Appendix D Terrestrial and Aquatic Biodiversity - Environment ...

their nutrition on traps attached to their roots which catch microscopic organisms. It is possible that
sedimentation may interfere with the action of these traps or with the types and abundance of
microorganisms that are present in the water.
Changes in hydrology are likely to have significant effects on Utricularia species because they rely on
aquatic microorganisms for part of their nutrition. Hydrology changes may also affect the success of
germination and establishment of Utricularia species.
(note that conceptual site layout has slightly changed since this map was created, please refer to Figure 11)
Figure 19: Distribution of Utricularia sp. within the MLA areas
Nymphoides exiliflora
Nymphoides exiliflora (Data Deficient) is an aquatic, herbaceous plant with yellow flowers and floating leaves
– see Figure 20.
It has nine records within the NT and over 100 records in QLD. Within the NT records lie within eastern
Arnhem Land and the Gulf.
It is often found on the edge of drying waterholes and swamps. In the lease area it is found in swamps and
shallowly and seasonally inundated Melaleuca viridiflora woodlands and minor creek-lines. It was found on
vegetation type 18 – Melaleuca viridiflora and Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa, +/- Melaleuca citrolens Low
Woodland and 19 – Melaleuca viridiflora +/- Eucalyptus microtheca Low Open Woodland. It was never
found in large numbers. The habitat of this species is likely to extend beyond the lease area, associated with
the floodplain of the Towns River.
Likely effect of mining disturbance on species
Mining impacts will not have an large impact on the habitat of this species through the placement of site
infrastructure. Indirectly vegetation types 18 and 19 will possibly be affected by sedimentation and changes
in hydrology. It is not known how this species will be affected by changes in hydrology or sedimentation.
Client: Western Desert Resources Ltd Page 63 of 150
Doc No. DW120004-C0302-EIA-R-0036
Doc Title: Appendix D – Terrestrial Biodiversity Technical Report