11.2 Biology and Ecology - Santos · Part 2 – Management ... 11.2 Biology and Ecology 11.2.1 Characteristics At the species level, the Black ... (Campbell 1974, Mitchell 1996, North

Part 2 – Management Plans 3380-GLNG-4-1.3-0104

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11 Black-throated finch

11.1 EPBC legal status

Endangered – listed 14 February 2005

11.2 Biology and Ecology

11.2.1 Characteristics

At the species level, the Black-throated finch (Poephila cincta cincta) is a sleek but thickset grass-finch, which measures approximately 12 cm in length, and weighs approximately 15 g (DSEWPaC 2012bi). It has a grey head and neck, with a short black loral stripe, and a conspicuous, large black 'bib' over the chin, throat and upper breast. The bill is short, thick, conical and coloured black. The eye is a dark reddish-brown. The breast, back, and most of the belly, is brown. The wings are a darker shade of brown, and when folded have a narrow white stripe along the leading edge. The rump and the tail, which is short and rather rounded or square-tipped, are both black. The lower underbody is white, but with a black patch on the rear flanks. The legs and feet are a bright pinkish-red. Juveniles appear very similar to adults, but with duller colouring (Higgins et al 2006).

The subspecies can be distinguished primarily by the colouring of the upper-tail coverts; these are white in the southern subspecies, black in the northern subspecies, and of intermediate colour in hybrid birds (Ford 1986, Higgins et al 2006, Keast 1958, Zann 1976). The brown plumage of the body is also said to be richer in the southern subspecies than in the northern subspecies (BTF Recovery Team 2004, Schodde & Mason 1999).

Black-throated finch (Source: Williamson 2009)

11.2.2 Known distribution

The Black-throated finch (southern) occurs in the Townsville region, where it is considered to be locally common at a few sites around Townsville and Charters Towers (BTF Recovery Team 2004, Garnett & Crowley 2000); and at scattered sites in central-eastern Queensland (BTF Recovery Team 2004).


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The Black-throated finch (southern) historically occurred from far south-eastern Queensland, near the Queensland-NSW border, through eastern Queensland north to the divide between the Burdekin and Lynd Rivers (Blakers et al 1984, Schodde & Mason 1999). The subspecies is now extinct at most sites south of Burdekin River, and is confined to a very few remaining 'pockets' of suitable habitat (Roberts 1977, Storr 1984c & 1984d).

There have been very few records of the subspecies south of 23° S since the late 1970s, and there have been almost no records from this region since 1995 (Barrett et al 2003, Blakers et al 1984, BTF Recovery Team 2004). Black-throated finches (southern) were recorded from the Severn River, near Ballandean in southern Queensland, in the early 1980s and mid-1990s (BTF Recovery Team 2004) and there is a single record from Stanthorp, near Brisbane in 2002 (BTF recovery Team 2008).

No reliable estimates of the size of the Black-throated finch (southern) population are available. The population has been estimated at 20,000 breeding birds (based on area of occupancy and available data on densities of populations), but this estimate is considered to be of low reliability (Garnett & Crowley 2000).

Figure 11.1 Distribution range of the Black-throated finch (Source: DSEWPaC 2012bi)

11.2.3 Known species populations and their relationship with the GTP footprint

This species was not recorded from the local area. In addition, no individuals were identified during the recent pre-clearing surveys (Ecologica Consulting 2012).

However, suitable habitat is present in the area especially associated with Hutton Creek (permanent water) and to a lesser extent Dawson River (Ecologica Consulting 2012).

Suitable habitat was also identified within the KP312 to KP408.81 section of the GTP ROW within Callide Range and Collard and Larcom Creeks.

11.2.4 Biology and reproduction

Black-throated finches (southern) feed on the seeds of grasses (such as Urochloa mosambicensis, Digitaria ciliaris, Melinis repens, Chloris inflata) and herbaceous plants (Mitchell 1996, NRA 2005).

At the species level, Black-throated finches feed mainly on the half-ripe seeds of grasses (for example, Dactyloctenium, Digitaria, Eremochloa, Paspalidium, Setaria), and less often on the seeds of other plants (for example Stylosanthes). They also eat insects (for example


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termites) and their larvae, especially during the wet (breeding) season (BTF Recovery Team 2004, Cayley 1932, Immelmann 1982, North 1901-14, Smedley 1904, Zann 1976).

Breeding can occur throughout the year under optimal conditions and varies throughout its range (Mitchell 1996, Higgins et al 2006, NRA 2007). In the Townsville area, breeding typically occurs during the wet season, usually between February and May (Mitchell 1996, Higgins et al 2006, NRA 2007). In other parts of their range, eggs are laid mainly from August to December, but clutches have also been recorded in March, April and July (Mitchell 1996, Morris et al 1981, North 1901-14, NRA 2005). Five or six white eggs are usually laid, however, clutch-size is reported to range from three to nine (Campbell 1974, Mitchell 1996, North 1901-14, Storr 1984c).

Both sexes of the subspecies participate in the construction of the nest, the incubation of the clutch, and in the feeding and brooding of the young (NRA 2005, Zann 1976).

Black-throated finches (southern) breed in colonies, mainly in non-remnant native vegetation associated with solodic soils and alluvial plains (NRA 2005), with the dispersion of nests within colonies varying. A single tree may contain up to three nesting pairs or, alternatively, individual nests may be separated by distances of up to 50 m (NRA 2005).

The nests are often built in a hollow branch of a tree, or in a fork of a tree, shrub or sapling. However, it is not uncommon for nests to be placed in other sites, such as in tall grass, amongst mistletoe, beneath active raptor nests, or in an old nest of a Babbler (Pomatostomus spp.) or Diamond firetail (Stagonopleura guttata) (Baldwin 1976, Campbell 1974, North 1901-14, NRA 2005, Roberts 1955). Nest sites tend to be located in close proximity to water.

The nests are oval in shape and have a spout-like entrance (an arrangement also described as 'bottle-shaped'). They are usually composed of grass (Campbell 1974, North 1901-14). In addition to their breeding nests, Black-throated finches (southern) also build non-breeding nests that are used for roosting during the non-breeding and (sometimes) breeding periods (NRA 2005).

11.3 Habitat

The Black-throated finch (southern) occurs mainly in grassy, open woodlands and forests, typically dominated by Eucalyptus, Corymbia and Melaleuca, and occasionally in tussock grasslands or other habitats (for example freshwater wetlands), often along or near watercourses, or in the vicinity of water (Baldwin 1976, Britton & Britton 2000, BTF Recovery Team 2004, Ley & Cook 2001, NRA 2005, Wieneke 1989). Almost all recent records of the finch from south of the tropics have been in riparian habitat (Baldwin 1976, BTF Recovery Team 2004, Ley & Cook 2001). The subspecies is thought to require a mosaic of different habitats in which it can find seed during the wet season (Mitchell 1996).

Some of the more common species of eucalypts in woodlands and forests frequented by the subspecies include Narrow-leaved ironbark (Eucalyptus crebra), River red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), Silver-leaved ironbark (Eucalyptus melanophloia), Reid river box (Eucalyptus brownii), Yellow jacket (Eucalyptus similis) and Forest red gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis). The subspecies occasionally occurs in Melaleuca woodlands, or in grasslands comprised of genera such as Astrebla, Dichanthium or Panicum (BTF Recovery Team 2004).

In south-eastern Queensland, it was formerly recorded in open forest on ridges, on grassy hillsides, and on 'mountain flats' (Lord 1956). Recent studies conducted further north (near


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Townsville) have recorded the Black-throated finch (southern) in both modified and relatively intact vegetation communities (Mitchell 1996, NRA 2005).

The Black-throated finch (southern) has occasionally been recorded in other habitats, including in freshwater wetlands (BTF Recovery Plan 2004), in cultivation surrounded by woodland (Hall 1974) and in a heavily grazed paddock (Ley & Cook 2001). It is likely that permanent sources of water (and the habitat surrounding these) provide refuge for Black-throated finches (southern) during the dry season, especially during drought years (NRA 2007).

11.4 Habitat assessment

Information obtained from BPA (ie Brigalow Belt South Fauna Expert Panel Report (EPA 2006)), together with expert advice, site based species records and pre-clearance survey data has been used to define a set of assumptions that have been used to identify areas of habitat that are consistent with the definitions of ‘core habitat’, ‘essential habitat’ and ‘general habitat’ that have been presented in Part 1 of this SSMP. These assumptions are presented in this section.

11.4.1 General assumptions

The following habitat assumption has been made based on current scientific knowledge of this species:

The Black-throated finch (southern) occurs mainly in grassy, open woodlands and forests, typically dominated by Eucalyptus, Corymbia and Melaleuca, and occasionally in tussock grasslands (DSEWPaC 2012bi)

It is usually found within a few kilometres of fresh water (Curtis et al 2012). As such, areas mapped as ‘riverine’ ‘lacustrine’ and pulstrine’ Wetland Regional Ecosystems are considered habitat for this species

11.4.2 Core habitat

‘Core habitat’ consists of ‘essential habitat’ in which the species is known and the habitat is recognised under relevant recovery plans or other relevant plans/policies/regulations. Also included within this category are populations that are limited geographically within the region.

For the Black-throated finch, all REs that contain a specimen backed record (from any data source), which overlap with areas identified in the BPA mapping that have been identified as containing a ‘State’ or ‘Regional’ ‘Corridor’ (J-Rating) and/or ‘Core Habitat’ (H-Rating) and/or ‘Habitat for EVR Taxa’ (A-Rating) have been mapped as ‘core habitat’.

No individuals of this species have been identified within the general vicinity of KP0 to KP30, KP30 to KP40, KP40 to KP130, KP130 to KP312, KP312 to KP408.81, KP408.81 to KP409.04 and KP413.57 to KP419.69 of the GTP; therefore no ‘core habitat’ exists within these sections of the GTP.

11.4.3 Essential habitat

‘Essential habitat’ is an area containing resources that are considered essential for the maintenance of populations of the species (eg potential habitat for breeding, roosting, foraging, shelter, for either migratory or non-migratory species). ‘Essential habitat’ is defined from known records and/or expert advice (including the findings of pre-clearance surveys).


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For the Black-throated finch, as no individuals or ‘essential habitat’ areas were identified during the pre-clearance surveys, no ‘essential habitat’ for this species is considered to occur between KP0 to KP30, KP30 to KP40, KP40 to KP130, KP130 to KP312, KP312 to KP408.81, KP408.81 to KP409.04 and KP413.57 to KP419.69 of the GTP.

11.4.4 General habitat

‘General habitat’ consists of areas or locations that are used by transient individuals or where species may have been recorded but where there is insufficient information to assess the area as essential/core habitat. ‘General habitat’ also includes areas defined from known records or habitat that is considered to potentially support a species according to expert knowledge of habitat relationships, despite the absence of specimen backed records. ‘General habitat’ may include areas of suboptimal habitat for species. As potential habitat for many species contained within this SSMP may include most of the regional ecosystems of the Brigalow Belt Bioregion, the ‘general habitat’ category restricts the habitat to a more limited and realistic set of environmental parameters that are supported by literature and field based observation.

For the Black-throated finch, all areas that do not contain a specimen backed record, and do not fulfil the requirements of ‘core’ and ‘essential habitat’ are considered to be ‘general habitat’.

KP0 to KP30

The location of the ‘general habitat’ for this species within this section of the GTP is shown in Figure 11.2a.

KP30 to KP40

KP30 to KP32.25 has been identified during the pre-clearance surveys as meeting the criteria of ‘general habitat’ for this species.

The location of the ‘general habitat’ for this species within this section of the GTP is shown in Figure 11.2b.

KP40 to KP130

No ‘general habitat’ for this species exists in this section of the GTP.

KP130 to KP312

KP183.25 to KP184.75, Dawson River area (KP233 to KP235), Sellheim Creek area (KP280 to KP280.5), a small patch of vegetation at KP297.5, riparian vegetation within KP298.75 to KP300.2 and KP311.25 to KP312 has been identified during the pre-clearance surveys as meeting the criteria of ‘general habitat’ for this species (Santos GLNG 2012).

The location of the ‘general habitat’ for this species within this section of the GTP is shown in Figure 11.2c and Figure 11.2d.

KP312 to KP408

Pre-clearance surveys identified ‘general habitat’ for this species within Callide Range (KP316 to KP317), Collards Creek (KP319.1) and Larcom Creek (KP378) (Santos GLNG 2013).

The location of the ‘general habitat’ for this species within this section of the GTP is shown in Figure 11.2e and Figure 11.2f.

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Figure 1 .2 : Black-throated Finch(Poephila cincta)

Habitat Ratings Based onPredictive Modelling

KP0 to KP30

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Kilometre Post Distance Marker (km)

GLNG GTP ROW and Ancillary Work Areas

Habitat Rating

General Habitat

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Habitat Ratings Based onPredictive ModellingKP312 to KP408.81

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Habitat Ratings Based onPredictive ModellingKP312 to KP408.81

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KP408.81 to KP409.04

No ‘general habitat’ for this species exists in this section of the GTP.

KP413.57 to KP419.69

Pre-clearance surveys did not identify ‘general habitat’ for this species within this section of the GTP.

11.4.5 Unlikely habitat

‘Unlikely habitat’ areas are those areas that do not contain records of the particular species and do not contain habitat features to support the species (ie areas that do not meet the habitat assumptions identified above).

11.5 Anticipated threats and potential impacts as a result of the GTP

Loss and degradation of known remnant habitat and non-remnant habitat for the Black-throated finch (southern) within the GTP ROW and ancillary work areas

Predation caused by fragmentation and habitat structure degradation

Changes to local foraging behaviour due to increased vehicle movement, noise, lighting etc

Stress, injury and mortality to animals due to increases in construction noise, vehicle movement, lighting and clearing

Destruction of nests

Barriers to movement of individuals

11.6 Unavoidable impact from GTP

Areas of proposed disturbance associated with clearing and construction activities for the GTP between KP0 to KP30, KP30 to KP40, KP40 to KP130, KP130 to KP312, KP312 to KP408.81, KP408.81 to KP409.04 and KP413.57 to KP419.69 for the Black-throated finch are presented in Table 11.1. It is important to note that this unavoidable impact is considered minor and temporary in the context of the wide spread extent of ‘general habitat’ in the region. The location of this habitat is shown in Figure 11.2a, Figure 11.2b, Figure 11.2c, Figure 11.2d, Figure 11.2e and Figure 11.2f.

A cumulative total of proposed clearing of habitat for the Black-throated finch is provided in Table 11.1.


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Table 11.1 Cumulative total of Black-throated finch habitat to be cleared

Location ‘General habitat’

KP0 to KP30 7.22 ha

KP30 to KP40 6.95 ha

KP40 to KP130 0 ha

KP130 to KP312 13.55 ha

KP312 to KP408.81 7.65 ha

KP408.81 to KP409.04 0 ha

KP413.57 to KP419.69 0 ha

Total habitat area 35.37 ha

11.7 Management practices and methods

11.7.1 Pre-construction mitigation measures

Measures to avoid impact

Prior to the commencement of construction clearing, a suitably qualified and experienced EO will confirm the buffer zones (‘No Go’ zones) and where necessary barriers and signs will be erected

Measures to minimise impacts

Pre-clearing ecological surveys have been undertaken by a suitably qualified Ecologist(s) in accordance with the Survey Guidelines for Australia’s Threatened Birds

Prior to site entry, all site personnel will be appropriately trained and made aware of the sensitive environs in which they will be working (refer Part 1, Section 7.7)

11.7.2 Construction phase mitigation measures


All reasonable and practical measures will be taken to locate site offices, construction camps, stockpiling/lay down areas and plant and equipment storage areas (including heavy machinery) on existing cleared lands. As per other conditions these structures would be located at least 100 m away from a watercourse


All vegetation clearing within known Black-throated finch habitat will comply with clearing approval conditions (eg NC Act and other statutory approvals)

Implementation of the Fauna Handling Procedures (refer Appendix C)

A licensed and experienced spotter catcher(s) will be onsite during all clearing activities and will ensure any injured animals are given to an appropriate wildlife carer group or vet (refer Appendix C). DSEWPaC and DEHP will be notified within 24 hours of any native animal injuries or deaths


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The clearing footprint within the above-listed locations and all ‘No Go’ zones will be adequately marked out for the clearing crew

Clearing activities within these areas will be supervised by the relevant EO

Clearing will be conducted in a sequential manner and in a way that directs escaping wildlife away from the clearing activities and into adjacent natural areas

Measures will be in place to facilitate fauna movement, including gaps between stockpiles and pipe strings

Ensure equipment is regularly maintained and is in good working order

Where practicable, direct any lighting associated within night works away from sensitive areas or use engineering solutions to limit light spillage

The construction phase component of the LRMP will be implemented

Weather permitting, rehabilitation of all areas identified will commence immediately after the pipeline has been lowered in and backfilled (refer LRMP). With the exception of operational constraints, revegetation will be consistent with the plant density, floristic composition and distribution of the adjacent communities

11.7.3 Operational phase mitigation measures


To avoid impacting on regenerating Black-throated finch habitat, vehicle and pedestrian access will be restricted to the defined access tracks to and from the ROW and the defined access track within the ROW



The operational phase component of the LRMP will be implemented

The operational phase of the PWMP will be implemented to minimise the risk of weed and pest animal establishment within the above-listed locations

11.7.4 Decommissioning phase mitigation measures



A decommissioning plan will be developed by GLNG Operations and provided for approval. The plan will aim to address the requirements of AS2885 and also to ensure environmental harm is avoided, including:

– The Project area no longer contains hazardous contaminants and is left in stable condition

– All the above ground infrastructure is removed

– All areas disturbed by above ground infrastructure are rehabilitated in accordance with the relevant conditions

For a minimum of five years after the completion of rehabilitation, rehabilitated areas will be monitored on a yearly basis


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The monitoring programme will include:

– Methods to monitor subsidence and erosion rates at rehabilitated buried transmission pipeline corridors and buried flow lines

– BioCondition assessment in accordance with the BioCondition: A Condition Assessment Framework for Terrestrial Biodiversity in Queensland: Assessment Manual: Version 2.1 (Eyre et al 2011)

– Monitoring of indicators identified in the LRMP at analogue sites to measure progressive and final rehabilitation success relevant to the final land use(s)

– Frequency and seasonality of monitoring analogue sites and rehabilitated areas to assess rehabilitation success

Identification of the experimental design for analysing analogue and rehabilitated site data including statistical methods of analyses

Documents

11.2 Biology and Ecology - Santos · Part 2 – Management ... 11.2 Biology and Ecology 11.2.1 Characteristics At the species level, the Black ... (Campbell 1974, Mitchell 1996, North