report