Appendix A - Flora and Fauna Survey - Grange Resources

2.2.2 Botanical Survey Limitations
Complete flora and vegetation surveys can require multiple surveys, at different times of year, and over a
period of a number of years, to enable observation of all species present. Some flora species, such as
annuals, are only available for collection at certain times of the year, and others are only identifiable at
certain times (such as when they are flowering). Additionally, climatic and stochastic events (such as
fire) may affect the presence of plant species. As mentioned previously, rainfall in the months preceding
the survey has shown distinct differences to the long term averages. The Cape Riche/Wellstead area
received substantially less rain in the September–October period and showed large fluctuation from the
average prior to this. This variability in rainfall may have affected the health of individual plants making
species that have a very low abundance in the area more difficult to locate. The other factors identified
above may also make species with a very low abundance in the area more difficult to locate.
Flora composition changes over time, with flora species having specific growing periods, especially
annuals and ephemerals (some plants lasting for a markedly brief time, some only a day or two).
Therefore, the results of future botanical surveys in this location may differ from the results of this survey.
The Study Area covers approximately 86 ha. Sampling was conducted using quadrats, relevès and
targeted searches by intensively traversing areas likely to contain conservation significant species. The
majority of species would have been identified using these techniques; however, it is possible that
species with a low abundance, seasonal presence, or with a very restricted local range were not
observed.
2.3 Fauna Field Investigation
The Level 1 fauna assessment was conducted in accordance with EPA Guidance Statement No. 56
Assessment of Environmental Factors for Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact
Assessment in Western Australia (EPA, 2004b). The assessment included a desktop investigation and
opportunistic fauna field survey (vertebrate only) and a habitat assessment, undertaken in conjunction
with the vegetation and flora survey. The field assessment involved visual and aural surveys for any
fauna species utilising the Study Area in addition to searches of the Study Area for any fauna signs, such
as tracks, scats, bones, diggings and feeding signs. The fauna assessment did not involve any fauna
trapping.
In addition, habitat types of the Study Area were identified. The habitat types present in the Study Area
reflect both the landforms present and vegetation communities.
2.3.1 Limitations
The fauna assessment undertaken was a reconnaissance survey only and thus only sampled those
species that can be easily seen, heard or have distinctive signs, such as tracks, scats, diggings etc.
Many cryptic and nocturnal species would not have been identified during a reconnaissance survey.
Extensive detailed fauna surveys, involving trapping surveys, are required to obtain a more
comprehensive list of fauna species that may utilise the site.
The fauna assessment was aimed at identifying habitat types within the Study Area. In addition,
terrestrial vertebrate fauna utilising the Study Area were identified; no sampling for invertebrates or
aquatic species occurred. The information available on the identification, distribution and conservation
status of invertebrates is generally less extensive than that of vertebrate species.
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