Wambo Coal AEMR 2010-2011 - Peabody Energy

3.3.4 SpotlightingThe Common Brushtail Possum is a commonly occurring nocturnal arboreal species atWambo Coal, evidenced by the recording of 65 individuals during the 2010 surveys. Theidentification of the Squirrel Glider and Yellow-bellied Glider, for the first time in 2010, arelikely a result of the inclusion of spotlighting surveys within in the southern parts of RWEPArea B in 2010 (see Figure 3-1).3.3.5 Herpetological SurveysTable 3-1 shows the number of reptile and amphibian species recorded over the fouryears of monitoring.Table 3-1: Number of reptile and frog species recorded over the four years of monitoringYear No. of Reptile Species No. of Frog Species2007 8 122008 8 92009 5 62010 10 10The level of variation in the number of reptile and frog species recorded during the fouryears of sampling is most likely a result of variation in seasonal conditions across theyears. Additionally variable weather conditions and dates of survey (months of year) arelikely to have caused variation in the number of species recorded.3.4 ConclusionWhile no Swift Parrots or Regent Honeyeaters have been identified during targeted winterbird surveys, annual surveys for these species should continue into the future, particularlyduring years of heavy eucalypt blossom when either or both species may occur onWambo Coal land.Current management practises within the RWEP areas of Wambo Coal Mine appear to beappropriate for the conservation of bird species. Variation evident in the results from threeto four years monitoring is most likely related to natural variation in species diversity,natural variation in species abundance and variation inherent in the sampling design, andnot to current management practises.Due to the large home range area of the target owl species and the relatively few (four)call playback sessions undertaken each year, it is not unexpected that threatened owlsspecies are rarely detected.Spotlighting surveys identified the Common Brushtail Possum as the most commonarboreal mammal species in RWEP areas of Wambo Coal Mine. Across four years ofannual monitoring only three arboreal mammal species have been identified. The2010 Annual Ecological Monitoring Report, Draft Report, January 2011 Page 22