Our Ref: 3961 - tmr.qld.gov.au/media/Projects/B/Bruce Highway... · 3961-131217-0.1 Draft Kieran Aland Kaine Pritchard Paul Wood ... no part of this report, ... 5 1.0 INTRODUCTION

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Our Ref: 3961

4th February 2014 Giant Barred Frog (Mixophyes iteratus) Surveys 2013 Report No. 4 Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A – (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road) Department of Transport and Main Roads

FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2

February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No.4 1

Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A – (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)

DOCUMENT CONTROL INFORMATION

File Number: 3961-131217-0.2 Project Manager: Paul Wood Client: QLD Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) Project Title: Giant Barred Frog (Mixophyes iteratus) Monitoring, Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)

Project Author: Kieran Aland, Paul Wood Project Summary: 2013 monitoring survey of the Giant Barred Frog (Mixophyes iteratus) within and adjacent to the alignment of the proposed Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road). Document Review and Issue Approval

Document Version Document Status Author Reviewed By Approved By

3961-131217-0.1 Draft Kieran Aland Kaine Pritchard Paul Wood

3961-131217-0.2 Draft Kieran Aland Kaine Pritchard Paul Wood

Destination Document Version Date Dispatched

Client Copy - digital 3961-131217-0.1 18th December 2013

Client Copy - digital 3961-131217-0.2 4th February 2014

FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2

February 2014 Mixophyes iteratus Survey Report No. 4 2

Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Upgrade Section A (Cooroy southern interchange to Sankeys Road)

NOTICE TO USERS OF THIS REPORT Apart from fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism, or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part of this report, its attachments or appendices may be reproduced by any process without the written consent of Future-Plus Environmental (“FPE”). All enquiries should be directed to FPE. We have prepared this report for the sole purposes of Department of Transport and Main Roads (“Client”) for the specific purpose only for which it is supplied. This report is strictly limited to the Purpose and the facts and matters stated in it and does not apply directly or indirectly and will not be used for any other application, purpose, use or matter. In preparing this report we have made certain assumptions. We have assumed that all information and documents provided to us by the Client or as a result of a specific request or enquiry were complete, accurate and up-to-date. Where we have obtained information from a government register or database, we have assumed that the information is accurate. Where an assumption has been made, we have not made any independent investigations with respect to the matters the subject of that assumption. We are not aware of any reason why any of the assumptions are incorrect. This report is presented without the assumption of a duty of care to any other person (other than the Client) (“Third Party”). The report may not contain sufficient information for the purposes of a Third Party or for other uses. Without the prior written consent of FPE:

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Signed on behalf of Date: 4

th Feb 2014

Future-Plus Environmental

Paul Wood Director

FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2



TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................... 5

1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 6

1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ......................................................................................... 6

1.2 SPECIES DESCRIPTION - GIANT BARRED FROG ................................................. 6

1.3 SURVEY AND MONITORING OVERVIEW ..................................................................... 8

2.0 METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................................. 9

2.1 SURVEY METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................. 9

2.2 MONITORING TRANSECT LOCATION & SURVEY TIMING.........................................12

3.0 RESULTS ...........................................................................................................................16

3.1 GENERAL .......................................................................................................................16

4.0 DISCUSSION ......................................................................................................................21

4.1 GENERAL .......................................................................................................................21

4.1.1 Cooroy Creek ..........................................................................................................21

4.1.2 Six Mile Creek .........................................................................................................22

4.1.3 Skyring Creek ..........................................................................................................22

4.2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS UPON SURVEYS ...........................................................22

5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION .....................................................................23

5.1 RECOMMENDATIONS RELEVANT TO PROPOSED WORKS .....................................23

5.2 CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................23

5.2.1 Cooroy Creek ..........................................................................................................24

5.2.2 Six Mile Creek .........................................................................................................24

5.2.2 Skyring Creek ..........................................................................................................24

6.0 REFERENCES & ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS. ...............................................................25

FROG HANDLING CONSIDERATIONS ...............................................................................29

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE 1 LOCATONS OF ONGOING MONITORING AND REFERENCE TRANSECTS AND

STATUS OF GIANT BARRED FROG POPULATIONS AT BASELINE STUDY (2011-

2012). SECTION A C2C

TABLE 2 SURVEY EVENTS THIS 2013 MONITORING STUDY, C2C SECTION A

TABLE 3 RESULTS OF 2013 GIANT BARRED FROG MONITORING. SECTION A C2C

FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2



LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1 MAP OF STUDY AREA NTH & STH APPENDIX 2 FROG HANDLING CONSIDERATIONS

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

C2C Cooroy to Curra Bruce Highway Upgrade

DEHP Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection

TMR Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads

EPBC Act Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

FPE Future-Plus Environmental

IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature

M.iteratus Mixophyes iteratus (Giant Barred Frog)

NC Act Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992

SEWPaC Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities

SVL Snout to Vent Length

FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This reports addresses Condition 1d of the approval of EPBC referral 2011/6024,

provided 4th November, 2011 by the Department of Environment (formally

SEWPaC). This approval, subject to conditions, allows the Department of Transport

& Main Roads (TMR) to undertake works to upgrade sections of the Bruce Highway

that are in close proximity to populations of the Giant Barred Frog (Mixophyes

iteratus). Condition 1d of this approval is specifically concerned with the monitoring

of these populations of the Giant Barred Frog.

Baseline monitoring surveys (conducted during 2011, 2012) confirm that populations

of Giant Barred Frogs occur on several sections of Cooroy Creek and Six Mile Creek.

The results of these surveys are previously reported (Giant Barred Frog (Mixophyes

iteratus Baseline Survey Report No. 3). These populations of Giant Barred Frog, in

remnant habitat immediately upstream and downstream of proposed works, are viable

populations. There is recruitment within these populations evidenced by the detection

of tadpoles, recent metamorph frogs, juvenile and subadult frogs and reproductively

active (calling males) adult frogs.

These populations of M.iteratus are associated with sections of stream with riparian

vegetation that provided a closed canopy and leaf-litter cover of the forest floor.

Upper reaches of Skyring Creek within Section A of the proposed highway upgrade

do not appear to support populations of Giant Barred Frogs at this time.

Monitoring surveys conducted early and late 2013 (reported in this document)

confirm that Giant Barred Frogs continue to be present at the upstream and

downstream monitoring transects of Six Mile Creek and Cooroy Creek. Evidence of

recent recruitment (tadpole and juvenile frog stages) was detected within these

populations. At time of writing, the only significant works that have occurred within

Section A of the Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) upgrade impact on the Skyring

Creek crossing of the existing Bruce Highway alignment. Giant Barred Frogs were

not detected in this area during the baseline work of this study. Giant Barred Frogs

still appear to be absent in this area.

FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2



1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Giant Barred Frog (Mixophyes iteratus) is an endangered species, as listed under

the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, Nature

Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006, and the IUCN Red List

(International Union for Conservation of Nature). The species is known to occur along

streams traversing Section A of the Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) upgrade.

The activities reported in this document specifically address Condition 1d of the

approval of EPBC referral 2011/6024, provided 4th

November, 2011 by the

Department of Environment. This approval, granted to TMR, provides permission to

undertake works to upgrade sections of the Bruce Highway that are in close proximity

to populations of the Giant Barred Frog. Condition 1d of this approval is specifically

concerned with the monitoring of these populations of the Giant Barred Frog. This

report contains the results of 2013 monitoring surveys for this frog. These surveys

were undertaken during periods of warm weather in early and late 2013. This work

follows a series of baseline investigations conducted through 2011 & 2012 (FPE

Reference: 3961-120301-1.0 M.iteratus Baseline Survey & 3961-121214-1.0 M.

iteratus Baseline Survey 2011-2012).

The following information is relevant to Section A only of the Cooroy to Curra

upgrade of the Bruce Highway. Other conditions of the Department of Environment

approval, considered to be relevant to this report, are 1b & 1c. Detail addressing these

conditions is also provided below.

1.2 SPECIES DESCRIPTION - GIANT BARRED FROG The Giant Barred Frog, Mixophyes iteratus (Straughan, 1968) is a large forest-

dwelling native frog. It is strongly associated with permanent streams and once

occurred over a wide altitudinal range through south-eastern Queensland and north-

eastern New South Wales. Along with many species of stream-dwelling frogs, Giant

Barred Frog populations in south-eastern Queensland suffered decline through the

1970’s and 1980’s. The Amphibian Chytrid Fungus Disease, caused by

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis has been implicated as the cause of these declines.

FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2



Chytrid Fungus is known to infect Giant Barred Frogs (Hines, 2012). Although the

relationship between the current distribution of these frogs and Amphibian Chytrid

Fungus Disease is unknown, the continued absence of Giant Barred Frogs from many

of the higher altitude areas from which it was formerly known indicates that this

disease may still exert a limiting influence on populations of this frog. Populations of

Giant Barred Frog persist at lower altitudes along several streams in south-eastern

Queensland. This pattern of disappearance at higher altitude sites and persistence at

lower altitude is:

a) Shared with a number of other Queensland frog species; and

b) Consistent with certain aspects of the biology of the Chytrid Fungus.

Unfortunately, many suitable streams at low altitude are heavily impacted by

agricultural and urban activity and the Giant Barred Frog is now restricted to isolated

pockets of suitable streamside forest.

A summary of relevant biological information concerning Giant Barred Frogs is

provided below:

Juveniles, sub-adult and adult M. iteratus are typically found along permanent

streams (usually within 20 metres of the bank) with good quality riparian

vegetation, preferably with closed canopy;

Home range size for M. iteratus adults is unknown, as are dispersal

mechanisms or dispersal-related behaviour;

Recruitment is probably seasonal. Calling, amplexus and egg-laying occurs

through the warmer months and is heavily influenced by weather events.

Tadpoles are large (largest specimen found this study total length of 107mm)

and development is slow. Hines (2012) & Anstis (2002) indicate that

metamorphosis may be occurring through late summer and autumn; and our

findings agree with these published accounts; and

The aquatic tadpoles live in-stream and within associated backwaters and feed

on a range of organic matter such as algae and fallen fruit.

FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2



1.3 SURVEY AND MONITORING OVERVIEW A series of baseline surveys were conducted from December 2011 to December 2012.

Surveys were conducted in accordance with the Department of Environment ‘Survey

Guidelines for Australia’s threatened frogs’ (hereafter referred to as ‘The Survey

Guidelines’) and additional investigations explored suitable aquatic habitat for the

tadpole stages of Giant Barred Frogs. Many of the sites examined were comprised of

habitat fragments that were separated by areas of unsuitable habitat (e.g road surface,

riparian vegetation of cleared pasture). Areas of suitable habitat that were smaller

than suggested transect size in ‘The Survey Guidelines’ were surveyed in-toto. Larger

areas were surveyed to exceed the minimum of 200 metres of stream-side transect.

These surveys were conducted to examine any habitat that:

a) Was deemed suitable for Giant Barred Frogs; and

b) Fell within the construction corridor and is subject to direct impact from

construction activity associated with Section A of the Cooroy to Curra Bruce

Highway upgrade project.

A series of stream sections upstream and downstream of the project corridor were

identified as suitable for on-going monitoring of Giant Barred frogs for the duration of

the Cooroy to Curra Bruce Highway upgrade project (section A). An additional series

of stream sections were also identified as suitable reference transects. The location of

these monitoring and reference transects are identified in Table 1 of this report. These

monitoring and reference transects will be surveyed for Giant Barred Frogs on an

annual basis till two years beyond the completion of works. Each annual monitoring

survey series will assess Giant Barred Frog populations at each transect on four

separate occasions, twice in early summer and twice later in the same summer.

FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2



2.0 METHODOLOGY

2.1 SURVEY METHODOLOGY

Detection of tadpole, juvenile, sub-adult and adult Giant Barred Frogs is best achieved

by active search along selected transects. This active search technique incorporates

the following elements:

Eye-shine spotlighting during active search. Field experience with this species

(and several other species of Mixophyes) has shown that active specimens can

be readily detected by a specialised spotlight technique that allows the field

biologist to locate specimens by eye-shine. For the purposes of this document

we shall refer to the technique as eyeshine-spotlighting. The advantage of this

technique is that it allows non-calling individuals to be found. On any night

suitable for frog activity, a significant proportion of the adult and sub-adult

population is not calling, cannot be detected by call and cannot be stimulated

to call by call-playback. This non-calling subset of the population includes all

females (sub-adult and adult), all sub-adult males, and non-calling males.

Eyeshine-spotlighting is very well suited to the detection of terrestrial

amphibian specimens that are active and cannot be detected by more

conventional means (location by call);

Call recognition and triangulation to locate the calling individual (if

necessary);

Call playback, when deemed useful as an aid to triangulation; and

Larval (tadpole) detection by bottom trawling with scoop net and combined

use of dip net and spotlight.

The active search techniques described above are applied to stream transects during

suitable conditions for frog activity (moderate to warm temperatures and preferably

following rain events). Giant Barred Frogs (and the other amphibian species of

interest in this area) are best detected after nightfall and only during suitable

conditions as specified earlier. Tadpoles are best detected at periods of low stream

levels and this component of the monitoring work is only conducted during pre-wet

season monitoring surveys

FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2



By necessity, survey events are determined by frog biology. Frogs must be active

(calling, feeding etc.) if they are to be found. Inactive frogs hide below leaf litter or

loose soil and cannot be detected by practical means. It should be noted that moisture

levels and other factors (e.g. temperature and moon phase) can influence activity

levels and are considered before each survey effort. Survey events were conducted

during periods suitable for frog activity.

Limited environmental data is collected at the commencement of each transect survey

and survey events were chosen post rainfall and flood information was reviewed

(Bureau of Meteorology Rainfall data: Cooroy Composite station Flood data: Lake

Macdonald Drive AL.). The following environmental data is recorded at the

commencement of each survey event at each transect:

Temperature;

Relative humidity;

Percentage cloud cover;

Wind (approximate);

Moon phase;

Light pollution; and

Substrate condition and moisture.

This data is not reported here but is retained to potentially inform discussions

regarding comparisons of perceived abundance through the monitoring phase of this

project.

The following data is recorded with each Giant Barred Frog find:

Location by GPS (Garmin etrex) and photographed when practical; and

Age/size notes. Frogs are recorded as ‘juvenile’ up to approx. 50mm SVL

(snout-vent length), ‘subadult’ to approx. 70mm SVL (calling males at SVL of

77mm have been located in this study), ‘adult’ above 70mmSVL.

Sex determination in adults is based on several features but is best regarded as reliable

if the individual was observed to call; in which case, it is male. Adult females tend to

be heavier-bodied than males and coloured in shades of grey or brown. Adult males

FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2



are leaner-bodied, tend to display more prominent pattern and may have shades of

russet and yellow in the body colour. The back, face and leg markings tend to be more

pronounced on adult male frogs and juvenile and subadult frogs of both sexes (refer to

Photo Plates 1, 2 and 3 in Section 3.0 of this Report).

It is important to note that it remains difficult to accurately assess abundance of

individuals of a highly cryptic species like the Giant Barred Frog. For the purposes of

this project, the detection and monitoring of evidence of recruitment provides the best

assessment of population health. The detection of juvenile and/or subadult frogs or

tadpoles (refer Photo Plate 5) is taken as evidence of recruitment. The detection of

juveniles, subadult and adult frogs is predominately achieved by eye shine. Tadpole

detection is achieved by hand-held net trawls of pools at periods of low water levels.

This is a longitudinal study and comparative comment on adult frog abundance may

be able to be made at each site as work progresses through Construction and Post-

Construction phases of the upgrade project.

All monitoring has been conducted under the following permits:

Scientific User Registration 434 (Biosecurity Qld);

Animal Ethics proposal ref. number CA 2012/01/580 (DPI); and

Scientific purposes permit WISP10732512 (DEHP).

Field work reported here has been conducted by the senior author, Kieran Aland

(B.ScHons). Kieran has in excess of 20 years field experience as a field biologist and

herpetologist. Relevant recent projects include:

CSIRO frog survey Wenlock River, Cape York Peninsula (2009);

Remote area herpetology surveys. Cape York Peninsula (2006, 2008, 2009 &

2010) resulting in a significant range extension for Litoria longirostris and the

discovery and description of two new species of frog, Cophixalus kulakula

(Hoskin & Aland, 2011)and Cophixalus pakayakulangun (Hoskin & Aland,

2011). see Hoskin C. & Aland K.(2011) Zootaxa 3027 pp39-51;

Fauna inventory and land management advice to traditional owners Angkum

Lands, Cape York Peninsula. 2012- ongoing ; and

FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2



Herpetology surveys (various locations) in conjunction with Dr. Conrad

Hoskin, James Cook University. See recent popular media, Cape Melville and

National Geographic “Lost World”.

The following equipment was used during nocturnal surveys:

Clipboard with field data sheets and map of site (orthophoto);

First aid kit;

Mobile phone (Next G coverage);

Personal GPS EPIRB;

Garmin etrex GPS;

Canon G11 compact camera with speedlight 270EX flash;

Compact binoculars;

Vernier caliper (plastic)/Stainless steel rule;

Head-mounted spotlight (purpose built);

Spare torch; and

Spray bottle with Chytrid sterilising agent (F10 or Sodium Hypoclorite).

Tadpole searches were conducted with scoop and dip net, sterilised with bucket

solutions of Sodium Hypochlorite. To further minimise risk of chytrid transport

between catchments, single catchments were surveyed each evening.

2.2 MONITORING TRANSECT LOCATION & SURVEY TIMING

The monitoring and reference transects that are examined in this on-going monitoring

work were identified during extensive baseline work conducted during 2011 and

2012. These sections of stream were selected on the basis of:

a) Presence of suitable habitat, sufficient to satisfy the ‘survey guidelines’;

b) Practical access and suitability for eye-shine spotlighting; and

c) Continued access through the project.

Decisions regarding transect selection also considers proximity to residential

dwellings, especially those properties with dogs. Table 1 describes the location of

these monitoring and reference transects and their Giant Barred Frog populations.

FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2



Table 1. Locations of ongoing monitoring and reference transects and status of Giant

Barred Frog populations at time of baseline study. Section A C2C.

Transect ID Watercourse & Transect

M. iteratus status

(Baseline study)

Coordinates Upstream

End of transect

Coordinates Downstream

End of transect

1 Cooroy Ck. A reference

Present Recruitment

evident

0489433 E 7076097 S

0489421 E 7076177 S

2 Cooroy Ck. B monitoring

Present Recruitment

evident

0490118 7077017

0490093 7077215

3 Cooroy Ck. C monitoring

Present Recruitment

evident

0490193 7077452

0490146 7077542

4 Cooroy Ck. D reference

Present 0490676 7078168

0490830 7078233

7 Six Mile Ck. A reference

Present Recruitment

evident

0488117 7077179

0488291 7077157

8 Six Mile Ck. B monitoring

Present Recruitment

evident

0489309 7077962

0489169 7077804

9 Six Mile Ck. C monitoring

Present Recruitment

evident

0489439 7078203

0489427 7078354

10 Six Mile Ck. D reference

Present Recruitment

evident

0489888 7079236

0489864 7079417

14 Skyring Ck. A reference

Nil detected in baseline

0484957 7080458

0484825 7080581

15 Skyring Ck. B monitoring


0484055 7080877

0483944 7081054

16 Skyring Ck. C monitoring


0483454 7081437

0483640 7081421

17 Skyring Ck. D reference


0482656 7080997

0482462 7081076

Coordinates: UTM Datum: WGS 84 Grid 56L

The monitoring surveys were conducted under conditions deemed suitable for frog

and tadpole detection. The best conditions for detection of surface-active Giant Barred

Frogs are elevated temperatures (preferably 18 degrees C or warmer) and high relative

humidity, preferably following rain events. Ideal conditions follow a significant rain

event and are provided by continued occasional light rainfall. A significant rain event

is needed to saturate topsoil and leaf litter, which results in high levels of frog activity.

FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2



The disadvantage is the high likelihood of a flooding event that often accompanies

significant rain. The best conditions for detection of tadpoles are when stream levels

are at their lowest (late dry season). Increased stream levels make tadpole detection

practically impossible. If a flooding event occurs during a survey, the survey is

terminated because substantial increase in stream flow makes survey difficult and

potentially dangerous. During the course of a stream transect survey; the stream itself

may be crossed up to eight times.

Table 2. Survey events this 2013 monitoring study, C2C section A.


M. iteratus survey events


1/4/13 12/4/13 18/11/13 30/11/13


1/4/13 12/4/13 17/11/13 30/11/13


1/4/13 12/4/13 17/11/13 30/11/13


1/4/13 12/4/13 18/11/13 30/11/13


25/3/13 31/3/13 3/11/13 12/12/13


25/3/13 31/3/13 3/11/13 12/12/13


25/3/13 31/3/13 3/11/13 12/12/13


25/3/13 31/3/13 3/11/13 12/12/13


24/3/13 11/4/13 2/11/13

FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2




M. iteratus survey events

18/11/13


24/3/13 11/4/13 2/11/13 18/11/13


24/313 11/4/13 2/11/13 18/11/13


24/3/13 11/4/13 2/11/13 18/11/13

FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2



3.0 RESULTS

3.1 GENERAL

Results of recent monitoring surveys for Giant Barred Frogs has been provided in

Table 2. It provides a summary of M. iteratus findings at each stream section

examined during these monitoring surveys. These findings are also summarised in

note form here:

Populations of Giant Barred Frogs persist on sections of Cooroy Creek and Six

Mile Creek adjacent to the current alignment of the Bruce Highway;

These populations include frogs of different age classes. Recent evidence of

recruitment is provided by the detection of tadpoles and/or juvenile and/or

sub-adult frogs. In some sections of suitable habitat, Giant Barred Frogs were

found to be abundant;

These populations were all associated with sections of stream with riparian

vegetation that provided closed or closing canopy. Some portions of Cooroy

Creek immediately downstream of proposed works show evidence of recent

revegetation works (within last 5 years) involving Camphor Laurel

(Cinnamomum camphora) removal and replanting. These areas were included

within survey transects as they were found to contain Giant Barred Frogs.

Additional damage to the remaining canopy occurred during severe storm

events in 2012 and early 2013 (in particular at Cooroy Ck.). This has resulted

in increased weed and grass growth under the damaged canopy. Giant Barred

Frogs do not appear to favour, and were not able to be found, in these areas

with increased grass and weed ground cover;

Upper reaches of Skyring Creek Section A of proposed Highway upgrade,

including sections immediately upstream and downstream of the crossing of

the Bruce Highway do not appear to support populations of Giant Barred

Frogs; and

Photographic documentation of each specimen is recorded when the frog is in

a situation that allows close access for photography. Each photo record

includes GPS displaying location (refer Photo Plate 6). These images can be

made available to TMR for record verification purposes. Requests for this

image series by other parties should be made to TMR.

FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2



Table 3. Results of monitoring surveys for Giant Barred Frogs 2013. Section A C2C.


M. iteratus status

(Baseline)

M. iteratus status (2013 Monitoring)


Present Recruitment

evident

Present Recruitment evident (juv)


Present Recruitment

evident

Present Recruitment evident

(tadpole, juv & subadults)


Present Recruitment

evident

Present Recruitment evident (juv

& subadult)


Present Present Recruitment evident (juv)


Present Recruitment

evident


(subadult)


Present Recruitment

evident


(subadult)


Present Recruitment

evident


(tadpole, juv & subadult)


Present Recruitment

evident

Present Recruitment evident (juv)



Nil detected



Nil detected



Nil detected



Nil detected

FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2



Photo Plate 1: Adult female M. iteratus Cooroy Ck.

Photo Plate 2: Adult male M. iteratus Six Mile Ck.

Photo: K. Aland, FPE


FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2



Photo Plate 3: Juvenile M. iteratus Six Mile Ck.

Photo Plate 4: Metamorph. M. iteratus Cooroy Ck.



FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2



Photo Plate 5: Tadpole M.iteratus Six Mile Ck.

Photo Plate 6: Example of monitoring record M.iteratus during this study.


FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2



4.0 DISCUSSION

4.1 GENERAL

The following discussion is provided as site-specific notes (for locations of transects

refer to Appendix 1):

4.1.1 Cooroy Creek

The sections of Cooroy Creek immediately upstream and downstream of the

Bruce Highway (current position), Transects 2 and 3, support healthy breeding

populations of Giant Barred Frogs. These populations are persisting in small

patches of suitable habitat with very poor connectivity to other suitable

habitat;

The population of frogs at Transect 3 is persisting despite evidence of

significant recent disturbance. The vegetation of this area was largely

dominated by Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora), the majority of

which has recently been removed. The Camphor Laurel removal and

associated revegetation projects are ongoing. The riparian vegetation is still

recovering and can be expected to improve the quality and area of habitat

available to this population of Giant Barred Frogs. The extreme storm event

and flooding that occurred in early 2012 further degraded the suitability of

available habitat for Giant Barred Frogs. This weather event resulted in the

loss of leaf litter substrate, further canopy damage and deposition of large

areas of coarse gravel. Subsequent increased growth of annual weeds and

grasses has reduced habitat suitability for Giant Barred Frogs and fewer

specimens were detected in the 2013 monitoring surveys. Recovery of canopy

cover with natural regeneration is expected and should result in increased

habitat quality;

Works associated with the Highway Upgrade have not commenced at this

time. and

FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2



4.1.2 Six Mile Creek

Six Mile Creek immediately upstream and downstream of the Bruce Highway

(current position), Transects 8 and 9 (refer Appendix 1 for location) support

healthy breeding populations of Giant Barred Frogs. With the exception of the

pre-existing barrier presented by Mary River Road the riparian vegetation (and

population of frogs) has good connectivity to downstream sections of suitable

habitat; and

Works associated with the Highway Upgrade have not commenced at this

time.

4.1.3 Skyring Creek

These monitoring surveys confirm findings of earlier baseline investigations in

that Giant Barred Frogs appear to be absent from the sections of Skyring

Creek within Section A of Cooroy to Curra.

4.2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS UPON SURVEYS Transect 4 was impacted by an extreme storm event in early 2012 and resulted in

near-complete removal of canopy. Subsequent annual weed and grass growth has

reduced the suitability of habitat for Giant Barred Frogs. Few Giant Barred Frogs

were detected during these 2013 surveys. As at Transect 3, recovery of canopy cover

by natural regeneration is expected and should result in increased habitat quality.

FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2



5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION

5.1 RECOMMENDATIONS RELEVANT TO PROPOSED WORKS

Canopy & Vegetation Condition 1c of the Department of Environment approval is required with

revegetation of disturbed areas. All revegetation within 50 metres of the full bank

level of Cooroy, Six Mile and Skyring Creeks must be suitable for Giant Barred

Frogs. Observations of Giant Barred Frogs during these baseline surveys confirm that

these frogs prefer a closed canopy with relatively little complex vegetation at ground

level. Selection of plant species should favour those that rapidly provide canopy (e.g.

Macaranga) and use of dense groundcover species (e.g. Lomandra spp.) should be

kept to a minimum.

Noise & Vibration Although Giant Barred Frogs appear to tolerate road noise well (specimens are often

located in close proximity to the existing Bruce Highway, this study), they may be

relatively intolerant of high levels of dust. The senior author has observed the

disappearance of a population of Mixophyes fasciolatus (a related species with similar

tadpoles to M. iteratus) after silt loading of a watercourse. This unpublished

observation corroborates those of other experienced herpetologists (C. Hoskin pers.

com).

Light Nocturnal activity of Giant Barred Frogs may be adversely affected by light. If this is

the case, additional lighting associated with works may reduce detection rates in

proposed monitoring transects 2, 3, 8 & 9 (Cooroy Creek and Six Mile Creek) once

construction commences. If reduced detection is noted, shading may be required on

work lights to reduce light pollution of nearby riparian zones.

5.2 CONCLUSION

The following statements regarding known or suspected Giant Barred Frog

populations within section A of the Cooroy to Curra Bruce Highway Upgrade are

supported by the data presented in this report.

FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2



5.2.1 Cooroy Creek

The sections of Cooroy Creek immediately upstream and downstream of the Bruce

Highway (current position), Transects 2 and 3 (refer Appendix 1 for location),

continue to support healthy breeding populations of Giant Barred Frogs despite

evidence of significant recent disturbance due to natural phenomena (storm).

5.2.2 Six Mile Creek

Six Mile Creek immediately upstream and downstream of the Bruce Highway (current

position), Transects 8 and 9 (refer Appendix 1 for location) continue to support

healthy breeding populations of Giant Barred Frogs.

5.2.2 Skyring Creek

These monitoring surveys confirm findings of earlier baseline investigations in that

Giant Barred Frogs appear to be absent from the sections of Skyring Creek within

Section A of the Cooroy to Curra Bruce Highway Upgrade project.

FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2



6.0 REFERENCES & ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS.

Aland & Wood, 2013. Baseline surveys 2011-12 (this study) available online

www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/.../frogmonitoringsurveyref3961part5.pdf

Anstis M. (2002) Tadpoles of south-eastern Australia. New Holland Publishers

Australia

Calvert D. (2011) Decision maker & approver of action proposed in referral EPBC

2011/6024. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and

Communities (THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT)

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.

(2010). Survey Guidelines for Australia’s threatened frogs. Available online

<http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/pubs/survey-guidelines-

frogs.pdf>

Environmental Protection Agency. (2008). Hygiene protocol for handling

amphibians. Queensland Government. Brisbane.

Future-plus Environmental (2012) 3961-120301-1.0 M.iteratus Baseline Survey

2011_Report No. 1

Future-plus Environmental (2012) 3961-121214-1.0 M.iteratus Baseline Survey 2011-

2012_Report No. 2

GHD Flora and Fauna Report extract Job No. 128/10A/901 Invitation NCHD2267

(complete document not sighted) & Willis D. 2011 EPBC Referral of proposed action.

Hines H. (2002) Giant Barred-frog Mixophyes iteratus Straughan, 1968 in National

recovery plan for Stream Frogs of South-east Queensland 2001-2005. Available

online

<http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/recovery/strea

m-frogs/appendix1-giant.html>

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/.../frogmonitoringsurveyref3961part5.pdf

http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/pubs/survey-guidelines-frogs.pdf

http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/pubs/survey-guidelines-frogs.pdf

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/recovery/stream-frogs/appendix1-giant.html

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/recovery/stream-frogs/appendix1-giant.html

FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2



Hines H. (2012) Giant Barred-frog Mixophyes iteratus Straughan, 1968 in

Queensland’s threatened animals. Curtis Lee K. (ed). CSIRO publishing.

Collingwood, Australia.

Lemckert, F. & T. Brassil (2000). Movements and habitat use of the endangered Giant

Barred River Frog (Mixophyes iteratus) and the implications for its conservation in

timber production forests. Biological Conservation. 96:177-184.

FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2



APPENDIX 1

MAPS OF STUDY AREA NORTH AND SOUTH

14

15

16

12

17

18

19

Skyring Creek

Unnamed Creek

Area surveyed for M. IteratusDecember 2011 - February 2012

Legend:

Figure Measurements to TakePrecedence Over Scale MeasurementsClient:FPE Reference Number:

Site:

Scale:M. Iteratus Baseline Survey (Northern Section)

Bruce Highway UpgradeCoory to Curra (Section A)

1:35,000 @ A4

Area surveyed for M. Iteratus

2011, 2012 & 2013

13b13a

3961-121214-1.1 DTMR

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Rhys

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APPENDIX 2 FROG HANDLING CONSIDERATIONS

FPE Ref: 3961-131217-0.2



FROG HANDLING CONSIDERATIONS Due to the possible presence of the introduced Chytrid Fungus in watercourses in the

study area, standard hygiene protocols will be applied when moving between each

watercourse. These protocols eliminate the possibility of any cross-site contamination

by the survey activity. The following procedures will be observed.

Adult frogs are not handled (none of the species in the study area should need

to be handled to effect identification). Measurement can be effected by

holding calipers (vernier) over stationary frogs. Frogs rarely “spook” and

jump, no frogs are pursued or restrained for measurement;

Larvae (tadpoles) are examined while held in dip net and released immediately

or examined in single-use plastic bags (freezer bags) or sterilisable plastic

trays;

Dip net and caliper sterilisation (Sodium Hypochlorite) occurrs between

transects on each watercourse and between watercourses;

Double sets of scoop & dip nets are used to allow sterilisation time if tadpole

surveys between watercourses occur in close succession; and

Wet footwear is also to be cleaned (physical) and surface sterilised (F10 or

Sodium Hypochlorite) between watercourses.

Documents

Our Ref: 3961 - tmr.qld.gov.au/media/Projects/B/Bruce Highway... · 3961-131217-0.1 Draft Kieran Aland Kaine Pritchard Paul Wood ... no part of this report, ... 5 1.0 INTRODUCTION