Species
Conservation
Significance
Drosera closterostigma
range extension
50km north
Myriocephalus helichrysoides
range extension
75km north
Villarsia submersa (P4)
range extension
65km north
Stenanthemum sublineare (P2)
range extension
100km north
Angianthus pygmaeus
range extension
50km north
Schoenus natans (P4)
range extension
75km north
Stylidium aceratum (P2)
range extension
150km north
A collection of a Conospermum species previously collected within the Cooljarloo West
project area and reported by Woodman Environmental Consulting (2009) as a potential
new species is now known to be Conospermum scaposum (P3).
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4.2 VEGETATION
4.2.1 Cooljarloo West Project Area
A total of 22 structural plant communities were described and mapped within the
Cooljarloo West project area during studies conducted by Woodman Environmental
between 2005 and 2008. A photographic record of the communities recorded is
provided in Appendix D.
Forests
F1:
Low Forest of Casuarina obesa and Melaleuca spp. over scattered low shrubs
on brown sandy loam on lowerslopes and drainage flats
Community F1 is located in the west of the project area on loamy soils adjacent to
drainage basins. The overstorey is dominated by Casuarina obesa and Melaleuca
rhaphiophylla. Common understorey species included Melaleuca brevifolia and
Melaleuca lateriflora subsp. acutifolia over a mixture of herb species. A total of 22
vascular plant taxa were recorded within Community F1.
Woodlands
W1:
Low Woodland to Dense Low Forest of Melaleuca rhaphiophylla over Low
Sedges on brown sand over clay in basins
This plant community was mapped in isolated pockets throughout the project area
within seasonally damp basins and areas fringing open water bodies. The understorey is
typically dominated by Lepidosperma longitudinale with emergent shrubs such as
Melaleuca teretifolia and Acacia saligna depending on water regimes. A total of 124
vascular plant taxa were recorded within Community W1.
W2:
Low Woodland to Low Forest of Eucalyptus rudis or Corymbia calophylla and
Melaleuca spp. over Low Scrub or Scrub on grey or brown sand or clay on
lowerslopes, drainage lines and basins
A total of five occurrences of Community W2 are located throughout the project area
along small drainage lines and basins. The overstorey is typically dominated by
Eucalyptus rudis and Melaleuca rhaphiophylla with scattered shrubs such as Acacia
saligna and Xanthorrhoea preissii. A total of 81 vascular plant taxa were recorded
within Community W2.
W3:
Low Woodland to Low Forest of Banksia attenuata and Banksia menziesii with
occasional Eucalyptus todtiana over Heath dominated by Eremaea pauciflora
and/or Hibbertia hypericoides on brown or grey sand on lower to midslopes
Community W3 was the dominant woodland mapped throughout the project area. The
Heath understorey is species rich and Melaleuca clavifolia (P1) is commonly seen. In
parts the understorey is dominated by Acacia pulchella var. glaberrima or Jacksonia
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nutans reflecting recent fire history (<5yrs) and intensity. A total of 342 vascular plant
taxa were recorded within Community W3.
W4: Open Low Woodland of Banksia attenuata, Banksia menziesii and Melaleuca
preissiana over Low Heath on brown sand in swales and low rises
This community was recorded in the south of the project within small swale areas. The
presence of a number of wet species including Melaleuca preissiana, Beaufortia
squarrosa and Phlebocarya ciliata indicates that the water table is close to the surface.
This community is comparable to Community W3 - the sandy soils support a species
rich heath with similar suites of species. The occurrence of W4 adjacent to Woolka Rd
within the Mullering area is situated on the crest of a low rise. Eucalyptus rudis and
Melaleuca rhaphiophylla are present at this location and are likely to be associated with
an underground mound spring. A total of 131 vascular plant taxa were recorded within
Community W4.
W5:
Low Woodland to Low Forest of Banksia prionotes over Low Scrub or Heath
dominated by Acacia spathulifolia on brown over yellow sand on low rises
Community W5 was recorded in the south west of the project area adjacent to drainage
areas. The overstorey is dominated by Banksia prionotes with occasional Banksia
attenuata and Banksia menziesii. Common understorey species included Acacia
spathulifolia, Melaleuca systena and Allocasuarina lehmanniana subsp. lehmanniana
reflecting the coastal position of Community W5 within the project area. A total of 123
vascular plant taxa were recorded within Community W5.
W6:
Low Woodland to Low Forest of Banksia prionotes and Banksia attenuata over
Heath on yellow sand on upperslopes
Community W6 was recorded in the east of the project area on low rises with deep
yellow sands. The understorey is quite variable in composition and notable species
include Allocasuarina humilis, Hibbertia hypericoides and Leptospermum erubescens.
A total of 60 vascular plant taxa were recorded within Community W5.
W7: Open Low Woodland of Banksia ilicifolia, Banksia menziesii and Banksia
attenuata over Heath on brown sand on lowerslopes
Community W7 was recorded in the south of the project area on lowerslopes adjacent to
drainage areas. This community may be considered to be an ecotone between
Community W3 and the wetter communities recorded within the project area- floristic
analysis is required to determine whether this unit is delineated from Community W3.
The occurrences to the south-east of the project area could be mapped using field
observations and aerial interpretation. However, it is likely that this community is more
extensive within the project area than reported, forming mosaics between wet and dry
communities. Wet indicator species recorded within Community W7 include Banksia
telmatiaea, Beaufortia squarrosa, Hypocalymma angustifolium, Isopogon sp.
Badgingarra (A.S. George 14200) (P2) and Melaleuca seriata. A total of 71 vascular
plant taxa were recorded within Community W7.
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W8: Woodland
dominated
by
Eucalyptus decipiens subsp. decipiens over mixed
shrubs and herbs on grey sand on lowerslopes
A total of 3 small occurrences of Community W8 were mapped in the south of the
project area within swale areas and lowerslopes adjacent to basins. The overstorey is
dominated by Eucalyptus decipiens subsp. decipiens with occasional Banksia prionotes
and Banksia attenuata. The understorey is dominated by Austrostipa compressa
reflecting the recent fire history of this community at the time of survey (< 1yr). A total
of 38 vascular plant taxa were recorded within Community W8.
Thickets
T1:
Scrub to Thicket dominated by Melaleuca lateriflora subsp. acutifolia on brown
or grey clay or loamy clay in basins
Community T1 was recorded in the central portions of the project area on loams and
clays in small basins. Common overstorey species included Melaleuca viminea subsp.
viminea, Grevillea thelemanniana subsp. Coojarloo (B.J. Keighery 28 B) (P1) and
Melaleuca rhaphiophylla. Emergent rushes and sedges included Gahnia trifida and
Chaetanthus aristatus. A number of salt tolerant species ( Melaleuca brevifolia,
Tecticornia indica subsp. bidens and Samolus repens var. ? paucifolius) were recorded
within this community in areas adjacent to samphire salt pans. A total of 72 vascular
plant taxa were recorded within Community T1.
T2: Thicket
of
Allocasuarina lehmanniana subsp. lehmanniana over Open Low
Sedges on grey clay in basins
This community was recorded in the west of the project area within coastal basins
associated with the Guilderton System. The understorey is dominated by Gahnia trifida
and Baumea juncea with emergent Melaleuca rhaphiophylla. Saline areas within the
basin feature herb fields of salt tolerant species such as Triglochin mucronata and
Wilsonia backhousei (see photo on front cover). A total of 65 vascular plant taxa were
recorded within Community T2.
T3:
Scrub to Thicket dominated by Acacia saligna, Viminaria juncea and Melaleuca
rhaphiophylla (stunted form) on grey or brown sand over clay on lowerslopes,
drainage lines and minor basins
A total of two isolated occurrences of Community T3 were recorded in the east of the
project area within small basins. This community is similar to Community W1, however
the absence of dominant sedges within the understorey and the emergence of thickets of
Acacia saligna and Viminaria juncea indicate that the soils are inundated for a lesser
period of time. A total of 59 vascular plant taxa were recorded within Community T3.
T4:
Scrub to Thicket dominated by Melaleuca rhaphiophylla and Melaleuca viminea
subsp. viminea on brown or grey sand over clay in basins
Community T4 was recorded predominantly in the southern portion of the project area
with isolated occurrences adjacent to the Falcon area in the north. Common species
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included Regelia ciliata, Hakea varia and Goodenia pulchella subsp. Coastal Plain A
(M. Hislop 634). A total of 154 vascular plant taxa were recorded within Community
T4.
T5: Thicket
of
Melaleuca lateritia and Melaleuca teretifolia over rushes and sedges
on grey clay in a swamp
Community T5 was recorded within the grey clay soils of Cooljarloo Swamp to the
south of the project area. The understorey is dominated by Lepidosperma longitudinale
and an unidentified Meeboldina species. A total of 5 vascular plant taxa were recorded
within Community T5, represented by only one detailed recording site.
Heaths
H1:
Low Scrub to Heath dominated by Melaleuca brevifolia on brown sand over
clay in drainage lines and basins
Community H1 was recorded throughout the project area within drainage lines and
basins with shallow sands over clay. Common species included Verticordia densiflora,
Calothamnus hirsutus, Conostylis aculeata subsp. spinuligera and Grevillea
thelemanniana subsp. Coojarloo (B.J. Keighery 28 B) (P1). A total of 81 vascular plant
taxa were recorded within Community H1.
H2:
Heath to Thicket of a mix of species including Allocasuarina lehmanniana
subsp. lehmanniana, Acacia cyclops, Melaleuca viminea subsp. viminea and
Regelia ciliata on brown or grey clay in basins
Community H2 was recorded in the west of the project area within basins associated
with the Guilderton System. A number of coastal species were recorded within this
community (Leucopogon parviflorus, Acacia cyclops, Acacia rostellifera and Samolus
junceus). A total of 28 vascular plant taxa were recorded within Community H2.
H3:
Heath to Thicket dominated by Allocasuarina lehmanniana subsp. lehmanniana
or Melaleuca systena on yellow or white sand on dunes
Community H3 was recorded in the west and south-west of the project area on sand
dunes associated with the Guilderton System. Common species included Anthocercis
littorea, Clematis linearifolia, Spyridium globulosum, Leucopogon parviflorus and
Schoenus grandiflorus which are typically coastal species or indicators of calcareous
soils. A total of 72 vascular plant taxa were recorded within Community H3.
H4:
Heath dominated by a mix of species including Banksia telmatiaea, Regelia
ciliata and Melaleuca seriata with occasional Scrub or Open Scrub of Hakea
obliqua subsp. parviflora on grey or brown sand on lowerslopes, flats and
drainage basins
This community is widespread throughout the project area and features a species rich
heath on sandy soils in low lying areas adjacent to larger drainage basins. The
emergence of a scrub layer of Hakea obliqua subsp. parviflora is likely to be a
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reflection of fire history. Common species included Beaufortia squarrosa,
Xanthorrhoea preissii, Conostylis aculeata subsp. spinuligera and Verticordia
densiflora. A total of 308 vascular plant taxa were recorded within Community H4.
H5: Heath dominated by Allocasuarina humilis and Melaleuca seriata with
emergent Eucalyptus todtiana and Nuytsia floribunda on brown sand on
midslopes
Community H5 is located in the south of the project area on sandy soils with occasional
lateritic gravel. Common understorey species included Hibbertia hypericoides,
Eremaea pauciflora and Melaleuca clavifolia (P1). A total of 215 vascular plant taxa
were recorded within Community H5.
H6: Heath
of
Allocasuarina microstachya and Banksia armata var. armata on brown
silty sand over laterite on low rises
Community H6 was recorded in a number of small pockets in the south of the project
area on sandy soils over lateritic gravel. Only one recording site was positioned within
this community, with other notable species including Beaufortia eriocephala (P3),
Melaleuca seriata and Hakea incrassata. A total of 41 vascular plant taxa were
recorded within Community H6.
H7:
Low Heath dominated by Gastrolobium oxylobioides and Hakea spp. on brown
sand over laterite on midslopes and low rises.
This community was recorded in the south of the project area on sands over lateritic
gravel. Common species included Calothamnus sanguineus, Hibbertia hypericoides,
and Hakea incrassata. A total of 89 vascular plant taxa were recorded within
Community H7.
Samphire Salt Pans
S1:
Samphire salt pans dominated by Tecticornia indica subsp. bidens and/or
Sarcocornia ? blackiana on brown or grey clay in basins
Community S1 was predominantly recorded in the west of the project area on saline
flats. Emergent shrubs include Melaleuca brevifolia, Melaleuca rhaphiophylla and
Melaleuca viminea subsp. viminea. Common species included Calandrinia sp. Kenwick
(G.J. Keighery 10905), Frankenia pauciflora, Isotoma scapigera and Lawrencia
squamata. A total of 43 vascular plant taxa were recorded within Community S1.
Mosaic Communities
Most of the mosiac communities recorded during the surveys were mapped in the south
of the project area. As shown on Figure 2, this area of the project is the most complex in
terms of vegetation communities and this reflects the variable soil units located within
this area. These soil units are a reflection of the position of the project area within the
landscape, which predominantly lies within the Bassendean System and is bordered by
the Guilderton, Lesueur and Jurien Systems. A number of plant communities were
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within ecotones of these soil complexes and could not be cleanly differentiated out in
the field or on the aerial photographic maps at a scale that would allow presentation.
The largest mosiac community was recorded in the west of the project area (W3/W5).
This community records the interchange between coastal species associated with recent
dunes of the Guilderton System and species associated with the older dunes of the
Bassendean System.
4.2.2
Distribution of Communities Recorded Within Tiwest Cooljarloo
Leases by Woodman Environmental Between 2005 and 2008
An attempt has been made to align the plant communities recorded within the
Cooljarloo West project area with previous studies conducted by Woodman
Environmental within the Falcon project area (Table 6).
Table 6:
Comparison of Communities Recorded Within the Cooljarloo West
Project Area and Falcon Project Area
Cooljarloo West Project Area
Plant Community
Falcon Project Area
Floristic Community Type
(FCT)
F1 -
W1 -
W2 -
W3 FCT9a
W4 -
W5 -
W6 FCT10
W7 FCT9b
W8 -
T1 FCT2
T2 -
T3 FCT8
T4 FCT7
T5 -
H1 FCT2
H2 -
H3 -
H4
FCT1, FCT3, FCT4, FCT5
H5 -
H6 -
H7 FCT11
S1 -
- FCT6
The Cooljarloo West project area was structurally mapped using data collected from
detailed recording sites. The Falcon area was initially surveyed using similar structural
mapping methods, however this data was superseded with statistical based analyses
(quadrats) and mapped according to Floristic Community Type (FCT) to support future
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mining. The comparisons made in Table 6 can only be confirmed using statistical based
analysis and FCT mapping within the Cooljarloo West project area.
This comparison demonstrates that FCT6 within the Falcon project area is unlikely to
occur within the Cooljarloo West project area and may potentially represent a restricted
community. FCT6 is located on the border of the Lesueur and Bassendean Systems.
Similar communities have not been recorded within the Cooljarloo leases during studies
conducted by Western Botanical (2002) or Mattiske Consulting (1996, 1997).
In addition, plant community H4 (Banksia telmatiaea heath) is structurally similar to a
number of FCTs recorded within the Falcon project area. Banksia telmatiaea heaths are
widespread throughout the Falcon and Cooljarloo West project areas. The species
composition of these heath communities is strongly influenced by fire age and intensity
and position in the landscape (distance to watertable). The floristics of these
communities is not yet fully understood. A wider understanding of the distribution of
Banksia telmatiaea heaths beyond the Falcon leases could be attained by using
statistical based analyses and FCT mapping of the Cooljarloo West project area. It is
recommended that these studies be conducted within the Cooljarloo West project area
following the exploration drilling phase, should Tiwest proceed with additional studies
to support and facilitate future sand mining in this area.
The number of hectares (ha) each plant community recorded within the Cooljarloo West
project area was calculated to determine relative distributions and identify communities
that may potentially be locally and/or regionally restricted (Table 7).
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